Appetizer

What’s the funniest dream you can remember having?

I actually don’t remember my dreams most of the time. And when I do, they generally aren’t funny. They are often just ordinary, every day things happening or scary – falling, being chased, etc. I’ve never had any dreams like I was having tea in a jungle with a large pink alligator or anything like that…does that make me boring?

Soup

If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why?

This question is harder than it really should be. First I was going to say a Belgian sheepdog. They are sweet and loyal and very loving dogs. But then I keep thinking of my mom’s golden mix who is just a sweet and funny pup. Saints also have some redeeming qualities, although Missy, their current Saint, is a nut. Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Salad

Continue this sentence: “I get confused when…”

I get confused when I don’t have all the information I need and I’m trying to do something I’ve never done before.

Main Course

Name two things that need to be done, but you are procrastinating in completing.

A few months ago, I bought a wooden table for the living room. I bought stain, brushes, etc. but haven’t found time to actually stain it.

I’m also procrastinating on the wash as usual. It’s been down there a few days and will probably need to be rewashed. I don’t know if this one is procrastination or just laziness…

Dessert

When was the last time you tried something new, and what was it?

I’m taking an online course for the first time; it started in June and is on pastoring children. It’s part of a Children’s Ministry certificate program. It’s going well but it is very different than having to actually go to class and interact with your classmates & professor. All our interaction is done via discussion boards and there are no firm deadlines to get things finished, which is odd for me. But I think it will work out well. I just need to commit to setting aside time each week for it.

I tried to post yesterday & again early today via email but apparently they got lost in cyberspace!

We had a great week at workcamp in the Joyful Hills of West Virginia! This year, I was on staff as a photographer so I got to speak with many of the residents of the homes our group (about 400+ strong) were working on. They were all so very thankful – and the feeling of bringing hope and happiness those who can’t help themselves is simply phenomenal! We had 60 crews of teens and adults from all over the country working on 53 homes throughout Upshur County.

A few times, I drove up Sago Road, past where the mine where all those miners lost their lives, and was absolutely chilled. I can’t even describe it. I had to drive up one day that way and went past the coal processing plant and was literally shaken. I know that things like this do happen but being there, and working with the folks in this town, really brought the heartbreak home to me.

One of our youth was working on the house of one of the miner’s best friends. He had a memorial put up in his front yard. I’ll post a picture of it later on tonight or tomorrow.

I feel like there is so much to say, yet I am still so exhausted and trying to get back to the routine of my life. It’s the same struggle I had last year, too. I know I have to get back to it, the every day of it, but I don’t want to. I want to be back at workcamp. I want to be serving and loving on people.

Sigh.

More to come…

Appetizer

Name one thing nice that you could do for someone else today.

Hmm. I was hoping to be in hibernation today. I could water my neighbor’s plants for her.

Soup

When was the last time you were frightened by the weather?

Last month, we had a great deal of rain and storms daily. We had one very bad on that I was sure was going to end up as a tornado.

Salad

What would you say is the most useful website or blog that you visit?

I’ll pick two – www.weather.com and www.bloglines.com – I check them both all the time!

Main Course

Who was your favorite singer/group when you were a child?

There were many, starting with Shaun Cassidy, then Prince, then I got into harder rock and liked Motley Crue, Dio, Ozzy…

Dessert

Do you have any rituals? If so, what are they?

I have many, but I like to call them routines. : ) Most relate to household chores and taking care of the pets, so I won’t bore you with them all!

The one I am thinking of today and I think I mentioned it in a previous meme is relating to travel (which is currently in the forefront of my mind!) I always take a drink (usually ginger ale) and a can of Pringles Reduced Fat chips on long road trips. I don’t know why but I always do it!

Thirteen Reasons I Love Group Workcamp (www.groupworkcamps.com)

1. Group handles all the logistics. All you have to do is get your youth to the location. They house you, they feed you, they arrange the homes you are going to be working on – everything!
2. It gives us a great opportunity for our youth group (and the adults!) to get to know each other better and also meet new people from all over the country (and Canada, too, eh!)
3. Hard work that helps others is good, honest work.
4. We get tired. But it’s a good tired. You can’t help but sleep well at night after serving others in this way all day.
5. They have great evening programs every night that bring both youth and adults closer to God.
6. They have an awesome program on Thursday night that is designed to make you reflect on your life and your relationship with God…and what needs to change to make them better.
7. Each day there is a different devotional topic that ties into the week’s theme. We do devotions at lunchtime with our crews on the sites and in the evening with our youth groups.
8. This year, we had pre-camp devotions as well, that helped set the stage for camp and hopefully helped prepare the hearts of those going with us.
9. We get to visit places we might never go otherwise. On Wednesday afternoon, we have free time with our youth group to relax and sightsee. Last year, we hung out at a waterfall for the afternoon.
10. We get to bless people in need through our service.
11. We get to remember to be thankful for what we have – no matter how much or how little.
12. Group gives you opportunities to serve in different ways. I had a great time last year working on a house with my crew but this year I chose to volunteer as staff and work with the program team as a photographer. Ultimately, I hope to be trained to be the MC for the evening programs – that would be so much fun!
13. We get to hear about so many God sightings at camp – all the wonderful and amazing ways He is always at work around us!!!!!!

I have just called Michelle and declared that there must be some fun undertaken today. I could spend the day getting ready for upcoming workcamp, running my usual errands and cleaning up around here.

BUT I DON’T WANNA.

Fun. I need fun.