Judson's first camping trip

Yesterday was our first family camping trip. Well we're calling it a camping trip, even though we only went to grandma's camper for the day. : ) It was a test run to see how Judson would do without his bed for his nap and the usual comforts of home. He did great! He loved the swimming pool; that is until he decided to lift up both feet at the same time and went under. He REALLY loved the basketball court. He even ran into an ongoing game and stole the ball. . . LOL! The guys on the court were understanding about it and invited him to join their game. : ) He dug in the dirt with sticks and was amazed by the campfire at night. I guess he's ready for our next adventure. . . Lifest! Five days of camping!

Rozii and Joe had a great time too. There is a new activity: a huge jumping pillow where  10-15 people can jump at once. More than jumping on the pillow themselves . . . Rozii and Joe loved watching mom jump aka make a fool of herself. . . LOL! I guess they think I'm too old or something.

Serving Christ on the mission field

The other day someone asked me how man mission trips I’ve been on. I couldn’t tell her because I’ve lost count, and I know Jerry’s numbers are different than mine, as we don’t always go at the same time due to our children and their schedules and needs. But today I sat down to figure it out, and this is what I came up with, but to be honest there could be a trip or two that I’ve forgotten about or that has blended in with another one in my memory. Here goes: Our first trip was to the Dominican Republic (DR) in 2004; we also went there in 2005, 2007, and 2009. Now Jerry has been there since that, but I think 2009 was my last trip to the DR. My first time in Haiti was in 2006; then again in 2009 and twice in 2010. Rozii and Jerry have been in Haiti since I have, and Jerry will again leave for Haiti in October. We also took a team to Venezuela; I think that was in 2008, and we also took a team to Biloxi, Mississippi eight months after Hurricane Katrina. If I’m not forgetting anything, that is 10 mission trips. WOW! That is amazing. God is so good and  so faithful! I feel blessed to be used by my Father in this way. Each time we head out to serve I’m awed by Him. I could not imagine my life without my faith, without the joy and peace it gives me each day. I love the Lord, and it’s my heart’s desire to serve Him in whatever way he calls me.

If you've never been on a mission trip or would like to learn more about missions opportunities, please contact me. God bless!

Love Always,

Laurie