Year 26 in Pictures

Prayers for the day

As the saying goes, "When it rains, it pours." Well actually, I pray today that it would rain. Or pour. But that's not what this entry is about.

Please forgive me and bare with me because I have a heavy heart today and have found myself constantly praying for my cousin Tyler and Aunt Pat.

Tyler, 26 years old, has been put into a medically induced coma so that his body will relax and try to heal. He was born with only one immune system and as an infant, contracted Hepatitis C through a contaminated needle. In 2001, we got the news we were waiting for with his first liver transplant, but time and the disease has done it's damage on this life giving present. He now finds himself in need of not just a liver transplant but also kidneys. I pray for his continued strength to fight through this terrible disease. I pray for his wife Kristen, that she finds strength and leans on family when she needs them most. I pray for Jaydin, that she has a relationship with her father for many, many years to come.

I pray for the quick healing of Aunt Pat. After several days of severe stomach pains, doctors told her that she has ovarian cancer. Today, she underwent a full hysterectomy and exploratory surgery to make sure the cancer did not spread to other organs. I pray that she recovers fully and that the cancer has not done more damage.

Family means the world to me and I pray Heavenly Father that you continue to watch over my loved ones. Keep them safe, guide them, protect them, and hold them close in this time of heartache.

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do no keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

Matthew 6:5-8

See ya'll on Monday

Weekend Forecast for
Port Aransas, TX

Friday Aug 12 Mosquito Activity Forecast Partly Cloudy High 97°F Low 79°F Precip: 10% Partly cloudy. Near record high temperatures. Heat index near 110F. High 97F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Saturday 13 Honeymoon Planning Tips Mostly Sunny High 97°F Low 79°F Precip: 10% details A few clouds early, otherwise mostly sunny. Near record high temperatures. Heat index near 110F. High 97F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Sunday 14 Outdoor Safety Tips: Lightning! Partly Cloudy High 96°F Low 78°F Precip: 0% Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 90s and lows in the upper 70s.

Last Updated Friday, Aug 12, 5:14 AM Central Daylight Time

So What Wednesday...

So what if I fed Slim, the stray cat outside that I've not seen for a long time. I've missed the little guy!

So what if I'm now driving a Toyota Carolla as a rental car. My Lexi will be good as new by the weekend.

So what if I burned the bacon this morning and it had to be thrown in the trash. That's what I get, I'm not supposed to be eating it anyway. (damn karma!)

So what I'm excited the sun hasn't come out today. Not that it's going to rain anyway, but just happy that my grass isn't being scorched for another day in the Texas heat/sunshine.

So what I've only lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks. It brought a smile to my face to see that the number didn't go up!

So what if I keep updating marketwatch.com to see what the market is doing today. I want to put more money in and big down days are the days to do it.

So what if I have to go to the grocery store for the 2nd time this week. I'm not used to this {being home} thing, and didn't buy enough groceries to last 2 weeks.

Not that I'm counting....

135 days until we {my dad and I} are back in Kenya

83 anxious children to give our love to

28 total hours of flying time

10 blissful days to spend there

3 plane rides from the US to Kenya

2 suitcases to load down with goodies

1 fundraising project to tackle

I'm excited that this trip will take us through London instead of Dubai. I always love seeing different places, even if it's from the safety of the airport. We will depart San Antonio on December 15th at 12:40 pm and arrive in Nairobi at 9:30pm on December 16th. I can hardly contain the excitement that I have! We will be returning Christmas day at 4:50pm and will be able to join our family for Christmas festivities.

I am not excited about flying American Airlines there, though. The are, by far, the WORST airline that I've ever traveled. Here's to hoping they are more accommodating, excited, and helpful on international flights than they are on domestic flights.

Wordless Wednesday

With Love,

the children of Tumaini

21 Days on the Road

So you wonder why I haven't been blogging?

You wonder why I only have posted "What I've Been Up To's?"

You wonder where I've been?

I've been traveling my little butt off.

Mostly to the great (but not as great as Texas) state of Florida.

I've been all over that long state- from Fort Lauderdale to Stuart (where I got a speeding ticket), from St. Petersburg to Palm Harbor and finally

KEY WEST!

That's right, I spent the 4th in Key West Florida.

If you've never been to Key West, you should definitely go!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves but to sum up the trip,

1. stayed at the best bed & breakfast- The Cypress House

2. Made some awesome friends

3. Went to a drag show

4. Spent time at a "clothes optional" bar where my clothes did not come off

5. Toured the island on a scooter, eh

6. Was at the southermost point of the United States and got a picture of random people in front of the sign, not my own picture

7. Toured Mel Fishers Treasure Museum

8. Marveled at the beauty butterflies have at the butterfly conservatory

9. Ate a world famous chili dog at the world famous Hogs Breath Saloon

10. Had the best lobster bisque at Hogsfish restaurant

11. Did the elbow trick to strangers on the street

12. Had the best 4th I've ever had!

Happy Birthday America!
I had fun celebrating your birth Key West style!!