Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The Ranch

So here's the first installment of The Ranch documentary... for those of you who don't know what that is, you need to watch so you have a better idea of why I'm moving to China...




I would humbly ask you, is there anyone who is willing to be a part of this project by supporting my trip?  It takes a lot of money to fly to China and live there for six months, and three of those months I will also be supporting my two orphan buddies and translator.

I know that God has a thousand ways to answer my prayer for funds and so I can't wait to watch Him provide.  If you feel like you are able to help in this area, you can see below a few options:

I need the following monthly supporters to cover the costs during the 6 months:

20 ppl - $10 monthly

10 ppl - $25 monthly

6 ppl - $50 monthly

4 ppl - $100 monthly

I also need one-time supporters with gifts of any amount.

If you are willing to join me in the adventure by financial support, you can email me for details.  

nicole@bringmehope.org

Thank you.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Today's Activities

Get up.

Cough and eat cough drops.

Drive one kid to school on a 76 passenger bus.

Cough and eat cough drops.

Go on four deliveries with Dad... only sitting in the truck napping, coughing, eating cough drops, etc.

Answer emails at the Java House while listening to the live music.

Cough and eat cough drops.

Eat warmed up chili in the truck for lunch.

Cough and eat cough drops.

Drive a bunch of kids from two schools to their homes.

Cough, eat cough drops and try to stay on the road.

Go on one last delivery with Dad.

Eat supper with the fam at the Brown Bottle restaurant.

Cough and eat cough drops.

Go to bed.  (Try to get better.)


* I never realized trying to get better is such a tiring, full time job!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Thoughts on Kissing

These lips can't be touched...

... til it's time to tie the knot!



"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine."
S of S

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Goodbye Michigan....

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Michigan Recap 1/2

So tomorrow afternoon we head off to the second half of the Michigan tour...  it's been such a special time here in the Grand Rapids area.  I love this place!

So here's to our new friends and all the memories!   I 'heart' you!


The Touring Tour

So today we spent the day seeing some of the amazing things in Grand Rapids.... like statues, a huge tire swing, yummy restaurants and a bubble tea that I've not enjoyed since I was in China.

It was a good day.



Stay tuned for a hilarious video recap of the first part of our tour in Michigan!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Monday, March 16, 2009

Friends Tour 6.0


GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Patti and are having a great time in Michigan.  We've been seeing all kinds of cool Michigan things, meeting great people,  eating insanely amazing food, and talking to people about the kids in China.  What more can you ask for??

Today we spent the afternoon/evening with my friends, the Haleys.  While waiting for a ride from Seth, we bummed around Target and found multiple things to amuse ourselves with -- not the mention all the important shopping we got done!

We decided to have our own little sunglass-fashion show.  Which do you like best??

- Huge -

- Aviators - 

\ Crooked /
- Highschool Musical -
(my personal favs!)

On Sunday we went to our host's church, Crossroads.  People from all different walks of life were sharing how God is using them at their 'street corner' - the place God has placed them to minister.  It was such an encouragement and the worship that was sprinkled all throughout was just what I needed!

I was stuck with what the pastor said.  He said the problem with America is that we are a bored people.  His reason for this was so powerful and true.



We are bored because we have bought into the American dream and when that doesn't deliver, we become bored.  And despair follows boredom.  When your life is turned over to Jesus Christ, it is an exciting adventure.


I am so blessed to be part of this adventure!

Long Lost Pals

Today is one to go down in history.  I finally got to meet our friends the Haley's.  Our ties go back a long way when we first met Mr. Haley here and then Dad and the boys saw them again here.

This afternoon was my first time to meet Mrs. Haley and the kids after Mr. Haley stayed at our house 12 years ago.  They had the most incredible hospitality, smiles and food!

Crazy stuff, huh?  I love all the adventures that God's throws into our path.  

So yeah, today was pretty much amazing fun with the newest family I have fallen in love with!


* I heart you guys!!

Nicole + Horse = ... wow.

A Hike





A Celeb

I'm so excited that today was the day I finally got the meet the amazing photographer that's only been a face on a screen in the past. 

I feel almost famous myself!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

My Twin

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Just wanting to say 'Hey'!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Faith. Daily.

When all around me starts to fall

And when my faith it seems so small

Even in my darkest hour

I will believe.
- - -
Even when the sun begins to fall

Even when I feel nothing at all

Even if I'm all alone

I will believe.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Good Times.



The Canadian tour has come and gone... and we are left with so many amazing and precious memories.  God is always on the move -- whether we can see it with our human eyes or not.  We were privileged to watch Him move these past two weeks.

He is amazing.  His calling is fulfilling.  His service is the best place to be.

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