tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30063539324418340562024-03-14T00:49:55.649-05:00D's PlaceDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-41652723264227989072012-12-11T14:17:00.001-06:002012-12-11T14:17:14.129-06:00Hello friends
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Knock, knock? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anybody out there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It has been a while hasn't it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure everyone has probably gone home to
roost by now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A lot has happened since I last
wrote. I've had some heartbreak, some discoveries and begun new journeys. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I guess as long as I keep moving forward
and not backward, I'm on the right path. Right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For starters,
I guess the biggest difference has to do with a major career change</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> in
April of this year</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. I am no
longer running my local newspaper. I have walked away from my career as
newspaper journalist, marketing manager, GM, publisher, webmaster, composer and
all around Jill-of-all-newspaper-trades.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Initially, the decision was not my
own, ultimately, I walked away from an industry that I had worked hard to
master. I take that first part back, I was given a choice to keep my job. I was
told I could stay on</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> doing the same thing for less than half the pay,
resign or accept a letter of termination. Yeah, that really was the offer folks.
I worked for years getting my education, paying my dues and working my way up
the ladder to learn the ropes, and run a business in that particular industry.
I knew as a kid that I would run a newspaper someday. And I did. I was even contacted
by other papers with some great opportunities. But, it was time to move on. I
was not killing myself any longer for someone else to continue to profit from
my sacrifices. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Selfish? Maybe. Probably
not. Telling my new boss to eat his offer? Priceless.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the loss of
my job, I made the decision, with the support of my most AMAZING husband, to
take advantage of various opportunities that were knocking and we both knew
that if I work as hard for myself as I have for others, how could it be
anything</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> a success! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So far, so good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the type A part of my personality gets a little
frustrated with progress at times, my common sense side reaches out, gives me a
good slap, stops the panic and makes me take a look around at all the changes,
little successes and forward movements that for many, never happen as fast as
they have in the last 9 months for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">One would have thought that with walking away from a
corporate career, life slows down. Wrong. At least not</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> for me. As someone who ate, slept and breathed what I did,
my abrupt and unexpected job loss was a total atmospheric upheaval. I remember
waking up the next morning at the same time as always, watching my husband
getting ready for work as I sat on the couch, in a daze, drinking my coffee and
telling him, “I don't know how to not get up and go to work. How do I just not
go to work?!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that was just a
stupid question. But legitimate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">My job loss was God kicking me in the ass I think. </span><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Over the years, I had slowly lost myself in the rat race of
taking the paper from point A to point B and letting go of my own identity. My
health was declining, relationships were declining, I really was a workaholic
and everything else took a backseat. I tend to do that with any job I've had, I
get the blinders and just start moving forward to get the job done. </span><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That particular affliction has been doused....at least for
this moment in my life. I am going in so many directions, each of which seemed
to have been placed naturally at my feet by the hand of God, that I alternate
between times of frantic chase and frantic peace regularly. None of which seem
out of place, all of which seem perfectly natural.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain.</span><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Frantic chase. For years I have had to maintain some
sort of creative outlet to allow for a mental release from the hectic day to
day stuff we all have. Everyone deals with things in their own way, my sanity
saver was creating things. I used words when I wrote, pencils when I sketched,
fabric and thread when I sewed. It was my restoration process. Basically, it
was the only way to take my foot of the gas pedal. Over the years, my creative
outlets built themselves into a pretty nice stash, from writing projects to
items that sat in an off the wall, online store for anyone who happened to
stumble onto it and buy something. (You can only give so much of that stuff
away) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of my more recent writing projects dealt with developing
generational relationships between women and the effects on younger
generations, domestic violence etc…etc…. I developed the manuscript, a workbook
to go along with it and even happened to be in final stages of completing the
pilot workshop itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had three other serious writing projects taking their turn
at my creative process, all full length book manuscripts and none having to
anything to do with the other’s subject matter, or even in the same realm as
one another. I have a play, a two fictional novels, and a non-fiction project
all fighting for time with me and the magic keyboard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After righting myself from job loss, I thought I would focus
on my writing projects. Within about 3 days, I spoke to several key players
that, once finished, would help bring my play to fruition as a major fundraiser
for a domestic violence group and was met with nothing but support. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember that silly little online store I spoke of earlier? In
the first week of my unemployment, my online store had two international sales
(Ireland and Denmark) and within a week and a half, sold out. I soon had some
custom orders and discovered a market for aprons (who in the Hell would have
guessed that?!? Not me!) So, over the next month, I set aside my writing,
re-launched the online store, built up some product, made some new contacts,
had a great opportunity to work with my sister-in-law in her very successful
business, developed a workroom for local home décor designer, take on private
clients for custom work and voila! A sewing hobby has become a small entrepreneurial
project with legs of its own and a good future for success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the weeks that followed my job loss I also finished my
pilot workshop, started the rewrites from that project and began a search for
an agent to support that writing particular project. Had a few successes on
that front and continue to write and work on other projects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My frantic peace comes because mostly, this new process
seems to be all or nothing. I do great when it is time to juggle all the balls
at once. My struggle comes when I am supposed to take the moments of nothing
and peacefully contemplate what I have achieved. Those are the times of my
panicked search for the next all-in moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll be the first to admit, patience is not one of my
virtues…but I may be learning it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">D<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-44431231367061534122011-10-19T19:25:00.000-05:002011-10-19T19:25:41.543-05:00A little peakClick and enjoy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNF3yRwZwdoq8wa7Fca8pJ5xa77q5iu4tajINWvOoAEKbhDauo4cncVtwc6KDs_XS8rZpN5yvkffnrDGMp' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>It's official....I have 6,338 photos of our trip to Peru and because of the randomness of when I was able to take video...those minutes of recorded time are still being counted.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I have a LOT of reviewing to do and even more editing before I have a documentary of our time in Peru worth showing.<br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed my vision above. I hope even more that it teased you enough to make you want more.<br />
<br />
Between my family, work, the women's studies course/book I'm writing, this documentary and a few other smaller projects, my time is at an all time limit.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I am loving it all and couldn't ask for more (really, there's no more time! lol), but please bear with me. I am keeping busy and looking forward to sharing it all with you as soon as I can!<br />
<br />
Thanks for all of you who keep following and checking in on me- I appreciate every one of you!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-90051569915784525292011-09-27T18:12:00.000-05:002011-09-27T18:12:20.618-05:00I haven't forgotten you!We are all back home safe and sound as of Sunday night, Sept 18th. I have over 3,000 pics from the trip and some incredible stories to share. <br />
<br />
At this time, Aaron is back to school, I am back to work and we are attempting to catch up from being absent from our actual lives for 14 days! <br />
<br />
I will begin posting photos, stories and videos from out trip to Peru once we have settled back into our normal routines and can find the additional time to do so. <br />
<br />
until then...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjoQuE4WqJw/ToJQZO3gDnI/AAAAAAAAAh4/BNvY2oW90W8/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IjoQuE4WqJw/ToJQZO3gDnI/AAAAAAAAAh4/BNvY2oW90W8/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the streets in Lima<br />
The streets and sidewalks seem to be as crowed with cars and people as the hillsides.<br />
There are approximately 250,000 to 300,000 people in Huancayo, Peru<br />
There are approximately 7 to 8 million people in Lima, Peru</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgeASUYIBUg/ToJRFGVMYiI/AAAAAAAAAiE/bBrj-myRnPs/s1600/100_1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgeASUYIBUg/ToJRFGVMYiI/AAAAAAAAAiE/bBrj-myRnPs/s320/100_1387.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedelia showing us a hand embroidered skirt panel made by Inez<br />
Inez does handi-work to supplement the family's income. This type of traditional skirt is handmade and requires two panels. Each panel takes two months to make. A skirt sells for maybe $200.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orzQAyq-x3M/ToJRL-NowLI/AAAAAAAAAiI/MPSqh_YyNYs/s1600/100_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-orzQAyq-x3M/ToJRL-NowLI/AAAAAAAAAiI/MPSqh_YyNYs/s320/100_1393.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inez with some of her family<br />
