A Purpose

About a month ago, while we were visiting our Sunday School class, a man asked for prayer for his family. He and his wife own their own business and she home schools their 13 year old son. The wife got called for grand jury duty and was told it could last for three months. They wanted God to show them what to do with all of this. I raised my hand and told him that I was an unemployed teacher and could help if needed. The next week, I met his wife. She is super sweet and a very loving, giving wife and mother. This jury duty was about to do her in. I offered my services and asked them to pray about it.

I realize that they don't know me and here I am offering to teach their son. So I prayed about it and left it up to God. She came back and said she had to start on April 19th. I asked if I could go and meet her son. She was about to ask me if I would come over and meet her son. So I went over loaded with pictures of my kids and the yearbooks from Kabul. I let them ask me questions and I told them all about me. She said it was already decided; God had given her peace about the whole thing.

I started on this week and this kid is great. He is very polite, driven to learn and easy to chat with. Today was my second day and I feel like have known him for a long time. He will say something or make a sound that reminds me of one of our sons. It warms my heart that God is allowing me to think about our sons throughout the day. He even reminds me of my nephew in looks and his quirky sense of humor.

The trial is set to last about 6 weeks. Once again, God had a job meant just for me. It gets me out of the house and lets me use my brain again. I think I am learning as much as he is!

My Heart Hurts

Last summer a "pastor" in Florida wanted to burn the quran. It made us a little nervous. Didn't he realize that he was putting people in danger. Did he care? He set the date for Sept. 11, 2001. A television pastor even made it worse by stating on the air that it could get some of our "M's" hurt. They know better than to use that word!

They put us on lock down as the time drew nearer. We went over our evac plans and bags. I made sure that I had the important stuff in a safe place. I made plans for our dog to be taken care of. We were as prepared as we could be. They were days when we could hear the hate messages over the mosque loudspeakers. There were people in the streets yelling "Kill the Americans". Afghan students came to school afraid to be by us. I can remember talking about what could and possibly would happen. It was during that time that God was preparing my heart to leave. I was not afraid of what could happen but I was grieving for what would come. And today it did.

I flew out of Kabul on Sept. 11. I can remember wondering if that was such a good plan. I was wondering if a plane coming to America would shake things up. I thanked God that I had a flight out of Germany and not Central Asia. I wondered about leaving Perry, my students and fellow workers there while I got out. Would I see them again, I could only leave in in His hands. My grief in leaving was too overwhelming and it was one less thing to think about on the flights.

Last week, I saw on the news that the "pastor" indeed had burn the quran. I talked with a few others and we agreed that it would not be as safe over there now. We talked about God and how we had to leave it up to Him now. I prayed for those I left behind. I prayed for those students who will be afraid that the school staff will leave. And the friends that love that country as much as I do. Those who won't run in fear but will continue to serve. I hold them up to Him.

Pray for this country as you have never prayed before. Pray that they can separate this burning from the people who love them and live among them. Pray for the families of those who were killed today. Just pray...

The Blue Mosque in Mazar

#97 Why God planted us in Kentucky

I have been feeling kinda useless lately. Perry gets to go to work and I do things around here for him. But I just wanted to be needed for something more. Well, God put me to work today. Here is another reason God planted us here in Kentucky.

Today I went to Dillard’s in the mall and got a “free makeover”. Yeah, they wanted me to buy stuff but I told them I was unemployed. I pulled a twenty and called Perry to see if I could buy him a coke. I really wanted him to see my new face. Lots of color! So I went to his office and he asked me if I had heard about the MAF workers who were in a car accident. I haven’t seen it yet.

Well, a couple who live in Michigan were driving through Lexington on their way to Florida. They were headed to a recruiting fair. They were in Ecuador for 21 years. They lived in Nate Saint’s house! They had a car accident yesterday at 3:30 pm and are in the hospital here. MAF needed someone to help them. I thought I could do that! They needed someone to locate their car and get things out of it. I went to the hospital to find out what kind of car and how they were doing. I walked into John’s room and he said “MAF sent you, huh?” They knew help would come. His wife, Sherry, was in surgery for a broken wrist. John has a lot of face injuries. He looks bad. But he still had his sense of humor.

