The Last Quiet Christmas

So this will be the last quiet Christmas for our family for a long, long time. And the prospect of that is so very exciting. Next year at this time, our new baby Collin will be 11 months old, and on the move. The lights and magic of Christmas will be seen through his eyes and smile. And that magic will just be magnified as the years go by. This time next year we will be celebrating the safe return of Robert. He should be getting back from Iraq around the first part of November. Yes, that means that Kaiti will have this baby alone from about 6 weeks until Robert gets home in November. God is in control, and He has a plan to provide, protect and comfort them all through this. On this last quiet Christmas, we were blessed to have my Mom with us. We were able to stop by and pick her up as we traveled to be with Kaiti and Robert. She spent all of Christmas Eve knitting a beautiful pair of white baby booties - did you know that people still do that?? They were truly beautiful, and such a special gift!! Perhaps the most wonderful gift of all this Christmas is health. My mom aka Magnolia was healthy enough to travel with us,keep up with everything that was going - even helping with the Christmas Day Puzzle. My daughter, Kaiti, is having a very, very healthy and uncomplicated pregnancy. Our prayers are for Kaiti's health and safety, and for Collin's health and safety as they get close to the date of his arrival. And guess what!?!?! Kelly has been pain-free since Dec. 14th!! That in itself is a miacle of Chistmas of 2007. We have all so enjoyed having our old Kelly with us for the past 3 weeks. Thank you God for the gifts of health!!

God is in the Most Unlikely Places!!!

It all starts with 4 little angel-shaped tags from the Christmas tree at our church. 4 children - fatherless because the fathers are in prison. A wonderful grandmother who is caring for all of them in her home - despite just having brain surgery. This is the story of so many families and children in our community and world. The blessing in all of this was the fun that David, Kelly, Paula and I had being "Santa" for this family. The most fun was my mission to locate games for an original Sony Playstation not a PS2 or better - just a plain 'ol version one of the Playstation. I checked all of the normal places first, Target - Walmart - KMart - Radiot Shack - ToysrUs - you name it, I checked. So then everyone told me to try the local pawn shops and flea markets. Ok - now, I don't ususally frequent pawn shops - so this was going to be a great adventure - besides, who knows - maybe I would find my new camera that had just been stolen. First, I checked the "nice" pawn shop. Hmmmm - maybe I should have checked this out at the beginning of my Christmas shopping. There really were some great deals in there. BUT - no playstation games - "try the flea market". Well, I don't really have time now to try the fleamarket - so, on to pawnshops #2 and #3. Things are going downhill quickly. By the time I get to shop #4 - I am really getting worried. I call David and let him know where I am just in case no one ever sees me again. Remember - I live in South Florida. I go into the shop where I hear only spanish music and everyone is speaking Spanish. Everything inside looks old and dirty. But wait - doesn't that Spanish song sound just like one on my praise and worship cd? Is this lady witnessing in Spanish to her customer. When she finally noticed me, she asked in English what I was looking for. Oh yea, I am sure that you are way ahead of me - not only did they have 1 game, there was a whole shelf of games for Sony Playstation - orginal version. The lady came and knelt beside me while I sat on the floor going through the games. She asked why I needed these games, and I explained the Angel Tree. She asked where I went to church. When I shared that - she responded with "'Faith Rider". This little Spanish lady running a pawn shop was very active in an incredible group in our church. So now I am getting the games for only $6. Did I go into that dive of a pawnshop thinking that I would find God inside - I think not!! Did I come out praising God for leading me there, and showing His face to me in the form a little spanish Faith Rider running a pawnshop - YES!!
So on Thursday evening before Christmas, the gifts were bagged and taken over to the grandma's house where all of the little angels were. What a great time we had - especially David!! My prayer is for health for grandma/caregiver, progress for little Niles who is developmentally delayed, and the other three children for health, happiness and love. Merry Christmas Angels!!