The day after this picture, after I promised I would buy the school uniform for her 13 year old son because that was the only reason he wasn't in school, we were informed that her son in the picture above had to take his brother to another village to live with other family members. The young man had apparently crossed paths with a local 'mafia' or gang and in order to keep him safe and out of trouble, the family thought it best to remove him from the area. Because of the family's poverty and distance from the other village-they may or may not see thier son again. <br />
Gives a whole new meaning to the term, 'tough love' doesn't it?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUR7ytj8v7g/ToJRRotZplI/AAAAAAAAAiM/5E8oN18mIWU/s1600/100_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aUR7ytj8v7g/ToJRRotZplI/AAAAAAAAAiM/5E8oN18mIWU/s320/100_1409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cow still decorated from a recent festival<br />
Both it and the chicken in the background are grazing...and pooping, in the front yard of a home....in the same place the children play. Add sheep and dogs to this and one can only imagine the big picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrxUNDOi538/ToJRitgYHkI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Y1oDgq9M2yo/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrxUNDOi538/ToJRitgYHkI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/Y1oDgq9M2yo/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A street vendor in Huancayo<br />
Storefronts on wheels....everywhere you turn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4uV2ZJ_pmfs/ToJRwkgXslI/AAAAAAAAAiU/Cmv7uQFy4FI/s1600/100_1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4uV2ZJ_pmfs/ToJRwkgXslI/AAAAAAAAAiU/Cmv7uQFy4FI/s320/100_1346.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A still decorated sheep grazing on land as hard as concrete<br />
Imagine having to plow, by hand, the rows in a field of rock laden dirt dried as hard as the sidewalk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUl5a92TmMU/ToJR49KEAlI/AAAAAAAAAiY/aKPwpE4nIyg/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUl5a92TmMU/ToJR49KEAlI/AAAAAAAAAiY/aKPwpE4nIyg/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A day on the streets of Huancayo<br />
The people in Huancayo can never be mistaken for meanderers, they are all headed someplace in a hurry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ei1cEnePU0/ToJSIKTQZLI/AAAAAAAAAic/U-n9663rGPI/s1600/DSC_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ei1cEnePU0/ToJSIKTQZLI/AAAAAAAAAic/U-n9663rGPI/s320/DSC_0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women in Huancayo waiting for a bus <br />
Imagine carrying all of your Saturday groceries on your back while traveling in standing room only public transportation to reach the 10-20 miles back home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lU7cx4zVWgU/ToJSySF4LQI/AAAAAAAAAig/5lEJL0ZuVN8/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lU7cx4zVWgU/ToJSySF4LQI/AAAAAAAAAig/5lEJL0ZuVN8/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron giving out some candy to one of the boys of Azapampa<br />
They love the sour stuff!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cRx2XK9QzII/ToJS3Gh87DI/AAAAAAAAAik/fidnPQ9SlEU/s1600/DSC_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cRx2XK9QzII/ToJS3Gh87DI/AAAAAAAAAik/fidnPQ9SlEU/s320/DSC_0531.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many faces we have come to love in Azapampa<br />
One of his neighborhood playmates fell down a well the last day we were there<br />
Little Percy is fine, but imagine something we might have national media coverage for as something the people of Azapampa deal with on a daily basis.<br />
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</div><div align="left">Blessings, </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">D</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-2057566837425647792011-09-12T21:57:00.001-05:002011-09-12T22:06:53.767-05:00Sunday's River BaptismSunday, people came from all around and miles away to celebrate the baptism of five Azapampa youth. It was a wonderful day full of God, love and laughter. The event was held in the middle of the fields next to a river and the beautiful Andes mountains set the backdrop. Today, pictures are worth more than words...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ES6970rGM-A/Tm6KXuX-hII/AAAAAAAAAhQ/CClO_GjZ-38/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ES6970rGM-A/Tm6KXuX-hII/AAAAAAAAAhQ/CClO_GjZ-38/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raquel preparing for the baptism ceremony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3owWvpfAE2M/Tm6KpfpQLfI/AAAAAAAAAhU/OFpEjvVD1qA/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3owWvpfAE2M/Tm6KpfpQLfI/AAAAAAAAAhU/OFpEjvVD1qA/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neighbors, friends and families traveled from all over to attend the baptism</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKN0TjepdA0/Tm6K_CjUgtI/AAAAAAAAAhY/kEugkas_xqo/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKN0TjepdA0/Tm6K_CjUgtI/AAAAAAAAAhY/kEugkas_xqo/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The five children gather, listen to the sermon and prepare for the river baptism</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl50jksY030/Tm6LKSubIhI/AAAAAAAAAhc/0rUnWeMuyms/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl50jksY030/Tm6LKSubIhI/AAAAAAAAAhc/0rUnWeMuyms/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie was asked to sing at the ceremony- It was beautiful</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUa94xNqFoU/Tm6LXdZWLGI/AAAAAAAAAhg/6X7sYrAi9eI/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUa94xNqFoU/Tm6LXdZWLGI/AAAAAAAAAhg/6X7sYrAi9eI/s320/DSC_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the baptisms, everyone stayed to eat lunch in the fields, celebrate the day, visit with one another and the children played together.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCJEcCIDKio/Tm7Hn19DdHI/AAAAAAAAAho/WF9ifrCVvBQ/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCJEcCIDKio/Tm7Hn19DdHI/AAAAAAAAAho/WF9ifrCVvBQ/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2t0x_Nkp9Y/Tm7H-iEPMNI/AAAAAAAAAhs/8A7aCUV1hOQ/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2t0x_Nkp9Y/Tm7H-iEPMNI/AAAAAAAAAhs/8A7aCUV1hOQ/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GosJIwlzMXc/Tm7INI6s0OI/AAAAAAAAAhw/89B2CR-rvqY/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GosJIwlzMXc/Tm7INI6s0OI/AAAAAAAAAhw/89B2CR-rvqY/s320/DSC_0154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqU_Ibm7o4I/Tm7IbQmCqZI/AAAAAAAAAh0/yBFVQmhC-xQ/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AqU_Ibm7o4I/Tm7IbQmCqZI/AAAAAAAAAh0/yBFVQmhC-xQ/s320/DSC_0169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">D</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-4722415421183765472011-09-09T17:06:00.000-05:002011-09-09T17:06:50.459-05:00Say a little prayer.......for success. We are attempting to create a skype session between Peru and Cameron on Sat evening to share a little international fellowship and youth interaction. Stay posted for updates on the place, time and opportunity to atttend. <br />
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Until then, here are few photos from the last few days. Hope you enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TWQl7TZneQ/TmqHzdyULLI/AAAAAAAAAgo/Q5RSro76-bI/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TWQl7TZneQ/TmqHzdyULLI/AAAAAAAAAgo/Q5RSro76-bI/s320/DSC_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touring Azapampa the first day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4-c4FA6KGs/TmqIVqUdKdI/AAAAAAAAAgs/_9Mbpwc59Hc/s1600/DSC_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4-c4FA6KGs/TmqIVqUdKdI/AAAAAAAAAgs/_9Mbpwc59Hc/s320/DSC_0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streets of Huancayo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkjU0dRUMzM/TmqIsfmNbPI/AAAAAAAAAgw/VPZyT-8Zfp0/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkjU0dRUMzM/TmqIsfmNbPI/AAAAAAAAAgw/VPZyT-8Zfp0/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street vender in Huancayo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r62YtOk3tAQ/TmqI-T0N26I/AAAAAAAAAg0/VaKGT5BBjU4/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r62YtOk3tAQ/TmqI-T0N26I/AAAAAAAAAg0/VaKGT5BBjU4/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A family of Azapampa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUoR9GiE05o/TmqJbQRobkI/AAAAAAAAAg4/74-meG_vfkw/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUoR9GiE05o/TmqJbQRobkI/AAAAAAAAAg4/74-meG_vfkw/s320/DSC_0145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Street woman in Huancayo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg5WS5nrM3A/TmqJ7ybTjGI/AAAAAAAAAg8/imIYiBH5s6g/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg5WS5nrM3A/TmqJ7ybTjGI/AAAAAAAAAg8/imIYiBH5s6g/s320/DSC_0224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little red church in Azapampa, Caesar, Gracie, Ruth and Donna</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ss4dlmeSh3A/TmqKJpm1mII/AAAAAAAAAhA/dqwFiPdcVIs/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ss4dlmeSh3A/TmqKJpm1mII/AAAAAAAAAhA/dqwFiPdcVIs/s320/DSC_0362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common roofing of the housing in Azapampa....if they have roofs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i24B6-u7VFU/TmqKYBg30_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/cuUaU_rylB8/s1600/DSC_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i24B6-u7VFU/TmqKYBg30_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/cuUaU_rylB8/s320/DSC_0484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living in Azapampa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7BDxXjqs5I/TmqKmDXy6HI/AAAAAAAAAhI/LHTnDKOb2yI/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7BDxXjqs5I/TmqKmDXy6HI/AAAAAAAAAhI/LHTnDKOb2yI/s320/DSC_0538.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachael, a girl of Azapampa. She is a daughter of one of the families we've helped. She will have a forecver place in my heart. We shared some great moments and you'll hear stories about her later.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzuwsX7BavY/TmqK2gMkpyI/AAAAAAAAAhM/F56G3iXQPL8/s1600/DSC_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pzuwsX7BavY/TmqK2gMkpyI/AAAAAAAAAhM/F56G3iXQPL8/s320/DSC_0606.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The playground in the back yard of the little red church in Azapampa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-20836344935358045542011-09-09T00:44:00.000-05:002011-09-09T00:44:21.551-05:00A foundation to build on<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day two began at 5:30 am with a cold shower. I don't complain after seeing what we are here to help with. We dressed and headed to Caesar and Karina’s house for a breakfast of eggs and mushrooms with warm chiabatta bread, strawberry jelly from the market and wonderful Peruvian coffee, from the jungle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of smarter team members opted for warm showers at Caesar’s while the rest of us ate our breakfast. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caesar dropped us at Azapampa and familiar faces greeted us with smiles and hugs as we entered the village on a road no vehicle should have to brave. We dropped our bags at the little red church and looked through our suitcases of tools as Hedelia, The Lay Pastor of Azapampa and Caesar, briefed us again on the needs of our first family. We were to purchase the rocks and dirt that would be used to fill the foundation trenches for their new home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With business settled we entered the home area of our first family. More hugs, kisses and thanks greeted us. While waiting on materials to arrive, there was work to be done. We moved three big piles of dirt and rock created from the digging of the trenches and used it to level out the yard where our family lived. I think the piles grew for a bit when we began to dig them out and shovel the earth into wheelbarrows, but we prevailed. Several of the women kept the dust down by pulling buckets of water from the well and splashing it onto the hills of dirt.