The Hendersons ~ On a Journey 4 Him Weblog...

I Hate Cleaning Through All the Junk

Cleaning is not my thing. Perhaps that is why we have 9 years of clutter swallowing up the house. B. is a pack rat in addition to my pack-rattiness. So, that spells double trouble. Sy. and Sk. are following in our footsteps. That's NOT a good thing. My parents were and still are very clean and neat. Sorry, Mom and Dad--I headed down the opposite path of clutter.

We are working on cleaning through and cleaning OUT! It is ridiculous that we have so many clothes. I am finding some good homes for the bags and boxes we are collecting.

The time is drawing near. Last night, B. & I shopped online to buy some of the things that we will need at language school, like personal recorders, pocket translators, dictionaries, verb books, and so on. We have received word that we will be heading to language school July 2, as scheduled.  

The weather is nice. Yesterday, I walked 2 miles! The kids walked a half with me. B. & Sy. took down the Christmas outdoor pieces we had set up. Now, we have to get the indoor stuff down, in addition to all the boxes and clutter that we are wading around in.  HAHAH. 

Hurry Up and Wait

Today, B. had to work. The kids and I got up early to go to K. Kut to get haircuts. I am still trying to grow mine out, but it is so thick, it was beginning to look like a bowl on my head, so Pam has begun to thin it out from underneath while not cutting the length. While we were there, Sk. & Sy. had the pleasure of speaking with a fellow MK. It was amazing to listen to her stories and see the sweetness seeping out of her. She is 10.

Afterward, we went to WalMart to shop for my niece's birthday. She's turning 8. I also shopped up on more nutritional foods. UGH--I hate to start a diet, but my body is screaming for me to begin SOONNNN!!!  Sy. took a brief nap directly after, before heading to the party.

We went to Bre.'s party at Bounce N' Wild. That's the first time I've been there. It's pretty nice. A LOT of kids showed up for the party!

Today was both of my grandpa's birthdays!  My nephew's is on the 30th. December seems to be the month for birthdays in my family.

We are still working on final touches of getting the house ready to show. One doesn't realize JUST HOW BIG of a packrat he/she is UNTIL he/she starts cleaning out!!!!  YIKES.........

I am on lesson 4 of Pimsleur Spanish.  HEHE.  There's one lesson a day for 30 minutes each. I know it must sound hilarious for me to be walking around with my MP3 and saying phrases over and over. I have a very hard time rolling my r's.  Occasionally, Sk. will try answering me or asking me a question, as if I am talking to him in Spanish.  Sy. is learning to count to 10 in Spanish.

As for now, we have hurried up, and now we are in the waiting process. 

Christmas Celebrations

This year, our Christmas celebrations were great. It's nice to see family that I haven't seen much all year. Lots of fellowship, lots of food, lots of love... B. and I both had celebrations during the month of December, his on his mom's side and mine on my dad's side. Then, on Christmas Eve we gather at B.'s parents' house with his brother, sister-in-law, and nieces. On Christmas Day, we get up early and see what Santa brought the kids. Then, for lunch and usually snacks throughout the day, we head to my parents' house. My mom's parents, my brother, sister-in-law, baby nephew, and my uncle (dad's side) all celebrated together.

This year, we didn't have the traditional turkey and dressing, which was a nice change. At his parents' house, we had dumplings and lots of other goodies. Oh! Let's not forget my favorite, Martha Washington's candy.  YUM! At my parents' house, we had shrimp gumbo and a host of other goodies. Mom made a punch bowl cake.  Wow--it is awesome, with strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, and so many other things in it.  Layers upon layers... Of course, we opened presents, and the kids played all day at both houses.

God is so good. He has blessed us with another great year. He has changed our lives in many ways. I hope we all this Christmas season have thanked Him for what He has blessed us with, and I hope that we have shared His blessings to us with others. Thank God He sent us His Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank God for His grace.

We have a lot of changes in store for us this coming year. May we keep our eyes focused on Him, following Him.... 

I helped both kids email M. kids in Peru. Sy. received a reply back this morning! She was tickled to hear about foods, books, and other things of interest. We've been checking out team members' and other nearby team members' Facebook sites with so many beautiful pictures from Peru.  Wow--the landscape is unreal! We have received paperwork to fill out for our language school, which will be in Costa Rica. Our schooling will be a trimester of studies. The kids will attend a MK school on the same campus. We are still awaiting to hear back from IMB for final dates wthat we will travel to CR.

May your holiday be Christ-centered and blessed as our's has been!

'Tis the Season to Be Jolly

This past week was a very busy one.  I need a t-shirt saying I survived it.  HA!  Almost every night was some sort of function or event. In addition, we had our school party for our students, and Friday was a 60 % day.

