Dog-Sitting

So I'm currently dog-sitting for my co-worker, Kara and I thought I would share a little story of what happened last time I was here:)  The dogs, Emerson (boxer) and Izzy (lab-mix) are very active!  Izzy makes Emerson do what she wants and one evening while they were out in the backyard, I noticed that Emerson's collar was off.  It was already dark outside, but I went out anyways and tried to find his collar.  I gave up after a pass through the yard and decided I would find it the next morning when I let the dogs out. 

The next morning (Sunday) the dogs woke me up at 6am to be let outside, so I came downstairs and let them out.  I remembered that I needed to find Emerson's collar, so I went upstairs and got my shoes then as I was going out, the dogs were ready to be let in.  I went out, the dogs came in.  I searched the yard for about 10-15 minutes and finally found Emerson's collar, Izzy had actually broke it!  I went back to the door and the door was LOCKED!  The dogs had somehow locked the door!  I tried to get them to unlock the door by following my hand up, but it didn't work.  It was at that moment that I realized that my key and cell phone were inside on the kitchen island.  I had no way to contact anyone and no way in the house.  Kara's parent's (my boss) live about 15 minutes away, but they were out of town together! 

I walked around the house trying to find a way inside and I saw the garage door opener and got excited!  I didn't know their code, but I do know their number...so all I needed was a phone.  I decided to just wake up their neighbor, who is hispanic and doesn't really speak english.  I was able to ask her to borrow her phone quite easily, thank you high school spanish:)...I called and asked the garage code to find out that it didn't work!  I started freaking out thinking that I would have to break a window or something to get in!  I found out that Kara's mom had a spare key at her house, so I just needed to find a way there!  It was looking good.  I got off the phone with them and then I was ready to call a friend to take me to get the key. 

Then I hit the next roadblock...I don't have anyone's phone number memorized!  I asked to use a phone book, but who has a land line anymore!?!  The neighbor had woke up her daughter by this time and she spoke perfect english, so we no longer had a language barrier.  After a few minutes of me searching frantically for someone's phone number, they offered to drive me!  So these people that I woke up at 6am on a Sunday morning saved me by letting me use their phone and taking me to get the key. 

Thankfully when I got back, the dogs hadn't gotten into much--there was just a few pieces of paper shredded on the floor and a rug from one room in another room. 

This time, I have not gone anywhere without my phone and the house keys!  Oh and Kara mentioned after they got back that the dogs had done that to her husband, Jeremiah...it would have been nice to know before it happened:) 

Ethiopia

Today I had the honor of joining a family at the airport as they welcomed their two new children/siblings home!  A wonderful family from church has 3 biological children and now 5 adopted children--and it was so fun to be able to welcome them back!  The new kids are from Ethiopia and are a beautiful brother and sister and I know they have a lot of adjusting to do, but they couldn't have found a better family to join:)  I'm just glad I could be a part of it and see the joy on their faces!

Baja, Mexico

I am getting excited for my mission trip with Global Expeditions to Mexico in 83 short days!  Wow there is so much to be done before then!  I was able to book my flight and it was less than I was planning, which is an answer to prayer!  I still need $822 to pay off this trip, but I know God will provide.  If you would like to donate, you can click here and search for me by my Missionary ID #2215584.  (Thank you!)

Earlier today I posted on facebook that I need a few supplies for the trip...an air mattress, hammer, paint roller covers and a paint brush and within a few minutes the air mattress was provided - PRAISE GOD!  Now, a few hours later, the other supplies are provided as well:)  God is GOOD!

I've decided to do a fundraiser with MudLove.  A guy I went to college with started a pottery business and he builds wells in Africa with a portion of the profits, so this fundraiser will not only help me get on the mission field again, but it will provide water for Africans...truly a win-win situation! 

I'm also participating in a contest on facebook so if you haven't yet, you should go like my picture!  I have a chance to win $750 towards my next mission trip! Click here to vote for my photo!

I'm definitely feeling blessed because I know God is in this and the support I am receiving from my family, friends and church family is awesome!