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The high altitude made the strenuous work even more difficult and I’m sure the people of this mountain gained a laugh or two at the gringos who had to take more than a few extra breaks between shoveling and moving dirt. But we never knew if they did. The people were gracious, loving and appreciative of our willingness help. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think the two family members that stood out to me most during the day were the matriarch of the family and one of her daughters, Elizabeth. The matriarch seemed to rule the family with a silent but firm and loving hand. One word from her and the children and grandchildren quickly and respectfully carried out her wishes. I call her Mama. I think nothing happens under Mama’s watch that she is not aware of. She appears kind, extremely wise and very strong.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mama must have thought that my American ball cap was not sufficient for the Azapampa sun, because she brought me a new hat to wear. The native Peruvian hat was beautiful, but unfortunately, my head is a little bigger than the people of this family, so it didn’t fit well. Ruth,my fellow mission team member, who was give a beautiful bright red hat by this family the day before swapped with me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mama was right…the Peruvian hat protected my face and ears from the sun much better than my hat the day before. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I truly enjoyed getting to know Elizabeth. She is 33 and, along with her two sisters, will be getting baptized in the river Sunday. The team will be blessed in that we have been invited to attend the river baptism. Elizabeth is a bright, eager to learn young lady. I never see her when there is not a smile on her face. Even though I speak minimal Spanish ( I am learning more each day I am here) she comprehends English fairly well and we had great conversation about family, way of life, one another and our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am pulled to this young lady and it was a privilege to get to spend the afternoon with her and her family andto share a part of our lives with one another. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dirt for the concrete arrived and the men, there are three sons, along with my son, began to sift the dirt for the foundation’s concrete mixture. I was proud of my son, who despite being unaccustomed to the mountain air, kept pace with the men of the family during the session of shoveling and mixing dirt, concrete and rock. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the men, my Aaron included, prepared the mix for the concrete, we spent time with Mama, her daughters and grandchildren. The afternoon was filled with great accomplishment and fellowship. At Mama’s urging, we even tried chewing coca leaves. It tastes like chewing alfalfa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mama says it is a great cure for altitude sickness, upset stomachs, headaches and a multitude of other ailments. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a day of hard work, we took taxis back to Probitem, the seminary in Huancayo where we are staying, took showers, my first hot one since we’d arrived here, and headed out to the square with Karina to have some great Chinese food. After dinner, we walked around the square a bit. I visited a store in attempt to find some raw wool. We did not find any there and were told to visit another store in another area. Karina advised us we would have to visit this place during the day because it was located in an area that was not safe at night. We walked a little more and Aaron found a music store. He looked at some trumpets and even tried a couple out right there in the open store front next to the sidewalk. He failed to find one he couldn’t live without. But before we left the store, he was thanked by another patron leaving the store for the concert. It was a fun evening and a good end to a hard but good day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Working alongside the people of Azapampa today made me reflect on the hardships these people have faced, both in the past and today. Watching their love for one another and their willingness to work hard for the little they have, makes my heart ache that I can’t give them more. Sometimes it is very hard to let go and let God do the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do not know how Gracie does it. It is obvious by the love that radiates from her eyes and her generous smiles the moment she first sees faces that are familiar to her here in Peru, that she genuinely loves the people here. She comes every year and does great things for them. And, every year, her heart breaks that she cannot do more. Today, after making sure this family had a strong and safe foundation to build their home on, she was asked if there was a way she could help them buy the bricks for their walls. The money only goes so far and Gracie works miracles in how much she is able to accomplish each year with the little money she has for the Peru mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact remains, there is only so much money and she has other families, in just as much need.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It takes a while to upload photos from here, and I have so many....for now, I'll just leave you with a few moments from the day...</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P08Z6JZWAR4/TmmdVf89uiI/AAAAAAAAAgI/vyoZT9c1EV4/s1600/Aaron.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P08Z6JZWAR4/TmmdVf89uiI/AAAAAAAAAgI/vyoZT9c1EV4/s320/Aaron.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dirt mix must be sifted, mixed with concrete mix, then mixed again with a sandy soil. All this is done with only manual labor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oR4E4bLNCzw/TmmdhqfXXDI/AAAAAAAAAgM/N9OlqNlQqC4/s1600/family+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oR4E4bLNCzw/TmmdhqfXXDI/AAAAAAAAAgM/N9OlqNlQqC4/s320/family+home.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the compound type yard shared between our family and thier other family members and neighbors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eeCg4FQS4p0/TmmdvsLzXqI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Hvlp2_-dHjM/s1600/hats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eeCg4FQS4p0/TmmdvsLzXqI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Hvlp2_-dHjM/s320/hats.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new friend Jose, Hedelia's husband, and <br />
I comparing our new hats!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TlgKSyw9rw/Tmmd9ef3QxI/AAAAAAAAAgU/yoK2MK-m5Xo/s1600/mama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TlgKSyw9rw/Tmmd9ef3QxI/AAAAAAAAAgU/yoK2MK-m5Xo/s320/mama.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama chewing coca leaves and setting next to one of her daughters while taking a break in the shade to watch the work. Mama had just finished carrying two bags of cement mix on her back. They weighed 100lbs each.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAJALnRK8A0/TmmeITLsLoI/AAAAAAAAAgY/aDTO_xExd04/s1600/kid_sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAJALnRK8A0/TmmeITLsLoI/AAAAAAAAAgY/aDTO_xExd04/s320/kid_sheep.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the children of Azapampa sitting on the side of the road while doing his homework.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOZappbxweE/TmmeUgmJD8I/AAAAAAAAAgc/pMHbmxEeWpQ/s1600/rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOZappbxweE/TmmeUgmJD8I/AAAAAAAAAgc/pMHbmxEeWpQ/s320/rocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the foundation trench</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh3OncY53FY/Tmmego7Gj3I/AAAAAAAAAgg/_7vmSlL7vdY/s1600/scenery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh3OncY53FY/Tmmego7Gj3I/AAAAAAAAAgg/_7vmSlL7vdY/s320/scenery.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many spectacular views from the village of Azapampa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcJ65TYYP-s/TmmereEhQgI/AAAAAAAAAgk/4U5pRroD4m0/s1600/well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zcJ65TYYP-s/TmmereEhQgI/AAAAAAAAAgk/4U5pRroD4m0/s320/well.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family's well. While recently the gov't has begun to truck clean water into the village, each family digs a well for daily use in the home. the well water is still used for cleaning, bathing and livestock. The water is poison for many reasons and not safe for consumption.<br />
<br />
<div align="left">Blessings,</div><div align="left">D</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-79992545896605294852011-09-06T22:09:00.000-05:002011-09-06T22:09:46.675-05:00Peru Update <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Hello everyone! Finally have a decent connection to the internet that I think will be fairly consistant. It was a long trip to get here and once here, we have been immersed in the people, land and culture. I'll have a more in depth post for you later but to get everyone up to speed, here is a few quick words.<br />
<br />
We arrived safely in Huancayo. Our 9 hour bus ride only took about 7 1/2 hrs. we dropped like rocks Monday evening and woke early this morning to meet the five families whom we are to help during our two week mission. <br />
<br />
We will spend a day or two with each family getting to know them and helping them repair thier homes from the horrible rains earlier this year. I was told that the rainfall this year was 200% higher than normal. <br />
<br />
The people are so gracious and full of love in Azapampa. It was sensory overload and extremely overwhelming to step into thier lives even for this day. Even knowing the poverty I was about to witness it was hard. <br />
<br />
I think Aaron and I fell in love with the people of Azapampa today. They certainly have our hearts. Even though today was a day of meeting these families, we came home physically, mentally and emotionally exausted. I wish I could help them all. But, one can only do what one can do and we must trust God to do the rest.<br />
<br />
Always easier said than done.<br />
<br />
Today was a whirlwind and because my senses are on overload, I am still not familiar with the names of our families. We are learning one another. I am sure there will be additions and corrections to these stories, but for now, for the first heartbreaking and overwhelming day of introductions let me introduce you briefly to our families.<br />
<br />
Family One:<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW48zFe2XXg/TmbekAeWc7I/AAAAAAAAAf4/Vf7qUw5Ta2A/s1600/family+one.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW48zFe2XXg/TmbekAeWc7I/AAAAAAAAAf4/Vf7qUw5Ta2A/s320/family+one.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">large family, three generations, only one man-a husband to one of the daughters, and two boys-teenagers, all the reast are young girls and babies. A grandmother, with young kids, then there are the two sisters, both with kids only one with husband. <br />
<br />
They are living in a small unstable adobe room while attempting to rebuild a room where they will all live. Thier home literally 'melted', from all the rain this last year. <br />
<br />
