Hood Huddle

Each week I look forward to Thursday evening - my friend Cherise and I get to hang out with some kids while their parents are at small group. Usually we spend the night coloring, building castles with oversized multi-colored blocks, working on puzzles, creating mazes with chairs and anything else we can find in the room, etc. Last night was especially fun because the church put some swings in the outdoor play area. We spent almost an hour (p.s. it was still hot at 2000 hours!) on the swing set, and as we went back inside Nora said, "Let's do it again, okay? Okay? OKAAAAY?!?" I guess she enjoyed it!

Within the past month a few of my friends have deployed, and I'm so grateful for email and the ability to stay in touch with them! Jerry just sent me some pictures of his new "home" and said that I could pass them along.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K65CRWTaE8s

I've been in my apartment for over a week now and am still unpacking when I get a chance. Work is going well and I'm always learning more about what I am supposed to be doing. This past week I've been able to observe clubs and meet some of the Good News Club teams and that has been fun. I've also been able to attend some teacher and youth training, which I will be responsible for next fall. I have been attending Grace Bible Church (www.begrace.org) on Sunday mornings and a midweek young adults small group. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers - I still have a lot to learn and am still settling in.

I was speaking with a customer service representative on the phone and he asked what my current job was. I replied, "I'm a missionary." SILENCE. Then he mumbled, "Oh. I didn't know we had those any more." I wanted to clarify and take the opportunity to share Christ with him, so I explained, "I work with military children and share the very important Gospel message with them. Are you interested in hearing that message?" He laughed and said, "Oh, you're a missionary? Not a mercenary? That makes more sense, because you sound like such a nice lady."