On Wed., Sk. made a final decision to take a sabbatical from his piano lessons. This year, he isn't very interested in practicing, but I hope that one day he decides to continue on. I am not musically inclined, but I would love to be able to play an instrument. I guess that is not one of the talents that God gifted me with, so I will have to appreciate the other things He has granted me.

We received our paperwork for language school, which included websites for our schooling and the kids' school while we will be learning Spanish. We also have been offered Spanish lessons from a fellow church member. We are very excited to begin. Our plans are to start after the holidays.

On Sat., we had my dad's side of the family get-together. We had a lot of fun. We fellowshipped, ate a lot, and played Dirty Santa. We also celebrated my grandfather's birthday. In addition, we listened to Faith Hill's "A Baby Changes Everything," and had a good cry as we listened.  I know Jesus has changed my life forever. I hope that He has YOURS. If not, it's definitely not to late. Click here if you want to know more.

Sun. night, we had candlelight service at ABC. It was great caroling to our Lord, and ending with all candles lit to "Silent Night, Holy Night." Beautiful!! 

May we all remember the reason for the season! Jesus Christ was born so that we may be saved from our sins!!

Let's Celebrate Jesus!

Today was our first service back (recuperating from being sick last Sunday) with both morning services converted back into one. It was good, although it was quite crowded.  It was great seeing that many people there to worship God, all together as one unified body.  Our Sunday School room was tight quarters, but we enjoyed the fellowship and discussing this quarter's lessons, which are on missions.

Directly after church, we headed to Rocky Creek. We enjoyed a Christmas get-together with B.'s family (his mom's side). All but one member of the family was there, and he happens to be working away on construction now. We were also missing one other member of the family, Uncle Thomas. I missed him, although I know he is rejoicing with Jesus right now, and I wouldn't take him away from that for anything!

Then, we rushed Sk. back to dress rehearsal, which was at 4. We took a small siesta ourselves before Hotel Bethlehem. Sk. had a big turn-out--Papa and Granny, Aunt Tasha, Bre., Maw-Maw, Paw-Paw, Uncle Dusty, Aunt Christina, and baby Slate.

I wasn't sure whether to beat Sk., laugh, or cry over his moves while on the stage during the show. He spun, danced, waved his arms, and scratched his head during the entire presentation, all the while singing. Hmmm....he is definitely his father's son.  hahahhahah.  He had everyone giggling and laughing during the show. The musical itself was outstanding. Kelly and her crew worked hard getting everything to come together. There are really some talented kids at ABC. Amazingly, everyone bragged on Sk.'s performance. His speaking part (finale) was great. He knew when to speak, he spoke loudly, clearly, and with expression. Now, I will claim him. :) 

I also had the opportunity to meet Clinton White , who is a missionary that will be heading to the Ukraine soon.

Hotel Bethlehem

 

 

Sk. (far right, in yellow) speaking his part

Busy, Busy, Busy

Ok, let me catch you up.  Last Sunday night, I got sick. My body had felt achy all weekend; I had over 101 temp, and my head would not stop hurting. Thank God Sy. had stopped vomitting. I stayed home from work on Monday with a bad headache, but I had no more fever.

Our Tues. night International Festival was postponed at school due to the possibility of bad weather, death, sickness, and a host of other things.

The kids are pumped about Christmas holidays coming soon, and our classes are continuously thumping more than normally, which I did not think was even possible.   LOL. 

Sk. went on a R.A. bowling trip Wed. evening. Thurs., the weather really turned cold. We all were wishing for snow, but it didn't make it this far south! B. & I took off Thurs. evening to FINALLY get some Christmas shopping done!  We ate until we bursted (nearly! ha!) at TGIF's. I absolutely LOVEEEE their vanilla bean pie.  We got a lot done, but didn't arrive back home until 12:15.  Two nights in a row of not sleeping but about 4 to 4 1/2 hours is for the birds!  I was exhausted. 

To top things off, my team partner was absent both Thurs. and Fri.!!!  We had a new sub. come in on Friday.  He was male, which was great for the kids!!  They need a good male to look up to. He runs the Palenstine Gardens. The kids not only respected him, but they behaved wonderfully for him and enjoyed his companionship. He raced and played soccer with them.  I thought I was the only one that pulled stunts like that.  HAHAH! 

I thank God I had another year of life given to me on Friday. It was my birthday. I turned 35 years, although I told everyone I was 25. After you hit 30, aren't you supposed to start subtracting a year every year thereafter?  My students sang to me. At the end of the day, B. and the kids sent me a beautiful bouquet of roses and assorted flowers, and a student sent me a peppermint candle.  What a surprise! They also gave me an MP3 player, which I have been wanting to add my Pimsleur Spanish lessons to so I can start learning! We had a family evening, which was much needed. We climbed into our pj's and watched a movie on the big screen.  At  9 PM, it ended, and I fell asleep.  I had a nice birthday. Everyone else sent me money. :) 

Today, Sk. had his piano recital at the nursing home. Directly after, I had to rush him to his dress rehearsal for tomorrow night's kid's program at ABC. Then, we ate at Hook, Line, & Sinker. I think that is the best fried oysters I've ever eaten at a restaurant!!  Tomorrow, we will head to B.'s grandparents directly after church for their Christmas gathering.

