This Saturday was back on the soccer field. It was their final time. Brock was so excited, and Dane, well Dane was Dane. They played their first "game". Up until this point, the coach has been working on how to play soccer (dribbling, shooting, stealing, blocking...) Brock did great. He was all over the ball. Dane, well he had his own type of fun. As Brock ran up and down the field, Dane decided to sit down in the middle of the field, take off his socks and shoes, and through them all over the field, and roll around. They play on that new fake grass, and Dane just loved the feel:) The team was for 3 and 4 year olds. Dane isn't quite three yet, but I begged lem to let him play. I thought he'd be devastated if he didn't get to play too... I think I may have been wrong.
Look closely at this pic. Yes, in the top left corner that is Dane beyond the goal, laying on the ground, and my poor mom trying to get him up. He was totally content rolling on the fake grass, and digging in the rubber dirt:)
After the game they had a pizza party and awards ceremony. My boys were ecstatic about getting their first trophies.
We had quite the full day, after pizza we went to Grammy's for a little bike riding (we went to the park Friday night to ride, and Brock took a pretty good fall, missed his elbow pads, and got a good size cut. So, we wanted to get right back up and tackle any new fears.)
Then came dinner...
we went to Old Spaghetti Factory to celebrate my sister-in-laws birthday. The boys, especially Brock was soooo excited to show everyone his new trophy. Bobby and I went on and on about how fragile trophy's are and how easy they break. We kept telling the boys to be careful. They of course didn't listen, and yep I'm sure you can guess... Brock broke his. Oh, it was heart breaking. The look on the poor boys face. He tried so hard not to cry. Thank God for Daddy. When we got home he headed to the garage, and did his magic. He took it to Brock who was already in bed, who responded with "I knew you could do it Daddy." Thank god he saved the day again:)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
What's Next?!?!
Okay, so some of you may remember a few posts or so ago when I shared about my dignity no longer existing (from all the pucking and peeing- in my pants that is). Well you won't believe this one... now I can't pee at all. Okay that's a bit of an exaggeration - it just takes A LOT of effort and pushing now. Excuse all the personal info, but after giving birth with over 13 people in the room - yes my choice:) I no longer have any personal modestly. It started last week, I'd run to the bathroom about to literally pee my pants, sit down... and nothing. Even though my bladder was full, I couldn't pee. It would take quite awhile (drip, drip, drip) and a lot of labor like pushing to finally get it out. After a few days, it seemed to get better. However, last night it started up again. I woke around 2ish - bladder full, sat down and nothing. I pushed and pushed and pushed...drip drip drip. It went on like this all night. I figured I must have a bladder infection, so I called my doc right away. I headed in today with all the banshees to give my sample - which yes took alot of effort. The result - no bladder infection. Apparently with each pregnancy your uterus gets bigger faster - and seeing that this is my fifth pregnancy, my uterus is so large at this point that it is putting a lot of pressure on my bladder. In a few weeks or so, it should rise and relieve some of the pressure, but until then... try other positions, push externally, take a warm bath to relax, and the best option... they have a do-it-yourself catheter like thing. Oh the joys of motherhood...I think I'll just stick with the pushing
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hi ya'all
Wow, I just realized it's been over a week since I posted - shame on me. I'm still not feeling good, I'm 14 weeks preggo now (this had better be ending soon). Anyways, we have had a few big events - for us at least:) Brock mastered riding his bike last weekend, and Daddy took him to get a new bike - that was a bit bigger, more his size. Briley enjoyed cheering them on as she ate a Popsicle, and yes those are leg warmers. I just had to share. What can I say, I'm a child of the 80's and I just LOVE them:) It's scary how fast he's growing up. I had to register him for kindergarten - how is this possible?!? Sissy, now has long enough hair for two real pony tails, I know I know... who cares, well I do:) This is exciting for me:) Saturday was once again soccer - the boys LOVE it:) So here are a few pics to sum it up.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Names, Names, Names
So we're now 13 weeks into this pregnancy, and I'm pretty happy to say, that I think we've got our names figured out. Although it wasn't too hard - they told us Briley was going to be a boy, so we had a name and the nursery (almost) ready. Thank God we could repaint and sell the bedding on e-bay so i could go all out girlie - the nursery was going to be vintage Harley's - no way would that work for Miss Briley. Anyways, back to names: as of right now
Boy - Canaan (I'm voting for Gage as the middle) Hartz - yes, after the Promise Land
Girl - Dylnn McKenzie Hartz
And yes, once again my mom doesn't like our name choices. Sorry mom, but I think these two are stickin:)
Boy - Canaan (I'm voting for Gage as the middle) Hartz - yes, after the Promise Land
Girl - Dylnn McKenzie Hartz
And yes, once again my mom doesn't like our name choices. Sorry mom, but I think these two are stickin:)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
12 WEEKS :)
Today I had a Dr. appointment, and becasue Dr. Channell had a hard time finding the heartbeat (my uturus is tilted - so this is common for me) he did an ultrasound:) If he can't find it within a minute, he does this to ease my mind. He's so sweet, he's always reasuring me that he's not at all concerned that he just want to give me peace of mind. i never complain - I LOVE seeing the baby. And there it was a true Hartz - kicking like a little wild one:)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Please join us in this
This is a great way to get involved in the fight against abortion.
