On a Mission

"If we would all just come together

And let the Lord lead our way

There is nothing that we can't do
There is nothing we can't face
We've got to come together
'Cause in the end we can make it - alright"
lyrics from Come Together by Third Day

There is nothing quite like putting on a team uniform. I played field hockey in high school. On game days we would wear our uniforms the entire school day. We thought we were hot stuff. It was an incredible feeling belonging to a team.
I am reminded of those days each time one of my sons stirs me from my Saturday morning slumber fully dressed in his uniform for a game that won't happen for several more hours.
There is excitement in getting suited up for the team.
Our Missional Community Group (MCG) has matching t-shirts. We ordered them for Orphan Sunday last year.

I know it's not actually a uniform, but I very much feel like part of a team when I wear it. To be on a team for orphan care is pretty amazing. Sure it's daunting ALL the TIME. But it's exciting too.

This Saturday, our group will be suiting up and attending the Change Who Waits Foster Care rally. This is an extremely exciting opportunity in which over 20 churches are gathering together.
"The purpose of these rallies is for Christians to come together to be inspired and informed about the great need and opportunity for foster care/adoption in the Commonwealth. The rallies will feature some teaching and a lot of stories and testimonies from foster parents and from kids who have grown up in the foster care system.
At the end of the rallies, everyone will get an opportunity to connect with local foster care agencies to start the process of becoming a foster parent." from www.changewhowaits.com

One of our group members, Rene, will be on stage sharing testimony as a foster and adoptive parent. Some of us will be manning a table in hopes of helping other churches start orphan care ministries.
It may not seem like much to stand together with our matching t-shirts, but we are excited to see God at work. We are excited for the opportunity to advocate for the fatherless and hopefully learn how we can join forces with other church congregations in our area.

Join us in praying BIG prayers.

• Pray that followers of Jesus would see and know how to practically care for the widow and the orphan.
• Pray the children featured with Heart Gallery photos would be adopted.
• Pray for those who work in the Foster Care system and for currant foster families
• Pray God would give courage to couples who have been considering foster care or adoption.
• Pray God would bless those who have worked so very hard to make the rally possible.  

To say that I am excited to attend, would be an understatement ;)
Please consider joining us. We will be meeting in the foyer at 9:45 of Grove Avenue Baptist Church. Look for the shirts ;)

2nd Grade Field Trip

I survived! It turned out to be an amazing morning. The sun came up and the rain stayed away. The strawberries we ate picked were awesome. Owen had a blast. There were 3 other boys in my group. They loved this corn pit and the pig races. I did not bother with my camera. So phone photos it is.

My favorite part was the bus ride home. Owen didn't sit with me on the way there. He told me beforehand he had 2 specific friends with whom he intended to sit. So I say by myself. I tried not to dwell on the fact that all the other chaperones were sitting with their kids. This is my Owen and it did not surprise me. I am still figuring him out, but I know better than to be offended. Sure enough on the ride home he sat with me. And not just in my seat but completely next to me, snug as a bug. We had a wonderful time just being together. Thankful that I had the opportunity to be with him. Cherishing the times he opens up. Thanks Grandma for watching the younger 2.

Getting ready to go on a school bus 45 minutes (each way) with a load full of 2nd graders, to a berry farm. It's currently a steady rain. Fun times!