Are you kidding?

Has anyone else seen the giant display in Walmart for the Equate version of cold medicine titled "Mucus Relief"?? Makes me just wanna run right out and buy it!!

Casa de Esperanza

Mololoa

Construction

The woman who now lives in this house leaves before 6:00 to walk the eight miles it takes to get her to church on Sunday mornings... What keeps you away from meeting with God's people?

Santa Lucia

I thought I would post some better pictures of our trip... now that I have a few more to choose from... {if you are reading this and haven't sent me yours, you are not excused! :)}
Here is the church we sing in at Santa Lucia...

Honduras 2007 trip

Brace yourselves... this may be a long one....
I am finally sitting down to blog about our Honduras trip this year. I was waiting for the right words and best way to convey my trip. I don't yet have them and probably never will. You would think that after twelve trips I would be better at this. You thought wrong. I was hoping to have some pictures that would tell the story better than I would be able to, but it doesn't look as if that's going to happen either. {because apparently no one can go on to Snapfish and send me their pictures... sheesh} ;)
Anyway, here are the moments that stand out in my mind from this years trip. {Pictures may be added as they arrive from my sources}
We went to sing in the church at Santa Lucia the second night I was there. LOVE that church. Not just because of the year I spent time up in the bell tower, but the fact that MILLIONS of other Christians have gathered in the same building for CENTURIES to worship God. Reminds me of what a small part I play in the grand scheme of things.

Helped build TWO houses this year. Impressive considering I'm usually in the bodega organizing and never make it onto any of the construction crews. I love the soreness you get after pounding away at those nails and carrying the wood down/up dangerous inclines as a reminder of what you can accomplish together when no one wants the credit. And I am quickly becoming a master at putting in the floors!

Going back to Mololoa... can not even describe the feeling when Eric and Carmen came and found me before I got on the bus after builiding our first day in the village... how did they know that I was there, and have they thought about me at all since I left last year? Hugs and kisses have never been so sweet.

Judy with Eric, ?, Marcos, & Carmen

Working with the Manna project feeding 139 kids a hot lunch that may never have had to eat on their own. I got to help them wash up before eating and prayed over those little hands as I poured water over the suds... Last year I washed many of their feet in that same church building during the May trip.

Diane Adams & Judy with the ladies who work in the kitchen

Led my first Spanish prayer! Impressive, but it was EXTREMELY simple considering it was offered by this Gringa. If you haven't seen it before down there the kids repeat what you say line by line outloud as their own prayer. WOW. Loved it.

We went out with Jenny and ALL the Casa de Esperanza kids for dinner on the fourth of July. Brett had a look of wonder on his face most of the time. I loved getting to see all those sweet faces in person, and think about the life they came from, and the life they are currently living now. I loved hearing them call one of my dearest friends "Mom" and loved watching her with them. Now putting them to bed later that night... a slightly different story! Fernando did not find my rendition of the ABBA song for his name as amusing as I... :)

The boys saying grace

Fernando & Judy

I got to return to Aqua Agria this year. Haven't been for three years. Love it there. Love getting to see Timeteo's family, and experience first hand how they respect and care for the elderly of that village. Struggled enormously with feelings of inadequacy that day since I was "treating" patients... like I was an MD doctor, and not a PT doctor. Very humbling. And frustrating. And makes me question where my talents in the therapy field blend into my efforts there.

And as always, loved getting to see friends again and serve alongside them. And also for the rookies, to see through their eyes for the first time again.

Anna & Judy

Torch '08 promises to be an amazing trip as well, so stay tuned for dates {which I will hopefully have in October after our Board meeting...} If you are reading this blog than consider yourself offically invited to join us! ;)
Dios los bendiga!

The Bourne Ultimatum

I HIGHLY recommend seeing this movie... it totally rocks! {sorry we went without you Brett, but you got to ride Tomb Raider and the Minebuster today! :)}
I also recommend NOT sitting in the fourth row, so as to avoid getting motion sickness from the action scenes.... and arrive early to get a seat that will help you avoid said sickness.
{PS- 30 minutes before the show starts is NOT early enough!!}
Two big thumbs up!

