it does not mean to be in a place
where there is no noise, trouble
or hard work. it means to be in
the midst of those things and still
be calm in your heart.*
i wish you peace
in your home
in your heart
in the world
Merry Christmas
*(author unknown)

Little Bit Bigger Cabin in the Woods...

Here's a chronological update of the house. The builder is working so fast I can't keep up. Good builder! Good builder!



The front door is on the right. The large window above the kitchen sink is in the middle. The little window to the half-bath is on the left.

This is where the dining room patio will be.
This is the back of the house. The big opening is where the fireplace will be with two big windows on each side.
Log detail on the outside of the house...the inside will be flat.
They'll eventually have a dark cherry stain.

Stack of logs on the kitchen floor.

The front door through the tree.

This is the front of the house (note the ladder position in the first picture). The logs are almost above the doorway. Yeah!
Everyone say, good job John! He's worked so hard maintaining contractors, codes, schedules and supplies for this house and the one we moved (which is almost ready to put on the market...anyone? anyone?). I'm very proud of him!

WeeMe Womance...

Instead of working this afternoon, I did this...

To make one of your own, go here. Happy procrastination!

Wanna Meet Me for Lunch?

In the snack shop today they're serving, "Cheeseburger Dog on Bun" for lunch. I'm perplexed. So is it a cheeseburger or a hot dog?

As any inquisitive person would do, I went to a website that rhymes with Moogle.

The first result was a recipe for "cheeseburger dog treats". That's not encouraging. That lead to a recipe for "chicken cheeseburger dog treats" to complicate matters further...just add another meat source.

As a side note, when I entered today's lunch selection into moogle images, I got this...


Apparently, his name is "O-Dog" and he's holding...you guessed it, a cheeseburger. (What up yo?! Power to the cheeseburger dawg!) (Hee! Hee! Get it?) You can learn more about O-Dog here, but I'm not really sure why you'd want to.

Little Cabin in the Woods...

Here's a quick update on the house. I'm actually doing this as much for my benefit as yours. I longed for this house last night. People ask how John and I are doing in the apartment together. We are doing great. You see it's only month #1 so we're still giddily happy and running into each other in the walk-in closet is still cute. And I use the term "walk-in closet" loosely. The stench from the apartment below us, however, is horrid. John says he's used to it which I just cannot understand. The good news is that some days we smell it and some days we don't. Last night we could...a lot.

Anyway, enough whining. We're blessed to have a roof over our heads, albeit a small, smelly roof.


Onto the update. The builder is hard at work. He's been able to keep up pretty well despite the freezing rain and arctic temperatures. He had his entire family (wife, kids, and father-in-law) out sweeping snow off the floor last week. John and I went by there on our way out of town a couple of weeks ago and he was out there with his teenage son pounding nails. He had a huge tool belt loaded with lots of things that I would have to look up to name. He looked rough and tough. And from a boombox, which looked like it was make specifically for the ruggedness of a construction site, I heard "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas". I liked it...it felt festive.


This is the basement floor. Pretty exciting huh? It is for us!
This is looking at the front right corner (which will eventually be our master bathroom).
This is looking straight at the front. The front porch will sit on top of those two cement slabs sticking out from the foundation.
The building behind it is what I call "the man shed". Remember the story of me falling off the barn? That's the barn...I fell off the shorter roof to the right.
So there's the update. I feel better. With expected weather in the 50's at the end of the week...there should be more updates to come.

It's Humiliating


I found this picture this morning. How humiliating (you can see the embarrassment on its face huh?). The deer got caught in a volleyball net...a purple volleyball net at that. He couldn't find a more manly blue, or green, or even black? As if that's not enough, the department of wildlife says they will leave the net alone because the buck will shed its antlers in February. FEBRUARY! You mean this deer has to walk around looking like the Easter version of Ronald McDonald until February?! I feel sorry for the poor little fella.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...


Isn't it nice to see people embracing the true spirit of the holidays?

There's this nice little story about the kindness of neighbors.
And this one about caring for the most helpless among us.
And finally, this one about the real joy of gift giving.
"God bless us...everyone!"

Day 12 and Still Happy...

We're back and we're married!

