Ministering in Nicaragua

With a desire to let people see what life is like in Nicaragua, I worked diligently & comprised the following video. All of the pictures were taken over Haley's many trips to the country. Enjoy!

Chatterbox

Well, I've not written lately. Unfortunately, at this time, I'm not able to post pictures. For whatever reason, when I sign onto blogger, this thing has a mind of it's own. Sometimes I'm able to post pictures, other times it will say it's posting it & then immediately, I'm directed back to the upload screen. Anyway...

Lastnight, we were at my aunt & uncle's house as usual (we always get together every Tuesday evening for dinner & tv--currently, we watch The Biggest Loser while stuffing ourselves full of desserts) & my Cousins, Drew & Hannah, were there as well. My aunt & uncle were watching the two of them (their grandkids) while their mom was at a meeting. Hannah is 3 & oh so very entertaining. Though she has scoped my dad out in the past & paid some attention to him, she'd never really took a great interest in him. Until lastnight...he was her world lastnight. I had never heard her call my dad by his name (Doug) until yesterday. Currently, everything she says is "Hey guys", "Hey Heather"--all sentences begin with "Hey." As we sat at the table eating, all of a sudden, Hannah said, "Hey Doug" and began a whole conversation with her Uncle Doug. She just talked & talked. Later, she told her Grandma that she wanted to go sit with Doug because he was her friend. Before we left, she went & stood in front of my dad & looked up at him & then said, "Doug...I like you." I looked to see my dad picking her up for a hug & heard him say, "I like you too Hannah." She couldn't get enough of him for some reason. Funny. I do believe it made his night though. In fact, even tonight as my mom was on the phone with my mema in Alabama telling her about my grandpa's sister who is in the hospital dying & how much his sister loves my dad (she calls him Dougie), Dad commented that everyone loved him. He then said, "Even Hannah loves me now!" As he cherished those moments lastnight, I watched & considered that he was probably thinking back to the days when Haley & I were that little. He was more than likely remembering the moments that we would want to crawl up in his lap, give him a hug & tell him that we loved him. Now, his 2 girls are all grown up. But, our love for him is no less. I'm sure a small piece of him saw Haley & I as he loved on Hannah lastnight. That little girl brings such a smile to my face & makes me laugh hysterically. She may only be 3 but she LOVES to talk--goes a mile a minute & never slows down. I can hardly wait to see what she'll say or do next time around!

Life in Taiwan

As Taiwan is on my mind frequently (daily) & I remember my time there & the people, I have decided to share with you my experience on the other side of the world. While I would like to post my letters that I wrote upon my return home in 2005 & 2006, I've no idea where they are at this time. For now, I will share with you my e-mails home to family & friends while in Taiwan. Though many of you may have received those e-mails, many of you did not as we did not even know one another at the time. I have enjoyed reading my words from a few years ago & reliving these moments in my mind. In the days ahead, I will try to share all of them but for now, I share with you first, my first e-mail I wrote home...July 2005.

