Just a little thing

There are somedays when I really miss Ethiopia. Where it's almost like being homesick. I have that feeling today. Because of that I figured I'd just give a small little update. We decided on our stories this year. They are David and Goliath, Noah's ark, Daniel and the Lion's den, Abraham and Isaac, Hannah, and Joseph and the coat of colors. We already have some really exciting ideas for crafts for most of these; as well as a few applications. I need to get on Pinterest and get a couple more ideas but I think we are off to a really great start on all this. We have a few people interested in going but we definately need more! That's the area we are really struggling with right now. We just pray we can find a few more volunteers. If you're even just slightly interested talk to any of us. We really want to get people to go this year. The money is actually easier than expected to come up with and Woodland Oaks is willing to help out. It's such an incredible experience and worth more than anything to get to teach those kids about God and His glory. We were so blessed with how things worked out last year, and we know God will continue to bless this work this year as well.

BTW...If you'd like to read my journal from my trip last year, let me know. It doesn't have all our experiences as it was impossible to write them all down, but it will tell some stories I didn't tell and I think expresses just how amazing the VBS was. I only have two people who have said they're interested so PLEASE "order" one so this story can continue. They're totally free and less than 20 pages of reading. So get one!! :)

2 Thessalonians 3:1-4

Ready, Set.......GO!

Hey y'all! Well with the start of the new year I am officially all about our VBS in Ethiopia (but let's be honest that's nearly all I can think or talk about anyway).
The four of us teachers and Tyrone met up with some people at Grangerland Church of Christ to discuss them coming to help us next year. We got some definate interest so we are hoping to encourage that and continue to find others interested in coming. So if you are...please talk to us. It's not a commitment yet it's just giving you some information so you can discuss it with your family and see if it's a good fit for you. So get ahold of me, Joanie, Rusty, Alma, or Tyrone and let us know any reservations you have, or any questions.
So now on with some fun stuff!! We have narrowed down some stories we want to do, but no final decisions have been made. We hope to make those Sunday when we meet. The stories we have are Noah and the flood, Abraham and Isaac, Moses and the burning bush/plages, David and Goliath, Daniel and the lion's den, Hannah, and Rehab the Harlot. Since we have 7 stories and 5 days we have to cut a couple and maybe see if Chan will teach one of the stories we want covered the first Sunday we are there. We also have to see how we want to do Moses since that's a lot of ground to cover. Obviously some discussion is needed on this. The past couple of days I've been working on ideas for crafts. I think I found/thought of some pretty good stuff that I think will be easy/light supplies, that we can carry in bulk, and will be fun for the kids to make. Just gotta show the ladies and see what they think or came up with.
I am really really excited to get things going this year. I have been chomping at the bit since I got back to share my story and try to get more to come with us.
I have opened up a paypal account if you'd like to donate that way. I will also accept cash or checks.

God Bless!
Matt 28:19-20

It's About That Time Again!

WHOOP!!! We are getting prepared for the trip this coming summer and I figured it might be time to start updating everyone on the progress. So far we have decided on the topic...(but I'm gonna keep it a secret for now) and have an idea of the date. Still working on that one. We plan to have a dinner sometime for all interested in coming with us to teach/aid with VBS. So if you are interested let me or Joanie know and we will get you all the info you need. This is NOT a commitment...just if you are INTERESTED. So even if you decide it's not for you..no worries. If you are interested in donating to help this mission just let me know and I can give you more information and share some of the amazing things experienced this last summer. The plan is to start accepting donations won't be until after the new year. I wrote a journal of the trip so if you're interested in reading that I am trying to get a copy typed up hopefully very very soon. OH! if you didn't know already pics of the trip are up on facebook. If you don't have a facebook but would like to view them I'll try to find an alternative way to get them to you. Any questions please ask. Of corse we ask that you please pray for this mission and that we spread the True Gospel to all who will listen.

God Bless.
Romans 5:8

IT'S ALMOST HERE!!

Can you believe it?! We are leaving a week from today (Tuesday)! We are all just getting so excited and anticipation is growing more each day. We officially have everything done craft wise. All that's left is packing our bags and getting the correct bills so we can exchange our money once we get to Ethiopia. God has made so many things happen that seemed impossible at first. Thankful for all of the love and support we have received these past few months. Please pray we plant seeds in the children and their families, none of us get sick, and of course no major travel problems occure. Thank you again. God bless! :)

Philippians 4:4-7

Less than a month away!

So we are getting really close to leaving! Yesterday Mrs. Alma brought our Visas and today I got all my vaccinations so we are ready for travel! Still need to work on the VBS crafts and lessons...etc. We hope to meet up this week to work on stuff and the other three ladies next week. Continue the prayers and good thoughts. We need and appreciate it. God bless!

Hebrews 13:15-16

AHH!

AH! We are LESS than a MONTH away from heading to Ethiopia....Officially starting to freak out. Feels like we have a ton still left to do; that's probably because we do but I digress. We have all of the crafts and songs figured out. Now we just have to get all the supplies together and make the examples. Thankfully we have a decent portion of the supplies we need already. We get our visas in tomorrow. Whoo-hoo! Relief to us all. Life over the next few weeks is gonna be crazy and hectic and stressful for us but God will pick up where we fall short and somehow it will all come together! :)
God Bless! Pics will Hopefully come soon of the craft examples. (VBS leftovers are AWESOME)

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this mission to spread God's word possible! It's been so uplifting. The sweet words of encouragement, asking about the trip, prayers, and donations have all meant so much. God bless you!