The wedding was beautiful and stress-free thanks to a lot of helpful hands.


The honeymoon was unbelievable. I'm still pouting that we had to come home. I'm sure you can see why.


(The beach at our hotel)

(Nap time on the hammock)
(Cinnamon Bay - my favorite spot...I'll give you one guess why.)

Thanks to everyone that was part of our amazing day. We are blessed to have people who care enough to take the time, travel the miles, and share their pictures (keep them coming!).

We are also blessed to have been able to spend a week together in such a beautiful place. Thanks to Kelly for watching my dog. Thank you God for creating such a place. Thank you Benedryl for manufacturing anti-itch cream. Those mosquitoes are something else! And thank you John for fixing my brakes and being brave enough to ask me to dinner just over a year ago (10/17/05 to be exact)...and then becoming the man of my dreams!

Our New Arrival

The logs are here! They arrived at 7:00AM yesterday morning. Don't be fooled...I was not there for their arrival so John took pictures.

Okay, you're just going to have to trust us that there are logs in there. It's been raining for a few days here in KC so they tarped the logs for their long journey from Florida.

It feels weird to have someone get in a truck and drive our house to us.

We have a few more things to do before the builder can start stacking these but we'll get there.






This one also counts as Pet Pic Friday...that's Carrhart to the right scopin' out the goods.

Up to Date...continued

The countdown continues...11 more days! Here are some pictures to bring you up to date.

First...the house:


We have basement walls!! It seems so simple but it's taken quite a bit of work to get to this point. And check out that sunset! (The boarded up section is the existing garage.)

Second, the wedding:

My bridesmaids threw a great bridal shower! Check out that food spread. We played games and opened presents. The girls were very creative with their gifts. I'm not showing you any of them...you'll just have to trust me.

Plans are coming together and so far everything is running smoothly. Let's hope that continues. I'm getting excited to get this party started, which makes it difficult to concentrate on the grown-up responsibilities I have.

I told John yesterday that after this was all done, I'm going to write a brochure on how to talk to brides. You should never leave a message that says, "I need to talk to you right away"...alone. It should always be followed by a reason. What we make up in our heads before we get a chance to talk with you is always much worse than what the reason actually is. This is also true of doctors calling patients, babysitters calling mothers, and bosses calling employees.

And while I'm at it...please return phone calls and emails. Even if everything is fine. It comforts us to know that you have heard us and agree with the plan. This may be what you imply by your lack of response but it makes us worry that you didn't get the message, you don't agree with the plan, or you suddenly decided to move to the south of France and forgot to tell us.

And now I'm walking down the soapbox steps.

Ummm???

On my way to work this morning I was stuck in traffic behind a car with several bumper stickers. It's always nice to have something to read while you sit bumper to bumper.

One sticker read, "We belong to the earth. The earth does not belong to us". Then the driver threw an empty cigarette box out the window.

Excuses Excuses...

Okay, so things are a little busy. I could give you a list of excuses but thought I would instead give you the slideshow version so you could see what I've been doing all this time.

This is the part of wedding planning where things start to get really fun. Places are reserved, flowers and food are ordered, pictures taken, service planned...not it's time to get this party started.

First up...My first Bridal Shower put on by my friend Hilary. We had so much fun. My mom got me "something black and sexy"...her words, not mine.

The house has finally been moved and to celebrate, John and I went to our first "date" restaurant. "Date" is in quotes because it's still up for debate whether that first dinner was a date or not. He asked...I said yes...I got a nervous stomachache...he opened doors for me and paid for dinner...sounds like a date to me!

Nevertheless, there was no confusing this dinner as a date. I had had quite the week at work and to pull me through, I thought about the molten lava cake I would have for dessert (the inside is gooey, chocolate splendor)...oh and spending a lovely dinner by the lake with John.


Then it was off to Portland, Oregon for some girly fun with my college friends. As a gift to me these girls flew me to Portland for the weekend. We did all the typical girl things like nail painting, and outlet mall shopping, and staying up way past our bedtime.

It was so great to see them and I'm thankful for such great friends.

So there are my excuses. Pretty good ones I think.

Speaking of...

Sorry for my blog absence lately. Here are a few updates on life around here.