I survived the plane ride. Though long, my only complaint was that the long flight was much too warm. However, nothing was unbearable. I was mesmerized by the size of the plane as it was a doubledecker. Well, here we are in Taiwan-12:30 a.m. our time while we still have much of the day left. Right now, we are on a break until 3:00 in the afternoon (it is now 1:30). We spent some time in our room singing & then headed here to the cafe' just around the corner a ways from our hotel. Yesterday, upon our arrival we got our hotel rooms which are not nearly as bad as I dreamt. In fact, they are nice though the shower is a bit unusual (no shower curtains here!). Some of the newest missionaries here took us on a walking tour around the city we are in & will live for the next week. We got to see quite a bit- a 7-11, the Post Office, grocery store, hardware store & of course, many fruit stands. Mango & Papaya are in season here now & we're all looking forward to trying the fresh fruit. The watermelon looks like it is to die for as does the pineapple. After our tour, we dis some prayer walking near the school which for me, was the highlight of the day (next to the ice cream I ate last night at the night market). I was overwhelmed with a sense of a broken heart for these people as we passed by & noticed the flags upon every single door to "keep the evil spirits out." There's not a door without these flags. It is so disheartening. First day & I was already choked up crying. That's OK though as we should be heartbroken for those that are lost. Yes, we went to the night market lastnight & well, to me it was pretty much a carnival meets a flea market-rather boring although it was good to see it as it's a part of their culture here. We saw plenty of great tasting food (OK, maybe not-raw fish, etc) that we had to hold Haley back from buying. The people here are very friendly & always wave or say hello. I was a bit apprehensive when buying my ice cream lastnight as I'd never dealt with foreign money or having to do that sort of thing but Rex (our leader) helped me out which basically consisted of much pointing at signs. Al of the missionaries are awesome & I love them already. It's going to be great getting to know them further over the next week. Our team is doing well together-glad to be getting to spend time with each of them. Today, we held worship time outside of a temple. It was amazing to be able to do so. We then, toured the temple & Wes (the head missionary) taught us about everything. Seeing the temple was an experience I will never forget. Very sad. Some more tears came while we were there. The temple keeper was asking one of the missionaries why we were there & when she told him to teach English, he did not understand. However, when she told him to teach about Jesus Christ, he did get it. He stretched out his arms & pointed to his hands as if to show the nails being driven through Christ's hands. At that point, the tears could not be held in. That was an amazing moment. I wish Haley had captured it on video. the building was so very ornate & beautiful but it is so sad to think that these people are practicing these rituals that will only lead them on a dead end path & God hates their temples. As Wes told us today, we hate the temple & their practice but love them as God does. As for food, you will be pleased to know I've been a brave soul. While all but Katie had eggs on the plane, she & I tried the Chinese rice soup. I thought it was great. Yesterday, we ate the Hakka noodles that were featured on the church website from 2003 that looked so terribly gross. Yep, we ate it & by golly, I loved them-especially after putting the hot sauce in it. Haley was not too wild about it at all. Lastnight's supper was not horrible but not amongst my favorites. We had plain white rice, clams, goat, chicken, shrimp, pork & squid. I tried all but the squid. Today, we had fried rice with pork in it for lunch & it was delicious. They never salt anywhere so lastnights plain white rice was a bit bland for me. Having soy sauce today was a huge blessing. Everything is doing so well. The groups that have come before have talked greatly about the rooster & dogs across the street from the hotel being such a nuisance but we never heard them at all this morning. Praise God! We went to bed at 9:15 lastnight & got up at 5:30 this morning & we were few out of the entire group that were able to sleep that long. Anyway, we've got to meet in a bit to go over school stuff & tomorrow we'll spend the day preparing for Mon. when we begin teaching. Love you guys & know that I am doing just fine here-haven't really even had any complaints even with the heat. Love you!

Zip the Lips

With Haley's departure date drawing closer & closer, my only desire is to spend as much time as possible with her before she leaves. Today, we had an opportunity to do so once again. After getting off work, we went later in the afternoon to a local craft show. Though neither of us were looking for anything in particular, it was giving us something to do rather than sit at home on the sofa. Our time at the show was quick as there were not many booths. However, I did purchase a Cardinals Christmas ornament as well as a Mizzou one. Not the most exciting show ever. Once we left there, we headed to Kohls as I was interested in looking for a few new shirts or sweaters. As we were in the clothing department looking around, Haley was a good distance away from me when she held up a sweater & called for me to take a look. I pointed my eyes in her direction & nodded my head as a sign of approval. She commented on how it "looked like me." She then looked at the price tag & very loudly proclaimed, "But it's still expensive!" I felt like crawling into the rack of clothes in front of me. I was rather humiliated. Remember, she was not standing near me--she was a bit aways so I'm sure plenty of individuals had to have heard her just about yell that out. People were probably thinking we're hobo's or something. Then, I must have had a shining moment myself--or at least it sounds as though I did. Haley picked up another shirt & mentioned that I should try it on. The shirt in her hands was short-sleeved & now that we're moving into cooler weather, I'm not interested in freezing in my wardrobe. Haley suggested that I buy a long-sleeve t-shirt to put underneath it. There was a display between Haley & I to the left so anyone or anything on her side to the left was out of my view. As she gave me the fashion tip I told her, "No, that would look gay! That's stupid looking & I'm not doing that!" I thought Haley's face looked a bit strange. Could have been because there was a lady standing right beside her that was dressed in the manner in which Haley had just proposed to me! After we had that bit of excitement, I moved in the fitting room to try on the stack of clothing in my hand. Someone before me, left a ton of clothes in the room & while Haley was kind enough to take some of them out & put them on the rack outside the fitting room area, she did not remove them all from my reach. There happened to be a shirt that someone had left in there that was just my size & caught my eye--it was hideous. I burst out in laughter & Haley was wondering why-(she assumed I couldn't get a shirt off-that I was stuck). I opened the door & was modeling the awful shirt that Haley had just said was ugly. She said it looked nice for an 80 year old. Since I still have a few years before I get there, I decided I'd wait on that one this time. We finally made it out of Kohls & on our way home, stopped at Starbucks to treat ourselves. What a grandiose time out.

