smoky mtn love

Mark and I went to the Smoky Mountains for a little weekend getaway. We returned to a cute little town, Bryson City, NC. If I could, I would move there in a heartbeat! It is so beautiful there! It was great for just the two of us have a break. We met our friends, Trevor and Terri from Louisville, at the cabin. This first pic is the view from our cabin. The leaves were just starting to change. I was so hoping to see more color, but it's more color than we see here in Florida! ;)

footprint of service

Part of my experience in the Middle East was the constant state of dirty feet. 10 days of dirty skanky feet. I would feel so good walking out that door in the morning...and as soon as I stepped out the door...sand...dirt. (not to mention the 110 to 113 degree heat)

uuuugghhh.....

Even though that was my first thought, my second thought was what it must have been like to walk in the sand....to walk in the desert in Biblical times. Jesus and the disciples must have felt that dirty, sandy feeling daily. I thought about the last supper when Jesus washed the disciples feet. (Foot washing was a hospitality custom of ancient civilizations, especially where sandals were worn. This is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament as well as other historical documents. A typical Eastern host might bow, greet, and kiss his guest, then offer water to allow guest to wash their feet or have servants do it.)

John 13:12-17 "Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me 'Teacher and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet. I have set an example that you would do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will blessed if you do them."

Jesus calls all of us to acts of kindness and service. My prayer is that I have the heart of a servant.

challenge: Do a simple act of kindness for a stranger...and a family member...today!

my desert mission

It's hard to believe that I've been home for a month already! and boy, has it been a busy month!

Most of my friends knew I was traveling to the desert, but a few didn't. I spent a week, along with 40 other Jacksonvillians, in Dubai. yep, that's in the Middle East. We served overeseas aid workers. I was able to share my skills as a hairstylist to bless these faithful servants. We did about 60 haircuts and 20 hair colors. Below is a picture of the space we used as our hair salon. For the M's, it was like being in a salon back in the states. The ladies were chatting, the blow dryer was going, that hair product smell, and we even had People Magazine. :) The M's loved it. They were so appreciative. They kept expressing their gratefulness....although, I feel like I was the one receiving the blessing. When the M's were in my chair, I was able to hear their hearts. and their stories. Such a blessing! Many of the M's have a two day drive into a city. TWO DAY! For things like groceries, supplies....or a simple haircut. I was even able to teach a few ladies how to cut their husband's or son's hair.

Honestly, I can't imagine what it would be like to have that calling on my life. but I could tell that it was only out of a grateful heart that they answer the call. It's hard, and there are risks, but there is no greater joy than serving our loving Father.

This the conference room where the M's met daily for the week:

(there were about 160 total)

Besides working with the M's, the desert was my favorite part of the trip. I didn't want to go out to the desert, but Jill (above) and Jean covinced me to go. I am so glad! The desert was beautiful! BEAUTIFUL! The sand was such a pretty rusty-orange color. The desert just went on as far as the eye could see. It made me feel so small... and just made God even more amazing.

The World's tallest builing, The Burj Khalifa.

St. Simons Island

Yesterday we drove to St. Simon's Island, GA for the day. We started driving north intending to go to Savannah, but decided to turn off early. (an hour early...Savannah is 2 hours from our house) St. Simon's Island was such pleasant little surprise! It has such a quaint little village with shops and restaurants. Beautiful homes and gardens! I told Mark that I wanted to move there! I guess I'll have to settle for an overnight trip.

Biltmore Mansion

America's largest home, located in Asheville, NC.
Completed in 1895
Vanderbilt Family
I believe it has 42 bathrooms!
and countless bedrooms!

Here are a few photos of the dinning room. Which was amazing! The ceilings reach 7 stories high. The room also has it's own pipe organ. We weren't able to get any other photos....we didn't know picture taking wasn't allowed. So, that's all folks!

weekend in Wisconsin...

I love her. I love to hear her life stories. I love to visit with her. I am so glad Jolie and I were able to go home for her birthday weekend. Our time there was short and fast...but I wouldn't miss it!

Breakfast with Kristy and her boys, Koen and Ethan. We met up just for an hour or so, but it was so good to see Kristy. I'm so happy for Kristy...her dream of being a wife and mommy has come true...she's living the dream. We all know the 'dream' has it's trying moments, but there is nothing better.

Jolie & Koen ♥

puppy l♥ve
Mom's new puppy, Lucy. Such a cuddle bug!

My girl...

I think you should also know that Jolie was such a good little traveler!!! PTL! My hands were full-with a suitcase, diaper bag, purse, and a toddler. I didn't know if I would make it to the gate...I actually borrowed one of those backpack/leash deals. That thing saved my life! :)