Words I Woud Say

Change is a part of life. Last Tuesday, August 13, our family shared the "last supper" with one another before Maggie's big move to the University of Mobile! It was a rainy afternoon, which Lee said fit our situation. As I served green beans onto Maggie's plate, I couldn't hold back the tears. I told her, "This is the last time I can make you eat your vegetables!" Wednesday morning, we left home around 3AM and headed to the airport. As Maggie hugged each of her sisters and then Lee, I had to turn away. Throughout the day, I continued to try to live in denial. It is a great place to be :) Wednesday night we visited my grandmother Myrtis Mizell, and on Thursday, we visited my grandparents, Russell and Rebecca Cottingham. That was such a blessing! We shopped for all the things we couldn't take on the airplane that she needed for her dorm. And then, before I knew it, it was Friday morning - move-in day. I wasn't prepared for the emotions I felt that day. It was hard not having Lee there with us. As I left the campus, I had mixed emotions. I knew in my head that this was the right thing; that this was right. But in my heart, I didn't know how I could leave her. My 6 pound, 11 ounce, 17 inches long baby was now a beautiful young woman, ready to take on the world. When did this happen? When did she grow up? Where have I been? A weekend trip to the beach for relaxing and letting the tears flow into the ocean was ruined with torrential rains. My feet never touched the sand. How appropriate! The shrimp from LuLu's and the Shrimp Basket helped, but not enough. Sunday found us at church, then visiting family. Before I knew it, Tuesday had come. I had bought her everything I could think of that she needed, and several things that she might possibly need one day. As I got in the car and she walked away, only the grace of God kept me from totally loosing it. I made it to the airport, endured 3 flights, and the hour ride home. So glad to be back home with the rest of my family. Still, when we sit down to eat supper, that empty chair brings the lump back to my throat. Psalm 127:3-5 "Sons (Daughters) are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate." Words of wisdom from a mother - Be strong in the Lord and never give up hope You're gonna do great things, I already know God's got his hand on you so, don't live life in fear Forgive and forget, but don't forget why you're here Take some time and pray These are the words I would say

Home, Home on the Range

Also with RCBC Team were Mike and Debbie Havard, dear friends of our family.  He is a master carpenter and she is his lovely assistant!  Together, with a little help from me and the girls, they built shelving for four closets in our home.  This allowed us more space to be able to hang clothes, unpack boxes, and settle in to our home a little bit more.  It was a blessing to be able to spend time with Mike and Debbie!  I sent him home with a few more projects for the house to mull over.  We look forward to seeing them in Montana again real soon.

One of the best things about any mission trip is the fellowship and bond you develop with the other team members.  This group was no exception!  We had a great time getting to know them better, sharing meals together, and praying together.  It was so encouraging to have the support of the community as the group painted.  People would drive by and blow the horn, applaud as they walked down the street, or stop by and talk.  We know God will use us, if we will just allow Him to!  See you around the corner :)  

Painting the Town Red

On Tuesday, July 23, the Community Care Team from Rocky Creek Baptist Church, Lucedale, MS arrived in Billings.  Early Wednesday morning, they went to work.  Their main task was painting the old Red Lodge Baptist Church.  It has been white with blue trim for years, and we thought it needed a facelift.  Isn't it amazing how God equips us for the task at hand?  The pastor of RCBC, Bro. Greg Barker, is a professional painter!  He had a wonderful team with him that came ready to work.  In 3 days they had scraped/pressure-washed the building, replaced rotten boards, painted the entire building, built steps for one of the doors, repaired the wheelchair ramp, trimmed shrubs and cut the grass, and hung the "Legacy Lodge" sign!