Brother Ben & Sista Heather

In continuing with writing about my friends, I bring you the story of Brother Ben. "Now here's a story about Brother Ben, whose been a very unusual friend. He calls us dog, and says "What up G?" and now he's moving to Bethany." Those are the lyrics to the Ode to Brother Ben written by Haley, Crystal & I before Ben moved years ago. Ben, is definitely, an unusual friend-but in a good way. My first recollection of having met Ben comes from my Cousin Micah's 16th b-day party. Many of us were at Micah's girlfriend's house for the party when someone had the bright idea that we should all dance. Not knowing Ben at all, I quickly refused when he came to invite me to dance with him. From that point on, I have no memory-just that we became friends somehow. My guess? I would venture to say we got to know each other because of our many mutual friends & oftentimes, all hanging out as a group. Over the years, I have found Ben quite amusing. Brother Ben is, without question, my most naive friend (sorry Ben but you are!)--I'll get to that a little later. Being in the youth group together, we saw one another frequently & many times, a group of us would go to Taco Bell after church. I remember us getting a little too loud & rowdy one of the times. We would celebrate the beginning of baseball season at a number of Cardinals home openers & well as many other Cards games together. I recall Ben & I just driving around a couple of times all over St. Charles just to talk-one friend to another. I'm not sure now why we would drive around & waste gas (could it because gas was not over $3.00 13+ yrs. ago?)rather than just sit down somewhere else & talk. Crazy looking back! I remember fun times together during Disciple Now's at the Walton's & the DN Reunion at the Parrish's. I still love the picture I have floating around somewhere of Ben wrapped like a mummy in toilet paper!! Hilarious!! Honestly, I don't have any memory of us really keeping in touch one with another while Ben was attending college at SBU in Bolivar, MO but I also don't remember not keeping in touch. For a time, Ben was the teacher of the college/career class at FBC O'Fallon. I remember Ben inviting me to tag along with him to the MO Baptist Convention for a day when it was in St. Louis years ago. So, we went & I found it to be an interesting experience as there were some rather heated discussions taking place while we were there. Having ministered at the church he spent so many years in, it was time for him to move on in ministry--to a small town in Northern MO called Bethany. He was not there too long before Haley, Crystal & I paid him a visit. Despite the tad bit of a long drive, the cost of the hotel, etc.-it was worth it each time we went. Though there is not a whole lot going on in Bethany (well, there is a Super Wal-Mart that we went to three times in one day), there was (& still is) something about that town that I like. During one of our trips, Ben told us all about an Amish community nearby. Of course, since he told us about it, he HAD to go with us. While we ladies enjoyed it immensely, I'm not so sure that he was as thrilled as we were. In 2004, Ben, Haley, Crystal & I packed in the van & headed to Sebring, FL to visit our friend Greg. Ben is 1 of 2 kids in his family--the other being his brother. So, Ben did not grow up with sisters or girls in his house. I will not share all that we taught Ben during our long drive there & home but he definitely was educated on some things. As I said earlier, Ben is a bit naieve & well, just goofy. As we crossed over a bridge, Ben said, "Look at all that water!" Already having the knowledge that Ben had never been to an ocean, we were learning early that he was really going to be impressed when he finally did arrive at the beach! Afterall, if you can think a small lake is huge, the ocean is gigantic! He did not disappoint either. When we arrived to the beach, he said something to the extent of "Wow, you can't even see the end of it!" He was mesmorized by the expansion of the deep blue sea. While in FL, Greg recommended we go to Orlando & spend some time. We went to Disney World & just looked in a few shops & then ate some ice cream at Ghiradelli's (which, I still long to have another cone from there!). Though we never got close to the Magic Kindgom Castle, Ben informed us all that it was made out of plastic. We all 4 were laughing hysterically because Ben was thouroughly convinced that it was not an actual castle but just some big plastic thing. We kept telling him it was not & that it was an actual building that you could go into. Who know's--for all I now, he may still think it's a piece of plastic. We all had such a great time together on that trip. I am so glad we had the opportunity to share such a special time & make so many memories with one another during that week or so. When we went, Ben had just began dating a girl named Shellie not long before our trip. Months after our return home, I received a call asking me to come to Bethany to meet Shellie. Months later, he would call me again--this time, to say he was engaged & to tell me the wedding date. I was pleased to be in attendance & share their special day with them. Shellie & Ben are now married, they have a daughter & just days ago on October 23rd (which happens to be Ben's birthday also), Shellie gave birth to their 2nd child, a son named Jase. I am pleased that I have had a chance to further get to know Shellie--only wish we could all see each more often. She has made my friend so happy & that, makes me happy. Though, naive & a bit strange at times (but, who isn't?), Brother Ben has been a faithful friend to me for many years. I have often called him in years past to talk to him about guy problems & even a few years ago when I called to tell him about a guy I had been on a date with--he showed great concern when he told me that he already didn't like the guy just because he didn't like sports. Ben said he wasn't for me. He was right--things ended before they really got started for the guy & I. When I was admitted to the hospital last year with all of my medical problems, Ben & Shellie called me a number of times to check on me & express their prayers. I don't recall us ever not getting along really. I would say Ben has been probably one of my most loyal friends for many years. I have never doubted whether or not I could trust Ben when I would share things with him. Though I don't know much how our friendship began, I'm glad it did.