We finally closed on the sale of our condo. Yeah! I was a little sad to leave "my first home" but it's made a little easier when I remember why.

Speaking of leaving, I was also sad to leave my roommate of five years. We're both excited about the days ahead but it's the end of an era! There's a lot to go through together in five years. Happy things like getting a dog...getting new jobs...graduating from grad school...meeting our muscle-neighbor and asking him to move furniture as much as possible. Sad things like break-ups...losing friends...and killing spiders. Sheena misses her (I do too). We're both moved out and getting moved in to our new "eras".

Speaking of moving, I'm snuggly tucked into my 1 bedroom apartment. It's pretty tight quarters but I'll make due. I'll be here with my dog until November when John will join us (in 44 more days!) I already say things like "our" apartment and "we" bought a new entertainment center. It's not really on purpose...that's just what comes out of my mouth.

The apartment itself is not bad but I have nicknamed the complex, "party cove". I've only seen one person that appears to be older than me. The first weekend I counted about 60 cans of beer (that's cumulative...3 cases here...4 cases there). And there's the noise level to go with it. It's acutally pretty quiet when I go to bed but then the bars close and everyone comes home using their "I'm-loaded-and-I-cannot-control-my-volume" voices. This will make me appreciate my house in Spring Hill all the more.

Speaking of the house in Spring Hill, here's a brief update. The old house will be moved no later than next Monday. We'll then be able to get started on digging the basement and pouring the foundation for the new house. Well, we won't but someone will. John has done a great job in coordinating contractors, schedules, loans, etc. I'd much rather plan a wedding...it's a lot less stressful.

Speaking of weddings, 44 days to go! Plans are coming together and I'm checking more and more things off of my to-do list. I was even able to stay home last night, sit in front of the tv with Sheena at my feet, and not worry about what's not getting done. My mom has been a big help. It'll be a fun day for us and hopefully for everyone else.

Speaking of everyone else, I hope you are all doing well and will continue to check back often despite my infrequent posts.

For My Oregon Friends

No more "Kansas" jokes after a story like this.

My favorite line is, "The chicken died on the scene."

Sluggers, Saws, Symphonies, and Sticks

I had a very productive Labor Day weekend. I know it’s supposed to be a time of rest and relaxation but it is called “labor” day after all…and labor we did. Okay, so we threw in a little relaxation here and there.

Friday night was another thrilling night as a Royals’ fan. We were ahead 7-0 but no Royals’ fan in their right mind would sit back and think, “we’ve got this one in the bag!” They did win but not without a few tense moments, care of the most consistent bullpen in major league baseball. They’re not good…but they are consistent.

The best part was the seemingly prim and proper grandmotherly lady in front of us who appeared to have had a little too much of the bubbly. She would stand up and shake her booty every time the Royals scored. For those of you keeping track at home, that would be seven booty shakes.

We stayed for Friday night fireworks and stopped at Wendy’s where our tickets were good for two free frosties. Free tickets (thanks dad), free fireworks, AND free frosties.

Saturday (and Sunday), John tackled the “ring saw” beast. It’s hard work cutting through 7 inches of concrete, made all the more difficult by a defective ring saw. The defect was actually a blessing in disguise because John could take it back to the equipment rental place, get a full refund, and have someone else do it. He looked up some tips for using a ring saw and tip #1 was, “contract it out!”. Not to go against the advice of professionals…he’ll do just that!

I spent the time collecting twigs and branches to compliment our “rustic” wedding décor. Don’t worry, we’ll be wearing shoes (for the most part) and using appropriate utensils. John joined the fun after deeming the ring saw officially kapoot. Collecting wedding decorations was not at the top of John’s to-do list this weekend but I appreciate his help.

Sunday night we made our way to Pops in the Park. It’s a free concert (are you sensing a theme?) put on by the Kansas City Symphony every Labor Day Weekend. We packed a picnic…in a real picnic basket! (Aunt Marilyn, I’ve been using the basket you gave me as decoration in my kitchen. Since I’m moving and packing things up, it was finally able to fulfill its purpose of transporting food in style and it worked great!)

