Highlights from School

So as many of you know, this is the first week "back to school" for my county. I thought I'd share a few humorous moments thus far...

A Kindergartner on their first day at music: "Bye Miss Grin!"

A 5th Grader to his teacher while seeing the ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) schedule posted on the board: "Ms. McGowan, what's an SOL teacher?"

Sigh. Never a dull moment!

Just the Beginning...

Just the beginning of the treasures I will share from my trip to Kenya. This is the kids at the Havilla Children's Home doing a performance for us. Man I loved those faces. I wanted to stay there all week. The girl in front in the red shirt singing the solo is Gladys. She's truly a leader, and a gift from God. I saw this girl in the kitchen making chapatis for everyone as well as leading in worship. I hope you enjoy this song! It rocks my face off!

God Speaking

Last weekend, Mandy and I went to the Beth Moore "Deeper Still" conference at Philips arena. Former American Idol contestant, Mandisa, was one of the featured worship leaders, and she sang this song that is off her new album. She talked of her struggles with a food addiction, and how God is working her through all of that. I was really impressed and touched by what she had to say. Check out this song she sings, called "God Speaking." I think you'll really appreciate it too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZI2gOBvBHk

Queen of Clean

As a little break in my otherwise serious blog, I would like to take a moment to award this year's Queen of Clean medal to my friend Sarah*!

I thought I was thorough when it came to cleaning my house. I vacuum, dust, swiffer, and windex things often...but little did I know I was only in the junior league.

I have, for the past hour, watched my friend clean her bathroom, including vacuuming the toilet seat cover and wiping down every cabinet door and closet door. I have watched her use Windex on every mirror in the house, and every framed picture. I have watched her dust. Currently, she is vacuuming around me.

One thing is alarmingly clear: I am no longer holding the title of Queen of Clean.

My mother will be pleased that I have a new, clean friend. I think even she could walk through this house right now with a white glove and find absolutely nothing.

Wow. I think I have to go home and do dusting or something...

*Name has been changed to protect the innocent/embarassed.

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mt. Kilimanjaro, arguably the tallest mountain in the world, is definitely the tallest peak on the entire continent of Africa. It's located in a small corner of Tanzania, but is visible from Kenya. Only three weeks from yesterday I will be boarding the first of two flights totaling over 17 hours to set foot on the soil of this beautiful continent. But it's not really about the mountain that I may see from a distance. It's really about something far more personal. Something more like this:Need I say more?

Cardboard Testimony

Seriously, check out this video on YouTube. It's really moving. I know it moved me. I decided mine would read:

"Perfect Prideful Life...Proud of My Perfect Savior."

What would your Cardboard Testimony be? Leave me a comment if you'd like to share...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

Backsplash!!!

Kathy and I spent 6 hours doing this yesterday, and it looks AWESOME! Of course we still need to grout, but you have to let it sit 24-48 hours, so maybe we'll get to that one day next week! Then David has the trim to finish up and the kitchen will be DONE!!! I will save for appliances later...next projects will be the sliding glass door in the kitchen, venting the dryer and the upstairs bathroom. Yay!!!