Here's to the good times and the hard times......

Had another jewelry party at my sister's house. We raised over $1900! Thank you for women who love to shop & not only do they walk away with something beautiful, they also support the rescued girl who made the precious piece they bought. My heart was so heavy the day of the party. I had just gotten an email re: a precious friend who is being persecuted for her faith and ministry. I felt so distracted I was sure it was going to be a flop. God is so faithful though and the girls weren't there to hear me, but to support a great cause. We were also able to sell a few more goats!

Saturday I was able to catch up with a precious consultant who also went on the circle tour this past February. It was great. Even though it was just for like 45 minutes in the mall parking lot, it was so good to see her and be encouraged by her. She has such a heart for wounded women. She also does photography & donates a portion of her earnings to Women At Risk. I just get so excited to hear different stories of women all over using creative ways to support W.A.R.

Yesterday was a beautiful day. I was able to go to an open house for a girl who went on the Circle Tour. There were several girls from the trip there and 2 ladies from Bangkok! I was so thankful to see them again and spend a few precious moments catching up with these beautiful ladies! But my heart is still heavy. I had a bit to catch up with Becky (she is the founder & president of Women @ Risk & also lead our circle tour) She was encouraging when it came to our dear friend. Our friend is strong & she is not afraid. Becky said going into missions is like a Cop choosing to be a Cop. There is a known risk involved but the passion is greater than the fear of that risk. Of course I have heard stories about persecuted and threatened missionaries, but have never had a friend face these same threats. I know God is in control. I also know there may come a day when we all may have to face persecution for our beliefs. I love my sister and know she is safer in Gods hands than anywhere else. It's still hard.

Dave and I are taking the first few steps in the next chapter of our life. I found out in the 45 minutes spent in the mall parking lot that my friend is starting the same chapter!! We spent sever giddy minutes laughing about this and about our friend's reactions! We are ready though. We are excited and ready.

So here's to the good time. The hard times and the times to come. And we place them all in our Father's loving hands.

Jewelry Consultant

I am now a Volunteer Jewelry Consultant for Women At Risk. I officially went through our "training day" last week. I have done a party for my Grandma's church, assisted Becky McDonald at a home party and just hosted my own home party on Monday night. I had a great turn out! We were crammed in my little house. We had a great time! We cried tears of pain for the victims. We were filled with Hope that only comes from our Father! And we shared in LOTS of Laughter over some of the silly things from the W.A.R. chest and the goat project! I sold 8 goats that night!! We now have goats out there named hope, love, joy, gammy, yaya, otis, papa, & dad. The girls had just as much fun naming the goats as we had pigging out over all the food! I am so thankful for this ministry. I am thankful for the bond I share with my sisters in this ministry! I am thankful for the opportunity this ministry brings to give hope to the wounded & lost & to share Christ with everyone. I do NOT like public speaking, but somehow this has come with such ease & comfort. It's such an incredible cause that so many long to learn more about & do what they can to help. I am excited for my next party next week! What girl doesn't love girl time, food, fellowship, jewelry, supporting a great cause?? I absolutely LOVE what I am doing! It doesn't feel like volunteer work (although lifting these huge heavy tubes is more of a workout than I have ever done!!) It just feels great to love what I am doing and know it is something with a great meaning! Thank you Father for giving me this opportunity!