Monday, after a half-day of work (hospitals never close you know), my loving and supportive family got together for a “wedding work day”. Mom, Dad, Kelly, John (and Tim who I’m sure did not envision this as part of his “best man” duties) worked on projects with a positive attitude and a witty sense of humor. I so wish I would have had my camera to capture the basement as wedding headquarters and my family enveloped in flowers, ribbons, sticks (part of my favorite wedding project), labels, stamps, and more. This was not my idea. It’s great not to have to ask for help. I so appreciate their willingness to help.

I finished the weekend feeling exhausted but happy…which is so much better than feeling well rested and sad if you ask me.

Over Coffee and a Pastry

I eat breakfast at Panera nearly every Saturday morning. I'm usually alone with my coffee, pastry, and either a newspaper or whatever book I happen to be reading at the time.

As much as I try to concentrate on my own business, I just can't seem to drown out the voices at the tables around me.

When John asks, "How was Panera this morning?", what that really means is "So what did you overhear?"

There are frequent feeders like me who are there every Saturday morning. I hear the results of conversations they had the week before...how the meeting went, or how much little Janie liked her birthday party.

A couple weeks ago there was a group of social workers who had recently graduated from KU (my SW alma mater) studying for their licensing exams. I wanted to jump over and offer advice but refrained. I was afraid they would think I was a big fat weirdo for listening so closely to them. My advice would have been to stop studying. It's not a matter of knowing what's on the test as much as it is knowing HOW to take the test. They might have liked to know that but it's too late now.

Some overheard comments are so funny...especially the kids. Moms come to Panera because they like having coffee and a pastry...that's a very "mom" thing to like. Kids...not so much and I'm always impressed with kids who put up with the froo froo breakfast over a egg mcmuffin.

Last Saturday I switched tables for a change of pace. I sat near three tables, all with kids about seven or eight. Here are some comments heard that morning...

"I want to be a teacher when I grow up. What do you want to be?" "I want to dominate the universe."

"I will not stand for this catastrophe." (I'm not sure what the catastrophe was but this seven year old is not going to take it anymore!)

"Mommy, can we please not shop for shoes all day?"

"There's a stinky lady in the bathroom." "Well honey, sometimes that happens in a bathroom." "No mom, she was reallllly stinky." (said with the whiney voice produced by pinching your nose together)

I love my Saturday morning breakfast.

Insomnia - A One Woman Play

This play takes place on an ordinary Tuesday night.
Props: a comfy bed, a tv, an alarm clock, and an ugly dog
All lines are thought, not spoken as there is no audience to hear them.

Act I Scene I

- home inspection tomorrow
- have to water mom’s plants
- I’ll have to do that in the morning
- If I decide what I’m wearing now I can sleep another 15 minutes after the alarm
- Oh look Bridezilla’s on (grab remote and set sleep timer for 30 minutes)
- I’ll be asleep in 30 minutes

Act I Scene II

- That was 30 minutes?
- Why am I not asleep?
- Well it’s probably because you have a lot to do tomorrow
- Out of the house by 8:30 for the home inspector.
- I wonder if they’ll notice the broken rod on the blinds?
- Water plants at mom and dad’s before work.
- Is there a Starbucks between here and there?
- Not a convenient one.
- Meeting at 11:00.
- I’ll probably have to hear about Suzy and her crazy mother (not her real name).
- Meeting with the architect at 6:00.
- Off to my last choir practice at 6:30.
- I’m going to miss it.
- Look there’s a spider web on the overhead light.
- Don’t forget to dust it in the morning.
- I better do it now or I’ll forget.
- No Sheena it’s not time to get up. I’m just cleaning the light. Yes now.
- Don’t forget to order that music tomorrow.
- Don’t forget to email the girls.
- Should I just do it now so it’s done. No…go to sleep. I can’t!

Act I Scene III

- Maybe C-Span will lull me to sleep.
- C-Span is boring
- Infomercial
- Infomercial
- Infomercial
- Who buys this garbage?
- People awake in the middle of night that’s who
- A Lunesta commercial…now that’s just mean. I want some.
- I’ll fall asleep soon.
- I’ll set my alarm for 15 minutes later than usual.
- Oh look my alarm has a sound machine.
- Oh how nice…sounds like the ocean.
- Next, sounds like camping in the woods.
- I could never sleep in the woods…too noisy.
- Oh I like that…a waterfall. Flowing water, no noisy bugs or birds. That’s nice.
- And there’s a nifty sleep timer on it.
- 30 minutes ought to do it.
- Didn’t work last time…okay 60 minutes.
- Now I have to go the bathroom.
- No Sheena it’s still not time to get up. I know it looks that way.