On March 31 Americans are being called to action. It will take 3 minutes of your time and about fifty cents to help make a difference in ending abortion. In this critical political climate, every voice is essential. Dr. Seuss reminds us through the words of Horton that "A person's a Person No Matter How Small." We need to speak out for those who can't speak out for themselves.
Check out www.redenvelopeday.com
Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.Here is what I would like you to do:Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to President Barack Obama The White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington , D.C. 20500On the back, write the following message."This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins at conception."Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the President.
On March 31 Americans are being called to action. It will take 3 minutes of your time and about fifty cents to help make a difference in ending abortion. In this critical political climate, every voice is essential. Dr. Seuss reminds us through the words of Horton that "A person's a Person No Matter How Small." We need to speak out for those who can't speak out for themselves.
Check out www.redenvelopeday.com
Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.Here is what I would like you to do:Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to President Barack Obama The White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington , D.C. 20500On the back, write the following message."This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins at conception."Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the President.
Thank you Bridget for sharing
I have a friend, Bridget, who has a wonderful blog: www.blogginbridget.blogspot.com Please check it out. She's an amazing young mom of 5, who passionatly loves the Lord and her family, and has tons of wonderful and encouraging stories to share. This weekend she had a post , that I feel I just have to share. It's about the heartbreaking reality of abortions and abortions in this country. Thank you so much Bridget for sharing:)
"Today I write to you with a heavy heart, and wanted to share. I know this blog is mostly for bragging on my kids but once in awhile I share what's on my heart. I am sickened with the way abortion is taken so lightly. Let me start out by saying I do hair out of my home and talk to many young girls every week. I am faced with hearing some stories that make my stomach turn. I have been put in postitions where girls I know are getting abortions.
I'm sure I will be losing some clients because I am not afraid to share. God is teaching me to step out of my little comfort zone and to get out there and be used.
I feel very strongly about abortion. I will not sway on my view.
Let me just start out by saying,my view on abortion is very clear and consistent. I believe life begins at conception. Therefore I believe that abortion is murder. Whether the baby is a “clump of cells” or close-to-term.
Politicians can craft all the “right to privacy” laws they want. Murder called by any other name is still repugnant in the eyes of God. Even some who call themselves pro-life just can’t seem to hold their position when it comes to rape and incest. (or stem cell)It’s OK to murder the baby if he was conceived during these acts. That’s what George Bush believes. For me, there is no exception, and I will maintain that position for the rest of my life.
There that said....
(I'm sure I'll get comments on this) What if you daughter was raped etc. (NOTE) only 1% of all abortions are related to rape or incest. What about the other millions of babies killed.
This nation is in a murderous cycle of violence that makes the Nazi Holocaust look mild by comparison. All this talk on ending the war but yet Nearly 2,000,000 babies are aborted a year in America. 4,000 a day!!Every third baby conceived now is being murdered. Among teenage women there are 736 abortions for every 1,000 births. Among married women abortions now exceed births! More babies are killed than are born. Some would tell us that there is an abortion about every 15 seconds in America.
My heart breaks!
