A Visit to Music City

This week we paid a visit to Nashville to see April in her new hometown. We had the best time doing mostly nothing, our favorite pastime. As long as we eat and laugh it's all good. There was movie watching in the hotel room, several visits to really great coffee shops (Nashville has the best coffee shops), and of course a trip to Guitar Center in Nashville. I thought we would miss our flight - Chris and April were just lost in there. It goes without sayin, Mavis went with us. It was her 2nd trip on an airplane. She's a pro! I just have to stick a foot into her carrier under the seat and she's happy.


Chris, Mavis and I also got the chance to visit with Bernie at A Place to Bark. The folks at my office all pitched in to take a donation for her ongoing building project, which gave me a good excuse to visit. I really appreciated her taking time out of a very busy schedule to visit with us. I got the VIP tour of her shelter, and some always welcome puppy love from the adorable schnauzer pups! (it was FREEEZING - we had to tuck them in our jackets)


In a addition to her obvious passion for animals, Bernie is an artist. She is active in the ATC (Artist Trading Card) movement, having written a book and teaching others how to create in workshops. Bernie gave me a copy of her book, and now I'm getting motivated. I may have to start a shoe box of supplies and get started creating my own cards. I majored in Fine Art/Painting and Drawing in college. I've just let it go over the years. This would be a great way to get back in the swing of things. I've still got some of the old tools, just need to dust them off.

Most of all I'm encouraged by the hearts of others who strive to do the right thing, and give selflessly. Not just Bernie, but my April too. It was a good visit.

Upgrade Me

I have made some changes in the last month that you could call upgrades. I'm thinking my brain is going to explode from trying to remember all the things that come with these upgrades. I got a new car, really just an upgrade of the same car I had, but with all the extras I didn't have before. All those different places for switches, gadgets and new features I've never had. Satellite radio..I have like 20 favorite channels. I don't have 20 buttons. I've got a cheat sheet but then that's not too safe when you're cruising down the freeway. Then I decided that I would get an iPhone. I LOVE my iPhone, but oh man are there are so many things to see and do. I lay in bed at night just looking at all the different things there are to do when I should be sleeping. I downloaded an app for virtual fortune cookies that deliver the "fortune" to you..to be shared here later. In the office I put the iPhone on the credenza behind my desk and I can feel it staring at me, asking me to stop what I'm doing and use it to do something incredibly worthwhile. There will probably be a need for a lockbox to put it in just so I can stay focused on my job. I'm sure this is just the honeymoon, I'll get over it...or I'll say "how did I ever live without my iPhone".
I've never been the one to have the cool new gadget. I decided that it was time for me to treat myself. It feels really good.

In totally unrelated news, I have inadvertently turned my husband into a Fox News junkie:) I leave it on for Mavis every day when I go to work. I think she likes the regular reporters and anchors, you know familiar voices and faces to keep her company. Chris comes home every day and it's on and he can't stop watching. I think it's kind of funny. From Star Trek and the History Channel to Fox News. I'd say he's well rounded.

Oh, and Mavis is speaking to me again. All I had to do was cook for her and give her treats for breakfast (the equivalent of giving your kids Chocolate Cake for breakfast). We're old pals again. She still hates it when I read or use my computer. She was throwing a huge fit, but is now curled up beside me. Proof that Chocolate Cake for breakfast is a very good idea.

One more thing - I talked to April for the longest time today. She is doing so very well and is really stretching herself. I am proud of her. She has also changed her major to Social Entrepreneurship. I really think it fits her.

I think that about covers it. Me and the doglet are going to bed.

April is Home!

April is home and I couldn't be happier! Thanks to all of you who have kept her in your prayers while she traveled India and Malaysia. She's had so many stories to tell - there's just not enough time for all of them. We've had some good chats over coffee and are now packing her up to move off to Tennessee later this week. I guess I'll just have to spend some quality time in Nashville soon so we can finish catching up. Darn the luck.

Update from April

Got a phone call from April this morning. After more than 2 months she's back in the USofA. Even though she's not HOME yet, good to know she's back on the home soil. We'll get hugs and all the stories on Thursday. Just can't wait!!

April Update....Malaysia (but not from April)

I haven't gotten an email from April since July 15th, but have been lucky enough to catch an update on one of her team members blogs. It sounds like they are so very busy with teaching, building relationships, and doing some community outreach. She posted this picture that I will share. April is the one in the blue shirt seated on the "bikeshaw". I was really glad to see that smile.



