Another Wonderful Weekend!

A Little More...

Let me see...it all began last year when my fabulous sister made me watch the music video, "A Little More You", and I became a country girl. Okay, so I am definitely not a full out country girl, but I do love all types of music, including country. And thanks to Jamie and Jess, who stood in the rain early on a Saturday morning, a group of us were able to enjoy, who I consider the best country musicians out there, Little Big Town.

They performed at the fair last night and there is no better way to recap it all but to use a few of the words from one of their songs...A Little More You...

It was an incredible night as I spent it with wonderful friends, had delicious fair food, and enjoyed the sound, and view, of Little Big Town. I just wanted the night to go a little longer, and the moment to continue just a little longer...Just A Little More

Weekend To Do List...

I am one of those people who is always busy...

Okay, so maybe busy isn't the best word as it does have a bit of a negative connotation. So let me rephrase... I am one of those people who likes to use my time as best as possible. It is interesting that though my time is always full, I find that weekends like I just had are very refreshing. They energize me. And how could they not when they are full of family, friends, food, and of course laughter.

I noticed at work that I write down all the important tasks that need to be taken care of so that I don't forget and so that they get done. And I must admit that I do like to check things off. So in that respect, here is my weekend to do list...

Friday

Spend the day in Indy with two amazing youth who make philanthropy a priority in their lives.

Visit with a very good friend from college, Ang, who makes all those around her feel special.

Spend time eating and laughing with Ang, Joy, Carrie, and Angie at Olive Garden...learning a little more about these fabulous ladies.

Spend more time with Ang, Brad, Addie, and Ethan, a wonderful family I am so glad to be a part of.

Saturday

Visit and spend time with Jess, Amos, Grace, and Tyler...anyone surprised that I loved this visit?

Meet Matt and Alicia at the fair for dinner, always a great time...and mmm...pulled pork!


Serve ham sandwiches at the Pork building at the fair with the Sunday school class.


Get lost on my way home...only because everyone exiting was getting redirected everywhere.

Sunday

Attend a wonderful church service!


Learn in the discipleship class, and get to know some new church members better.


Enjoy a great day at Scott and Melanie's lake cottage with Scott, Melanie, Gretchen, Amos, Jess, Grace, Tyler, Matt, Alicia, Jamie, Victoria, Josh, Jessica, Jackson, Joslyn, John, Jessica, Greyson, Nick, Stephanie, Danny, Kayla, and Jamie!...Can it get any better?!?

I thank God for such wonderful and refreshing moments! He has surrounded me with a loving family, wonderful friends....and delicious food! God is good!...and there is more to come...

Check It Out!

http://jennifermyers.theworldrace.org/

I actually started working on my World Race blog and invite you to visit it. Eventually I will only be posting there, but keeping this one active for when I return. So check it out, and get familiar with it so you can join me and learn about what God is doing in the world and in the hearts of many!

love ya lots..m.e.

The Joy Has Returned

"In the glory of Your presence

I find rest for my soul

In the depths of Your love

I find peace makes me whole"

And the joy has returned...

After talking with some great friends of mine, Jamie and Victoria, about their wedding that I was unable to attend over the weekend of the 4th, Jess came up with a wonderful idea. We wanted to show our support and love for these wonderful friends and their marriage, and just spend some quality time together. So Jess decided to make a special day for Victoria while Jamie was able to spend some quality time with his family.

The special day was yesterday. We worked with Alicia and we all were able to really surprise Victoria. We spent the day cooking lunch and dinner for her, taking her out on the boat, playing games, and watching 27 dresses. We got her whatever she needed and just spent the day caring for her. It was such a wonderful day, and though we were serving, it didn't feel like work or a burden or an obligation. I didn't dislike doing it, but loved every minute. Why? Because I love this friend of mine.

Love is at the heart of it all. But we are asked to be servants of God, to love not just our friends, but even our enemies. It is easy to show mercy and compassion to those we love. But I wonder...have I really ever loved my enemies?

I Saw Him

The grieving process is long. It is draining. And each day I go through it, it is different. I hope you who read this do not tire of my ramblings of Dave. I don't have a plan of what to write or how long I will mention his name. But I know that it still hurts. I know it will take time.

My sister told me to journal as writing always helps me through. She shared something with me the other day about this loss. She told me as sad as the situation is, she has never before learned so much about Dave and how compassionate he was. All his stories are coming out. People continue to share about his life and their encounters with him. And those who never really had the opportunity to meet him are getting a glimpse of who he was.

Yesterday was his memorial service. We all crowded into the auditorium to pay our respects. We listened as those spoke of their memories of Dave and cried as his daughter read the lyrics to his favorite song, Let There Be Peace On Earth and Let It Begin With Me... I could hear him sing it as he sang it a few months ago for us during a staff meeting. I cried thinking of all the special moments we shared and how much I missed him.

But I saw him...

I saw him in his family as he helped shape them into the community-minded individuals they are. I saw him in his daughter as she stood there silent and strong, caring for those who were greeting her though she was too was grieving. I saw him in the eyes of the PULSE students who sat together as a group supporting each other and remembering the leader they all loved and respected. I saw him in my sister who held me up when I could not stop crying long enough to get a breath.

I hope to continue seeing him in actions of service and love for that is what he was about. God blessed my life by knowing Dave. God walks with me during this time of weakness. May God keep Dave alive in our hearts while we continue to walk through life putting into action all he has taught us about being caring, genuine, and loving each person as our brothers and sisters.

Never Easy - Malawi/Zambia Trip Part 6

It is never easy to say goodbye.

I felt as if a piece of me stayed with the wonderful friends I met along the way. Maybe God will bring us together again. So I say thank you! Thank you God for providing an amazing opportunity to see more of your glorious work and the way you show your love. Thank you LifeNets for always working hard to better the lives of others. Success is seen your programs and in the faces of all those full of gratitude for the chance to survive. Thanks to each one of you who kept me in your thoughts and prayers during my travels. I am not yet ready to say goodbye to Dave, but I thank him for investing in the community, in the world, and in me. Before his passing, he thanked me for the cd I got him and wanted to know more about my trip when I was ready. It is difficult knowing I will never be able to share with him more about this journey and future journeys. But I know I will be taking him with me where ever God leads. For his friendship will remain with me in my heart.

Snapshots

Watipasya!...

Our Brothers and Sisters - Malawi/Zambia Trip Part 5

Dave taught me how to really see people. He appreciated the beauty and uniqueness of each person. And I valued that as I met all the wonderful people.

God's Amazing Work!

More to come....