Act I Scene IV

- It’s 5:30 so I could get 2 hours of sleep if I start now.
- Ready, Set, Sleep
- Okay now…Ready, Set, Sleep
- This is ridiculous
- Maybe I could try counting…one,two, three….three hundred thirty six, three
hundred thirty seven.
- Okay, now multiples of 3…three, six, nine, twelve, fifteen…three hundred thirty six…UGH!

Final Scene

- 10 minutes until my alarm goes off…finally.
- No convenient Starbucks? I don’t care…I’ll find one…I’ll need it.
- Sheena get up it’s time to go potty.
- Sheena it’s now time to get up.
- Okay I’ll brush my teeth first but then it’s time to get up.
- SHEENA…GET UP!

And curtain….

Celebrate Good Times Come On!

We sold our condo this weekend! Yeah! We're pretty excited. The roommate worked very very hard and it has paid off. We close September 15th. We are most excited about not having to keep our house "show ready" at all times. To celebrate, neither of us made our beds Saturday morning. We're wild and crazy I know!

I'll be trekking back to apartment life and John will join me in November. We'll be there only as long as it takes to finish our house. It may be just the motivation we need.

Just thought I'd share the good news.

Case 081006 - People vs. Cry Baby Inc.

We are such babies! Sometimes people (myself included) can act so spoiled. I present the following evidence for your review.

Exhibit A: On my way out the door yesterday, after a long day of meetings, I stood in line for the shuttle bus to the parking lot. On most days around that time, the shuttle buses are lined up one right after the other. Our parking lot is a few blocks away so the hospital provides a ride to and from. Last night however, there were no buses waiting when I stepped in line. We waited...and waited...and waited some more. People were getting antsy. A few huffed and puffed and stepped out of line to opt for walking instead of waiting. Still waiting...several people got on their cell phones to report to loved ones or babysitters that they were still waiting for the bus and would be late. The bus eventually came around the corner and everyone sighed and mumbled something to the effect of, "Finally!" We all looked around at each other like, "look we made it...we survived." The lady behind me glanced at her watch and said to nobody in particular, "We just stood here for 8 minutes can you believe it took that long."

Exhibit B: I got in my car after my "grueling" 8 minute wait and turned on the radio to hear a broadcaster explaining the delays in airports around the world due to the heightened security measures following the thwarted terrorist plot to blow up airplanes headed for the US. Here are some quotes heard in that broadcast and several others since:

"A man on my flight was asked to discard of his Starbucks coffee. He was pretty upset. I would be too, that's like a $5.00 cup of coffee."

"It's really hard for people to go without their iPods and listen to those talking around them or babies crying."

"In this day and age, people can't be expected to weather transcontinental flights without some form of electronic entertainment; books and conversations are great for some people, but not everyone."

Closing argument: If 8 minutes completely throws your day into a tailspin...if you "can't be expected" to "weather" the temporary hiatus from coffee, your iPod, or other forms of electronic entertainment it is no one's fault but your own. Do not blame the bus driver, airport security, terrorist groups, or Osama.

Stop your cryin' and gain a tad bit of perspective.

Case closed!

Up to Date

Here's an update on what's going on here. For you locals...you can ignore this post if you want to and instead check out this website to tide you over. Who knows, you just might learn something.

Wedding plans are well underway and very much under control. I'm not feeling overwhelmed by the process.

I attended the Bridal Spectacular a few weekends ago for one reason and one reason only...50% off tux rental. I made my way to the Men's Wearhouse booth (click here to build your own tux...the fun never ends here in Chatterbox World!). I arrived five minutes after they opened the doors. I would have been there earlier but I was delayed by the other 100 brides stopping at every booth to sign up for every sweepstakes they could. At one point I eyed a formal wear booth with four men in tuxes doing a choreographed dance routine. I rolled my eyes and kept walking. I found the booth I needed and was greeted by five men (also in tuxes) who simultaneously said, "How are you?" I laughed, "Fine thank you." "You're here just for this aren't you?" one man asked. "Yes, where do I sign." I was out the door in 15 minutes with my receipt to receive 50% off all our tuxes.

