Honduras

Rob is in Honduras this week. It was a last moment trip and we were totally unprepaired but alas that feels like our life most of the time. He is participating in a conference for Latin American pastors. While he is there he will be finishing up the lastest edition of the Evangelist. I have watched as blank pages turn into life with pictures and stories of missionaries from Brazil and Costa Rica. Husband's take note of the following insight I had as you wife may be watching...No deed is ever menial when done from a place of love, passion and calling. I am inspired by Robby's gift to create and tell the stories of other's passionatly. The long hours on the computer editing pictures and writing articles is his way of being of service to others. He takes every task no matter how small as an opportunity to love on God and others. If only all of us took every task before us and viewed it as an opportunity to love. Robby loves me by being of service to others.

Music

Music is such a powerful tool that we know oh so well in our life! Music is an avenue for healing in our home. It also is a form of communication with God and others. It tells a story and crosses the boundries of language and culture. Some of my most cherished moments with my husband has been listening to him write, record and play his music. It allows me into his world and spurs in me a level of compassion for his pain and suffering that could only come from an intimate moment of unbridled hontesty via his music.

I am inspired by the pictures and stories of how his music is shared in the mission field. This picture was taken at aconvelescent home with the elderly. They shared in an unexpected and joyful time of worship. Another musical moment...Rob playing the guitar with a pimp on the streets of Costa Rica. When no words could have built a level of openess and trust with this huring man music did.

If you have ever questioned the power of music just usk us how it has moved in our lives.

Joyful Times

Our home has never been filled with more love and laughter than of late. Of course this does not mean that our circumstances have changed. Just in the past two weeks we have enjoyed an outrageously Divine dinner with another couple; late walks dreaming of our future; days spent at the studio picking citrus making fresh lemonade and orange juice; date night listening to live music and oh the joy of the Olympics....And this is just the short list!

When in Pain

I am blessed to be able to work with women who share a common affliction. The medication is simple. First give up, second believe in God and then reach out to others. The reach out to others is often missed because we are so caught up in our pain that we simply don't think we have anything left to give. But alas, praying only for the ability to be of service to others is what brings relief, healing, peace and joy.

This simple truth is what has led us into missions. Not because we have it all figured out (actually far from) or even that we have been relieved of our suffering but instead it is in being in community with others, being service to others, where we find peace, joy and serenity in this crazy life.

Latest and Greatest

Wow! It has been amazing past four weeks. Rob and I have both been traveling and managed to cross paths for only a couple days here and there. But we have been able to keep in touch over the phone sharing the many exciting things going on. First and foremost Rob graduated Mission school. He spent 10 days in Miami completing the final step of the application process with LAM. Not only did he spend two weeks in the classroom but also was interviewed and screened galore. Interviewing and/or screening Robby is always an "experience". Robby doesn't like to beat around the bush so usually his conversation starts with something like this... "I am a recovering addict..." The response of others tends to be mixed with shock, horror, embarrassment and curiosity. Don't worry we are used to it.

Well, he passed... or better yet Robby left Miami feeling confirmed more than ever that LAM was not only what but where he is called to serve.

Only hours after Robby arrived in Phoenix after being gone for two weeks we attended our very first fundraiser hosted by Robby's mother and father. What a wonderful evening. Robby and I shared our calling, the direction we are heading and our testimonies leading up to the call to missions. I was overwhelmed that evening and still am in a way. Overwhelmed at how much has taken place in our life, marriage and family over the past year. I guess I really wasn't taking it it all in. Putting it in words in one evening shed so much light into our life. Overwhelmed with gratitude is my core feeling right now.

We continue to be blessed with financial support. In ways we never imagined. We continue to be affirmed both spiritually and financially that this is the right direction.

HAITI

I have to keep from crying at work everyday as I check the latest news from Haiti. My office neighbor is a beautiful woman with family still in Haiti. I see her tearing up throughout the day and I am so filled with longing. Longing to accept all the orphaned children in my home. A longing to help with food and shelter as people sift through the rubble. A longing to hold women as they shed tears over the loss of a child or spouse.
I want to scream from the top of my lungs to everyone who has not noticed or let the news go in one ear and out the other..."Haitians are our people!" The history of colonization and export trade has enabled this beautiful land to become as CNN keeps referring it to, "the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere". Yes, American was part the Haitian history. How quickly we forget.
Right after the earthquake I was watching the news and the first pictures and person they interviewed on TV was a gentleman who stated in no uncertain terms that this tragedy would bring the people of Haiti back to God. I pray this blessing on those hurting.
I also encourage all to take in the full magnitude of this disaster. The businesses destroyed, families separated, home in ruins, scare food and water, infrastructure obliterated. It will decades and possible even a century to re-build this community. So when you make that donation also consider whether your commitment to this country is only while it is sensationalized on TV or over your lifespan to assist in building up this nation, "our people".

Happy Beginnings

Happy Beginning! Rob and I are starting our new year off with travels galore! Rob will be in Miami the latter part of the month of January attending 10+ days of missionary orientation. I would have loved to join him but I have taken on a new venture of my own. I have wanted to venture out into the consulting world for several years now. I have been blessed to act as a consultant in my current role at Valle del Sol on many exciting projects- most recently with the YMCA USA. The YMCA USA is hosting (4) 14 month seminars for YMCA's across the nation entitled, "Engaging the Latino Community". After workind with the YMCA in Phoenix, Chicago and Orlando they have asked me join part of their national consulting team. I am thrilled. Valle del Sol has graciously allowed me to act in this role without it jepordizing my current position at the agency. Thus, I will be traveling the first part of the month of January and will arrive home just as Rob leaves. Please keep us in your prayers. More to come on our exciting journey.