March Madness & Celebrations

A supportive guy, VERY relieved 3/31/06 surgery is over!

Originally "penned" March 2013

and edited March 2015

     Easter and springtime are life-giving celebrations. Both of my children were born during the Easter season (one on Easter). AND, on April 1, 2006, I awoke. Free. A virulent poison was removed. April Fool's, cancer.


     I'll never forget people's special acts of kindness and love. The [long-time special friends'] group prayer at my home, Rebecca's gift cards for food, and Nevelle's personally-delivered plant. They kept me grounded to life, to fight, for the people I love. They encouraged me to press through months of pain and chemo. I wanted to live, for future life events like weddings, grandbabies, and more. 

Nostalgic arrangement from my sister-in-law

     The pictured vase and sheep have a special story. Mom owned them when she was alive, and it was passed on to my Chicago Sister-in-law. She secretly mailed them both to my son with money to buy the roses. When I arrived home from the hospital, the deja-vu, nostalgic arrangement on my dinette table temporarily jarred and uplifted me, with the endearing note: I hope this arrangement helps you feel like your Mom is cheering you on from heaven. Priceless!!

     I celebrate many new-life, springtime things, including 9 years of freedom. My 2.5-hour-long double mastectomy removing stage 2, grade 3, her2 neu, aggressive cancer occurred during 2006 March Madness. Each year as we watch hours of televised games, an inescapable reminder glares at me... of my personal March Madness. Months of painful recuperation, sickening chemo treatments, degrading hair loss and baldness, extended chemo fog, and then Tamoxifen meds slamming my body and emotions into 1,000-mph cray-cray menopause. All MAD! I stand on the other side of all of that, gratefully embracing my BS and MM degrees.


First stomach-turning chemo treatment

     I experience new life in a distinctive way and cherish family get-togethers, adventures to the Sears Tower and Chicago land in general, grandchild encounters, special friend activities, crafting encounters, movies, dates and nature adventures with my husband, and holidays... especially Easter!

Degrading balding & cray-cray menopause
mega-zappers to self-esteem

     Jesus is risen, and I, too, can each day live the resurrected life. I feel the Hunger Games competitiveness of everyday life, but it is coupled with a forever perspective. I seek helpful Reinforcement when I waiver, attempting to do what is just and right, including handling painful blows to my mid-50's identity. My senses are awake to a dynamic world. But tip-toeing so near to death's reality makes me ever-mindful of my final destination.

     IF I had been defeated on this earth, I know I would reside in a forever perfect place. That would be ideal. But instead, this world is still my home, and it is indeed very good.

THE BIBLE: Double-Agent Judas Iscariot

Floater Judas' betrayal kiss

    
     I am anything but a theologian. I have read through the One Year Bible numerous times, have attended church regularly for over 30 years, and I have watched The Passion of the Christ and other Bible movies.

     As I reflect on Judas Iscariot, a person who walked with Jesus, and daily heard His many teachings... how could he have been so wrong? 

     I see Judas as a double-agent or floater... he is part of two main "camps." He is: 1) a Zealot, and 2) one who associates closely with Jesus as one of His disciples. Jesus clearly fails to meet Judas' expectations; Jesus is supposed to overthrow the Roman government.

     Judas has a distorted lens. He identifies with both Jewish Zealots and Jesus; and, he colludes with High Priest Caiaphas. Maybe he is trying to force Jesus to "play the Kingdom card."

     My teacher husband (also not a theologian) explains to me the beliefs of Calvinism (including pre-destination, see blue below), which differs from our beliefs, and other prominent positions. We turn to Wikipedia for this complex table (too complex for me!):

Prominent Protestant Beliefs on Salvation

Topic	Calvinism	Lutheranism	Arminianism
Human will	Total Depravity without free will permanently due to divine sovereignty	Total Depravity without free will until spiritual regeneration	Depravity does not prevent free will
Election	Unconditional election to salvation with those outside the elect foreordained to damnation (double-predestination)[35]	Unconditional predestination to salvation for the elect	Conditional election in view of foreseen faith or unbelief
Justification	Justification is limited to those predestined to salvation, completed at Christ's death	Justification by faith alone, completed at Christ's death.	Justification made possible for all through Christ's death, but only completed upon choosing faith in Jesus
Conversion	Monergistic, through the inner calling of the Holy Spirit, irresistible	Monergistic, through the means of grace, resistible	Synergistic, resistible due to the common grace of free will
Preservation and apostasy	Perseverance of the saints: the eternally elect in Christ will necessarily persevere in faith	Falling away is possible, but God gives assurance of preservation.	Preservation is conditional upon continued faith in Christ; with the possibility of a final apostasy.