House plans are moving right along. John is working very hard. There have been a few overwhelming moments but there's a lot more involved in house moving, planning, building, etc. than there is in picking out centerpieces for a wedding reception and making sure our invitations are delivered on time. They're supposed to start digging the foundation there today. Once the house is moved, put back together, and connected to water, electric, sewer...we'll put it on the market and the crowds will stand in line for the chance to move right in. I just know it!

Here's a pic of the house in its current state. This my friends is love! When a man will split his house in two for you...that's when you know! (the garage is straight ahead. One half of the house is to the left of the hole in the ground. The other half is on the right.)




We have to move this house in order to build our new house. After looking at lots and lots of floorplans we came up with a list of "must haves" and "don't wants" and I think we did well. It'll be 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath with a large kitchen, vaulted living room, and someday a finished basement. I love it! It will be awhile until we can see it in person but we're headed in the right direction.

My condo is still on the market. We've had a few people interested but nothing solid. We've still got plenty of time. And besides, the longer I stay here...the better chance I have of not moving back in with my parents. Don't worry...I didn't just hurt their feelings. They feel the same way! There's a reason 30 year olds should not live at home and it's not because we don't love each other.

Anyway, there's an update on life here. And for the hometown crowd...I'll be back to regularly scheduled programming soon.



I Won!!!

I watch the Today Show every morning while I get ready for work. Actually, I listen to the Today Show from the bathroom every morning while I get ready for work. I heard about a contest where you could "win a day with Matt Lauer". I entered thinking it would be fun to spend some time in New York. The Matt Lauer part was cool but it was more about spending the day in New York.

Anyway...I WON!!!!!

They booked me on the next flight out and off I went. I didn't even have time to tell anyone I was going. I got off the plane and was greeted by a limo driver holding a sign with my name printed on it. I hopped in and we drove through the city.

Matt lives in a highrise building on something like the 36th floor. I wasn't really paying attention. Anyway, he opened the door and said, "Hey! Welcome! Thanks for coming. My wife has left instructions and phone numbers on the kitchen counter. We really appreciate you doing this. We should be back around 2 or 3."

"In the morning? What? Where are you going?" I ask.

"Yes. Is that a problem?" He replied.

"Yes, it is."

And I woke up. I'm not about to babysit Matt Lauer's kids. What a rip off contest!

New Level of Obsession

My name is Kim and I'm a freezer pop addict.

It all started in a land far far away. On our last day at the work site in Africa we passed around the box of freezer pops. We had to get rid of them so everyone had two, three, four freezer pops a piece. One in each hand at least.

When we landed in Kansas City it was a million and one degrees outside and we've only had a few days of reprieve since then.

My answer to the heat wave...freezer pops! A box of 1000 costs what...$3.00. They are all I can think about when I'm driving around in my hot car or when I'm walking across a parking lot that would probably cook the bottom of my feet if I didn't keep moving.

John caught me eating one right after the other a few days ago. "Weren't you just eating an orange one?" he said. "Yes, don't judge me!"

But last night it happened...I reached a new level of my addiction which has caused me to realize that I have a problem.

I consumed two freezer pops (purple and green)...okay fine it was four (purple, green, red AND orange)...all while tucked snuggly in my bed.

I know!!! It's an illness. I'm seeking the advice of professionals.

Introductions Are In Order

I want to welcome three new bloggers to the program. Will you please give a warm welcome to


Tim and his Lemon Peeler

Spring and her picture takin' skills


and finally, Barrett the cuddly bear...sorry Barrett, I couldn't resist!

You can find them every week on the "links" list to your right.

Five Things I Now Know


1. There is treatment for logophobia.
2. Butterflies eat through their feet.
3. Pink freezer pops are better than green ones.
4. "Cheese and bread" – is an expression of surprise in Virgin Island Creole.
5. There once was a man named Burt, who went really fast and got hurt.