Apparently Friday is their day off, so I'm trying to imagine what kind of fun they are having today. Trip to the beach? Shopping? A chance to use a real toilet? (I'm sorry, but I am going to dwell on the toilet situation until she is home safe and I know all the details! Crazy, but that is what I've worried about the most.)

Live the moment while you are there sweet April. We are all anxiously awaiting your return so that we can hear all about it. I am continuing to pray that you find joy in the details of your adventure.

April Update...Malaysia 2 Weeks

Got an email from April last night. Now 2 weeks into her adventure in Malaysia she is experiencing a wide variety of emotions. The group of girls that she is living with have shown her so much love and hospitality. I think it has really helped her overcome some of the tough stuff. I sent her this quote the other day. I thought it profound and hope that it gave her a little courage:

"Although the world is full of suffering, it's also full of the overcoming of it." -Helen Keller

I'm still waiting on the update that will tell me more about the environment. I want to know what it looks like (has she seen any beautiful birds, the ocean...), how it feels (temp etc) and what she is eating. Has she been well? And all of the other "mother questions". Thank you God for giving me the gift of a daughter in April, so that I have had the opportunity to wonder these things!

It sounds like as she played for about 2500 people the other day, doing a Colby Callait cover, she was treated like a rock star. Not quite what she expected out of this trip:) My prayer for her is that God continue to keep her heart protected big time. Body, mind, and soul too. I can't wait to have this girl back home.

April Update...Malaysia

Got an email from April today. I knew that she made it to Malaysia OK, but it was so good to actually get word from her! She will be teaching music for 6 weeks (when she is not performing with the band). It sounds like the living conditions are drastically different than what she experienced in India. I'll just say that some of the "facilities" are extremely primitive compared to what we enjoy in the western world. I know that this is the experience she has been craving. My prayer is that it will be a blessing to her as well as those she meets. I am so honored to have her in my life. What a special soul she is, and so full of love. If this is the life she does indeed choose, the world will be so lucky to have her out there.

Be brave dear April, we are with you in spirit.

April Update...Phone Call to Asia!

I was actually able to talk to April on the phone today! There is a phone line that rings a US number that I've been able to call. She sounds great and is wishing they didn't have to move on so soon.

She told me stories of the children she has connected with, and even a small baby that she was able to hold and rock. Although there have been heartbreaking things to see, she has also seen beauty. It also sounds like performing for large groups is becoming second nature. This is a big step for her. Funny how God will take us around the world to grow us in areas that could just have easily been cultivated at home. He has big plans for this child, I suspect.

Her group leaves tomorrow at midnight for the next destination, a large metropolitan city in SE Asia. My prayer is that she will find the next stop just as fulfilling, and be a huge blessing to each person she comes in contact with.

Thanks to those of you who are keeping April in your prayers. Although I am busting with how proud I am of her, and so excited for her, I just can't wait to have her home again. Even if it will only be a few short days before she treks cross country to her new school. I will treasure those days.

April Update....Settled In

Have gotten several emails from April as she gets settled in. It sounds like she is beginning to find her comfort zone and I'm glad. Mom's tend to worry, worry, worry. She has played/sang at a coffee shop a couple of times and sounds like that is going very well. And the children...sounds like every time she turns around there are beautiful children full of love. If you know April, you know she has a heart for children. In those moments, she's on her own personal cloud of heaven. I am grateful that we are able to email so often. I've been able to share what's going on around here, right here from the back porch..our favorite place to talk. What a blessing.

April, you are just covered up with prayers. I am grateful to have you in my life. Be safe beautiful child.

April Update...Guitar

Heard from April today that the guitar was found and delivered in mint condish. I knew it would be. Who's your Daddy April?

Thanks to those of you who prayed for the guitar to arrive safely.

April Update...Arrival

I got an email from April today. It was a surprise since we weren't sure that she'd have Internet access much. She has arrived at her first destination in Asia after 4 flights and 25 hours of flying. Her guitar was lost in transit, which is a major stinker. I have faith that it will be delivered safely though. She always has just what she needs, right when she needs it.

April, I am praying for you (and your guitar too). Sending love to you across the seas.