    
      Was Judas pre-destined to be the betrayer? I know he was an independent thinker. He bought into the angry-zealot role rather than Jesus' teachings on the power of love. In his thirst for notoriety, he became a Caiaphas-puppet with a Pinocchio-distorted face protrusion. THE BIBLE's dark, sneaky portrayal is excellent, revealing a short-sighted, striving, selfish treasurer.

     Caution! This paragraph and the next contain deep, speculative ideas that turn "Daisy Downer": I wonder if Judas had a heightened, egocentric, unfulfilled "purpose-thirsty" filter that propelled his notable suicide? Maybe he was crying out...   "I sooo cared!! I was trying to free the Jews!! I was never appreciated!! I will demonstrate my pain, for everyone to see!!!"    ...disillusioned, tunnel-vision statements that scream angry, hopeless...

                                                               I, I, I's.

        My response to Judas is complex sorrow. Complex because of his duplicitous betrayal of Jesus; sorrow because he was an emotionally-tortured soul. Why didn't he instead valiantly die, attempting to save Jesus? Instead, he brazenly chose the theatrical statement of suicide; the ultimate display of control, anger and escape. 

       For those left behind, suicide creates unimaginable and sometimes inextinguishable guilt, grief, as well as so many unanswered questions.

THE BIBLE: Marchen Madness

     For visualization purposes, imagine with me benevolent Mother Teresa, noble Nelson Mandela, the gentle Pope, resolute Abe Lincoln, parable-genius C.S. Lewis, virtuous Billy Graham, and yes, maybe even the dry humor of a "clean" comedian with the belly laugh of a child... all wrapped into one person. Now multiply that conglomeration by... more, and that would only begin to reveal Jesus, the most perfectly amazing Being ever to walk this earth.

     How could a movie ever encapsulate God's one and only... perfect... Son? To even try is like marchen madness! THE BIBLE's directors' and creators' attempt is laudable, and their choice of actor is admirable, but they could never reveal every aspect of my multi-faceted Savior.

     I am surprised that they omit Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding celebration. I do commend their interpretations of His merciful encounters with tearful tax collector Matthew and the woman caught in adultery. I applaud their depiction of the Last Supper and their believable interpretation of the way by which Jesus received revelations of: His betrayal by Judas, denials by Peter, and His death on the cross.

     The movie The Bible is sold at many stores, including Target. Beware: The Crucifixion portion is rated PG-13, for graphic violence. The Good Friday story, which occurred over 2,000 years ago, did contain prophesied, MAD, unrequited, virulent violence.
   

THE BIBLE: TEETH-Gnashing & Tongue-Lashing

Theatrical Caiaphas gnashes teeth & rips garments yelling "Blasphemy" at Jesus

     Political Caiaphas is a masterful juggler, strategist, Roman puppet, and High Priest of the Jewish people and Jesus. Unfortunately, his human strategy is flawed. He lacks John's desert baptism to clearly see Truth. He regularly performs services to worship God, but when face-to-face with Jesus, rather than worshipping the Son of God, clueless Caiaphas harshly chastises.

    The History Channel's THE BIBLE portrayal of Caiaphas includes depth and perspective. I appreciate the historical facts that preface many of the scenes, with information about Roman dominance and past, failed Jewish uprisings. Caiaphas' fear of his people's renewed uprisings looms and is a valid concern.


A tongue-lashing that goes beyond smarmy

     To insure his continued pampered position, Caiaphas "wagers" a trifecta of backyard "bets" to: 1) corral trouble-stirring, donkey-riding Jesus, especially during the Holy Week of Passover; 2) stop the Jews from uprising, lest they be slaughtered by the sly Romans; and, 3) calm smarmy Prefect (Governor) Pilate to insure that temperamental King Herod remains distant and satisfied.

     Caiaphas believes that the only way to manage #'s 2 and 3 is to eliminate #1. He creates history, and after sending Jesus to Pontius Pilate for death, THE BIBLE concludes Part 4 of 5 with an intriguing trilogy of worship: 1) Jesus worshipping his Father God; 2) High Priest Caiaphas worshipping God in the temple; and, 3) Prefect Pilate and his wife worshipping idols in their palace.

     Part 5 of THE BIBLE will air this Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on The History Channel. At 11:00 a.m. that day, Parts 1-4 will begin re-airing.