They have dug the trench for the adobe foundation of thier new room/home. We are supposed to help build the foundation in our two days with them.<br />
<br />
The second family: (we didn't get to meet these girls today-they were at school and working.)</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12oINDNYmss/TmbfAKEFpnI/AAAAAAAAAf8/wo3C_Vx2F7E/s1600/family+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12oINDNYmss/TmbfAKEFpnI/AAAAAAAAAf8/wo3C_Vx2F7E/s320/family+2.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Two young girls. 16 and 10. They are alone. The mother died from what they explained as, an exploding lung. The father is an alcoholic and has abandoned them. He is just gone. Thier home is completly crumbled. No roof, only three partial and very unstable walls. <br />
<br />
The girls have no one. The oldest works to take care of them and still goes to school. The youngest girl is in school still also. They are temporarily staying in a small adobe shed that is very unsafe also. <br />
<br />
We have to knock down the remaining walls and try to pour a concrete or adobe foundation. <br />
<br />
The third family:</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRZUfBiRA10/TmbfX_ENI7I/AAAAAAAAAgE/7HHJKnq7vOk/s1600/100_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRZUfBiRA10/TmbfX_ENI7I/AAAAAAAAAgE/7HHJKnq7vOk/s320/100_1393.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
A family of man, wife and five kids. Thier home/room was also destroyed. The husband builds walls by trade so he is skilled but out of work so the family's only money right now comes from the sale of the wife's wares. She sells embroideried skirts cutomeary to thier culture. One skirt takes four months to make and only sells for about $60. <br />
<br />
The husband has rebuilt much of the room but it needs to be plastered and to have windows installed. <br />
<br />
We are going provide materials since they have no money to complete thier home and help complete the tasks during our two days with this family. <br />
<br />
We are also buying the uniform and school supplies for thier 12 year old son so that he can attend school. This is the only reason is not in school. The family cannot afford the uniform or supplies (books) it takes for this boy to attend. <br />
<br />
Family four:<br />
This family was not at home and we have not met them yet. They have rebuilt thier home after it was destroyed in the rains but has no window coverings. They need this and a few other items that we'll be helping with. They are living with family until they can move into thier home.<br />
<br />
Famliy five:</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElicKBvtMUQ/TmbfPW_Wo0I/AAAAAAAAAgA/3t-IpPVuP7w/s1600/famly+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElicKBvtMUQ/TmbfPW_Wo0I/AAAAAAAAAgA/3t-IpPVuP7w/s320/famly+5.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Same thing, only I think the filthiest living conditions. (and thier dog bit me as we walked by!) A woman and man and 4 or 5 children are living in a very nasty and smelly area while they are rebuilding a bigger room to live in. I think about a 10x12 room is what the new one will be. <br />
<br />
We will be hauling big rocks to mix with mud for the adobe that goes into the foundation trench that he has already dug for the new place. The wife of this family told us how she had been bleeding from her mouth from carrying so many rocks. I do not know if it was the way she was carrying them or from the weight she bore while carrying them. Either way, it was heartbreaking.<br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">(As we visited this family, thier dog ran out of thier fence, charged me and bit my calf. I'm fine, it didn't break the skin too bad, it is more sore from the pinch of the bite I think than the bite itself. )</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have a lot of work to get done and it is late. It is 10:45 and we are headed to bed. 5:30 comes early. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Please say a prayer for the people of Azapampa. They are full of love for one another and God and live a life no one should have to live. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tomorrow I'll share more about the people and the history of Azapampa. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Goodnight.,</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;">D</span></span><br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-49957900107883630272011-09-05T14:23:00.000-05:002011-09-05T14:23:41.683-05:00D'Anna Balliett<br />
Just checking in with everyone. Service will be spotty until we arrive in Huancayo. Everyone is safe, enjoying our exposure to Lima and as of 10 mins ago, packed onto the bus and headed for Huancayo. Before we pulled out- our photos were taken for our identification should we plummet off the side of the mountain at anytime during this 9 hour bus ride. Lol. Would it matter at that point?<br />
<br />
Sorry for the crazy broken up posts from earlier. I was attempting to post from my phone and I think it broke the messages up into so many characters. <br />
<br />
As I am typing this, our bus driver is battling it out with another bus. Literally. They are fighting for position and the two buses are so close, our bus driver reached out and started banging on the other driver's window! Guess we lost the battle, angry bus driver #2 refused to back down, bumped our bus and went ahead of us. City road rage has nothing on Peru. <br />
<br />
I'm signing off to enjoy more incredible sights from the safety (did I say safety?) of my bus window. Ill post photos later. <br />
<br />
With a new appreciation for US traffic laws,<br />
DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-44752999705379331652011-09-04T21:21:00.003-05:002011-09-04T21:21:31.774-05:00ng the states in 1 1/2 hrs. Four and a half hours after that, we'll be landing on the coast of Peru!Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-31625822907352301222011-09-04T21:21:00.001-05:002011-09-04T21:21:29.751-05:00settled in the Miami airport and just finished a croquetta, spinach and cheese empanada and guava and cheese pastry. Life is good. Yummo! We'll be leaviDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-27739327037752356632011-09-04T16:47:00.001-05:002011-09-04T16:47:54.269-05:00And... Gracie is the bomb....she got the five of us a seat change on the plane so we are all setting in the same row. You rock lady!Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-46244590744328642422011-09-04T16:46:00.005-05:002011-09-04T16:46:27.953-05:00s as packed!!! As I type we are waiting to board the plane in Dallas! Very excited to arrive in Lima!Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-67548645677793598472011-09-04T16:46:00.003-05:002011-09-04T16:46:25.095-05:00od Grief Charlie Brown! American Airlines took our roller carry-on bags and made us check them all the way thru to Peru! Hope-n-pray everything arriveDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-85619218937435983392011-09-04T16:46:00.001-05:002011-09-04T16:46:23.594-05:00We started with a bang- all the batteries in my carry on bag flagged security! After a very thorough bag search, we were on our way....almost! Then GoDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-89467133076100553992011-09-03T09:00:00.000-05:002011-09-03T09:00:20.673-05:00Packing 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjeU-Yj2mRY/TmIu980fiuI/AAAAAAAAAfw/vRIkpcSfSpk/s1600/100_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjeU-Yj2mRY/TmIu980fiuI/AAAAAAAAAfw/vRIkpcSfSpk/s200/100_1193.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what does one take when packing to leave for a mission trip? Good question. One that makes me realize I need a little more simplicity in my life. And one that makes me realize it is easier to fall into the stereotypical arrogant-American, living in excess, role that I strive to avoid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Before anyone starts the rampage- back off. I am very proud and blessed to be an American.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></strong></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">This situation is one of the few reasons I hesitated on opening my personal blog up to the public. And, maybe I just need to get this statement out of the way. I’ll say this once and once only. I will not apologize for anything I say here because someone doesn’t like or understand the statement. I’ll discuss, explain (to an extent) but I will not argue, encourage or get lost in arguing over my choice of words or thoughts. This is my house (hence the name, D’s Place.) I have extended my welcome mat to you, cross and enter these pages peacefully- or don’t cross it at all.</span></strong></em> <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Okay, I’m stepping off of my soapbox now, thanks for listening…<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Packing 101, continued<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I generally try to think of myself as a fairly down to earth person. I don’t attempt to keep up with the Jones’, I don’t live a lavish lifestyle and I live by my motto that as long as I have, I have something to give. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After attempting to pack for a two week mission trip to Peru, where I am going to help and serve others who are less fortunate than myself I’ve discovered something…..<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have too much stuff and a lot of room for personal growth<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I skate closer to that stereotypical line than I realize<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I envy those who can travel abroad for weeks at a time living out of a simple back pack with every need met.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It goes something like this:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me(two weeks before trip): Hmm, we get one large checked bag that can weigh up to 50lbs, a carry on, back pack and computer bag. We only have to pack a couple of changes of clothes to work in, a few necessities and we can use the clothes we travel in for our visits to homes, churches and other locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can do that, sounds like I’ll have all the room to pack I’ll need.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5fdvOfcGb-0/TmIv-3f6MoI/AAAAAAAAAf0/98qp0sJjc6A/s1600/100_1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5fdvOfcGb-0/TmIv-3f6MoI/AAAAAAAAAf0/98qp0sJjc6A/s200/100_1194.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Myself (days later): Crap, how am I going to get all of this stuff in these bags?! I know I’ll forget something if I don’t pack everything. I mean it is not like I can just run to the corner store to buy what I want. These bags are never going to hold everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I(5:30am the day before we fly out): Really D? Between the clothes you travel in, the toiletries and the emergency change of clothes you put in your carry-on, what else couldn’t you live without? Remember where you are going and why; remember the difference between need and want. Now go zip up your bags and be thankful for everything around you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">**********</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I find it amazing at times how easy we (I) can drift from the attitude of need to want without even realizing it. Yes, we are blessed with luxuries around us. Things like running water, electricity, a choice of what we are going to wear today, shoes (with a rather large emphasis on the plural), solid buildings to house us, our wants and needs really are all luxuries aren’t they?