Christmas-Getting There

It's been so long and so much has been going on that I am not even sure where to begin. Highlights?? Well, that sounds just a bit too positive, so maybe a few bullet points to get us out of the muck and onto the blessings of the past 19 days!!
*numerous trips to the hosptial and doctors
appts. for Kelly to receive IV treatments
for pain

*the remodel of the kitchen - if you have
"been there" then you know what I am
talking about!! Will this ever end!?!

*finding out in a routine eye exam for contacts, that the medicine that caused all of the crazy
problems with my liver has also caused some major eye problems. the first of two laser surgeries is scheduled for next week

*a close, young friend who is like an adopted son has just found out that he has Hodgekins Lymphoma. Treatments started last week. Please pray for Jared.

*Our friends in Africa (David's interpreter) lost their home in the flooding. Please pray for Andrew, Judith, Little Peggy and Little David.

*fast food or take out for 11 weeks - did you ever really think that you would get tired of NOT cooking!?!?!

*an overload of dysfunction that was brought into our home, and we finally had to come to the realization that there was absolutely nothing that David or I could do to change the situation. This was a huge source of frustration for both of us, as we truly believed that God put this in front of us, so that we could help. Our only way of helping now is to pray for those involved.

*my friend, at Putting the Pieces Back Together blog, is sitting with her Dad as he waits for God to take him home...the timing a surprise - the ending is difficult...please pray for Kerry, her Mom, siblings and grandchildren...being left behind is sometimes so hard...
Enough!! Now another post on the true blessings of the past 19 days!! God has brought us through the muck and there is Christmas on the other side!!

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps… means a little bit more.” The Grinch from How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Holiday Treats...

I saw this on a friends blog, and decided to take the quiz. Maybe this is a good way to get back into writing again. It has been a long, long time and so much has been going on in our lives. I think that I am ready to get back to my friends here, and move on. This is a good season for that.

Anything You Might Want!!

I am writing this today because I just have to share this now. I will update on the whole week when I get home on Saturday. I have to explain this photo. We arrived in Cashiers, NC on Friday afternoon, checked into both houses and settled in. Saturday, Kaiti and I went into town - pronounced Ca'-shers - accent 1st syllable, not Ca-sheers'...this was quickly pointed out to us by the 12 year old clerk at the local grocery store. We went into the only pharmacy in town looking for a hair dryer. I picked out a hair dryer - now this was easy since they only had 2, and they were both the same. As I am standing in line to pay for my purchase - just in front of the Pepsi machine - I couldn't help but notice that right where you drop off your prescription, you can also buy a shot-gun, a rifle (the kind with a site gauge) a hand gun and any of the bullets that you would need to go with them. This isn't a very good picture - but the rifles and shotguns are in the background. I am really trying to understand how this could work - you fill prescriptions for Zanax, Prozac, etc. and sell guns at the same time, at the same counter - hmmmm, go figure. So that was the highlight of Saturday, and the days that have followed have been peaceful, restful and refreshing for all of us. More later.

Headed North!!!

For the next 7 days I am trading our Gulf Coast sunset for a much cooler lakeside sunset in the mountains. We left after work today and headed north on 75. We will meet up with part of our family tomorrow in Atlanta - making it to Cashiers by mid afternoon. There will be a total of 22 of us resting, reading, laughing, playing cards, boating, worshiping, eating, hiking, playing games, watching favorite movies, watching old home movies, shopping and just being together. Did I mention watching the Gamecocks play on Saturday?? The greatest is leaving our remodeling project and dust in Florida!! I will catch you all up from a higher and cooler place!!

Still Counting....