Tooth Care 101

     The evening news recently reported some helpful insights about our pearly whites and preventing cavities:

1. Drink green tea. It is a great cavity fighter with neutralizing polyphenols.

2. Diets high in sugar and carbs increase cavity production.

3. Sugar-free energy drinks are bad for the teeth.

4. Acidic fruits and carbonated drinks soften the tooth's enamel. Don't brush your teeth immediately after consuming them. Wait 30 minutes before brushing.

THE BIBLE: Mary, Could You Ever REALLY Know?

    
     For days I have wanted to blog about REAL Mary. Her call was to birth, cradle, kiss, and raise... the precious Son of God and Savior of the world! How could Mary's young teen mind ever really have known the full impact of her willing response to the Angel Gabriel: "I am the Lord's servant... may it be to me as you have said"?

     THE BIBLE's Mary portrayal meticulously melds, blends, and overlaps New Testament accounts written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and is basically accurate. 

     Fully pregnant Mary's 100-mile donkey ride, stable laboring, and star-compelled visitors (the Wise Men may have actually visited later, but that is irrelevant) stirred me. God's warning in a dream to husband Joseph, to quickly flee to Egypt, showed his wise obedience to God; otherwise, paranoid King Herod's edict would have been completely fulfilled. Miraculously, one precious little bundle survived.

     Accounts omitted include older-relative Elizabeth's parallel miracle pregnancy with Mary. Elizabeth (pregnant with John the Baptist) gave Mary important, early-pregnancy refuge, that encouraged both Elizabeth and Mary. 

     Eight-day old Jesus' presentation in the temple was also omitted. Devout Simeon's Spirit-led blessing and Prophetess Anna's random announcement to people in the temple gave Mary and Joseph additional and needed assurance that their child was truly Special. Mary regularly needed to ponder every supernatural incident; to obediently put one foot in front of the other; to squelch uncertainty; to increase her faith.

     I fell in love with protective, wise, spirit-led husband Joseph, and later I applauded the mid-life, managed attention the movie directed to Mary.

     The conclusion of THE BIBLE airs Easter Sunday, at 7:00 p.m. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. that day, they will re-air Parts 1-4.

Can You Praise Your Child Too Much?

     I never imagined that parents could praise their children too much! The following information is from a child professional who was recently on The Today Show, and might be interesting food for thought... you decide... 

     How much praise is too much? Excessive praise, or the wrong kind, lowers your child's motivation, effort, and self-esteem.

Four signs you are praising too much:

1. Child is self-centered (me, me, me--forget about other team members)
2. Child becomes praise-dependent
3. They get used to praise and expect accolades for every small thing
4. They are too competitive, tearing down others

Healthy ways to build up children:

1. Stress the effort rather than the end product ("My, how hard you are working!")
2. Use praise-free comments: "You did it all by yourself!" OR ask a question instead: "How did you get that bike all the way down the street without the training wheels?" "What excited you about that project?"
3. Switch your praise = "You should be proud of yourself" NOT "I'm so proud of you."

The best homes:

• Have equal parts of "I feel worthy" and "I also feel capable to handle life"
• Are less permissive
• Have opportunities to be listened to and heard

When using praise, be:

• specific
• short
• sincere

     Children need to figure things out for themselves. If something doesn't work out well, ask your child:  "What can you do different the next time?"

THE BIBLE: John the Baptist

      THE BIBLE series' John the Baptist is powerfully magnetic. When I read my Bible, it indicates he wore camel's hair and ate locust and wild honey... and he just might have needed a beauty make-over! But still, flocks of people were drawn to him in the desert. The following Bible verse addresses John's call and his impact:

     "What did you go into the desert to see?... A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'

     ...All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John" (Luke 7:24-30).

       The conclusion of the epic series THE BIBLE airs Sunday on The History Channel.

Make-up tips for mature skin



       Brilliant make-up artist Lisa Eldridge gives her tips for mature skin in the YouTube video, "Glam Grandmas" with helpful product information. I so appreciate her desire to keep the mature model naturally gorgeous!

A beautiful, REAL model's REAL wrinkles. Yes!

 

  On The Today Show, as well, Lisa gave some helpful tips:  

1. Begin with a tinted moisturizer (I mix my own). "Foundation is more about evening out skin tone, (not obliterating everything)." Layer, using concealer later.
2. "No harsh edges," with eyeliner in particular--carefully use eyeliner pencil at the roots of the eyelashes. Do not use too dark of a pencil color. 
3. Repeat: No harsh edges, with blush also, use fingers to blend.
4. "Creamy and fresh, not glittery."
5. Dewey with no lip liner.
6. For brows, use a soft pen that is waterproof.
7. Cream blush brings life back to the face (for oily skin, use powder).

