Saturday, July 28, 2012

Home of Cowboys


Okay, here’s my BIG adventure, a real once in a lifetime experience: a live Texas Rodeo! There are no words or good enough pictures to describe an event like this properly, so today I have videos for you. :-) But before that here's a little treat for anybody who is interested – especially if, like me, you have only a dim idea what a modern day rodeo looks like…

Saddle Bronc: Equipped with just a saddle and a hack rein, the cowboy tries to ride the bucking horse for 8 seconds while keeping his toes turned outward while he spins the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. 

Tie Down Roping: Allows the calf a head start as the cowboy follows closely and tries to rope and tie the calves three legs in the fastest time possible.

Barrel Racing: Each cowgirl crosses a designated starting line and runs a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels and then exists the way they entered. The fastest time wins.

Team Roping: Consists of two skilled ropers – a header and a heeler. The header ropes the steer around its head or horns and turns the steer to the left. The heeler moves and ropes the steer’s hind feet. Time ends when their horses are facing each other.

Bull Riding: The cowboy wraps his hand in a hand braided rope positioned just behind the bull’s shoulders. The object is to ride for 8 seconds then dismount without getting stepped on or ran over…










Tuesday, July 24, 2012

New Adventures


So here I am in Dallas, Texas! My summer in numbers looks like this so far: week #7, state #6, bedroom # 13. :-) Countless new friends and many awesome memories. I also have 4 new regular supporters and a church who sent me a first time gift to Word of Life Schroon Lake, all this in the month of July! I know that there are many who are praying to see how the Lord will lead them in joining my team. I am so blessed!!! Praise God for His faithfulness and His abundant love for me that I experience every day!

Here is my last week in Indiana in pictures:

Visiting with my very first supporters, Amy Hornek and her family

Lilla and Anna, their sweet daughters

Craft time in the library (I enjoyed it, too!)

Amy's trifle

Dinner with the Miyakawas :)

Visiting Judith's garden after the Bible Study

I got to see them too!!! So thankful to God!

Having fun with my bestie :)

Yes, the Stones and the Woodys :-))

A princess and an Indian

Swimming at Amy's mom - my first time swimming this summer!!!

Cooking lesson ;)

It's RAINING, praise the Lord!

After the rain...

Visiting with Paul and Jill Weaver

Rachel and her parents, awesome weekend with them!

My roommate :)

Friday, July 20, 2012

It is Well with My Soul...


This has been the hardest week of all since I arrived. I received the news on Monday that Mrs. Daneth Brown went to heaven that morning. Her and her husband picked me up from the airport when I first arrived to the States and I spent my whole first week with them. Mrs Brown was like a Mom for me, I actually called them my American parents. This is part of the obituary, that I had the joy to experience first-hand:

“The things that were most important to her was her love for Jesus Christ, her family, her church, and her country. If she knew you then she had most likely prayed for you and was a great example of the love of Christ to others. She was known for her beautiful smile that radiated Jesus love for others.”

This sudden death made me realize even more the brevity of life and the value of time. This lady was known as a prayer warrior and someone who served others without ceasing. Her example challenged me to live purposefully, without regrets as much as possible.







I am so blessed that I knew Mrs. Brown and I had the privilege to learn from her. I miss her so much, but I know that she is at a much better place in the presence of her Savior she loved and served! Please pray for the family and that God would be glorified at the funeral service today at 2 pm.