A Real Fine Place to Start

Today was the day two of my favourite people brought another sweet one into their lives....

Congratulations to Jen & Steve Burgie
and big brother Davis
on the arrival of
Cameron Chase
6lbs, 14 oz

-and-

Congratulations to Brian & Sara Walker
and big brother Camden
on the arrival of
Scott Norton
7 lbs, 12 oz

I pray blessings on both of your families as you transition into a new family of four!

First & Last

Okay, okay... I'm doing the post already!

First memory: Not sure.... I remember going over to Sam & Susan's after Laurie was born and I'm 21/2 years older than her, so.......

First real kiss: Jamie Tallman. Camp Omagh. Lifeguard. Also first guy to break my heart. And the first to apologize for it. In writing. Years later. You better believe I held onto THAT! ;)

First Concert: Tiffany and NKOTB You got the right stuff.... baby!

First love: Brett James Mitchell. Seriously! The first and only guy I have ever loved.

First crush: Brent Atwell. We were in school together forEVER!

First thing you think of in the morning: I can't believe I'm up before my alarm goes off AGAIN!

First book you remember loving: Lamont the Lonely Monster. Cars & Trucks and Things That Go. The Cat In the Hat. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Oops, was that more than one?

First question you'll ask in heaven: Where's the chocolate?

First best friend: Gillian Nesbitt.

Last time you dressed up: Depends what your definition of "dressed up" is...

Last book you read: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Awesome read too!

Last CD you bought: it has honestly been so long ago that I have no idea. Brett's the spender around here!

Last time you cried: (by myself) on Sunday around page 696 of last book read, (with someone else) last Tuesday with one of my cancer patients

Last movie you saw: Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix with Brett, Ashley & Jamin in the theatre with popcorn and everything!

Last time you told someone you love them: To Brett last night after I phoned to tell him I arrived back in Monty safely

Last funny thing you did: Quoted the "parfait" scene from Shrek with my coworkers this afternoon when I was supposed to be writing notes... oops! :)

Last thing I watched on tv: The Today Show this morning while getting ready for work

So now I tag whoever wants to do this... :)

And I haven't forgotten to blog about Honduras... still processing and waiting for pictures, promise!

Off again!

Heading up to Canada with 18 of Brett's soccer boys for their preseason training abroad! :)
Brett drove up yesterday and will meet us at the airport in Buffalo.
Back in touch next week!

A Franciscan Benediction

love this! {from Studio 310}

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.

Top ten phrases heard in Honduras

10. Interns?? We don't NEED no stinkin' interns!

9. What time is devo?

8. Happy America day... {clap, clap} {clap, clap} Those were fireworks. There'll be a grand finale tonight complete with snapping sparklers.

7. When's the last time you drank some water?

6. Sounds like your train's not bound for glory...

5. I need some children's vitamins!

4. It's hot. It's very hot. Yes, it is. It is. It is.

3. What mile of the trip are we on now?

2. Board!

1. Are you my Mom?

Torchers, what else would you add? ;)

Happy belated birthday Sumer!

Sumer Leigh... just wanted you to see where I was when I celebrated your birthday this year... See you there next year {at one of mine & your favourite places...}

*PS- I blog-stole this from Lori Connell: the coolest girl I know!

It's nice to be missed...

...not only by family & friends in Honduras, but by friends & family here as well...
Not that anything came to a screeching hault as a result from my absence, but it's nice to know that God's given me some unique quality that people love and appreciate...

Honduras/El Salvador stories and pics to come soon.... right now I need sleep...