**For those that desire to know Ben's #1 moment of being naive, please ask & I'll divulge.**

Bubbly Gina With Baby On The Way

How nice is that..matching shirts?!

Well, at least one of us is still thin. If only it were me!

Years ago, when our family first began attending FBC O'Fallon, I was introduced to a bouncing, bubbly personality named Gina. I think I would be right in saying that I still don't think I've encountered anyone to this day that has had the bright & cheerful disposition that Gina had. Though I do not recall how our friendship really began, I remember we grew to be great friends. As a youth, I spent much time at the McGhee household. Likewise, Gina was at our house often. As time often changes things, such is true with our relationship. Having no contact with one another for quite a while, I was invited to Gina's bridal shower a few years ago. I went to the shower but was unable to make it to the wedding due to having other plans on the particular day. I was surprised to hear that Gina had called to talk to me after my return home from my hospital stays last year. Evidently, I was fast asleep when she called to see how I was. When I awakened, my mom informed me that Gina had called. I had to ask, "Gina who?" as we had not talked since her bridal shower. I made the effort & got her phone number from someone yet, I never took the time to call her. My sister had worked with her mom for quite a while so I knew that Gina was pregnant long ago. I was delighted to receive an invitation to the baby shower being held for Gina. My sister was out of town but my mom & I went to the shower held on October 4th. Though Gina has always been great with kids, it seemed so strange to see the bubbly girl, with child (pregnant) & worn out sitting on the sofa. Just as I have aged & matured, so too, has Gina. I enjoyed getting to see her & the rest of the family that I used to spend so much time with. One of the nice things about modern technology is the ability to regain contact with old friends. Gina & I have been able to do so through facebook. We have decided that we will do lunch sometime. Really, we have no good reason to not spend time with one another. Perhaps we will see each other again sooner than a year or two from now. I should share that days after the shower, Gina gave birth to a precious little girl, Leah Nicole. I look forward to meeting her gift from God & one day, sharing with Leah many stories about her mommy.

Movie Mania

To say I am a movie buff or an avid film watcher would be far from the truth. However, this past weekend found me soaking in the big screen (well, somewhat). Friday evening, my sister and I joined some others from our Connection Point Group(Sunday School) at our friend Amy's house for a Girl's Night Out. Now, last time we had one of these evenings, we spent a great amount of time discussing what celebrities we found to be attractive. We knew before we arrived that the game plan was to watch a movie. One of the girls stated that we had to watch a movie with a hot guy in it. So, a movie was selected (not by my doing as I had never seen it nor do many names ring many bells with me anyway). I am not generally one to race to the romance movies (I'm more of a action/suspense type of gal) but I will say, I did like the choice of the evening--27 Dresses. As a single girl who has worn several dresses (though I was honored to do so), I related to the storyline. So, would I vote this the best movie I've ever seen? Far from it but it was not bad for for the evening. As for the movie theaters, I rarely enter their doors. I cannot bring myself to spend the outrageous amount of money one must spend to see a movie. However, select theaters were featuring some of the summer hits for $1.00 showings over the weekend. Of those being shown, was Kung-Fu Panda which I had hoped to watch but never got around to. My dad, sister & I went to see it & while it was a "cute" movie, I'm glad I only spent the buck on it. I fell asleep through some of it (all the more reason for me not to go the movies!). Of the movies seen, by far, the best was viewed on Saturday afternoon when we, as a family, went to see Fireproof. I have added a trailer for the movie for all to see. Though unmarried myself, I thought this was an excellent movie. I have been pleased to hear the box office stats for the first weekend of it's showing. I pray that streams of people will continue to flood the theaters to see this movie & that God will use it to first & foremost, capture hearts as well as open eyes to marriages all over America as to what is needed for a successful marriage. So, 3 movies in 3 days. I venture to say that will not happen again for a really long time.