let the crazy times begin!

the countdown has begun.

we went to our "work site" earlier this evening to see exactly what we have in store for us! i failed to get pictures but trust me, tomorrow i will definitely get a pic. i've gotten to meet most of our group and for the most part i've been a bit quiet.

don't know if that's because of Italy/Greece and my experience there or if its the whole getting older and knowing that its better to keep quiet in 99% of instances.

so i've been "observing" and so far its been good. i'm with a crazy fun loving bunch of people who genuinely want to be here. this is my dad's 4th project with the group and while the group has some new members, namely me, there are quite a few veterans who have returned.

in the last few hours, i've heard some of their experiences and why they've returned and i have to say that its been completely refreshing...refreshing in a way that i needed and didnt know. my dad is here but i'm rooming with complete strangers.

i can say that i've fully embracing summer even though i know it arrived before i realized it and before i returned from Italy/Greece. i still have both my online classes but they seem a bit minute for the moment. i say that until my homework is due. i'll be up early in the morning to try and get a jump start and ahead of the game. the text for Laws of Contracts is not an easy read.

ok so back to this trip. we are sheetrocking a church in Bridge City. its quite a drive from where we are staying. i'm most grateful for our quarters and even though i'm bunked on an army cot (thanks to my dad!): it is the most wonderful bed!

i've also realized just how blessed i am to have the two people in my life i call mom and dad. maybe i'm not appreciative enough or perhaps i just dont see it at times and though I call them crazies...i love them deeply and in a way that is completely beyond words.

many of these people have had the opportunity to get to know my mom and dad and the compliments i've received thus far have been flattering. what people say about who they are is because of how my parents live and what they speak. those are rarely contrary to each other and if so done in innocence without knowing. they try their very hardest to live what they speak. what i love about them most is that they aren't impressed with "fancy labels" or "fancy words" but can cut through false impressions and fascades. they see truth in its purest form.

i love them for that because so often they've encouraged me to keep the right people in my life. regardless of choices that i've made or paths i've not taken...they've loved me unconditionally and while i have no children of my own, i've only recently begun to understand the love of a parent through observing my sister with her own children. it is a unique love. one that i'm so glad abounds in my life.

so i'm not sure what tomorrow's post will be. just have to say that tonights devo spoke to my heart in a way that's been sorely missed. it makes perfect sense and being here right now in this time and place makes perfect sense. it may seem insanity to some and why the heck are you there...regardless of what i do or dont receive from this experience i have to believe that what i choose to give will bless those who need it most when given in the right context. that is my aim here...to give with pureness of heart not expecting anything in return and to walk along side my dad in servant leadership.

this trip is not about what i want or what i need...but about a need that exist and saying here's what i have its yours to use as you wish. to some of you this may make no sense at all and to others i know you feel completely what i've got to say. love you all and wishing you the very best week!

what comes most to heart is the following:

1 Chronicles 21:24 (Contemporary English Version)

24But David replied, "No! I want to pay you what they're worth. I can't just take something from you and then offer the LORD a sacrifice that cost me nothing."