Five New Things...

There is a blog I read almost everyday. I don't know the author...not at all. I discovered it by way of another blog by another person I don't know. That probably makes me a little weird but no more so then the fact that certain words make me nauseous.

I just think she's funny and creative and a great writer. I appreciate her talent and insight. She set out today to learn five new things. Nothing profound...just something she didn't know before. I thought it was an interesting exercise and wanted to give it a try.

My first new thing...The fear of words is called logophobia.

I'll let you know how I do.

Safari Synopsis

The only time I journal regularly is when I travel. I want to document where I've been and capture the feeling I had at that moment. I wrote every day of our African adventure and have grabbed a line or two from each day to share here.

So sit back, relax, and please keep all hands and arms inside the ride...until the ride has come to a complete stop.

July 2nd, somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean - It's our first leg of a 19 hour flight. People are in good spirits and still getting along. Kelly and I are sharing our two-seat row. It's so much better to cuddle with someone familiar.

July 3rd, somewhere over Africa - I haven't slept and I feel it. We've decided to spend the night in Johannesburg since we're two hours delayed. We would rather be late then drive at night to Swaziland.


July 4th, Manzini, Swaziland - We've finally arrived, safe and sound. Dinner was Chinese food with the District Superintendent and his wife who sat next to me. She thinks I'm funny and wants me to marry her son. She jokingly offered 2 cows and 3 goats as the "bride price". Her husband paid 7 cows for her. Why am I only worth 2 and are goats really that valuable?

July 5th, Manzini, Swaziland - It is our first day of work. It feels good to get started but I think we have more hands than work to do. Heather and I went to the grocery store. They drive on the left side of the road and the rule applies to grocery store aisles as well.

July 6th, Manzini, Swaziland - I felt much more productive on the work site today. Heather and I worked together laying bricks. I split bricks and got two thumbs up from "the foreman". I'm sunburned and sore but that means we got stuff done.


July 7th, Manzini, Swaziland - There is a status women have in the country. The medical team met a woman with TB, the final stages of AIDS who was hemmoraging after losing her unborn baby after a 7 month pregnancy. She was alone and in complete despair. I am proud of those who sat beside her. Despair is a difficult thing to share.

July 8th, Manzini, Swaziland - We visited Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital today. Hospital politics are everywhere. I ache for those I saw and for many more I didn't see.


July 9th, Manzini, Swaziland - We worshiped with the Luve church this morning...the same congregation we are building with. It doesn't matter where in the world I go, visiting a church always feels like visiting distant relatives. The food is different, people do things differently than you do, but it feels like you belong together.

July 10th, Manzini, Swaziland - We took a detour to the candle factory on our way home from the work site. The best part was the tea shop across the street. Cappuccinos in foreign countries make me very happy.


July 11th, Manzini, Swaziland - It was our last day at the building site. Heather and I teamed up again and laid block. We also finished up our grocery shopping this afternoon. We are a novelty at the local market. They know us as the group that buys all the water and 24 packs of Coke, Coke Light, Appletiser, and Grapetiser.

July 12th, Manzini, Swaziland - We had a dedication service this morning with Pastor Lucky and his wife. The best part of the day was watching the Swazi workers eating freezer pops that we passed out after a half day of work.

July 13th, Kruger National Park, South Africa - We've left Swaziland and have arrived at Kruger. Our drive to camp was 52 kilometers and we checked quite a few animals off our list, including a herd of elephant.


July 14th, Kruger National Park, South Africa - We added several animals to the list today. Heather and I got separated from the group for our night safari. Somehow we joined the geriatric club from Loud Mouth, Texas. Not exactly what we expected but it makes a good story.


July 15th, Johannesburg, South Africa - We've arrived safely back in Joburg. We ate dinner at La Boma tonight. It's a "game" restaurant where we could eat some of the animals we saw over the last few days. I tried everything but the seafood.

July 16th, Somewhere over Africa - Headed home at last. I'm anxious to get home to John and hair products. We are so thankful for safety in all the situations we found ourselves in. I'm thankful for the experience of meeting another part of our family and now thankful for the life I have to go home to.