3 More Sleeps!!!

I don't think words could explain how excited I am to see this girl.

A Fork & a Brush

Yesterday my project was to paint the kitchen, and I got most of it done. Painting is not something I really like doing, but I do like seeing the obvious progress along the way - and the finished project isn't bad either. I picked up my paint from Guiry's http://www.guirys.com/. I love their paint - depending on the room and color I can usually get away with one coat of paint. I also love the fact that I can get paint samples to try first, and I've always had great customer service. This really isn't a plug for Guiry's, but I love a happy shopping experience.

On Monday I went to pick up my paint and a small Purdy paintbrush. I noticed that they had their own label paintbrushes 40% off. The bargain hunter in me thought "wow", but in the back of my head, I heard my mother's voice telling me that sometimes quality is worth the price. So I asked the sales lady for a little advice. I bought the Purdy brush (I already have two that I love anyways.). I also came away with a little gem that I thought I'd share with all my fellow painters - just in case you didn't already know the secret. When cleaning your paintbrushes, get a fork and "comb" through the brush from the handle toward the tip to loosen all the dried paint that simply running under water just can't get out. I tried it on my new brush and an old brush that had paint from the last job, and it worked. How awesome is that!

Three Weeks

There is no access by vehicle to the village of Madeleine where Mallory's team is living & working. They had to hike in over a mile up a steep path like this to the village carrying ALL of their supplies (luggage, food, tools for their construction projects, kitchen supplies, etc.)

Excerpts from the Haiti Orphanage Team Reports:

"We are now working on the depot (storage room) and a giant water cistern. The cistern is having a rock wall built around it and that is going up nicely. The team is able to work alongside some Haitian mason workers and they are enjoying the interaction with them. We are also working on a site for a future basketball court and conference center. We are mostly leveling the ground as we are in a rolling hills and mountainous area." (posted July 1)

"Bonsoir! Things are continuing to go well here in Haiti as the work is progressing quickly. The water cistern rock walls have nearly been completed and we are anticipating pouring the concrete roof above it. That roof will also serve as the foundation/floor for half of the first story of the orphanage. The team has been working diligently to level the ground for the basketball/conference center. It is actually quite deceiving on what is actually level when you are on the side of a mountain. It is mind boggling in appearance. Keep praying for us!" (posted July 7)

My summer seems a bit insignificant compared to Mallory's, but I'm so glad that God can be honored in the things I do right at home as well as the things my daughter is doing for the least of them. What fun it will be to hear all of her stories when she returns home. It won't be long now - three weeks!!!

Christensen Family - Established July 3, 1993

Lake Louise (Banff, Alberta CANADA)

Tomorrow is our 16th anniversary, and as I reflect on those years together and how much we've changed, I love seeing how God brought us together and continues to knits us together as a couple and as a family. He cares about the smallest details in our lives from packing boxes and moving to the other side of the world and back (or even just up the block), finding new churches with each move, saying good-bye to old friends & making new friends, births, deaths, jobs, sick kids, healthy kids, school, money, vacations, cars, dogs - an endless list really. I love that in all those things, Peter has been with me - sometimes leading the way, sometimes giving a "gentle" push from behind & most of the time right along side me. Spending time with Peter is one of my greatest delights no matter what we're doing.

A list of 16 (in no particular order - they all make my heart full):

* makes the perfect cup of coffee every time & knows which traveling mug I like
* still gets excited about going on dates
* cherishes Mallory & Jillian & shows them every day how much
* a quiet strength but there are things that make him cry
* loves my mom & my family
* in spite of all my imperfections, he still loves me
* thinks the dogs are pretty great (even if he calls them bad, wicked & sinful)
* loves God & seeks to know Him better
* will watch "chick flicks" with me (though usually not by choice)
* manages to still surprise me
* laid back & relaxed - a great compliment to my need to control (I'm working on that)
* understands that camping is just not my thing
* "conquers" the mall with me (& the girls)
* has always done & still does the "morning shift" & lets me sleep in
* has great friends
* still makes me laugh

I love you Peter!

2,451 miles away

Haitian flag
Haiti Orphanage Team #09004
mixing cement

commissioning service

Mallory survived Teen Missions "boot camp" http://teenmissions.org/ which is a two week intensive training in skills needed on the field like cement mixing, brick laying, digging, construction, etc. and lots & lots of team building. Mallory being Mallory found the joy in it and loved it. She was even excited about having kitchen duties, cleaning a toilet and doing her own laundry in a bucket. I love that about her!

They had a commissioning service on June 21 for all the teams leaving, left for the airport and spent the night there to catch an early flight to Haiti the next morning. Peter didn't think spending the night in the airport sounded like much fun, but I reminded him that air conditioning and cold drinks w/ ice was probably worth it for them. The phone call on Father's Day from the airport made Peter's day perfect, and I was just excited to hear her voice and catch a glimpse of her excitement for all that God is doing.

When they arrrived, they began working right away on the construction projects for the orphanage for Hope in the Light Ministries http://hopeinthelight.org/. Mallory was asked by the team leaders to keep the team journal which is used to post updates on the website (good skills for that journalism career she's interested in), and her willingness to accept new opportunities and challenges like this makes me a proud mom.

I know that God is using Mallory and her team to bless many - not only by their physical help but by the joy and hope that they bring to the orphans and the Haitian people. I am excited to hear how God showed up everyday for them and how her experience has changed her, but in the mean time, I miss her terribly and the life and joy she brings to our family.