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I’m off to pack…a little lighter than before. I can’t wait to share this experience with you. Thanks for stopping by.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessings, <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">D<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-83818461510203095912011-08-25T12:58:00.000-05:002011-08-25T12:58:30.662-05:00Peru Following<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2orUx5g_i0/TlaMswulSRI/AAAAAAAAAfg/H_3BQIK-A98/s1600/313869_265819953447133_100000573903043_1011684_1802387_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2orUx5g_i0/TlaMswulSRI/AAAAAAAAAfg/H_3BQIK-A98/s320/313869_265819953447133_100000573903043_1011684_1802387_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Gracie's 1st visit to Azapampa..Sunday school meeting in the field, 2005</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">There has been such an overwhelming response of readers who have asked be placed on my blog alert list, I have had to create a new alert system. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Do not worry-if you have already advised me you want to receive these alerts you have been placed on the list. No need to ask again.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">What happened is that, with the built in blogger post alert system provided here, I was limited in number of how many emails could be listed to receive alerts. I have blown that number away, soooooooo.....</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I have just created my own own list via my own email program. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">So bring on the Peru trip followers! My email alert list can now be as big as we need it to be. And I want everyone who is interested to receive the blog alerts!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">So, once again, I remind you......</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Providing internet service holds out in the mountains of Peru during our two week visit, i'll be blogging my way through this experience. I’ll be posting stories of people, the day’s experiences and lots of photographs along the way. If you would like to be notified each time I post to this blog, email me (gm@mynwmo.com) and ask to be placed on my email alert list. Or, you can leave a comment here with the email address you would like me to add. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I’ll be sending out notifications with a link each time I am able to post.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">As always, comments and questions are encouraged but don't be shy....many people email them to me. It is okay to post the comments here...I will receive them as they are posted! I have it automatically set up to be forwarded when readers post comments. Also, other readers love to hear what you have to say!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Blessings, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">D</span>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-4575959234185517272011-08-24T17:16:00.001-05:002011-08-24T17:16:43.139-05:0011 days and counting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9ZKAKHJ9eY/TlV2QNl3yPI/AAAAAAAAAfY/ZrrSfPOKPGc/s1600/295875_264752350220560_100000573903043_1008294_1246009_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L9ZKAKHJ9eY/TlV2QNl3yPI/AAAAAAAAAfY/ZrrSfPOKPGc/s320/295875_264752350220560_100000573903043_1008294_1246009_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am accepting $15 donations. $15 will purchase a nice pair of shoes for one child in Peru. Interested? Email me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is August 24, 2011 and as little as one year ago, I would have laughed in your face if you’d told me I would ever see the mountains of Peru. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A year ago, I answered a very small and unassuming call to help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Today I’m packing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In 11 days my 16 year old son and I leave for the adventure of a lifetime. We will be heading to a mountain village in Azapampa, Peru. The plan is for us to help the people of this village rebuild and recover their homes from heavy flooding that took place in February and March of this year. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Passports are in hand, plane tickets are paid for, and bus tickets from Lima, Peru to a village 10,000 ft above sea level are purchased. And I still can’t believe we are going. Talk about getting out of one’s comfort zone, this is the mother jump.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The goal is to serve others. Yes, we will be working hard while mixing, hauling and pouring concrete to provide stoops (small concrete porches or steps for you younger generations) in hopes of creating a primitive curb and guttering that will keep water out of the villager’s homes. Yes, we will be re plastering and painting crumbled walls from the flood. Yes, we will be providing shoes to children who live in the mountains of Peru. But somehow, my son and I can’t help feeling like we are the ones winning in this situation because of what we are gaining in return. I’m looking forward to meeting the people, hearing their stories and learning what Peru has to offer. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Providing internet service holds out in those mountains (technology is amazing isn’t it?) during our two week visit, I hope to blog my way through this experience. I’ll be posting stories of people, the day’s experiences and lots of photographs along the way. If you would like to be notified each time I post, email me (<a href="mailto:gm@mynwmo.com">gm@mynwmo.com</a>) and ask to be placed on my email alert list. I’ll be sending out notifications with a link each time I am able to post. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My son and I, along with a few others in our traveling group, are going to be witnessing the beauty and the sadness of a foreign land and its people. We are going to be encountering the adventure of a foreign culture, its hardships, , foods, new languages and meeting people whom we would never have had the opportunity to meet without taking that<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3006353932441834056" name="_GoBack"></a> mother jump of faith. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today I sit at my desk in familiar surroundings writing to you. Eleven days from now, I’ll be blogging to you from Peru. It is amazing what happens when one is really open to the possibilities in front of them.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZzIj1D2l9I/TlV2QrAlL2I/AAAAAAAAAfc/1QhJjVp0MgM/s1600/305736_264752456887216_100000573903043_1008299_378217_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oZzIj1D2l9I/TlV2QrAlL2I/AAAAAAAAAfc/1QhJjVp0MgM/s320/305736_264752456887216_100000573903043_1008299_378217_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that smile! You can't receive a better gift than that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Blessings,<br />
<br />
Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-78561006697770113342011-08-17T14:34:00.000-05:002011-08-17T14:34:43.136-05:00The big yellow pill<span style="font-family: Calibri;">School Started again this week and for many parents, there was a giant sigh of relief as that ‘big yellow pill’ (aka the bus!) drove off leaving many parents standing at the curb, coffee in hand, smiling from ear to ear in a glossy eyed state of surreal calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me tell you, as your last child nears the end of their high school career, that calm turns to an odd mix of emotion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After high school, each year they go back to college, that familiar sense of calm begins to turn into a confusing mixture of elation at watching your children enter further into their own life adventures and panicked realization that they do not need you as much as before…well, sans the money, laundry facilities and an occasional meal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I have learned nothing else in my 23 year stint as a parent, in the end, it is the small stuff that matters most, I’m not screwing up my kid as much as I think I am and the little people I’ve spent the first half of my life trying to shape into individuals, will challenge me the second half of my life as I try to let them actually be the individuals I’ve encouraged them to become. (That will teach me, I’ll be the one on the therapist’s couch, not them.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, with our oldest out of the house, married and raising her own beautiful <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>family, the middle two in college and my youngest in the last two years of his high school education I’m thinking, 'empty nest syndrome my foot, I've got this'.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As my youngest son left the house this morning for the first day of his junior year in high school he was smiling. He is looking at an exciting year with great possibilities, the likelihood of getting his own vehicle in the near future didn’t hurt his attitude either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t exactly in the surreal state of calm from grade school days past, but was excited to watch him start a new year with such a great attitude. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomorrow, I may be hatching a plan to disguise the family dog as our newest family member and trying to enroll her in school. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XJRpS2iwdA/TkwVVPVjq3I/AAAAAAAAAfU/VlqDtNfSVRQ/s1600/brandy+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7XJRpS2iwdA/TkwVVPVjq3I/AAAAAAAAAfU/VlqDtNfSVRQ/s1600/brandy+school.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessings,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-90513000995579188882011-08-08T16:12:00.000-05:002011-08-08T16:12:57.297-05:0028 days and counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 11.0pt;">Gracie has given me permission to share these photos with you. There are so many. So today, I will just be sharing photos of the village (<span style="color: #262626;">Azapampa, Peru..near Huancayo in the mountains)</span> where we will be concentrating our main work efforts this Sept. There are many places to serve but this location is where we will be working to help families repair their homes due flooding last winter. We will be pouring concrete floors, plastering and painting.