So here we are - that is what just a little part of the kitchen looks like! We have your blue wall, your red wall, your butter yellow wall, and your cranberry wall - all in one room. Let's see this house was built in 1987 - two colors came in before we did, and the rest after. Hundreds of feet of wallpaper and glue have been soaked and scraped. Will I ever wallpaper again - I think not! We are going to refinish these and texturize them to paint. Right now we are in the middle of rewiring and replumbing. The 1980s style floor tile is coming up on Tuesday - oh, I already know what a mess that is going to be. I found the light fixtures I wanted, the sink fixtures, the cabinet door pulls and knobs, the right granite, and even the black sink that I was looking for. Still some questions about what is going over and across the sink area. But, I found something that I am hoping will work there, too. So, all in all - we are moving right along. The new sheet rock has already been mudded in. The entire contents of the kitchen has been packed and is in boxes (looks like we are waiting on the moving truck) and is stacked on the back porch and in the family room. Remember we did all of this last year with the foyer, living room, dining room and David's office in the fall of last year - when we went from tile everywhere else downstairs to wood. So, we are living on take-out, working from home amid the mess, and looking forward to our week in the mountains while this gets completed. On another note - I haven't heard anything from the testing that was done last Tuesday. I called the doctor's office at LifeLink yesterday - hoping to find out something. The doctor should have the report to read on Monday. I should hear something on Tuesday. I am still praying, and do not have a sense or feeling of worry about this. David and I had a great time grandbaby-shopping this morning. He personally feels that all of this "newfangled baby stuff" is a total racket aimed at us. Oh, well - this is going to be so much fun!!!! Our Carolina Gamecocks played on Thursday night and beat Kentucky!!! The rain has finally stopped, the sun is out and we are well on our way into the 90's and a humid October afternoon in Florida. So in the midst of construction, hospitals, humidity, a winning football team and new life in our family I am counting it all joy.

Sad News to Celebrate

Another steel magnolia is gone, but she is playing music in heaven!!

Miss Lucie Anne, my mom's neighbor and "siesta", died this past Sunday. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was the first ordained female deacon. She taught the Winsome Sunday School Class for a number of years and currently was the teacher for the Ruth Sunday School Class. She taught a Beth Moore Bible study in her home. She retired as a music and chorus teacher after teaching half of the junior high students in my home town. What a blessing it was to have Miss Lucie Anne share the Beth Moore weekend with my mom and my two daughters last April in Columbia!! I now, more than ever, realize what a sweet, precious gift that weekend was for each of us. I pray that my generation will be able to rise up and be the women of faith and strength that these women have been for a lifetime.

Psalm 116:15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Danger!!!

OK - so life is just a little crazy here - well, it is usually crazy but right now it is crazier than the norm. Last Wednesday - let's mark that date for future reference - Sept.26th, we started the update, EXTREME makeover of our kitchen. I mark the date because we were told 5-6 weeks, and everyone that we talk to about this project just laughs and laughs and says to plan on three months. So, I spent several days packing dishes, pots, etc - sort of like we were moving. After all of the packing was done, the demolition began. If you stand in the kitchen now - you can look up and see the bottom of the tub in our bathroom. We are down to the framing, and the concrete slab - what a great time we are having here!! Tomorrow I shop for tile for the floor and backsplash. Stay tuned for the rest of this story!!

Yes, You CAN go home again...

