Archive for the ‘Focus On The Family Volunteer Trip 2012’ Category

A New Chapter

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

Front Desk At Focus On The FamilyThe experience at Focus on the Family was PERFECT; just what the doctor ordered. It forced me to get my stamina back with the schedule we kept, we made some great new friends, and enriched old friendships. It was a wonderful April!

Now we look forward to a whole bunch of anticipation to our “Rivers of Europe” river boat cruise.  From Amsterdam to Vienna on a ship that holds 150! I am trying to learn about the area, mostly Germany — Castles, middle ages, war trials etc. It’s kind of my “Jubilee” and victory trip over the trials of 8 months of Chemo and Radiation.

From Vienna we head to Barnoldswick,  England to see friends and family and from there to a family reunion in New Jersey.

So hold on to your hats, here we go again.  God is so good, and it is sooooo awesome to have my health back and that dark chapter of cancer behind me. The prayers, cards, books, and meals were so much appreciated. They got me through.  Amazing!

Cross At Focus On The Family

Focus on the Family

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

Focus On The Family Visitors CenterFor the third year in a row, we are serving a christian organization that we have financially supported over the years. This time we are in Colorado Springs at Focus on the Family, an organization started by Dr. James Dobson in 1977 and now led by Jim Daly. I raised my kids by the Dobson books: Dare to Disciple, Hide and Seek, and The Strong-Willed Child (and I think they turned out pretty great). Focus remains an awesome resource for parents and is founded on 6 principles:

1. The ultimate purpose of life is to know God through Jesus Christ and beginning with our families, to reach out to the world with love.

2. The institution of marriage is sacred and designed by God.

3. Children are a blessing and are our heritage from God.

4. Human life is sacred.

5. Christians are called on to support the institutions of family, church, and government for the benefit of mankind.

6. God created humans in His image intentionally male and female with unique and complimentary qualities.

Colorado Snowy RockiesSo that is where we stand and we are giving them our time in affirmation of that.  We have met so many delightful people, guests, staff, and fellow volunteers. Easter week we greeted over 6000 guests to the visitors’ center. We have worked banquets, Steve is working on data entry for a department, and I am doing decor and fresh flower arrangements for the annual Volunteer Banquet (for which we got an invite).  Pam and Wally Hasbrouck have given us the run of their house (only 5 minutes away) and that enables us to be here for a full month.

Reach For The Sky Partner

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Desert CactusThe scenery is so unique — cactus everywhere and unfriendly looking sawtooth mountains. Sand and Indian Trading Posts and Casinos galore!  

Lots of nothing between Phoenix and Albuquerque (which I have learned to spell).

And very pretty sunsets viewed from our rear view mirror cause we ain’t there yet!

Would You Believe?

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

Trunk Full of LuggageYep, this is our trunk.  We, who pride ourselves on packing frugally, have done this to ourselves.  Our mantra has always been “two pair of pants, 4 shirts, 2 tank tops and two pairs of shoes period.”  BUT because we are greeters at Focus On the Family Visitors Center for a month, we thought we better clean up our act.  I think I have 10 blouses alone!  

Oh the shame…and to think there is even more in the back seat!!