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: LucidaGrande; font-size: 11.0pt;">I can't imagine having to live out my daily existence in these conditions. How devastating the rains must have been for them. The first group of photos are from February of this year, right after the floods. </span></div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5yWTcHMx1I/TkBKI7UwZsI/AAAAAAAAAdY/-RJHHs5Qq1Y/s1600/179864_194989950530134_100000573903043_633506_2568067_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5yWTcHMx1I/TkBKI7UwZsI/AAAAAAAAAdY/-RJHHs5Qq1Y/s320/179864_194989950530134_100000573903043_633506_2568067_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">mucking out houses</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcazpV4FQiA/TkBKJ1x1kHI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Ulu_9gBJ0oQ/s1600/180467_194989670530162_100000573903043_633498_5543783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fcazpV4FQiA/TkBKJ1x1kHI/AAAAAAAAAdc/Ulu_9gBJ0oQ/s320/180467_194989670530162_100000573903043_633498_5543783_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">pasture fencing collapsing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-65VoGs2f0Yk/TkBKKXIOdZI/AAAAAAAAAdg/rimSPTfAWrs/s1600/180524_194989353863527_100000573903043_633486_1856204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-65VoGs2f0Yk/TkBKKXIOdZI/AAAAAAAAAdg/rimSPTfAWrs/s320/180524_194989353863527_100000573903043_633486_1856204_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">mud is seeping into homes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOVOdqXMCHE/TkBKLB8DGkI/AAAAAAAAAdk/MGTAO76O83w/s1600/180535_194989567196839_100000573903043_633496_7681703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOVOdqXMCHE/TkBKLB8DGkI/AAAAAAAAAdk/MGTAO76O83w/s320/180535_194989567196839_100000573903043_633496_7681703_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">plaster coming off of saturated adobe walls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxYJc82X__Q/TkBKLwP0w9I/AAAAAAAAAdo/kW8-VPBxYt8/s1600/180604_194990157196780_100000573903043_633510_2735233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxYJc82X__Q/TkBKLwP0w9I/AAAAAAAAAdo/kW8-VPBxYt8/s320/180604_194990157196780_100000573903043_633510_2735233_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mud, mud, mud</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub3E4Z7xVZg/TkBKMa1WhrI/AAAAAAAAAds/rPZmC0bRBe0/s1600/180727_194989040530225_100000573903043_633466_4952432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub3E4Z7xVZg/TkBKMa1WhrI/AAAAAAAAAds/rPZmC0bRBe0/s320/180727_194989040530225_100000573903043_633466_4952432_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">This is the road into Azapampa</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">waterlogged adobe walls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHiRjfD7Fk8/TkBKN-CYnEI/AAAAAAAAAd0/9m4Iu-GHWLw/s1600/180854_194989853863477_100000573903043_633503_3336351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yHiRjfD7Fk8/TkBKN-CYnEI/AAAAAAAAAd0/9m4Iu-GHWLw/s320/180854_194989853863477_100000573903043_633503_3336351_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">digging little trenches trying to stop the water from getting in houses</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xk4XcB2GRF4/TkBKSC4I4UI/AAAAAAAAAd4/i2gxonYk4cQ/s1600/182077_194990070530122_100000573903043_633508_4834074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xk4XcB2GRF4/TkBKSC4I4UI/AAAAAAAAAd4/i2gxonYk4cQ/s320/182077_194990070530122_100000573903043_633508_4834074_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">trench dug by the church keeping the water out</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1hYpwrRllA/TkBKUHOZIuI/AAAAAAAAAd8/2Dltn7kZf4Y/s1600/182253_194989820530147_100000573903043_633502_2538366_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1hYpwrRllA/TkBKUHOZIuI/AAAAAAAAAd8/2Dltn7kZf4Y/s320/182253_194989820530147_100000573903043_633502_2538366_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">more damage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGclqmaoq20/TkBKUoBqUPI/AAAAAAAAAeA/5rPC7wXPGk8/s1600/182280_194989473863515_100000573903043_633494_5765868_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGclqmaoq20/TkBKUoBqUPI/AAAAAAAAAeA/5rPC7wXPGk8/s320/182280_194989473863515_100000573903043_633494_5765868_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">dirt floors were saturated</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcnBuiFTJ_A/TkBKVbSzh3I/AAAAAAAAAeE/bo04YTojqjA/s1600/182439_194989617196834_100000573903043_633497_5257890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcnBuiFTJ_A/TkBKVbSzh3I/AAAAAAAAAeE/bo04YTojqjA/s320/182439_194989617196834_100000573903043_633497_5257890_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">discouraging work</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJrOJOJD25w/TkBKWCHscnI/AAAAAAAAAeI/i9P5pHMr0nc/s1600/182631_194990107196785_100000573903043_633509_7014733_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJrOJOJD25w/TkBKWCHscnI/AAAAAAAAAeI/i9P5pHMr0nc/s320/182631_194990107196785_100000573903043_633509_7014733_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Saturated adobe walls disintegrating</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNU1UOjGoKM/TkBKWp5_giI/AAAAAAAAAeM/HINTo_0a6q8/s1600/182712_194989073863555_100000573903043_633467_6110048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNU1UOjGoKM/TkBKWp5_giI/AAAAAAAAAeM/HINTo_0a6q8/s320/182712_194989073863555_100000573903043_633467_6110048_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">One of the flooded homes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jntQ3pRf-iw/TkBKXqzrYNI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/j7a160Lo-p4/s1600/182732_194989123863550_100000573903043_633468_2341961_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jntQ3pRf-iw/TkBKXqzrYNI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/j7a160Lo-p4/s320/182732_194989123863550_100000573903043_633468_2341961_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">mudslide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-PmXmK_Cec/TkBKYrN4z4I/AAAAAAAAAeU/a4NdCa2lAKI/s1600/182736_194990020530127_100000573903043_633507_7394501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-PmXmK_Cec/TkBKYrN4z4I/AAAAAAAAAeU/a4NdCa2lAKI/s320/182736_194990020530127_100000573903043_633507_7394501_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">more walls falling down</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsTkYcGbOsg/TkBKZWAuaxI/AAAAAAAAAeY/_lfIEQmGqAM/s1600/182760_194989907196805_100000573903043_633505_1879260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsTkYcGbOsg/TkBKZWAuaxI/AAAAAAAAAeY/_lfIEQmGqAM/s320/182760_194989907196805_100000573903043_633505_1879260_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">the floors are getting undermined by the water</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ANyBgzSFaI/TkBKZ6MyznI/AAAAAAAAAec/H9mSdOJbDp4/s1600/182848_194989783863484_100000573903043_633501_1719353_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ANyBgzSFaI/TkBKZ6MyznI/AAAAAAAAAec/H9mSdOJbDp4/s320/182848_194989783863484_100000573903043_633501_1719353_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">standing water everywhere</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y72uHZNqhDE/TkBKapKHNqI/AAAAAAAAAeg/_G6rtlAorMg/s1600/182884_194989403863522_100000573903043_633489_2892576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y72uHZNqhDE/TkBKapKHNqI/AAAAAAAAAeg/_G6rtlAorMg/s320/182884_194989403863522_100000573903043_633489_2892576_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">they tried to bucket the water out</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I believe these photos (posted within the last week or so) are a more recent view of what the families have had to live with since the February flooding. I apologize for the varying sizes, the photos were downloaded straight from another site. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AzB8LCn7xKM/TkBIMp1ixcI/AAAAAAAAAco/c5g1gxEAKXQ/s1600/185436_252947301401065_100000573903043_966823_6525392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AzB8LCn7xKM/TkBIMp1ixcI/AAAAAAAAAco/c5g1gxEAKXQ/s1600/185436_252947301401065_100000573903043_966823_6525392_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6tqFcy43MM/TkBINIrY7jI/AAAAAAAAAcs/cyQ9imSZ6SU/s1600/215106_252947164734412_100000573903043_966817_4084365_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6tqFcy43MM/TkBINIrY7jI/AAAAAAAAAcs/cyQ9imSZ6SU/s1600/215106_252947164734412_100000573903043_966817_4084365_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6DmI6U0HXw/TkBINZPLk_I/AAAAAAAAAcw/nJotBV48DcA/s1600/216793_252947324734396_100000573903043_966825_8220773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6DmI6U0HXw/TkBINZPLk_I/AAAAAAAAAcw/nJotBV48DcA/s1600/216793_252947324734396_100000573903043_966825_8220773_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99UsrwYKl9Y/TkBIN8yrObI/AAAAAAAAAc0/K0Rhx4ILV6I/s1600/250154_252947314734397_100000573903043_966824_2495893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99UsrwYKl9Y/TkBIN8yrObI/AAAAAAAAAc0/K0Rhx4ILV6I/s1600/250154_252947314734397_100000573903043_966824_2495893_n.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvGaEIMaaU8/TkBIOsm9rPI/AAAAAAAAAc4/8oRZ-giFPlw/s1600/278493_252947191401076_100000573903043_966819_3330738_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvGaEIMaaU8/TkBIOsm9rPI/AAAAAAAAAc4/8oRZ-giFPlw/s320/278493_252947191401076_100000573903043_966819_3330738_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0idezVX7Ph0/TkBIQbUuyII/AAAAAAAAAdA/bwu4Fq6Eezs/s1600/279429_252947241401071_100000573903043_966821_989263_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0idezVX7Ph0/TkBIQbUuyII/AAAAAAAAAdA/bwu4Fq6Eezs/s320/279429_252947241401071_100000573903043_966821_989263_o.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6NhxOc58qI/TkBIPj-25hI/AAAAAAAAAc8/puX1sAyv2ZE/s1600/278981_252947284734400_100000573903043_966822_872065_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6NhxOc58qI/TkBIPj-25hI/AAAAAAAAAc8/puX1sAyv2ZE/s320/278981_252947284734400_100000573903043_966822_872065_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBBlHIDPmds/TkBIReAqPyI/AAAAAAAAAdE/hPtqSEIVHVI/s1600/281694_252947208067741_100000573903043_966820_2926004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBBlHIDPmds/TkBIReAqPyI/AAAAAAAAAdE/hPtqSEIVHVI/s1600/281694_252947208067741_100000573903043_966820_2926004_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVP5Db48jbQ/TkBIRknmiRI/AAAAAAAAAdI/rH2OzTNzUSM/s1600/283151_252947148067747_100000573903043_966816_2830645_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVP5Db48jbQ/TkBIRknmiRI/AAAAAAAAAdI/rH2OzTNzUSM/s1600/283151_252947148067747_100000573903043_966816_2830645_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9N5XmDFGrQ/TkBISB2YWyI/AAAAAAAAAdM/ZqGzDvM2hyQ/s1600/284761_252947334734395_100000573903043_966826_6061093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9N5XmDFGrQ/TkBISB2YWyI/AAAAAAAAAdM/ZqGzDvM2hyQ/s1600/284761_252947334734395_100000573903043_966826_6061093_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmJ2FvlSKBI/TkBISr-dpkI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/ricf3AeJlhY/s1600/284872_252947371401058_100000573903043_966828_6795301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmJ2FvlSKBI/TkBISr-dpkI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/ricf3AeJlhY/s1600/284872_252947371401058_100000573903043_966828_6795301_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kij6Jnn9bFo/TkBITH6Cr5I/AAAAAAAAAdU/9ck4kFl8bcI/s1600/285028_252947354734393_100000573903043_966827_8068083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kij6Jnn9bFo/TkBITH6Cr5I/AAAAAAAAAdU/9ck4kFl8bcI/s1600/285028_252947354734393_100000573903043_966827_8068083_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll never bitch about water in my basement again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PLEASE NOTE:</div> I have had a few people ask to be notified of new posts so that they can follow along with my trip to Peru. Anyone who would like to be added to D's Place mailing list can just comment here with 'Add me' or send an email to dballiett@tmo.blackberry.net letting me know you'd like to be added to the email alert list. Once added, you will receive an email whenever I publish a new post. You can choose to be removed any time.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-54340018319497978432011-08-05T15:57:00.000-05:002011-08-05T15:57:11.458-05:00Livin' la vida loca...but lovin' every moment<span style="color: black;">This morning I opened an email from a friend inquiring about an upcoming trip of mine. As I responded to her message about how a normal person might<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> stop and think twice once realizing they were preparing to pack up thier youngest child and schlep across the world to a foreign country with a very small and unknown support system</span>, it dawned on me...