So this is the house that I came home to after I was born. This is the home that I woke up in for the first 18 years of my life, until I went away to college. This is the home that I laughed, cried, played house and babies, dug in the dirt and made mudpies, played trucks, army men, cowboys and Indians, built treehouses and forts, played kickball with the neighborhood because we were the corner lot, played Barbie and played the piano for hours when everyone else was outside - ugh - I finally figured out how to record myself - then put the tape on, and sneak outside with the rest of the neighborhood kids. This is the house where I was picked up for my first date, my first prom, my driving lessons, and after that found the corvair parked in the driveway. This is the house where in the middle of the night on Jan. 10th - when I was only 14, my best friend's mom came in to wake me up, and tell me that my Daddy had died. This is the house where everyone hung out in junior high school. They kept hanging out in high school. This is a house that was full of love, family and fun times - where going to church was always one of the best parts of our lives. This was a house of "the wonder years", moms meeting for coffee in the mornings, neighbors gathering for funtimes together, heading to our elementary school for polio sugar cubes, sitting on our porches crying and talking about what had happened to President Kennedy, and wondering what would become of our country. It was at this house that we learned of the death of my cousin in VietNam. It was here that I learned the meaning of true family, extended family, Christian family - cousins, aunts, uncles - being with them and having fun with them, standing for what you believe no matter what the costs, and going the distance. I remember listening to my Daddy talking politics before I knew what that meant. I remember both of my parents studying to teach Sunday School. I learned the importance of being involved in what's going on all around you - not just sitting back and letting life happen to you. It was in this house at an age too early that I learned what real - deep to the gut grief was, it was here that I saw what losing the love of your life really means. It was in this house that I learned what I needed to know to be able to go away, live on my own, and begin my life as educator, wife, mother and friend. and now...it is sad to see someone else living there.

So What IS a Carolina Girl????

1. Carolina girl
(adj.); a girl who prefers pearls to hemp, who has always been daddys favorite and also carries a sweet sothern accent no matter where she is. To a carolina girl polka dots are always in style and as long as the beer is cold its drinkable.

2. Carolina Girl

A female from the Carolinas -NC or SC who has respect for her family and friends. At this point in time, she usually has a career and/or family - she can manage all that comes in life.You should be so lucky to meet one.

Carolina Girls are the best in the world!

3. Carolina Girl

A girl from South or North Carolina who not only originates from the Carolinas but acknowledges her heritage and accepts it.

There's also a great song called "Carolina Girl" by General Johnson and The Chairman of the Board.
Oh, and by the way, the Carolina girl from the song does not refer exclusively or even most often to North Carolina girls. I've usually heard it applied to South Carolina.

1. "The Carolina girl proudly wears T-shirts that proclaim where she's from."
2. -California girls are sexy / and New York girls are too / But Carolina girls got
good looks and a sweet personality too-
"I learned how to shag (the dance) listening to Carolina Girl."

from the Urban Dictionary

Nothing Could Be Finer...

OK siestas - I am headed home for the long weekend. Now, by home I mean that I am leaving Tampa, and headed north straight to South Carolina. If you haven't had the incredible experience of driving up I-95 into SC you just haven't lived. When you cross the state line into SC - you drive through these HUGE plantation style gates - I am not kidding - I will take pictures when we go through - I always wonder if people are afraid of getting locked in!!! Anyway, we have a very special wedding to attend Friday evening, then we are headed over to the Steele Magnolia's for the weekend. She is so excited that we are coming in, and will spend all day tomorrow cooking. Kaiti is driving down from NC after school and will meet us at my Mom's. Some of my family will be headed to Clemson for the weekend to be a part of the Bowden Bowl - for those of you not versed in college football - that's Clemson coached by son, Tommy Bowden - playing Florida State, coached by father Bobby Bowden. So that's my sister, all of her family and my brother and his family. My little family - David, Kelly and Kaiti are headed to Columbia on Saturday to watch the Carolina Gamecocks play. Nothing could be finer...
Well, it could be finer if my kindred spirits were going to be around. And then, on a happy, happy note - as in "clapping for Jesus" as a young friend of mine always says - there is going to be a Siesta gathering!! Can you even believe it's going to happen?? I have already gotten a ticket to go to San Antonio in that big state - wait, isn't that where a kindred spirit has moved???
If you are reading - please stop for a moment and pray for Phillip and Anita in Kenya, for our friends who have a piece of our hearts in Kenya, for wise decisions with Kelly's future and college decisions, for traveling mercies for us tomorrow, for siestas with troubled family relationships, for my health, for Robert as he flies the new Osprey, and for Kaiti and Lima Bean.

Nice Really Does Matter!!

