Malawi or Bust

On December 26, 2004, the world grieved those who had been killed, hurt or lost loved ones in the devastating tsunami that hit Sri Lanka and other areas. Our church, The Peoples Church, sprang into action.  The church began briefing people who were interested in going to help those who were in need since they were letting people into the country to help. We had to take advantage of this major opportunity. The goal was to show Jesus' face through our loving kindness to help these people. I was moved, and I felt that I was being called. However, after being briefed, I wasn't quite sure that this should be my first mission trip, as they even said, this isn't good for a first mission.  The conditions were poor, it was rainy season and as a woman I'd only be able to help do laundry and what not.  My heart sank, but I knew that I would have another opportunity. 

In December 2007, our church took up a love offering for two charities one of which was the Adziwa Ministry.  As they spoke of this ministry, I felt that tug at my heart, Holy Spirit was whispering to me. The church leaders announced that they would be parterning with Capital City Baptist Church in Lilongwe, Malawi and with African Leadership here in Franklin in order to demonstrate the love of Jesus in practical and varied ways. The first initiative of this partnership is to resource the Kauma Orphan Support Initiative, also known as “Adziwa.” AIDS orphans and the families caring for them are provided decent housing and agricultural projects that give opportunities to earn a steady income. Another aspect of this initiative is the construction of a school, as over half the children of Malawi receive no formal education. This was the opportunity that God had been holding onto for me as I have a huge heart for kids who are affected by AIDS/HIV. I was pregnant at the time of the announcement and I knew there was no way, I would travel during the first year of Dylan's life.  I would wait and see what the following year would look like. 

A few months ago, the church's missions pastor, Ken, announced that they were holding a meeting for the Malawi missions. I attended and was so amazed by the stories and pictures that were shared during this meeting. On the way out, I picked up my application and the information including the 3 dates that our church would be going to Malawi this year...one of which was July 11-24.   That date is perfect I thought. My mom, who drives a school bus, would be available to watch Dylan, and he will be 15 months old. I turned in my application, renewed my passport and waited. 

I received an email from Richard and Mary, our fearless leaders for the trip, notifying us when our meetings would be for the trip. I am anxious about the first meeting which will be held on March 1. 

In the mean time, I ask that your pray for me and the team I will be going with, as I know that there is power in prayers. Personally, I pray for everything to work out so that I can go to Malawi. Also, I am anxious about the pills that I have to take for malaria, so please pray that my anxiety is calmed. As some of you know, I have a fear of choking and cannot swallow pills. I cannot wait to share this journey with you.

9 months

Today, Dylan is 9 months old. I cannot believe how fast time is flying. It seems just like yesterday that I was holding a teeniney baby in my arms and nursing around the clock.  Now, I can barely keep him still as he's always on the go and I don't think he eats enough (not a word Holly). He started waving on Saturday. His wave is the full arm wave.  Of course, he's walking, jabbering, coloring and doing one armed push ups.

 Pretty soon he's going to be going off to Kindergarten, and I am going to be crying.  

We went to the doctor and his stats are 18.1 lbs (15th percentile) and 29 inches (75th percentile). He's already working on his swimmers physique. The doctor wants us to come back in a month for a weight check. She didn't seem to concerned since he is so mobile, but just to be sure everything is progressing as it should.  

Yesterday, it was beautiful here (like in the 70s) so we went to the park. Lets say that Dylan was not a fan of the swing. Hopefully, he will enjoy it soon enough.

Doodles

First, I wanted to share a sweet little valentine that we got. This one is Dylan's but the creator of this valentine also made one for me and one for Damien.  Her Daddy said you should feel special as she made one for everyone in their family and three extra. Then proceeded to ask him how to spell Mr. Damien, Mrs. Stephanie and Dylan.  We love our valentines. Thank you Emma Grace. 

The second doodle is brought to you by Dylan. Dylan spent the night with Nana this past Saturday, which was a nice little break for mommy, as she needed a good night sleep.  Since Nana is super attached to Dylan, she can not bare the thoughts of putting him in his class, so he goes to the class she teaches, which is the 4 and 5 year olds.  They were coloring their sheet for the week, so Nana gave Dylan a crayon or two and this is what he did.

Not to bad for a 9 month old right.  She said that he did it all on his own. She did not guide his hand or anything. 

Grocery Deals

I have been doing the grocery game for the past few months, maybe longer, who knows, I can't keep track of anything really now and days. Anyways, I wanted to share with my readers what kind of deals you can get if you use coupons and discount cards. This week, I went to Kroger.  My total before the kroger card, partcipating items discount and coupons was $147.  After all my discounts, I spent $78. That's a savings of almost 50% (I don't have energy to figure out the exact percentage.) 

My loot included:

box of cheerios (free I might add), box of baby cereal, bag of onions, 2 cans of manwich mix, 3 chef boyardee cans, 2 jars of Ragu, bunch of bananas, 3 cans of pringles, 2 cans pinto beans, 2 cans stewed tomatoes, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, smoked sausage, 4 packages of chicken breasts, 5 packages of ground turkey (99 cents per lb), gallon milk, gallon water, 5 pizza rolls, tub of butter, sour cream, 4 fruit snacks, kung pao chicken dinner kit, peanut butter,3 lean pockets, dishwashing powder, granola, 2 brownie/cookie mixes, 2 cream cheeses, and whole wheat hamburger buns. 

And...I don't have to cook at all next week!!!  Now that's some more savings.

P.S. - Of course, Dylan had to make it in the pic, he was amazed at the savings too.

one small step for man, one very small step for Dylan

Dylan is officially walking and has been doing so for about 2 weeks.  It's too cute.  I haven't been able to get decent video until recently as he walks before I get the camera ready, then falls down after a few steps. I love the monkey walk that kids do when they are learning. (I am so upset by the pic quality when I upload it to youtube. Anyone have suggestions on how to keep the quality?

Most Embarrassing Moment

Gitzen girl's post inspired me to share with my readers my most embarrassing moment.  I am sure some of you have heard this story while others will be reading this for the first time.  Up until this point in my life, I am sure I had some embarrassing moments, but nothing really stands out.  It's safe to say that after this point in my life, I have had a few embarrassing moments, but I don't think nothing compares to this one.  

My freshman year in high school, I took Honors English.  Big words don't come naturally to me. Often times, I don't know what words mean, so I either act like I do and move on, or I may actually ask the person depending on how close I am to them. (I blame the school system.) During class one day, we were reviewing our vocabulary. As a part of the review, we were to say the word and then use the vocabulary word in a sentence.  The teacher called on me for the one word I was hoping she wouldn't call on me for.  UGH!  I don't know how to pronounce this word. The word was exacerbate.  However I just couldn't get past the latter part of the word. What came out of my mouth....exmasturbate.  The teacher about busted a gut laughing so hard. As well, all of my peers were dying laughing.  All I could do was laugh and blush.  Then, the teacher starts laughing so hard, that she leaves the room for like 5 minutes. I can only imagine that she pulled another teacher out of class to share the hysterical thing that happened in her classroom and regain her composure. 

That's it! That's my most embarrassing moment. Wanna share yours?