We talked about what he would like to get from the car; power cord to computer, phone and maybe the gps and his golf clubs. He told me about the car and I called Perry so he could try and find it. I called MAF to let them know how things were going. They told me where the car was located. It was in an impound yard about 30 miles outside of town. MAF got permission for me to head down there and pick up a few things. I wanted to get there soon because it is suppose to rain again and the windows are broken.

Now here are the really awesome parts! I told the tow truck driver that they were M’s and he teared up as he told me that his in-laws are M’s in China. His wife and he go on short terms all the time. He took me to the car and helped me get into it. I thought he might only let me get a few things but this guy opened everything and helped me. He is not allowed to get anything out of the car but he lifted the big things so I could get to the little things. The phone was destroyed but I got the sim card. I got everything out of the trunk even his golf clubs! The stuff in front was mostly covered in blood so I left a lot of it there. I did find the power cord so he can have contact again. I found his passport, camera’s, medicines, address book, pictures of g’babies, their bibles and all of their suitcases.

I now believe in the saying that “stuff in your car can be weapons in an accident”. The tool box was in the trunk but there were tools in the front of the car. And a cooler with soda cans; soda can in the front windshield. I am going to be more careful with what I carry in the car.

In all of this, God kept reminding me that it could have been just as easy as been us while we traveled across the country. Pray for this couple, John and Sherry Lemmon. Today God showed me that I am needed here.

**John and Sherry were released last night from the hospital. Their children are taking them to Michigan to stay with John's sister. She lives in a one story house and due to their injuries; that will work out the best. They wanted to thank everyone for their prayers.
I want to thankful you all for your kind words of encouragement to me.

On my way to 800 Aprons!

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/02/26/1649570/apron-exhibit-highlights-domestic.html#storylink=misearch

Many of you know that I enjoy wearing aprons while I am teaching. Awhile back in the newspaper, I saw this article. Her family donated her aprons to a college close to us. I am going down there next week to check out the exhibit.

So... I got to thinking, my sister made me most of my aprons. When I got settled here, I unpack, cleaned and mended 53 aprons. I had a great idea! I could pass this lady! I called my sister and told her I needed 748 more aprons. She laughed and told me to get on it. She then told me that I had nothing to do so I could make my own. Guess what, I got a box in the mail yesterday. It held material to make 4 aprons and she sent the pattern. She was serious. So here are the newest materials.

 

I needed some more Easter ones.

 

 

Another Easter

I will post some more pictures after I visit the exhibit. I'm thinking that I should take one of mine and show them a great apron! (Or I should just get a job and quit thinking...)



I finished one for her friend who lives here.



You gotta have a Peanuts one!





Jungle Theme



 





I made it to Berea College.



#58 - My Mo apron

 



Unique with the towel attached





Pretty Cheeky, I love it!

 



Great idea on how to display



He lifts me up!

It has been rainy and cold here for the last week. I realized that I needed to get out and away from this computer. There are only so many resumes you can do in one day. I admit I have been a bit grumpy. The praise song "He lifts me up when I am down" kept running through my head.

The forecast for today was to be in the 60's. There is a pretty tree right outside our door that has red blooms on it. I have been wondering what it was and how I could figure it out. So I headed to the Arboretum today. It was wonderful! I found my tree. It is a Red Maple.

 

There were some things in bloom today. The grass is all green and lots of birds. I can't wait to see it next week after we get more sunny weather. So enjoy these pictures. The Lord knew I needed to see His blessings in nature today. And He did a brilliant job of it.



Carved tree man





This is a ground cover



And when I got home there was an email asking me to interview next week at the local school district. YEAH!

Magnolia trees

Security

I thought when we left Kabul  that I would not have to think about security all the time anymore. Well, I guess I still have to face it even in the states. As I have been going around to schools to drop off resumes. I noticed that you have to be "buzzed" in by the office staff. Okay, that seems like a great idea to me. I can see why they do that.

Today, I subbed at a school in the local district. It is right in the middle of a neighborhood. The neighborhood looks good. As the teacher explained her procedures, she told me about the release procedure at the end of the day. A bell rings and you release the walkers to go. You need to have the TV on so you can see when the buses pull up out front. As you read the numbers on the bus, you release those students. And during this time, students are called to the front of the school by their car number. Each family is assigned to a number. After 15 minutes, you release any students still in your care to the office.

Flashback to Kabul: Carline - It is the worst time of the day. The object is to get children safely to their bodyguards or families and get them out of there. This could be a good time for an attack. Families are assigned car line numbers. Staff are assigned week long duties to be out there with the students and to keep them calm and quiet. HA! I hated car line duty. My stomach and head hurt just trying to get these students out the gates with the right person.