I know many girls that have gotten abortions and talk to many girls who's friends get abortions like it's birth control (the talk I hear while I'm doing hair by h.s. girls) I hear the stories;(
Another one I've heard,"girls will just go back to using hangers and killing themselves." OH, and abortion's safe? Keep the excusing coming... I've even had a friend tell me that if her baby is deformed she would have to get an abortion because there is no way she can take care of him/her. So kill the precious baby? It's not our position to play God. Another friend/client had 2 kids and her and her husband weren't planning baby #3 so she aborted the baby. They wanted that perfect family a boy and a girl...and didn't want to except another one of God's blessings.
How can us Christians sit back and take this lightly? We need to get out there and speak for the speachless.
I will be at Planned Parenthood tomorrow taking part in the 40 Days for life Please keep me in your prayers. We will be taking a positive upbeat pro-life message in a peaceful way.
Pray for the girls considering abortions tomorrow and for the clinic workers that there hearts be changed.
For us Christians there is only the trying, the rest is God's business, not ours. Yet we are given to know that in trying, we fulfill God's commands and build up His Kingdom. My hands will be wiped clean.
Planned Parenthood has gone so far as to say, "This is nothing more than a means of preventing disease; (pregnancy being noted as a disease.") If you think that sounds farfetched, I will remind you of a paper by Dr. Willard Kates, from the Planned Parenthood Physicians Association. The title of the paper is, "Abortion as treatment for unwanted pregnancy: The second sexually transmitted disease." "
Pregnancy then is seen by Planned Parenthood as a sexually transmitted disease that needs to be cured by abortion. Planned Parenthood has somewhere approaching 1,000 abortion clinics doing somewhere approaching 75,000 murders a year. What I can't stand is that they are receiving millions of dollars of support from the U. S. Government and the United Way, and other agencies like that. Our nation, and other nations in the world are frankly wiping out an entire generation of human beings in mass infanticide.
It is estimated that perhaps as many as 75,000,000 babies will be murdered this year around the world—75,000,000!!!!
That's more than all the deaths in all the wars!!!! In all the history of the world!! This kind of murder is shocking and what's more shocking is the processes of abortion.
Because abortion is legal in America, many have justified their choice. “If it’s legal, it can’t be wrong, right?”
We now have an entire generation of men and women who have never known abortion to be illegal; a generation of people who have never been broken over their sin of abortion.
As a result, the consequences of unconfessed sin weigh on their souls, yet they have never connected the dots as to why their hearts are heavy. No wonder we have millions of women who are struggling with depression, addictions, eating disorders,cutting and more.
Now let me ask you question:
When God asks you on Judgment Day what you believed during your lifetime about abortion, what will you tell him? "
"Today I write to you with a heavy heart, and wanted to share. I know this blog is mostly for bragging on my kids but once in awhile I share what's on my heart. I am sickened with the way abortion is taken so lightly. Let me start out by saying I do hair out of my home and talk to many young girls every week. I am faced with hearing some stories that make my stomach turn. I have been put in postitions where girls I know are getting abortions.
I'm sure I will be losing some clients because I am not afraid to share. God is teaching me to step out of my little comfort zone and to get out there and be used.
I feel very strongly about abortion. I will not sway on my view.
Let me just start out by saying,my view on abortion is very clear and consistent. I believe life begins at conception. Therefore I believe that abortion is murder. Whether the baby is a “clump of cells” or close-to-term.
Politicians can craft all the “right to privacy” laws they want. Murder called by any other name is still repugnant in the eyes of God. Even some who call themselves pro-life just can’t seem to hold their position when it comes to rape and incest. (or stem cell)It’s OK to murder the baby if he was conceived during these acts. That’s what George Bush believes. For me, there is no exception, and I will maintain that position for the rest of my life.
There that said....
(I'm sure I'll get comments on this) What if you daughter was raped etc. (NOTE) only 1% of all abortions are related to rape or incest. What about the other millions of babies killed.
This nation is in a murderous cycle of violence that makes the Nazi Holocaust look mild by comparison. All this talk on ending the war but yet Nearly 2,000,000 babies are aborted a year in America. 4,000 a day!!Every third baby conceived now is being murdered. Among teenage women there are 736 abortions for every 1,000 births. Among married women abortions now exceed births! More babies are killed than are born. Some would tell us that there is an abortion about every 15 seconds in America.
My heart breaks!
