Change of Scenery

[The beautiful sunset over the Sound from Day #3. I had to get outside sometime! This is the backyard of the house I'm staying at!]

I've spent this past week doing something I haven't done...ever. I've been sitting at a desk, in front of a computer, in an office, from 9-5 for the last week. By day #3, I declared, "I'm not very good at this." And it was true. It was bright and sunny outside, with a predicted high of 67 degrees...and I was sitting inside, at a desk, in front of a computer. Enough to make this woman go crazy!

I'm up in Seattle until Friday, having my taste of life in the ORR office. I know I just made it sound like some form of torture, but it has also been good. I've been working on, and have almost finished, some new stuff that will provide kids with fundraising tools, and connect them with the kids that we serve in Liberia and Benin. There's been some good brainstorming, but that's been a struggle for me as well. We will be sharing about ORR tonight and tomorrow, so you can be praying for those events. And then it's back in the office on Monday morning. But with Monday comes a lunch date with my long-lost friend Rachel, and dinner with a couple who I originally spent time in Liberia with back in 2007. That sounds like a decent Monday! So as I stay snuggled up in my bed this rainy Saturday (yea, it's after 2pm and I'm still in my pjs and haven't done much more than fry two eggs and do lots of reading), I just wanted to let you all know that I really do appreciate each and every one of you, and thank you for joining me in this adventure!

P.S. Deb and Elena have been in Liberia for a week now! After tackling issues with vehicles, the generator and the internet, they were able to get to some kiddos late in the week and report that everyone is looking really good! Praise God!

Can We Say...

Handcramp!

Today has been a productive day!

It's Been a Long Week

Sorry I haven't been around. I've been working on a HUGE event for my job...I have a super duper job at a radio station here in Atlanta when I'm home! Anyway, we put on a huge show yesterday, so I've been living in a hotel this past week...with no time for an update. Let's just say, yesterday was a 19 1/2 hour long day! I'm exausted. I came home and unpacked, and then turned right around to pack again because I'm leaving in the morning to head to Seattle. At least it's a 5+ hour flight out there....I think some sleep is in store!

I'm going to Seattle for some teambuilding activities. I'm really looking foward to seeing my teammates (and meeting a new teammate!) who I haven't seen for a few months. And I'm alittle excited because I've never been to Seattle, I'm going to get to see a roommate from my freshman year of college, and I'm finally going to meet Mrs. Ghetto Quilter herself! We're going to be getting ready to head back to Liberia in a few weeks! I'll be in Seattle until Friday, and then when I come home I will only have alittle more than a week until I leave for Liberia!?! I can hardly believe that it's time to go back.

So, you guys can just keep us all in your prayers this week. That we would really meld together and just have a great time spending the week together. You can also pray for Cramer who's been holding down the fort in Liberia by himself this last month. And, of course, you can pray for the children and orphanages that we work with in Liberia!

Prayer Requests

Hey everyboy! Here's a few prayer requests that are coming to my mind tonight:

• Pray that my visa will get back to me in time!
• I'm flying standby from Atlanta to Brussels. Pray that I get a seat on that flight!
• I got my first official offer on my condo today. I had to make a counter offer, so pray that the potential buyers will accept!
• Pray that I'm able to get everything taken care of these next 11 days!
• Also, pray that I'll have a wonderful time with my family and friends before I leave!
• Pray for my parents....I think they're starting to stress alittle.
• Pray for my soon-to-be coworkers, roommates, sweat and beach buddies. They've been pretty busy lately (which is a good thing), but pray that they're able to get some rest.
• Pray for Liberia: continued peace, the government, the people, job opportunities, education opportunities, that they would see the hope of Jesus....and for the children and orphans!
• Pray because I'm going to the dentist in the morning...and I haven't been in over 2 years!

I haven't done this yet, so I'll introduce you all to the 4 people that I will experience Liberia with for the next few months.....and then some, hopefully. I know much laughter, work, tears, sweat and downright ridiculousness is in store!

[drumroll......]

ORR "Board" Meeting

(L to R) Mariel, Matt, Andrew & Matt