Time with Friends and Family

I have had two 'going away' parties - one with my Friday night Bible study (sorry no picures!) and one with my mid-week group (no pictures of that either). Several of the women in my mid-week group went to Swaziland in 2005 and brought many treasures they had found there to create an African theme. The best part was when they all gathered around me to anoint me with oil and pray for safe travels, to hear God's voice and follow His leading, for courage, strength...I was humbled by their prayers and felt drenched in the Holy Spirit.

Sunday Linda, my friend of over 20 years, came to visit. Our time together was WAY too short! We are both sad that I will be so far away, but we also recognize and embrace this amazing 'next chapter'...we have walked many 'faith' miles together. Linda bought me my first Bible and boldly shared her faith with me when I was anything but receptive. Thank you Linda for being my encourager and for always believing in me, especially when I did not believe in myself.

Monday with mom. Two women doing what women do - relaxing after a day of clothes shopping! Mom is my favorite shopping buddy - she is tireless and gives me honest feedback. I will certainly miss our Mondays! She has already told me that her answer to my departure is just to stay on the go...I told her not to put that on me...she has never known the meaning of 'slow down'!

Breakfast and Dinner with Friends!

From left to right, we are - Kim, Beth, me, Gail.

Today was a good day! First breakfast with friends...The four of us used to get together monthly for a fun evening - we went to baseball games, gondola rides in the bay and bumper cars at the fun zone. This morning was much more tame, but just as fun!

Then I spent several hours at the office (no pictures of that!) and to celebrate the whole team went out for chil cheese fries!

This is our 'team'...Judy, Beverely, Cheryl, Gudelia, Alice, Susan and me!

After a good day, or a productive day, or just to treat ourselves we often go to the local Fresca's restaurant and order our favorite - cheese fries! We think of this as our time to bond.

No photos - again!

But I do want to tell you about the wonderful party my good friend Kim arranged for me last night. Every Friday night she teaches a Bible study at my chcurch. Last night she started a series on "Women in the Bible". Our first woman was - you guessed it! Joanna! It was quite interesting to hear all about this somewhat obscure character. And it was quite wonderful to be embraced by so many women, some of whom were meeting me for the first time!

We ate pizza and ice cream (Jamoca Almond Fudge, of course!), learned about Joanna (the one in the Bible!) and Kim set aside time for me to share with the group what God is doing in my life.

Then the most remarkable thing - Kim asked each of the ladies to think of one word for me. This is the word they will pray over me whenever the Holy Spirit brings me to their minds. Each woman around the circle (and there were more than 20!) spoke the word put into their thoughts, one by one - what an amazing blessing! We ended our evening with a spirit-inspired prayer as the women formed a circle around me.

Thank you Kim for your gracious spirit! And thank you Kathy for buying the pizza and coke! And thank you to each woman who shared a part of yourself with me...

Staff Chapel at the Crystal Cathedral

I wish I had photos from today - it was great! After giving a brief talk about our ministry, Global Community, Beverely was supposed to 'interview' me about my impending departure. She had told me that she was just going to ask me one question and then I was on my own...that sounded innocent enough...

Here was her question "What did I ever do to you that you would do something like this to me?!" Then she stood back with arms folded and a smug look on her face. After only a moment i turned to the mic and said "What y'all need to know is that I did not know what she was going to ask me." My answer? "I will tell you what you did, you taught me well! You taught me how to listen to the Holy Spirit and then follow what I hear."

Not much she could say to that!

While we were on stage, I realized what a good team we are - and it is not over! This chapter may be ending, but the book is far from complete...

I am excited to read on!

Only 18 days to go!? NO WAY!

My departure plans are continuing to progress…it is getting progressively harder!

Someone asked me on Sunday if I am excited about leaving and I said “NO!” I am not excited about leaving – I love it here!

But I am excited about going and about moving into this next chapter of my life and of leaning not on my own understanding…

Then the natural man shows up and says – there is no way you have all the details handled. What about all the work stuff you are leaving behind…have you prepared the way for whoever will be doing all that stuff, what about your personal stuff…have you handled all your finances and other responsibilities, what about your family and friends…have you spent enough quality time, have you contacted all that need to know?

That’s when I begin to feel overwhelmed with it all…and that’s when I look up and see the face of Jesus filling my whole world, blotting out all the ‘stuff’ and filling my whole self with peace and joy.

The Torture Board, The Jethros and ME!

What is a torture board?? That is Beverely's affectionate name for all of the reminders of this call I am exploring. To the right is a map of the world, in the center are pictures of children in Africa and to the left the endless lists of things to do.

Who are the Jethros? They are my family! This is the leadership team of my Sunday School class...left to right (starting with the photo on left) are; Joanna (we tease that we are twin sisters!), Beverely, me, Rebecca and Gudelia sitting to the right, Mike, Keith and Mary Jo standing to the right. Then in the photo to the right, Harold replaced Beverely.

Tonight we met to plan for my departure and care. These people will be my "living link" back home - they are my first line of spiritual, emotional and mental care. These are the people who will host the open house on Easter Sunday - if you are in the area please come to the 8th floor of the tower at the Crystal Cathedral any time from 7am to 11am - I would love to share with you my last day here before the big adventure begins! There will be yummy food, wonderful people and ME!