THE BIBLE: Call Me! Maybe?!?

     As Good Friday and Easter approach, I become a bit sober and serious. I reflect on the importance of this week and on the Old Testament characters I have highlighted in the last few blogs, THE BIBLE. God's particular call on each one was daunting.

     How could Moses have envisioned his people's regular complaining and whiny regrets: "It would be better if we had remained slaves under Pharaoh..." and how could youthful David have predicted King Saul's life-threatening, relentless, jealous-filled rages; and Daniel his Babylonian bondage, obeying a Godless ruler with frightful events?

     I attempt to put myself into the "hero's" (or "heroine's") shoes... hearing God's voice and direction. He (or she) confronts day-to-day living, and sometimes he (or she) falters, waivers, or ponders. This autrovert muses on today's puzzler: How does one face VISIBLE, glaring realities... (complainers, deserts, kings with spears and hungry lions ... department restructurings, financial hits, politics, consolidations)... realities that create uncertainty and overshadow a call given in the INVISIBLE 5th Dimension realm, and remain steadfast?

     THE BIBLE helps me to see REAL people, with REAL emotions and living, before, during, and after their "Call me"! I wonder if their self-talk during fiery times and life-threats vacillated to uncertain "Maybe?!?" Mine seems to, and I identify with the struggles (and joys) of REAL men and women.

     THE BIBLE's concluding episode will air at 7:00 p.m. Easter Sunday on The History Channel. The entire 5-part series marathon will begin at 11:00 a.m. that day.

A Sticky Solution for Packaging Tape

A sticky situation

      How many times have I endlessly rubbed my fingernail along a roll of packaging tape, trying to locate that elusive, microscopic ridge? Maybe I buy cheap, thinner tape, but at times I have invested extraordinary energy into this sticky stint.

     A brilliant way to prevent the tape from sticking to itself at the end of the roll is to place a toothpick horizontally along the edge of the tape. Leave the pick in place until ready to cut the tape, then transfer it to the unused end (the new start of the roll).

     This "aha" hint was in The News Leader's USA Weekend March 15-17, 2013 issue. I am adding a safety tip to this idea: To prevent painful toothpick pokes, clip off the pointed ends. I used a toenail clipper to do that.

THE BIBLE: Deferential Daniel

     The mini-series THE BIBLE marches on this Sunday, the 24th at 7:00 p.m., advancing into the New Testament. Last week's episode included Old Testament stories of Israel's bondage, and mid-way through Part 3 depicted the defining story of Deferential Daniel. I have always admired his determination and character, and it is the rare "Sunday-schooler" whose favorite story isn't the scary Lion's Den. I label him as "deferential" because, spirit-led, he is able to defer to appropriate, situational, authority.

     THE BIBLE's portrayal of Daniel does not disappoint. Even though the producers omit Daniel's early tactful negotiations for God-led eating patterns, his deferential essence shines through.

     Daniel's distinguished wisdom is revealed. He shows clear obedience and respect toward Babylonian authority, except during two key incidents: Fiery King Nebuchadnezzar's furnace frenzy and coerced King Darius' command restricting all prayers to God.

     Daniel's masterful acting, under keen direction, help to simulate how God's power over ravenous lions may have played out. His emotions in the lion's den are believable, and... SPOILER ALERT!!... God does miraculously rescue him. It is performed in a way accurate with Bible interpretation, with more emotion than I have experienced before. I admire Deferential Daniel more than ever.

     ...looking forward to The History Channel's 7:00 p.m. Sunday episode of THE BIBLE, Part 4 of 5. Previous episodes are re-played earlier on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m. On Monday, encore performances of all episodes are aired on Lifetime.

Scarf Tying 101

 

 

       If you love to wear pretty scarves, just watch the video above to see the model DIY demonstrate 25 different ways to tie them (thanks, LL for the link). 

     Pictured below are just a few of their interesting scarf ties (maybe the Bunny Ear says Easter). The thickness of scarves varies, so shop accordingly and have fun.  

THE BIBLE: Dutiful David. Really??

     At the time of year when kings go to war, King David remains in his palace in "unaccustomed"... idleness. He stands on his balcony, as an epic survivor of Israel's gritty, bloody, years-long, pseudo-consolidation. Anointed King Saul would share neither palace nor kingship with anointed David. David hid and endured, and finally ruled solely and safely in Jerusalem.
     