{Did I mention how extemely grateful I am for cold/clean/clear water to drink, hot water to shower in, and an automatic washing machine right now? How many things I take for granted...}

Honduras-bound

I have been reading through my journals from last year's trips to Honduras before going again. Satan is doing his best to keep Brett and I busy distracted with life issues before we leave tomorrow morning. I admit I have not spent the time preparing myself for being down there, and will hit the ground running on nearly empty. But I know that God will give me the strength that I need in proportion to the tasks He has already prepared for me to do. And in a matter of hours I will be back to a place that my heart considers a home. We will head to Atlanta tonight after dinner and fly out in the morning, returning again July 11. Certainly any prayers offered on what God will accomplish through this trip would be greatly appreciated. To follow along with what we are doing and how you may communicate with us while we are away, click here
Here are some of my live-in-and-embrace moments of the July '06 trip:
the example of a mother's love in the Comayaqua clinic
the service of a PT to a group of special needs orphans
the brave heart of a little girl playing with a tube tucked gently between her fingers that carries chemo drugs
a little girl tearing down the mountain side when she realizes you are standing at the bottom of it
joy in the eyes of a friend with a dream being lived out day by day
spending time with those you love & tried to invest in
realizing that the floor you are painting will be underneath feet of countless patients, some of whom you may have the opportunity to serve
the aid of a child who expects nothing more than to simply be part of the group
letters from children who have stolen your heart after spending an afternoon playing with them
jolly rancher kisses from someone who is young enough to never know anything different than the life he is currently living
dimples in the smile of a 15 year old who will occasionally drop his guard when he thinks you're not looking
This trip isn't about me Lord, it's about you. And I pray that even though I will mess up, You will work through me. And give me eyes of love so that I may see others as You see them.

50 Things about Judy

I got blog-tagged by Dinah to list 50 things about myself, which I am sure will not be interesting to most of you. But I love my Dinsers, so here goes:

1. I was secretly hoping that there would be a "prompt" list for this. Like: what is a childhood memory, or what do people not know about you.... Apparently there is not.
2. In one week I will be in Honduras getting ready to serve alongside a few of my favourite people in the world... and can't wait!
3. I would have never guessed in a million years I would be living in Montgomery, AL with a core group of friends that would do whatever I needed/asked from them
4. I have a love/hate relationship with living in the South
5. I moved to America when I was 18.
6. I married my highschool sweetheart and best friend and somehow made it through the last nine years of marriage despite living simultaneously in two different states. God IS good.
7. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God
8. I struggle with practising the presence of God
9. I believe prayer warriors are some the of greatest gifts in the world
10. I believe that true friends become family
11. I used to watch The Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night
12. I LOVE the Muppets. Seriously.
13. I also love my "job" as a physical therapist. It is so rewarding and my patients are such a blessing to me! And if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.
14. I keep in touch with my best friend from grade six ~ shout out to Pam!
15. I miss playing in the snow. Playing in it for hours where you lose track of time, and your mittens are soaking wet, but you're too busy to notice.
16. I love Harry Potter and got hooked on it reading one night while babysitting. When the parents came home I told them I'd bring the book back when I finished it.
17. I can get addicted to reading a book and stay up for hours until it is done
18. I read The Davinci Code in one day flying from New York City to Birmingham
19. The worst sunburn I ever got was snorkeling in Roatan and forgetting to adequately cover my derriere with sunscreen...
20. I believe my Mom can make a meal out of absolutely nothing and it would still taste wonderful
21. I remember sitting on my Dad's lap in the front window of the cottage in the middle of the night watching a storm come across the lake at us
22. Canoeing rule #1: Brett and I instantly forgive whatever was said on the portage as soon as we hit the water
23. I have held my breath under water in a lake to escape mosquitoes, black flies, and horse flies
24. I'm 32 years old, not a mother, and okay with that. Others, however, are not, and don't mind telling me about it.
25. I think Brett will be an AWESOME father one day
26. My entire relationship with God changed my freshmen year at Lipscomb, largely in part to Doug Varnado.
27. My first official "mission trip" was to Missouri for flood relief in the fall of 93.
28. I went to Guatemala on a medical mission my freshmen year, and the experience completely changed me... however I spent so much time being completely terrified, and will probably never go back to that country.
29. I could never log the hours I've spent playing Uno at the lake with my Aunt, Uncle, cousins, and Great Aunts
30. I spent so much time with my cousins growing up that they were my other sisters
31. I have great Aunts that served as additional Grandmothers
32. I share my grandmother's love of babies. And have a knack for putting babies to sleep. Apparently this also includes those with colic! {SHW}
33. I have always wanted to get a tattoo... and would have one if they weren't all closed the night I finally decided to get it!
34. I love quoting from movies/tv shows and fitting it into the conversation.
35. I hate wasting a quote on someone who has no idea what I'm talking about/haven't seen the movie. "You're killing me Petey! You're killing me!"
36. I easily remember things that will never appear on a test
37. I have travelled with my Sunday school class to Florida when I was 16 after Ken Mashinter took our request for "trip to Florida" seriously...
38. I almost always burn grilled cheese... which Brett finds absolutely amusing
39. I love 80's music
40. When I was young I went shopping with my Aunt and told her my Mom was "more endowed" that she was when she took me in the dressing room with her
41. I have skipped classes in highschool just to finish a game of euchre in the cafeteria and gotten my friend to write a Peer Counsellor pass to excuse the absence with the teacher
42. I believe sarcasm is my spiritual gift! ;)
43. I have friends living in so many different parts of this continent that no matter where I am I miss all of them at some point in time
44. I don't feel worthy of God's love for me, but want so badly to grasp the concept that I am the apple of His eye
45. It takes me a long time to convince myself to go the first time when I'm cliff jumping
46. I have been spelunking
47. I have always wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska
48. I used to scrapbook using quotes from magazines and ticket stubs/maps/etc. to decorate those old plastic peel back photo albums
49. I wish I was more photogenic
50. I believe that heaven is real and I'll meet you there at the middle Eastern gate!

