WONDERFUL NEWS!!! i have the privilege of serving HAITI once again. on july 22nd, i will be going with MONADNOCK BRIDGE BUILDERS, as they continue to SERVE the orphans in a country with the dubious distinction of being named the poorest nation in the world. i know i've said it before, but the people of HAITI, despite their circumstances, are so often PRAISING GOD ~ for all that HE has done for them. their lack of clean water, food and shelter seems to add more to their gratefulness for what they know the King of Kings has already done in their lives -- He has come to this very earth, walked as man, and suffered absolutely everything that they are feeling right this very minute-- on the cross....all so that they might have eternal life with the Lord Himself! WOW~ what an amazing testimony, and to see how this truth plays out in their lives is a gift that i don't take lightly. for all of you who have supported my trips in the past, i thank you from the depths of my heart. the trip to HAITI, although i will be photographing -- to share with the outside world HAITI's desperate fundamental needs, is one that is self-funded. the reasoning behind this is any money given by Monadnock to support mission trips, would be quite literally taking the funding right out from the orphanages where it is so very desperately needed. my trip to HAITI will cost $1,295.00 this includes my flight from boston to port-au-prince, haiti; a 10 hour open- truck trip on scarce roads to the mountain village of batso, just outside of san michele; clean drinking water; and clean (which must be specially prepared) food, as well as a roof over my head, and an occasional bucket-shower ( a luxury). i do realize that these times don't lend themselves to luxuries for any of us, often we are struggling in this economy just to have our own daily needs and commitments met, yet, as i know whole-heartedly that God Himself has called me to Haiti, and that through Him, i may be the hands and feet of Jesus. the love i have in my heart for the people and nation of Haiti simply has no other explanation. ** i humbly ask for your prayerful consideration in supporting this missions trip, be it monetary or prayer, as both are needed. thank you in advance. JAMES 14-17

AUTHENTIC BEAUTY! that's what the weekend retreat at monadnock was all about. i had the real privilege of chaperoning our junior and senior high girls through a fabulous weekend, where it was stressed that GOD IS ENTHRALLED WITH YOUR BEAUTY. not just your run-of-the-mill, kinda, sorta likes, but he is head-over-heels ENTHRALLED WITH YOUR BEAUTY. we are made in the very IMAGE of GOD. can you imagine? the very God who made the heavens and the earth, the oceans, the day and the night, He CHOSE to create you IN HIS OWN IMAGE. do you know what that gives you? VALUE. you are VALUABLE to the Kings of Kings!!!
He has called YOU! HE IS ENTHRALLED WITH YOUR BEAUTY. not only the inside, but the outside as well! God chose you to be as beautiful and special and unique as you are.
These days our teens are bombarded with how to look thinner, prettier, sexier, more beautiful. they need to know that the God of all creation is on it. He created them just as they are supposed to be. He finds them valuable. He delights in them. He is enthralled with their beauty. He has a purpose for each one of them. no one can take away how amazing God thinks you are, or how much He loves you.
Authentic Beauty by Bethany Needham was an amazing weekend.

THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT ONE!
everyone -- PLEASE go to www.onedaygive.com -- and VIEW THE VIDEO. it's all of 1 minute, 40 seconds.
it's a really cool way to give~ to be how Jesus Himself called us to be. we're supposed to take care of the poor, the orphans and the widows, along with those who are sick. this is a super simple way to do so!
no money is ever passed through anyone else's hands -- only yours, and the charity of your choice. it is my hope that many of you will choose Monadnock Bridge Builders, as they continue to feed, educate and house the orphans of HAITI. as i have mentioned to anybody who has been willing to listen, these children are so beautiful, and so grateful for our help. their smiles penetrate through to your very sole, and the impact they have made in my life is paramount. please join me in making an impact on theirs. the love of Jesus flows freely through these blessings. please consider. it's just one day.
and it could truly change their world. thank you.

SSSSSOOOOOOO...
it's been quite a while! i've had the privilege of traveling to california for a month (carting the two youngest along -- what a treat for the 3 of us), to tend to my sister's 3 (while she and hubby spent 17 days in europe (what a life!) ); teaching piano lessons to her beginner students (what a blast!); working with my favorite photographer -- ANA BRANDT, absorbing as much as possible, to bring back to all of you in massachusetts; and threw in a trip to the padres spring training in arizona, to see my son lance! whew! we needed a vacation from our vacation!