     THE BIBLE chronicles David's life in blended, inexact event order, but cause-and-effect are nonetheless displayed. Dredging into thorough detail is wisely avoided (the entire Bible, with too much detail, is enormous and would lose viewers like myself).

Shepherd Boy David

     Artistic liberties seem well-tooled, as shepherd-boy David survives and thrives life-threatening attacks from all avenues, including jealous King Saul. Bravo to THE BIBLE and Saul's actor... his envy-essence was portrayed masterfully.

David displays the head of Goliath

     THE BIBLE's David seems comfortable with duty and danger. The adrenaline rush of battle is draining... yet exhilarating. What is left for Dutiful David, who has achieved all that God anointed him to do... to DO??? King David dutifully wishes to construct a lavish temple for God, but God commands temple-building duty be passed to his son.

     David's idle thoughts turn to a stunning bathing beauty. He follows his vulnerable heart... to even greater danger... he steals a man's wife... Bathsheba. I wish that at this critical point, after David's sins against Bathsheba and her husband Uriah, the directors would have included the prophet's word picture. That pivotal sheep parable is what re-opened David's softened, shepherd-boy heart, and it might have changed my David-review.

     Yes, I agree that David is a doer, and that he is dutiful as well. But he is also an emotional man, and THE BIBLE lessens that element. After David cuts Saul's robe in the cave, his interaction with Saul is mechanical; when Saul and Jonathan are killed in battle, David erupts at the smiling messenger, but he too quickly by-passes sorrow to kingship thinking. Even during the soap opera, Days of Bathsheba, he seems uncomfortably calculating rather than passionate.

     I will end today's blog with a question: Is THE BIBLE's David-essence solely dutiful? Or, does the dutiful essence overpower the non-verbal cues of "A man-after-God's-own-Heart"???
    
     This Sunday at 7:00 p.m. The BIBLE Part III will air on The History Channel. I look forward to watching it.

THE BIBLE: A "Real" Maniacal Moses??

 
     Experiencing THE BIBLE's fatherly Abraham, downtrodden Sarah, and hen-pecked Lot... I see a deeper-than-3-D aspect of these characters, and Moses is no exception. In other words, this is not my Mother's flowing-robed, coiffed Moses.

      As I write this blog, with fingers fluttering across the keyboard and mind dancing to Red Sea parting music, I realize that THE BIBLE has opened my eyes. Moses is now introduced to me in a new, tangible way. I already knew he wasn't a mere one-dimensional felt figure on a board. I felt chagrined by a boring, clean, almost untouchable two-dimensional character in a starched robe. His... essence... is now crystallized in my mind, and I will attempt to briefly clarify that essence.

      Moses' unkempt hair, gravely "follow me," and mischievous, faraway stare have helped me to see the unvarnished, softer side of him... Specifically, I honed in on a crazed side of his character. After all, the unique 4-part formula of: Moses' palatially-educated upbringing + Pharaoh-groomed "brotherly" rivalry + desert years + burning bush experience couldn't help but = a raw, muddy, desperately fearless and complex man with anything but a spurious side. He is REAL, and I think I finally get him. He is a believable, seemingly demented, Ph-is-raelite (Pharaoh-groomed Israelite) on a humongous, thank-less, and compelling God-mission... and THE BIBLE's astute facial expressions portray a borderline maniacal essence... I think it is accurate, and it is unexpectedly refreshing...

      ... refreshing, because of my personal belief in the God of Moses, unseen-by-me, but real none-the-less; and, I wonder if I am experiencing a personal "parting of the Red Sea," writing today's Deo Volente blog. I have a writer's (sometimes mischievous) far-away stare and unkempt hair, that both feel... a bit... ?!?

      Oh, my! Adding just a few blogging edits and tweaks managed to burn-to-a-crisp my cheese quesadilla. I cannot wait to share King David's portrayal. It is complicated as well as unexpected, in a different way. My next installment will contain reactions to THE BIBLE's King-David-essence.

     THE BIBLE mini-series Part III will air Sunday, 7:00 p.m., on The History Channel, and repeat Monday, 7:00 p.m. on Lifetime.