Sooooooo, that's me. And now {naturally} I tag Karen, Ashley, Laura, and Jamey! :o)

Congratulations Cara & Conrad!

Presenting Mr. & Dr. Conrad Deese
June 9, 2007
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Are these the most gorgeous wedding pictures or what? If you knew Cara, you would know that this setting was perfect for her (and so, I'm assuming, also perfect for Conrad :)
Congratulations to you both... I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Happy Father's Day!

Brett and I celebrated our Dad's yesterday by going hiking and {tried} to go canoeing,
honouring the men who helped instill in us our love for the outdoors...
Happy Father's day to you both! :)

Whine, whine, whine

Dear Incredibly Self-Centered Daughter:
Sorry for not being super excited to do your family education at the hospital today. And despite the fact that I had to re-rearrange my schedule because you were supposed to come at 8:30, not 1:20, I also had to constantly fight the urge to slap your fushia-painted lips...
This just in --- your Dad had a S-T-R-O-K-E! Thus the reason he's in the hospital in the first place. On a good day he is a MOD assist for balance, read NOT STAND BY ASSISTANCE. The man can't stand up by himself and has had a catheter in and out of his body four times in the last week, so cut him a little slack. I don't care if it's Father's day, Christmas, or Yom Kippur... he's in a hospital and the world will continue to spin on it's axis if you have to bring your feast to the hospital to celebrate instead... I promise!
And a special kudos to the doc who went over all of our heads and granted him a day pass to the tantrum thrower anyway... yes, thank YOU!
Signed,
The Physical Therapist who-doesn't-have-a-lot-of-experience-but-at-least-knows-enough-to-
graduate-and-pass-her-boards-so-she-kinda-has-some-idea-of-what-
she's-talking-about...

Never been unloved

You may or may not have needed to be reminded of this today... but the message rings true to us all. Rest in knowing that there is a God in heaven that created you and is crazy in love with you.

I have been unfaithful,
I have been unworthy;
I have been unrighteous,
and I have been unmerciful.

I have been unreachable,
I have been unteachable;
I have been unwilling,
and I have been undesirable.

And sometimes, I have been unwise,
I've been undone by what I'm unsure of -
But because of You
and all that you went through,
I know that I have never been unloved.

I have been unbroken,
I have been unmended;
I have been uneasy,
and I have been unapproachable.

I have been unemotional,
I have been unexceptional;
I have been undecided,
and I have been unqualified.

Unaware - I have been unfair,
I've been unfit for blessings from above.
But even I can see
The sacrifice You made for me, to show me
that I have never been unloved.

It's because of you
and all that you went through,
I know that I have never been unloved.

-Michael W. Smith & Wayne Kirpatrick