Yes!! Nice really does matter!! It is so refreshing to spend some quiet time each day visiting with friends who make the world a nicer place to be through their blogs and through their daily lives in their homes, families and communities. A big thank you to Annie's Eyes for the award!! What a surprise - and it is so appreciated because it comes from a new friend and siesta!! Pay it Forward - if only the world around us WOULD pay it forward. So, now I am going to send this on to two very special people today. First - my nephew, (married to my niece) Phillip. He is a youth minister at North Point Community Church. Read his blog - read his heart. But right now, pray for Phillip and Anita - they are flying to Kenya today to be a part of a team that will provide a retreat for Kenyan ministers.
And then...take a read over at Jesus Girl's blog. Anyone in their 50's who have been put in the position of caring for their parents will identify with what's going on in her life. Add to that the excitement of writing a book!!! Her faith never dims as she adjusts to life with Dad. Nice DOES matter - it matters in how we treat our family members, who we are in the workplace, and who we are when no one we know is watching.
I still can't get the method of inserting a link without typing the whole thing out - any help would be appreciated - I don't want to delete my entire blog again...nevermind - YES!!!!! I did it!!!! and it actually works....

I Have Changed

Get ready!! A group of us from Sunday School and Breaking Free are headed into Tampa to see Menopause the Musical tonight. If you are anywhere near the age of 50, and have a chance to see this - GO!! What an absolute HOOT!! This will make the third time that I have gone, and each time is funnier than the one before.
Getting ready to laugh with friends,

When Will We Get There?????

Louisiana-Lafayette versus University of South Carolina

Day:		Saturday
Date:		Sept. 1, 2007
Location:		Columbia, S.C.
Time:		7:00 p.m. ET

Back Home

We did it!! We actually left our work, the dog, Kelly, the computer, the errands, and the yard work and got away for our anniversary!! I really can't remember when we have done that at a time that was even close to the anniversary date. What a great weekend away, with each other,and with our friends!! If you are ever trying to find the perfect place for a get-away check out the Ginn Resorts. We were at Reunion near Orlando,Florida. I am thinking why oh why doesn't my home look like this!?! We were in a 3 bedroom villa - decorated Tommy Bahama style. You really should check this place out - and guess what!?! They have mini resort right in my most favorite place to visit - Charleston. This one is called Belvedere. Friday during the day, the girls did the spa experience and they boys played golf - of course!! Firday evening - Cirque du Soleil was just incredible!! The only problem was that I kept trying to find the deeper, underlying meaning throughout the entire show. There was none - La Nouba - a dream, hence it was just a crazy collection of bizarre acts, etc. The talent - unbelievable!! Then these over 50's actually went out after the show into Downtown Disney - fun times!! Saturday, the kids came over and we spent the day at the waterpark in the resort, then loaded up with tailgate food to watch the Bucs and Jaguars preseason game. Home Sunday in time for church, then back to our crazy normal. Took David to the airport at 5 this morning. Breaking Free group meets this evening - my prayer is that we can dig into the study a little more, and a little deeper - while at the same time offering each other love, support and prayer. am still struggling with an issue from Breaking Free - as hard as I try, I just can't seem to get a handle on this. Kelly begins classes on Wednesday. This is going to be a crucial semester for her as she gets ready to transfer into a nursing program. Robert arrived in Miramar yesterday. Desert training begins today. Kaiti is alone for several weeks, but is doing OK. She starts back with her regular school schedule this week. From what I have heard she is the teacher to be feared in the 8th grade!! You Go Girl!! Turn that fear into respect and admiration and learning!!!! So here we are...summer is almost to an end - get rid of those white shoes girls - and life is almost back to its crazy normal.

Random Thoughts ...