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I don't think I've shared the fact with you all that I am headed to the mountains of Peru in Sept. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">My friend asked if I was excited yet. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I answered that I have been excited for awhile. But now, the 14-day trip is only 30 days away, and I'm beginning to get a little nervous. Of course, not nervous enough to cancel the trip, but the legistics of this trip are beginning to creep into my thoughts on a bit more regular basis. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Why? </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">It takes me well out of my comfort zone.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Let me explain... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">While I attempt to juggle being a faithful follower of God, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, boss, employee, productive citizen and decent person just like everyone else, when it comes down to it- I am really a very average person. I work hard to fulfill my responsibilites in life. I am not rich, I am not privledged. I did not come from great means and have been providing for myself and living on my own since I was 17yrs old. I am very solid in my comfort zone, in the here and now. Where anyone or anything can throw any problem, cause or situation my way. And I, with my life experiences both good and bad, will stand flat-footed and confidently brave my way through whatever life throws at me. I am confident in the outcome.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I was married at 18, a mother at 20. At 27 I had a husband, 4 kids, two dogs and barely enough money to pay the bills. To be honest, we didn't always have that. I went to college after my youngest child was born. My husband and I both work, I have two kids in college, one in high school and one with her own husband and two kids. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I live in the midwest and have only traveled to 8 out of the 50 states (and one of those shouldn't count because it was via the airport during a layover!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Oh and one more thing....despite 6 years of Spanish and 4.0 gpa....I do not speak enough spanish to fill a cubo! (That's bucket in spanish...and I had to look it up!)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">The reason I am doing this loco (spanish for crazy and I knew that one!) thing?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Well, in addition to being nuts myself, my son and I are part of a mission trip headed to Asapampa, Peru for 14 days to help a village recover from some horrible flooding issues. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">The area and our liasons there have a long standing relationship with our specific church and the leader with which we will be traveling. Between this and the strong calling I feel to be a part of this mission, I am putting my faith in God that if I work to do my best through this situation- He will bring us through safely and more fulfilled than ever before. (still can't say I didn't waiver when having to fill out and notarize the death notification paperwork...YIKES!!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I know it will be the experience of a lifetime for us both. And, I hope for my son especially, a very eye opening and humbling experience! I feel like he really needs to realize the world around him more than he does. Please say a little prayer for all of us.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">With all that said...</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">We are SO excited!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">I will be holding two Skype sessions between the kids here at home and in Peru. One with our local middle school spanish class and one with our church youth group. I can't wait to see their interaction.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">AND... </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">Providing internet service cooperates, I will post daily or attempted daily, blogs with updates on the people, our experiences, activities, reflections and photos so that should be fun as well. I think I am even going to have my son write at least one post from his point of view. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">I can’t wait to meet the people in Asapampa. And I can't wait to share it with you!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;">The mission leader, a very active lady in our church, has years of photos on her page. I will ask for her permission to post some of them on this blog, but in the meantime, you should be able to see them here </span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000573903043">Gracie Feese</a></span><span style="color: black;"> under the photos link. Let me know if this link does not work for you.</span></span></div><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I look forward to sharing this experience with you! I'll be posting a series of blogs sharing our preperations of the trip as Sept. 3 nears, so stay tuned!</span><br />
<br />
Blessings,Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-33263064878643622152011-07-20T12:43:00.000-05:002011-07-20T12:43:44.636-05:00Long time, no blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I just suck at this consistent blogging thing...guess life is way to busy for me. So I'll just keep doing the best I can!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This was a banner week in our lives....</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzZRFiMTHok/TicLJruNzOI/AAAAAAAAAcA/eTq7-7GJGA4/s1600/gigi+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzZRFiMTHok/TicLJruNzOI/AAAAAAAAAcA/eTq7-7GJGA4/s320/gigi+day+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabriella was born on July 14th!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Grandbaby #2 was born!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPsUN68a1As/TicLGdZgdTI/AAAAAAAAAb4/hhpPnT4FN_Q/s1600/gig+day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPsUN68a1As/TicLGdZgdTI/AAAAAAAAAb4/hhpPnT4FN_Q/s320/gig+day+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day two...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLTglnPO8zQ/TicLI47SLrI/AAAAAAAAAb8/HqOuarq1RBk/s1600/gig+day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLTglnPO8zQ/TicLI47SLrI/AAAAAAAAAb8/HqOuarq1RBk/s320/gig+day+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day three...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jp4PR8o_U14/TicLM9mQWNI/AAAAAAAAAcE/d55YSDiVZ6M/s1600/gigi+day+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jp4PR8o_U14/TicLM9mQWNI/AAAAAAAAAcE/d55YSDiVZ6M/s320/gigi+day+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day four....dressed to come home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">And Big Brother was ready to lend a helping hand at a moment's notice!</div>(Sans any dirty diapers, puking or loud crying! He made well known what he expected his 'helping' to consist of. )<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUQkpjbpgYQ/TicLvJy1zuI/AAAAAAAAAcI/UwiQgOfiXFU/s1600/Super+J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUQkpjbpgYQ/TicLvJy1zuI/AAAAAAAAAcI/UwiQgOfiXFU/s320/Super+J.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super J!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Yes, it was a week of beautiful gifts in our lives....even the flowers in my back yard were blooming in celebration! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gsYj2lpMEc/TicRx5fu7-I/AAAAAAAAAcU/9A7hNT7u8Ig/s1600/gladiolus+back+yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_gsYj2lpMEc/TicRx5fu7-I/AAAAAAAAAcU/9A7hNT7u8Ig/s1600/gladiolus+back+yard.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgFfmWtbWek/TicRyQ9dYnI/AAAAAAAAAcY/LexorIBVk3Y/s1600/hollyhock+backyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgFfmWtbWek/TicRyQ9dYnI/AAAAAAAAAcY/LexorIBVk3Y/s320/hollyhock+backyard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsZK5ECT8AA/TicRy1wEY1I/AAAAAAAAAcc/Jcqt_1V6jN4/s1600/rose+of+sharon+back+yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsZK5ECT8AA/TicRy1wEY1I/AAAAAAAAAcc/Jcqt_1V6jN4/s1600/rose+of+sharon+back+yard.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And, literally, the banana trees grew over a foot in just a few days! the leaves are 4-5 foot in length!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LphA9arZBow/TicRtxhYZGI/AAAAAAAAAcM/hmUibNyEr4I/s1600/banana+tree+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LphA9arZBow/TicRtxhYZGI/AAAAAAAAAcM/hmUibNyEr4I/s320/banana+tree+.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I had to use my camera phone for these photos so they do not really do justice to these plants....I'll post better when my camera returns from documenting Gigi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwRWDCx5eW8/TicRwo9rS-I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ljqHlgurtQ0/s1600/banana+tree+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwRWDCx5eW8/TicRwo9rS-I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ljqHlgurtQ0/s320/banana+tree+corner.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">So relaxing to be surrounded by!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LphA9arZBow/TicRtxhYZGI/AAAAAAAAAcM/hmUibNyEr4I/s1600/banana+tree+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>They are loving this heat while we are waiting for a break. Temps rose to over 100 degrees this week.....thank God for the a/c!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vwRWDCx5eW8/TicRwo9rS-I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/ljqHlgurtQ0/s1600/banana+tree+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, I must get back to my day but I wanted to share the news! Have a wonderful day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-84083013298384052542011-05-26T19:48:00.001-05:002011-05-26T19:54:23.575-05:00S'more Drunk<div class="MsoNormal">What better way to end a hard day of play than a S’more Drunk? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me explain…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We started with putting up the Teepee we made last Sept.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxldCGPzJeU/Td7wN-BCp9I/AAAAAAAAAaw/y4PobaxLmlw/s1600/1_teepee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxldCGPzJeU/Td7wN-BCp9I/AAAAAAAAAaw/y4PobaxLmlw/s320/1_teepee.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Had a great lunch with grilled hamburgers and hotdogs,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4CxZU9-F_Q/Td7wOkvBSZI/AAAAAAAAAa0/xe33MVEXUCI/s1600/2_hamburger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4CxZU9-F_Q/Td7wOkvBSZI/AAAAAAAAAa0/xe33MVEXUCI/s1600/2_hamburger.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Planted one apple</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iRU9kKxL-s/Td7wQzsSMCI/AAAAAAAAAa4/9jsEHJ_4-1E/s1600/3_tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iRU9kKxL-s/Td7wQzsSMCI/AAAAAAAAAa4/9jsEHJ_4-1E/s320/3_tree.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">and one peach tree,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmlnYj_Sjsc/Td7wV5baZHI/AAAAAAAAAa8/3sBlFOTnjuI/s1600/4_tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmlnYj_Sjsc/Td7wV5baZHI/AAAAAAAAAa8/3sBlFOTnjuI/s320/4_tree.