THE BIBLE: Real TV

* THE BIBLE: YouTube's 4-minute Trailer * 

      I admit that when I first heard there would be yet another Bible movie, I was hesitant. Thoughts of The Ten Commandments with starchy, clean, resonant Moses kept me from anticipating the March 3rd event, and there would be no surprise stories (Adam and Eve, Noah's Arc, Abraham and Isaac, Moses parting the Red Sea, Saul and David's rivalry, yada, yada)... I have read and watched all of the stories, but how would this movie portray the events? I felt compelled to at least give it a try.

      After viewing the first two episodes of the epic, five-part mini-series, I am pleased to say, "This ain't your parents' Ten Commandments! It is real TV." I feel ecstatic to repeat Life cereal's nostalgic phrase from years ago: "sHE likes it... sHE likes it!"  How could one not love maniacal Moses and Sodom's Ninja angel?




Sodom's bloody Ninja angel

      I will soon share why I feel The Bible is Real TV, and what I appreciate about their portrayal of Moses as well as aspects I did not prefer in their portrayal of dutiful David. Those thoughts will best be saved for another blogging installment.

     This Sunday 3/17 at 7:00 p.m., Part 3 (of 5) will air on The History Channel and will repeat Monday evening on The Lifetime Channel.

Left Behind - Back to normal rhythms

     The Brazil service team arrived home safely Saturday and came to our place that evening for a decompression-time dinner. We (including Jeff's Mom) loved hearing stories from the students. I'm glad they joined us for a hearty meal and chatting. It is the ideal avenue for all of us to begin to process the full impact of their 9-day adventure.

     The team shared their favorite and fun times. Ministry to the Brazil children ranked high, as did a water fight in the rain. Maybe the rhythmic event in the short video above ranked high as well. Overall, it was culturally enhancing to join with one of the best service teams ever.

      I was fully aware of our gathering's personal impact for me: This "missions widow" graduated, With Honors, from Left Behind University. It is great to have Jeff back as he gradually joins the Land of the U.S. Living watching basketball and paying bills.

     The apple salad recipe below was savored by all (I multiplied the amounts by 8 to feed 12 hungry stomachs). The pectin in apples enhances digestion.


Hyvee's Apple Salad (t=teaspoon, T=tablespoon)

1 med. apple sliced & chopped (I used Granny Smith & Red Delicious)
3/4 t lemon juice
2 T chopped walnuts
2 T honey
1/8 t ground cinnamon (this ingredient helps sugars digest & creates an apple crisp taste)
1 t flax seed (optional)
1 T salted sunflower seeds (optional)
1 T dried cranberries (optional)

In a small bowl, combine the apple and lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients; toss to coat. Chill until serving. Yield: 2 servings.

Left Behind - CR Monkey

     Woo hoo!! In just 3 hours the Brazil service team will be on Springfield soil, ETA 10:15 a.m. Prior to arriving at the Sao Paulo airport, they took a quick dip in the Atlantic at Copa Cabana Beach. They traveled trams, buses, and planes to arrive to Sao Paulo and back. The overseas return flight was only two-thirds full, so students were able to grab two and three seats each.

Jeff in Rio

2012's Costa Rica Capuchin Monkey is in video above

    













          For kicks as I 2012 reminisce, I am posting a very short video of my husband's encounter with a capuchin monkey in Costa Rica's National Rain Forest. That rascal hoped to steal a banana out of his backpack.

Left Behind - CR & Friend Requests

        The Brazil team is in the process of returning home. Tears were flowing yesterday as the students said caio to their new-found Brazilian amigos. I noticed on my husband's Facebook that he has 23 new amigo Requests. 

     Service trips are shared memories with people, people, people including: the missionaries/students we meet overseas; the people we serve; AND, the students on our team with whom we travel, eat, sleep, eat, shop, eat, and serve alongside 24/7. It sounds like this year's 2013 Brazil team served vigorously, and had a blast as well... cohesively with no distracting rabble. 

     I know that our 2012 Costa Rica service team memories (pictured below and in the blasting video above) were fun, treasured, and varied...

 

We had a "blast" shopping at CR's Walmart--see video above

 



 

 

    

 

Muchos gracias, Mary Mahon!

 

 

Left Behind - CR Service

    


2012 "serving" in Costa Rica

      Yesterday the trip man texted that the Brazil team did two school presentations, but he gave no specifics. Maybe they acted out skits similar to the one in the video above from our 2012 Costa Rica service trip (I love the giggles of the children).

    Today's text update is: "We will do ministry in an orphanage and then have a good meal and celebration event of their week. The students are in good spirits and did well all week... they still like each other."  

   Good news, and thanks for praying! EDA = Saturday.