So today we are going to get away for a long weekend to celebrate our 31st anniversary!! We are sharing this weekend with great friends who moved away almost 2 years ago. We decided not to travel far - only about 45 minutes over to the Reunion Resort - it's beautiful, with so much to do. We are going to Cirque du Soleil on Friday night - haven't seen this show so it should be a wonderful evening!! I keep wondering why we got married in August - I know why, we were married on David's parents' anniversary. It was a great day to get married. BUT later, as an educator - it was ALWAYS right when the new school year was beginning. There were many years that it fell right on the first day of school. Don't EVEN think of messing with a teacher on the first day of school!! So in this new phase of my "working life", it feels so good to be able to actually do something to celebrate this time in our marriage. This resort has its own "water park" - so Kelly and her Significant Other (Mom is smiling as she types) are going to come over on Saturday. Tickets have been purchased for Menopause the Musical for next Tuesday. Can't wait - third time going!! David is out of away again next week - just to Virginia. Kelly starts back to school next week. LifeLink called yesterday with an appointment set for Sept.18th. I am just grateful that I don't have to wait any longer than that. Only concern is that they want to review the biopsy slides from back in June. Soooo excited that football season is FINALLY here!! Looking for Gamecock tickets on ebay - anyone out there have tickets that you need to get rid of??? Trying to pull together the Bishop Family Getaway Gathering - Cashiers in October. Continuing the search for the right nursing school for Kelly - hoping to transfer in Jan. Work has already started for this school year - wasn't sure how much I wanted to work this year, but I have seen students 4 hours each day this week, and we are setting up schedules for the fall. Maggie has been working on the blog to journal the rest of Lima Beans journey into our lives. Robert heads out to the desert this weekend for three weeks of training. Yesterday, a local deputy was killed on duty - shot by someone who should have been in prison. The whole community is in a state of shock and grieving. Praying for teachers and students as they begin this new school year. Praying for Marilyn as she begins her tests to become ordained in the Presbyterian Church. Praying for wisdom and guidance as some changes need to be made in our Monday night Breaking Free group. Praying for Kindred Spirits cousin, who was found in a coma in his home yesterday. They are very close, and I know the pain, worry and concern that is there. Praying for the doctors and for healing. Thanking God for this upcoming weekend!!

31 Years!!!

31 Years!!!! 11 Different Addresses...3 different states...2 beautiful daughters...several major career and life plan changes...many, many incredible adventures known as family vacations...Walk to Emmaus weekends that changed both of our lives forever...ministry with high school students who will forever be a part of our lives (Jackson's story)...Kindred Spirits who came into our lives and will remain forever on earth and in heaven...surviving one huge Hurricame Hugo...burying parents too early in life...2 high school graduations...taking care of aging parents...1 college graduation... 1 fairy tale wedding...1 incredible son-in-law...1 soon-to-be nurse extrordinaire...1 soon-to-be Mom and a phenomenal teacher...1 Marine Osprey Pilot who will be protecting your lives and freedom..life changes...seasons come and go...but in all of that - what remains and holds constant is our True North, our faith and belief in Jesus Christ...that is what has kept us together, that is what has made us Best Friends Forever...and in the words from our wedding ceremony 31 years ago today from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran...OK - I KNOW, WE WERE CHILDREN OF THE 70's...
Then Almitra spoke again and said, "And what of Marriage, master?"

And he answered saying:

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.

You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.

Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness,

And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another but make not a bond of love:

Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.

Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,

Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.

For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together, yet not too near together:

For the pillars of the temple stand apart,

And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

Another story of Africa

Just moments after this photo was taken, the little Kenyan girl began having seizures. David said to touch her, you instantly knew that she had an extremely high fever. Everyone knew that this was probably the cause of the seizures, which were coming frequently now. Her mother had to be found, and something had to be done. Tylenol was found in a backpack - along with a bottle of water. It was decided to crush up the tylenol in a small amount of water to try and get that down the baby girls throat. As a team member was ready to pour out half of a bottle of water - he was stopped by one of the local pastors. Water - no matter how little - could never be poured on the ground or wasted. He poured half of the bottle into another bottle. We, Americans, are so spoiled - we don't even think of what we waste!! The mother was found. It seems the baby girl had been sick, very sick - for weeks. A clinic was miles away - the very same clinic that had treated Evelyn two years ago. At the clinic it was confirmed that baby girl had malaria. She was in the latter stages of malaria, and would not live without treatment. The team put together the money to cover treatments/medicine/supplies until baby girl was healthy again. One baby girl - one life saved. In the big picture of Africa - you might ask - So What does that matter??? Remember this story???