I know many girls that have gotten abortions and talk to many girls who's friends get abortions like it's birth control (the talk I hear while I'm doing hair by h.s. girls) I hear the stories;(
Another one I've heard,"girls will just go back to using hangers and killing themselves." OH, and abortion's safe? Keep the excusing coming... I've even had a friend tell me that if her baby is deformed she would have to get an abortion because there is no way she can take care of him/her. So kill the precious baby? It's not our position to play God. Another friend/client had 2 kids and her and her husband weren't planning baby #3 so she aborted the baby. They wanted that perfect family a boy and a girl...and didn't want to except another one of God's blessings.
How can us Christians sit back and take this lightly? We need to get out there and speak for the speachless.
I will be at Planned Parenthood tomorrow taking part in the 40 Days for life Please keep me in your prayers. We will be taking a positive upbeat pro-life message in a peaceful way.
Pray for the girls considering abortions tomorrow and for the clinic workers that there hearts be changed.
For us Christians there is only the trying, the rest is God's business, not ours. Yet we are given to know that in trying, we fulfill God's commands and build up His Kingdom. My hands will be wiped clean.
Planned Parenthood has gone so far as to say, "This is nothing more than a means of preventing disease; (pregnancy being noted as a disease.") If you think that sounds farfetched, I will remind you of a paper by Dr. Willard Kates, from the Planned Parenthood Physicians Association. The title of the paper is, "Abortion as treatment for unwanted pregnancy: The second sexually transmitted disease." "
Pregnancy then is seen by Planned Parenthood as a sexually transmitted disease that needs to be cured by abortion. Planned Parenthood has somewhere approaching 1,000 abortion clinics doing somewhere approaching 75,000 murders a year. What I can't stand is that they are receiving millions of dollars of support from the U. S. Government and the United Way, and other agencies like that. Our nation, and other nations in the world are frankly wiping out an entire generation of human beings in mass infanticide.
It is estimated that perhaps as many as 75,000,000 babies will be murdered this year around the world—75,000,000!!!!
That's more than all the deaths in all the wars!!!! In all the history of the world!! This kind of murder is shocking and what's more shocking is the processes of abortion.
Because abortion is legal in America, many have justified their choice. “If it’s legal, it can’t be wrong, right?”
We now have an entire generation of men and women who have never known abortion to be illegal; a generation of people who have never been broken over their sin of abortion.
As a result, the consequences of unconfessed sin weigh on their souls, yet they have never connected the dots as to why their hearts are heavy. No wonder we have millions of women who are struggling with depression, addictions, eating disorders,cutting and more.
Now let me ask you question:
When God asks you on Judgment Day what you believed during your lifetime about abortion, what will you tell him? "
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Soccer!!!
The boys started soccer this morning. We signed them up for a soccer "team" through the city of 3 and 4 year olds (Dane is almost old enough - please don't tell our little secret:) They really just learn how to play the game. They were so excited and had so much fun. Alot of the kids had soccer cleats, ours - skater shoes. unfortunately, Brock noticed so looks like we'll be heading to Chicks for some cleats:)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Happy almost St Patric's Day
Yesterday Brock's preschool class ran the school's morning chapel. they sang songs, lead the pledges, shared memory verses, and taught the meaning of St. Patric's Day as well as the meaning of the three leaf clover: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit- the Trinity. He was very excited - He's his father's son - loves being on stage:)
Sorry the pictures turned out so bad, the lighting was really dim.
After the big performance, we went to a family favorite - Chick-fil-A. Grandma Chris was with us, so we had a blast. The kids think Chick-fil-A is a mini Disneyland:) And, since I had coupons for free kids meals, I was thrilled too:)
Oh but the fun didn't stop there. I needed to start getting supplies for Dane's party, so we the headed for another family favorite The Dollar Tree:) Dane's birthday falls on Easter this year, so we're having a big Easter Birthday bash the day before with egg decorating a bounce house and of course and egg hunt:) So, the Dollar Tree was perfect with cute baskets, eggs, candy and decorating supplies. Grandma Chris gave each of the kids $2 to get two toys. Dane was happy with anything, and had toys picked in seconds, Brock how ever had to look at EVERY toy in the store, and changes him mind many many times. He finally decided on a monster truck and a glow stick - which ment that we'd be building forts when we got home for the glow sticks. He of course convinced Dane that he too wanted a monster truck and glow stick. Briley saw a baby and started screaming for that. It cracks me up how truly different boys and girls are. The boys would have NEVER EVER in a million years chosen a baby, but Briley saw it from across the aisle and started screaming for it. As if she doesn't have enough dolls:)
Oh but the fun didn't stop there - it was now off for smoothies - Mommy's been CRAVING one for days. There are benifits to the family when Mommy's pregnant. The fun continued after naps to meet Grammy to look for Easter outfits and have dinner. Brock told Daddy that night when we got home that he had had the funnest day ever. You're probably thinking - it just sounds like a lot of erran
Sorry the pictures turned out so bad, the lighting was really dim.
