Me? A Writer...Perhaps.

So, I was reading this Magazine...well, looking at the pictures is more like it...and I came across this ad for a writing assessment test type thingy. I send in a form saying I want the test and if I score high enough, I could be accepted to this school for writing (children's stories particulary) which I love to read and one of my dreams is to write one (and maybe even illustrate it myself, too).

I gingerly tore out the ad and filled in the form. It's going in the mail tomorrow. I like to take little chances like that. Who knows where it might lead! So, if I'm a High Scorer, I'll probably be excited and then be a little let down because Jim will probably tell me I can't go to school in Connecticut and that it's too expensive even if I wanted to. But, still. I'm taking the chance...maybe it'll be a correspondence class.

FYI: my favorite book growing up was "The Monster at the End of This Book" by Grover.

For the Ducks

Today on my way into town to bring Jim his lunch, I came upon a very amusing sight! Two Ducks, a Duck couple probably because one was a boy Duck and the other was a girl Duck, were crossing 1st street in Ankeny. From where Wells Fargo is to the Daycare on the other side, for those of you who may know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, they were waddling along quite slowly, and by the time I saw them, they were already half way across the street. I think they are the ones we see all the time at Faith, so I worried for a moment that they were too far from home. The lane on my side of the steet going into town was sparse. It was the time of day most people were probably already at work. So, I had the liberty of slowing down to watch the cute little ducks without angering a fellow traveler behind me.

As they crossed opposite side of the 2 lanes of oncoming traffic I had to giggle. The Duck couple were taking their sweet little old time...and by the time they reached the curb, there were about 8 cars (including a semi) lined up, waiting for the Ducks to cross. To me, it was a beautiful sight. The Ducks were spared. I was thankful that the guy at the front of the line, who drove a big red pick up truck and looked a little husky, was kind enough to let them cross. I was happy for the Ducks, who feel quite at home in Ankeny, even amongst the busy streets of Friday.

And for the record, this story is closer to my heart than you may think. I've always wanted a duck for a pet. So, to see a cute Ducky Couple cross the street unharmed really made my day!

The Homecoming Quote

While I was discussing the whole "Homecoming" idea with Jim I told him that sometimes I feel "torn" about where I want to be.

His response: "Always travel with tape."

He's a sensitive guy, really. He is.

The Homecoming

Many moons ago...

Ok, in High School (which was a scary 8 years ago), I had a tremendously wonderful English teacher, Mrs. Means. One of the many things I remember learning from her classes was the cycle of the "Hero's Journey" in Literature. I don't remember all the little details, but what I do recall is her telling us that the "Homecoming" part of the Hero's Journey often tends to be the most difficult part. And, no, I'm not referring to that yearly football game you have weird dress up days for and play your toughest rival.

I have also thought of my life as sort of a "Heroine's" Journey, if you will, and find that indeed, the Homecoming is ALWAYS the most difficult...even more difficult than leaving at times.

I think I've experienced Homecoming moments to the highest degree in the past few years. Leaving for months at a time and returning to all the changes I realize is more difficult than expected. It's the point where I realize everyone I've known and loved...well, they're lives go on without me. It's the point where you realize how really unimportant (and that's an ok thing) I am. It's humbling, to say the least. But, what a joy to get over that Homecoming experience and finally just be home.

After one week of pondering the idea of "Homecoming," it nearly slipped out of my mind - I was enjoying being home so much that the difficulty of coming home seemed to disappear. I wouldn't have written about it except I thought it was an important part of the missionary's journey. A seed of understanding, germinating and I hope it will someday come to fruition. Coming home...even when I've only been in another state, just a 10 hour drive away, may be a difficult thing. It's when I choose to be home, that I find my place again.

In Memory of a Man of Prayer

A couple of weeks ago, Jim and I attended the funeral of Pastor Harold Clark. Although I didn't know much about Pastor Clark, I did know he had played a significant influential role in Jim's life. To me, that is a treasure.

When Jim (or Jamie as they liked to call him) was born, his parents were attending First Baptist Church in Flat Rock, MI under the shepherding leadership of Pastor Clark. After a number of years, Jim returned to First Baptist with me in tow. Elderly ladies hugged him and reminisced little Jamie as many of them taught his Sunday School classes or cared for him in the nursery. It was nice to see how remembered and loved he was in that church! Right before the service started, we were spotted by Pastor Clark. His memory was sharp and he recalled specifics about Jamie and assured him that he has been praying for him over the years. No doubt this was true.