Today brought it back freshly to my mind. We have come to realize that you don't realize how much stress affects you until you are out of it. When I left the school today, I felt the need to do something normal. So I stopped by the store and picked up a few things. Then I drove home and just did stuff around the house. It wasn't until after dinner that I realized what had me so uptight. So after I had a chat with my Father, I went back to the store and got some ice cream. You know ice cream really does help the healing process.  :)

Zoo Trip

Yesterday Perry had the day off from work, so we decide to explore Louisville. It is a 90 minute drive. We headed to the zoo first. Just as we pulled in, the raining started pouring down. People were running out the exit to their cars. I told Perry that I had umbrellas, he chose the animal print one.  :) It rained for about 5 minutes and then stopped. So glad we stayed. It is a great zoo. It will be beautiful in the spring with all the plants are in bloom. Of course, my favorite part was the flamingos. So I have to share:

I am always amazed when I see flamingos. God created this creature with the ability to lay its head on its back. It's neck can twist and turn and bend in such graceful ways. Wow!

However I really loved this goofy looking camel too.

We also went to the seminary to see the campus. We know a young couple who live there as he is finishing his degree. His wife was in my junior high SS class. And he played baseball with Troy while they were in junior high. Their families are still in California. We had them meet us at Hard Rock Cafe for dinner. I love this couple and the way God is preparing them for His service. It also made me miss our sons and their wives and girlfriends. I'm happy that we spent the time together and it makes me so thankful for the people who reach out to our sons as we are far away. God showed me another reason yesterday why He re-planted us here. Thank you, God!

A Treat

Today I went downtown to the Kentucky University Arboretum to walk around. It is the greatest place. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing. Yes, everything is dead but just being outside was wonderful. There is a 2 - mile trail around the area. There are lots of signs that tell all about the plants and where in Kentucky you can find them. As I was walking the trial, I asked God to show me a red cardinal. I had seen one when we first got here but didn't have my camera. And He is so faithful! I got my treat! Enjoy!



This is only the third time I have seen one.




It was singing the sweetest tune.



There are lots of these rock walls around here.



Went for a drive

We got an early start on the apt. Perry and I finished emptying the boxes in the living room. We took more stuff to Goodwill and the dumpster. So, we now have a larger living room. We walked over to the mall and did two indoor laps. We hadn't done that in awhile and we sure are feeling it. But it feels so good after you get done.

 

We went for a drive so I could show Perry places I had found this week. We went to the Shaker village. We didn't go in but now we know where it is located. However, Tasha and Marcie will need to bring a bucket! It is a curvy road and it overlooks the Kentucky river. We saw some beautiful icicles and I had to stop and take pictures. Some of them were over ten feet tall. It remind me of stalagmites you see in caves.

Perry asked me today why I was so excited aobut showing him around. I thought about it and the only answer I could give was that I have found a place to call home. I could have fought God and hated it. But I am so thankful for a new adventure that I just love it here! I am feeling comfortable with the area and I can find things to do and things to see; so its a good thing! We also found the local baseball stadium and located other places that we can explore later. In all, it was a really pleasant day in the sun!

Re-planted by God

 

 

I have been asked to post pictures of the apt and area. So today I went for a drive and took lots of pictures. As you can tell it snowed here again. Of course I love it but the locals are really hating it. It is all mushy and wet but to me it is beautiful. I drove out Hwy 68 which goes to the country. At the end I found a great train bridge. Along the way, for as far as you could see, were black fences and farms. There were horses and cows in the fields and really cool old barns. I wouldn't want the job of painting those fences but they are great to look at! I thought today was beautiful but I can't wait until spring when it will be all green out there. There is a Shaker village farther down the road. I want to visit there soon as well. Our family loved the Shaker village in Mass. so I am excited to visit this one. So here some pics of the country and our apt.


 

Our door is on the bottom

 

Sunroom attached to living room



  

Dining room right inside front door

 

Spare room is the holding tank for now



 
 

Master room has 3 closets so I gave Perry 2 and I took the walk-in in spare room



Kitchen with laundry room



I will be adding stools soon

A full pantry in kitchen

  

Guest bath and mine



 

  



Master bedroom right off the sunroom