After the big performance, we went to a family favorite - Chick-fil-A. Grandma Chris was with us, so we had a blast. The kids think Chick-fil-A is a mini Disneyland:) And, since I had coupons for free kids meals, I was thrilled too:)
Oh but the fun didn't stop there. I needed to start getting supplies for Dane's party, so we the headed for another family favorite The Dollar Tree:) Dane's birthday falls on Easter this year, so we're having a big Easter Birthday bash the day before with egg decorating a bounce house and of course and egg hunt:) So, the Dollar Tree was perfect with cute baskets, eggs, candy and decorating supplies. Grandma Chris gave each of the kids $2 to get two toys. Dane was happy with anything, and had toys picked in seconds, Brock how ever had to look at EVERY toy in the store, and changes him mind many many times. He finally decided on a monster truck and a glow stick - which ment that we'd be building forts when we got home for the glow sticks. He of course convinced Dane that he too wanted a monster truck and glow stick. Briley saw a baby and started screaming for that. It cracks me up how truly different boys and girls are. The boys would have NEVER EVER in a million years chosen a baby, but Briley saw it from across the aisle and started screaming for it. As if she doesn't have enough dolls:)
Oh but the fun didn't stop there - it was now off for smoothies - Mommy's been CRAVING one for days. There are benifits to the family when Mommy's pregnant. The fun continued after naps to meet Grammy to look for Easter outfits and have dinner. Brock told Daddy that night when we got home that he had had the funnest day ever. You're probably thinking - it just sounds like a lot of erran
Monday, March 2, 2009
God IS that small
This Sunday, our pastor shared an amazing sermon, that really spoke right to my heart. Bobby and I are going through a hard time, as I know so many are. He had to close his business, let go of over 60 employees and go for almost a year without a paycheck. You can imagine the impact it has had on us. With out going into detail, it has forced us to really focus on what IS important. We're learning a new dependency on God. This time when we began talking about having another baby, the conversation was much different. The desire was there - so much, but with our financial situation, we were scared. We ultimately decided to leave it in God's hands. I prayed and prayed and prayed. I KNOW that children our God's most precious blessing to us. I know that if God wants to give us that blessing, then I trust He too will provide.
Back to the sermon - it was about - is God small enough. We know how big and powerful He is, but do we really believe He is small enough for us. Small enough to really know us, our daily lives, and our daily struggles? I know He is. As I was sitting there listening - thinking about all the small stuff that I have been constantly going to Him in prayer with - should we have another baby? where are we going to live? where is Brock going to go to school? a new job.. career? what are we going to do about a car? how are we going to pay for that?... It was as if God spoke right to my heart. He brought back such a vivid memory. It was one of the most meaningful - overwhelming moments of my life, and it was as if He was playing a movie in my mind, reassuring me, reminding me.
During my trips to Africa, I saw God work in amazing and miraculous ways. But one in particular rocked me to my core, and in that moment yesterday, He walked me back through that time.