The Starfish Story

by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

Crazy Life

I have had this sort of "writers block" going on for a couple of weeks now - not because there is nothing to write about, but because there is just so MUCH to write about that I don't even know where to start. So I am going to tell you about this incredible happening from two weeks ago. I had just flown in from visiting my beautiful Mom 2 Be daughter and Top Gun SIL in NC. It was a lousy flight home with lots of waiting in an airport - not even sure I was going to get out of there. So when I did get home - I was really tired. Tired has been going on so much lately. Tired is not something that I am accustomed to. This hasn't been mentioned in weeks, but the problem with my liver is still there. I had bloodwork done again before and after surgery last month - not good results...bloodwork and more/different tests on July 23rd - results - not good. I love and trust my primary - he said that he had come to the end of the road, something was still wrong and he was out of answers. He wanted to confer with a liver specialist here in Tampa - there just aren't many of these doctors in the US - and Dr. Mendoza is right here at LifeLink - a transplant center. NOOOOOO, that doesn't mean that I am in line for a transplant. What it does mean right now is that this is the best place to find answers. Now - back to Sunday night, July 29th. I went to bed as soon as I got home with the TV on- remember, David is in Africa. For some reason - known only to God, I sat up at 2:15am - wide awake and looked at the TV. There on the screen in the middle of the night was this - HAVE YOU OR A LOVED ONE SUFFERED FROM LIVER DYSFUNCTION, LIVER FAILURE, HEPATITIS FROM AN UNKNOWN CAUSE? ok - you have my attention in the middle of the night ...next screen...HAVE YOU OR A LOVED ONE TAKEN THE ANTIBIOTIC KETEK? CALL some 1-800 attorney's number..... so, in the middle of the night - God put this on TV for me!?!?! Get ready - I had an incredible sinus infection last Nov-Dec., the result of being a team leader on a ladies retreat that was held at a camp under hundreds of oak trees in one of the worst allergy seasons we have seen around here. 3 Z-packs didn't touch the infection before it became bronchitis. So I was put on KETEK, and I took the Rx as prescribed, and it finally worked!! Life got back to my crazy state of normal, and then through routine bloodwork two months later, we found the problem with my liver. Just google this drug. You won't believe what is there!! Someone is in prison for giving false clinical trial results to the FDA. Patients have died from liver failure due to this drug. All of the information on patients and side effects are relatively new. Most of the information that I have read has come out in the past couple of months. I know that God put this information on TV, and woke me up at that exact moment so that I would be aware of what's going on. This may NOT be the answer to my problem - but how can I not believe that it is!?!?! Now, I called LifeLink on Friday, thinking and hoping that since I hadn't heard from them that possible Dr. Mendoza felt that everything was going to work itself out, or that this wasn't really a serious problem at all. I spoke with a very nice woman who proceeded to tell me that I had just been "entered into the SYSTEM", my insurance had been verified, and that Dr. Mendoza was out of town last week. Someone would call me next week to set up my first appointment. So, there is yet another door to open and walk through. I am still OK with all of this. I have been one healthy gal all of my life - a blessing that most folks can't claim. I believe that God gave me some answers to this through my TV in the middle of the night. I truly believe that this will all be OK. I also believe that there are companies out there playing with people's lives in order to make money. So this is an attempt to try and catch up with my life.

It's 8:45pm Kenya Time

These are the people of Kenya waiting in line to be baptized!! After walking for miles to hear the story of the gospel - they begged for this special moment!! And siestas notice that most of them are SIESTAS!! What an experience!!! What an awesome God we serve!!