Pictures from Peru

Here are some pictures that I borrowed from the friend that we met last Wed. that were taken from her short-term mission trip to Peru.

 

McDonald's in Lima, Peru

  Aren't the mountains gorgeous!?

 

..and what lies in the valleys?!

  Look how blue the water is!

  Peruvians that live in the Andes...

  A Peruvian Mother & Her Baby

Eventful Week

Okay, let me catch you up.

On Wednesday, I was asked to speak at FBC Lucedale for the WMU about missions. I early-outed of school. These dear ladies that I spoke for are a blessing. They are the prayer warriors of the church and of missions. They made us snacks and finger sandwiches.

At the end of the meeting, B. was called (he dropped by to help me set up the projector without using a screen) and a fellow team member (REAP North) drove down from Jackson to meet us. We met at Pizza Hut, and his friend showed us pictures from her short term trip to Peru. O wow---the mountains there are majestically gorgeous. How can people not believe in God when landscapes this beautiful were created! We enjoyed our talk.

B. had to take Sy. to the doctor because of a urinary tract infection, while I carried Sk. to RA's.

On Thurs., after Sk. had piano lessons, we had to drive to Mobile to pick up items for Santa's Gift Shop, which had sold out 2 days straight. Sy. spent the night with Granny & Papa. While we were there, I picked up gifts for my classes and items to celebrate my student teacher's farewell on Fri.  We were driving through Starbuck's at 10:30 PM. We almost didn't get our White Chocolate Mocha's because it was closing!

On Fri., we snuck around all day planning out Ms. S.'s farewell celebration. The kids played a huge part in getting the room set up and getting the gifts and other items out of my car. They did a really great job! The event was very special for her and for the kids.

Sat., we went to the school to set up the gym for next Tues.'s International Festival at our school. We had to clean about some, and we also packed my kids' Christmas gifts while we were there. My great friend, Ms. J., drove up and helped us.

After napping (Sy.), we headed to find Mom & Dad at the parade. They were at our usual spot on Main St. The parade was nice, and the kids picked up tons of candy, cups, etc. We cut out early when the horses ended the parade and headed to the Mexican Restaurant. My folks haven't eaten there but only a couple of times!  My brother, sister-in-law, baby Slate, and her brother/wife joined us. I ate a dessert that was fried in wrapped cheesecake.  YUM, that was delicious!

Sy. got sick when we got home. Poor baby! Today, we are nursing her at home. She has a bad stomach virus. Please keep her (and the family not to get it!) in your prayers. I hate we missed ABC's first service BACK to one service. I am wondering how it went. Dr. T. called and checked on us during the SS hour. He is such a comedian. :)

My Ramblings

Today was MORE than interesting, to say the least!  My dear kids pranked me today. This is DAY TWO of pranks against "Mrs. H." I won't go into too many details, as to give away their deviousness and plottings against me, because they know I enjoy their tricks and know they love me, or they wouldn't give me their attention.  Ha! 

We were invited to the Association's Minister/Wive's Christmas Dinner. It was a special treat. It was held at Hook, Line, & Sinker. We had fish, fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, and tea. YUMMY! Bro. Michael Barnett of FBC Ocean Springs encouraged us with the story of Jesus' birth, and how we should be all about telling others of His saving grace!  The fellowship with church family and friends was great!

We received a reply email from our IMB REAP North leaders. We've heard such wonderful things about what great people we will be working with! We also received an email from another friend who works with the REAP South team. We are getting much encouragement, prayers, and good advice from our newfound peers.  Check out Reach Peru, which will tell you more about the teams working in Peru.

I Told My Students

This morning, the news began to hum through the halls about our future destination. I knew that I must tell my beloved students about us soon, because I wanted to break the news to them, instead of someone else telling them. I really dreaded telling them, because I knew it would be a tearful story.

It was an eventful day. My "adopted one" planned to surprise me with silly string. I was surrounded by several cans and string flying everywhere. It was perfect timing on his part because I needed a good laugh before I told them. I gathered all the students from both of my classes, and I showed them the video I have listed on here, "The Bridge." That's how I led into our calling and my explanation of what we must do--follow God's will in obedience. Of course, I became emotional because I will definitely miss them. Several students, boys and girls alike, shared tears with me. I promised them emails and communication while we are there. It is a good feeling to know that I have shared God's love for them and a promise of a bright future with following Jesus. Not only do I love my students, but they love me.