We had been in Africa about 7 weeks, and it was time to head home to the states. I was with a team of 14 college student and two leaders. This was before 9-11, but after the first Gulf war, and just a few days before the embassy in Nairobi was bombed. Things were tense to say the least, and we were flying from Nairobi to two stops in the Middle East - Saudi Arabia and Abu Dabi. We were all a bit nervous. The actual panic didn't set in though until we realized that one of the girls, Hilary who was the youngest in our group had had her passport stolen. We knew that there was no way that she'd be able to board all the planes and go through customs without it, but it was the fourth of July and the Embassy was closed, and we had to get on that plane. All we could do was pray. So we did - we weren't sure what to pray, but Hillary had to get on that plane some how. I remember the first customs stop in Nairobi. We were in line about 10 feet back from the window, and they called us up one at a time. The asked us a long list of questions, went through our carry on, and checked our passport - then they gave us our stamp and sent us through. Hilary walked up to the window with me when they called me up. They went through the drill with me, and then sent me on through with Hilary BY MY SIDE. They didn't say a word to her. It was as if they didn't even see her. That was the first of three checks. Then we headed to Saudi Arabia. We didn't exit the plane there, but men in military uniform and with M-16 guns boarded the plane to check passports. Those of us that were sleeping were woken up by a nudge from the butt of their M-16, so that they could check our passports. 15 of us were woken up and checked. Can you guess who the one - the only one on the plane that wasn't woken up and checked was - that's right Hilary. It was as if she was invisible. They reached right over her to wake up Roger who was sleeping next to her, but didn't even glance at her! I remember being unable to even talk as the men left the plane because I was so overwhelmed. That left one more check point. When we arrived in Abu Dabi, we had to get off and change planes, which meant another customs check because we were in another country in the Middle East. This time we were once again called up one at a time and questioned, but we were also pulled into separate rooms, men and women, and patted down. All that is but Hilary who quietly stood aside and was once again ignored. I remember thinking that this was like something out of a movie, or the Bible but it wasn't. It was God right there with us, involved in the daily, small part of our individual lives. I have so many stories like this from my trips, especially the second trip, but this is already probably way too long of a post. I just felt like I had to share. God does care about all of our small stuff. He is here, and He is involved - we just need to go to Him in prayer and share - He is listening.
Back to the sermon - it was about - is God small enough. We know how big and powerful He is, but do we really believe He is small enough for us. Small enough to really know us, our daily lives, and our daily struggles? I know He is. As I was sitting there listening - thinking about all the small stuff that I have been constantly going to Him in prayer with - should we have another baby? where are we going to live? where is Brock going to go to school? a new job.. career? what are we going to do about a car? how are we going to pay for that?... It was as if God spoke right to my heart. He brought back such a vivid memory. It was one of the most meaningful - overwhelming moments of my life, and it was as if He was playing a movie in my mind, reassuring me, reminding me.
During my trips to Africa, I saw God work in amazing and miraculous ways. But one in particular rocked me to my core, and in that moment yesterday, He walked me back through that time.
We had been in Africa about 7 weeks, and it was time to head home to the states. I was with a team of 14 college student and two leaders. This was before 9-11, but after the first Gulf war, and just a few days before the embassy in Nairobi was bombed. Things were tense to say the least, and we were flying from Nairobi to two stops in the Middle East - Saudi Arabia and Abu Dabi. We were all a bit nervous. The actual panic didn't set in though until we realized that one of the girls, Hilary who was the youngest in our group had had her passport stolen. We knew that there was no way that she'd be able to board all the planes and go through customs without it, but it was the fourth of July and the Embassy was closed, and we had to get on that plane. All we could do was pray. So we did - we weren't sure what to pray, but Hillary had to get on that plane some how. I remember the first customs stop in Nairobi. We were in line about 10 feet back from the window, and they called us up one at a time. The asked us a long list of questions, went through our carry on, and checked our passport - then they gave us our stamp and sent us through. Hilary walked up to the window with me when they called me up. They went through the drill with me, and then sent me on through with Hilary BY MY SIDE. They didn't say a word to her. It was as if they didn't even see her. That was the first of three checks. Then we headed to Saudi Arabia. We didn't exit the plane there, but men in military uniform and with M-16 guns boarded the plane to check passports. Those of us that were sleeping were woken up by a nudge from the butt of their M-16, so that they could check our passports. 15 of us were woken up and checked. Can you guess who the one - the only one on the plane that wasn't woken up and checked was - that's right Hilary. It was as if she was invisible. They reached right over her to wake up Roger who was sleeping next to her, but didn't even glance at her! I remember being unable to even talk as the men left the plane because I was so overwhelmed. That left one more check point. When we arrived in Abu Dabi, we had to get off and change planes, which meant another customs check because we were in another country in the Middle East. This time we were once again called up one at a time and questioned, but we were also pulled into separate rooms, men and women, and patted down. All that is but Hilary who quietly stood aside and was once again ignored. I remember thinking that this was like something out of a movie, or the Bible but it wasn't. It was God right there with us, involved in the daily, small part of our individual lives. I have so many stories like this from my trips, especially the second trip, but this is already probably way too long of a post. I just felt like I had to share. God does care about all of our small stuff. He is here, and He is involved - we just need to go to Him in prayer and share - He is listening.
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