At the funeral that unusually warm Tuesday in March, I was asked by one of the long-time members of the church if I had seen the picture of Jim on the Bulletin Board of Memories arranged to commemorate Pastor Clark and his life. I took interest immediately and followed her to the board. Lo and behold, there was Baby Jamie being held by his dad, Steve at the front of the church auditorium. Behind them and two other parents and babies, stood Pastor Clark praying a prayer of dedication over these children and their parents. It wasn't just a nice picture to me, but an amazing flood of thanksgiving came over me as I realized just how significant that picture was - how timeless that moment was. Jamie was now a man of God, dedicating his life to His work in ministry and I just got a glimpse of the beginning.

Not only did I get a flutter of anticipation of how someday God might use our children, but I reveled in the moment, thanking God for Pastor Clark and his interest in Jamie's life. Now I understand more why he was so excited and supportive when he found out about Jamie's decided obedience to God in ministry and missions.

Thank you, Pastor Clark, for your faithful years of prayer.

Birthday Surprise for Gina

I have this Great Idea for a most wonderful Birthday Surprise for my most wonderful friend, Gina. Sorry to say, but I can't tell you what it is, because chances are, she'll read this post...and then it wouldn't be a surprise anymore, which would make it less great. And I don't want that.

What I CAN say, though is that it will be VERY creative, fun, original, memorable, suprising, Sarah-esque, colorful, unique, decorative, energetic, a little pricey but worth it, pretty, lively, entertaining, portable, ingenious, flattering, upbeat, not generic, relaxing, genuine, graceful, funky, childlike, flowy, coherent, needed, thoughtful and loving!

Creative Juices are flowing, Gina. I can't wait til March 22!

Pictured above: Gina and her friend, Mike.

The Tiger Rising

This is an inspiring story; so true to all of our lives that you can't help but find a speck of truth in it for yourself. I admit to having my own suitcase full of not-wishes and not-thoughts and this story of Rob, Sistine, Willie May and The Tiger reinforces that there's no good reason to keep my sadness and anger buried. They, too, like the Tiger, must rise.

Interested in reading this for yourself? Click on the book!

In My Spare Time...

Many have asked me the question "As a missionary, what do you do in your spare time?"
Fair Question. If time could be "spare" (I'm still working on the specifics of that one), I actually have quite a few hobbies and interests that fill it up. Basically, leaving very little "spare" time to really define. I like to keep myself as busy as possible in order to avoid the bad "b" word always forbidden in my growing up years - "bored!"

One thing I like to do is read. I've taken a keen interest in reading books generally geared to the 10-13 age group. Although my reading level IS that of an educated adult, I seem to be fascinated with the concepts in these books that adults, as well as young children, NEED to be exposed to. You have to admit, most of us have traded in our innocence for material things, status, romance and the like. We've simply forgotten what it's like to be a child again. When we weren't so afraid of what people thought and wore mismatched socks. When we were unashamedly who we were meant to be.

Although those young years may seem "foot loose and fancy free," so to speak, those years present a very tender, volatile and impressionable time. A time where so much counts and can make a lifetime of difference. How many adults have you heard talk about their childhood and expose that, whether good or bad, they were impacted for life? I know of many, specifically who came to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior at that young age.

Anyway, enough about my philosophy of growing up and back to my hobby of reading.

An author I have come to enjoy, Kate DiCamillo, has written a number of books: The Tiger Rising, Because of Winn Dixie, The Tale of Despereux and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Each story, in it's own special way, has given a face to certain emotions and situations many feel or have experienced but cannot identify as their own or face with bravery, and relenquish themselves of the hurt or pain or sadness or anger.

Tis true, DiCamillo doesn't address these situations in a bold, spiritual way. But, oh, have these stories been used as a segway to my heart!

So, to share this joy with you, I've decided to write a short review of each book. Hopefully, these reviews will tease your literary tastebuds and you'll find yourself looking for the next Kate DiCamillo book, too!