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Posed on the big blue 4-wheeler, </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0G3Tkhr8PNE/Td7wYIDP_SI/AAAAAAAAAbA/DzllT1uXs-A/s1600/5_4wheeler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0G3Tkhr8PNE/Td7wYIDP_SI/AAAAAAAAAbA/DzllT1uXs-A/s320/5_4wheeler.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, wore the dog out with a long game of fetch,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lY_dnYR-7iQ/Td7waTkxEqI/AAAAAAAAAbE/aSwfFE1INOk/s1600/6_dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lY_dnYR-7iQ/Td7waTkxEqI/AAAAAAAAAbE/aSwfFE1INOk/s320/6_dog.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It got pretty hot so we moved the Teepee over the sandbox.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDe339biRPQ/Td7wbfjyHhI/AAAAAAAAAbI/WgURHOvzDQM/s1600/7_sandbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pDe339biRPQ/Td7wbfjyHhI/AAAAAAAAAbI/WgURHOvzDQM/s320/7_sandbox.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="214" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Toward the evening, we built a nice fire in the fire pit</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-E0tkGoiIU/Td7wgaWEwFI/AAAAAAAAAbM/m4nOaz-GKDY/s1600/8_fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-E0tkGoiIU/Td7wgaWEwFI/AAAAAAAAAbM/m4nOaz-GKDY/s320/8_fire.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At the end of the day, tired from fun, warm from a fire and the beginnings of a sweet tooth craving….what else were we to do, </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YU3WguSvM9M/Td7wikuvkJI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/MsZgAC7ZCJE/s1600/10_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YU3WguSvM9M/Td7wikuvkJI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/MsZgAC7ZCJE/s320/10_.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But end the day...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFTfTzN3Y_Y/Td7wndefD7I/AAAAAAAAAbU/MTTx-YuL-U4/s1600/11_.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFTfTzN3Y_Y/Td7wndefD7I/AAAAAAAAAbU/MTTx-YuL-U4/s320/11_.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PByldzWl-ws/Td7wsQEIqrI/AAAAAAAAAbY/C2YMU_mKixg/s1600/12_.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PByldzWl-ws/Td7wsQEIqrI/AAAAAAAAAbY/C2YMU_mKixg/s320/12_.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PByldzWl-ws/Td7wsQEIqrI/AAAAAAAAAbY/C2YMU_mKixg/s1600/12_.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PByldzWl-ws/Td7wsQEIqrI/AAAAAAAAAbY/C2YMU_mKixg/s1600/12_.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3Jq2S-nn24/Td7wxNokOQI/AAAAAAAAAbc/_BqpSZkxY7I/s1600/13_.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3Jq2S-nn24/Td7wxNokOQI/AAAAAAAAAbc/_BqpSZkxY7I/s320/13_.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYaxGuaWvuQ/Td7w5opGByI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Hs4weBMkv5k/s1600/18_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYaxGuaWvuQ/Td7w5opGByI/AAAAAAAAAbw/Hs4weBMkv5k/s320/18_.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWswHspQy1g/Td7w4rUGpII/AAAAAAAAAbs/Extnck419S8/s1600/17_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWswHspQy1g/Td7w4rUGpII/AAAAAAAAAbs/Extnck419S8/s320/17_.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> ...on a S’more Drunk?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdShqNUmrFo/Td7w6vgbmVI/AAAAAAAAAb0/83G47j20Wrw/s1600/19_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bdShqNUmrFo/Td7w6vgbmVI/AAAAAAAAAb0/83G47j20Wrw/s320/19_.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all, it was a terrific Mother's Day. My youngest daughter came home for the weekend, all my kids and their family surprised me in the church parking lot to attend with me (we attend different churches) and we had a wonderful day together!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must apologize that it's been so long since my last post, life has a tendency to spin me oft in multiple directions sometimes. I'll check in soon with a current update on everything but in a quick note, career is going well, I hung in with Jillian's 30 day Shred for about 20 days then went out of town on business and my discipline went to hell. My oldest son graduated high school last week (yeah! 3 down, 1 to go and empty nest has only hit me with a ping here and there). My Youngest daughter moved out (was a little tough on mom, but it was a good thing for her, very excited for her.) Banana grove is doing so-so, this spring's weather had been wet, windy and tough but I think we'll pull out of it. I am much closer to completing the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times-Roman;">curriculum for </span>my Women's Studies course. I should be able to offer the program within months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh yeah, and I'm headed to the mountains of Peru in Sept with my youngest son. We are going to be building concrete 'stoops' with curbs to keep the flooding rainwater out of the villager's homes(those of you from back in the day remember what a stoop is don't you?). I'll fill you in more with a later post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until then however, enjoy every blessing and keep our Missouri and Alabama Tornado victims in your prayers every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-26433774587843802502011-03-02T20:42:00.001-06:002011-03-03T10:04:57.696-06:00Day twoOuch...<br />
PW set the bar for today on <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Confessions of a Pioneer Woman</a> with her tribute to Charlie, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2011/03/charlie-haiku/">Charlie Haiku</a>, and her Haiku challenge. Jillian Michael's Shred has kicked my ass for the second day in a row.<br />
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And God give me strength, cause I'm rubber from head to toe. <br />
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So, I think Haiku is all I have strength left for tonight...<br />
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Michael's, have mercy.<br />
Rubber legs, carry me now<br />
To bathe and to bed<br />
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What Haiku would describe your day....lol...or state at the end of your day?<br />
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Night allDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-84365625644216865732011-03-01T20:43:00.010-06:002011-03-01T21:01:27.132-06:00Day oneSo today was the first of 30 to take part in Jillian's 30 day Shred! It kicked my butt! <br />
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Glad its over.<br />
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As I rushed from the first ass-kicking session in an effort to make my Tues night class on time, I was not sure my legs would hold out. <br />
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I arrived at class, caught my breath ten minutes later, waved my arse over as it came sliding in behind me twenty minutes into class.<br />
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All was fine until class was over and I stood up. My thighs had somehow turned to rubber during the hour and a half I sat in class. <br />
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I'm happy to say I managed to get to my car without any problem and now I'm home. Time to hit the shower (my apologies to the girl I sat next to in class-dont think I smelled too badly, but just in case ;)... Sorry)<br />
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Only 29 more to go!<br />
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BlessingsDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006353932441834056.post-2952524007513585062011-02-25T14:39:00.000-06:002011-02-25T14:39:21.873-06:00Stop already<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm cryin' uncle here!<br />
<!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMlWGjVthjc/TWgIyEpHxOI/AAAAAAAAAaY/fopbcQChHKo/s1600/stop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMlWGjVthjc/TWgIyEpHxOI/AAAAAAAAAaY/fopbcQChHKo/s200/stop.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I’ve had enough of this…</div><br />
<!--EndFragment--> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeHGbUEP9GQ/TWgLNGFlC3I/AAAAAAAAAak/wxgaEcOAYbU/s1600/blowin+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeHGbUEP9GQ/TWgLNGFlC3I/AAAAAAAAAak/wxgaEcOAYbU/s320/blowin+snow.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I’m ready for this…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJEYVIx0s8o/TWgNtGC7hyI/AAAAAAAAAas/AsrCgbipoLE/s1600/fern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJEYVIx0s8o/TWgNtGC7hyI/AAAAAAAAAas/AsrCgbipoLE/s320/fern.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal">Last night I walk out of my office to see this…</div><!--EndFragment--> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5aflJkWLLs/TWgI3clPuBI/AAAAAAAAAac/05UC_arQkkY/s1600/walk+out.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5aflJkWLLs/TWgI3clPuBI/AAAAAAAAAac/05UC_arQkkY/s320/walk+out.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viAs91obY4I/TWgKGmhHNFI/AAAAAAAAAag/DUjmWuBR4Bo/s1600/blazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-viAs91obY4I/TWgKGmhHNFI/AAAAAAAAAag/DUjmWuBR4Bo/s320/blazer.jpg" width="320" /></a>Of course I have to dig out and warm up my car. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHBvkZD1sLk/TWgInO_TmLI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/VbPjnmSX1H8/s1600/open+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHBvkZD1sLk/TWgInO_TmLI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/VbPjnmSX1H8/s320/open+door.jpg" width="212" /></a>So, I trudge through the snow, open the door to my blazer, start the engine then grab the window scraper. </div><!--EndFragment--> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I turn to clean off the back of my car and this happens…</div><!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H82MwqPNlC8/TWgIsFhcALI/AAAAAAAAAaU/dJFZkV3N1iE/s1600/shoe+in+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H82MwqPNlC8/TWgIsFhcALI/AAAAAAAAAaU/dJFZkV3N1iE/s320/shoe+in+snow.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apparently, I'm not smart enough to wear appropriate foot wear for today’s mid-western weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I had some cold toes by the time I got back into my Blazer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> Because, after the first time it happened….</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMfM3zU4fOg/TWgIN_hzYnI/AAAAAAAAAaI/QgE2-sqX3L4/s1600/cold+toes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMfM3zU4fOg/TWgIN_hzYnI/AAAAAAAAAaI/QgE2-sqX3L4/s320/cold+toes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I couldn’t manage to keep the damn shoes on!</div><!--EndFragment--> All to say,<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am ready for this…</div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPjUzQv6EAg/TWgLSlAIG1I/AAAAAAAAAao/XEv2wSAjzho/s1600/this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPjUzQv6EAg/TWgLSlAIG1I/AAAAAAAAAao/XEv2wSAjzho/s320/this.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JPjUzQv6EAg/TWgLSlAIG1I/AAAAAAAAAao/XEv2wSAjzho/s1600/this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> To turn back into this…</div><!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nn7d7fawECk/TWgIXPev-sI/AAAAAAAAAaM/mpmPz96hH_g/s1600/green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nn7d7fawECk/TWgIXPev-sI/AAAAAAAAAaM/mpmPz96hH_g/s320/green.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I dreamt of banana groves, Tiki's and Amaretto sours all night!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for skating by.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">D</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02257838814834762571noreply@blogger.com0