Changing the World

Hello All -

This is Aric, making a very rare appearance on the Blog...  I just wanted to send out a quick note to let everyone know that Emily and the Leaders have arrived successfully in Wiggins, MS and have begun their work.  World Changers is the organization they are working with and they are doing several construction and renovation projects to a home that was beaten and battered by Hurricane Katrina.  Yes, there are still a LOT of people in the greater Gulf Coast region that are trying to recover from that massive storm all those many years ago!  Anyway, they got down there last night; got settled into the church where they are staying; and had some devotional time with the other groups that are participating in this mission trip over Spring Break.

I am sure Emily will post an update with more details about the goings-on and the work they do this week once she gets back, but I at least wanted everyone to know they are there and are working hard.  Please pray for this group as they attempt to help change the world, one small piece at a time, through a demonstration of Christ's love for others and through the spreading of the Good News with those that they encounter.  May God bless those that the Leaders are helping and may this experience be a blessing for the Leaders as well!  And, may God bless each and every one of our family and friends who are reading this.  We love you all and hope you are well!

Katie...update

Last week, I went down to Fairhope to help out my sister. She was literally, helpless. I felt so bad for her but kept her spirits high while I was there. I went down on Monday and came back Wednesday night. She had a doctors appointment Tuesday morning and it went very well. The doctor was hopeful that she will be running again and as for right now, no more surgeries in the future! She will have to be on crutches, however, for about 6-12 weeks and it is going to be at least 6 months before she can do any type of exercise. And when she does get to that point, it will have to be low impact, like water aerobics, cycling, etc.
She is doing a little bit more every day. When I first arrived, she couldn't even get dressed without help, now, she can SLOWLY do it herself.

For my sister, this is a very hard thing. She has lived on her own now for 5+ years and is not used to really relying on people for things. It is VERY HARD for her to ask for help. She is getting used to the fact that she is going to need help and it is OK to ask for help.

I am going to brag on her running club for a minute. These people are AWESOME! They have been taking her to her doctor appointments, bringing food, going to the grocery store, walking her dog....need I go on. And the best thing is, they do it with a joyful heart. Katie is very lucky to have such sweet friends. Of course, I am not forgetting about my parents, they have been a huge help too, but I was just amazed at how her friends have really stepped up to help out. With me not getting down there to visit very often, I don't get to meet a lot of her friends but this past week, I had the pleasure of meeting a few of them.

Moving right along, once I got home Wednesday night, I was POOPED! Taking care of an adult, a toddler, an infant and yourself is not an easy task. I totally have MUCH more respect for single parents out there. Especially single parents of 2 or more kids. I don't know how they do it! All of that being said, I was glad to help out. I wish I could have stayed longer but I sure did miss the husband. I might actually make another trip depending on her progress. Katie will go back to the doctor in 2 weeks for another check up on things she will also have some PT. We will just see how things go and move from there.

I don't know if I have mentioned this before but I am going on a mission trip in just a few days! I am going with the Leaders Club down to Wiggins, MS to help out with World Changers. I will be going down with 11 of our teenagers with Leaders Club and 2 other adults. The fun thing about this particular trip is that it is not only my first mission trip, I am also leading it! God is giving me an opportunity of a lifetime here! Once we get to Wiggins, MS, we will be staying at FBC of Wiggins and will be working on a house that was hit by Katrina. Please pray for our group as enter this mission field. We will be leaving this Sunday around 9AM and coming back Wednesday afternoon. For more info, go to www.world-changers.net.

Thomas had his 6 month well check up earlier this week. Is now 14lbs 6.5oz and 26 inches long. He is sitting up by himself, rolling over, grabbing EVERYTHING (including my hair...ouch!) He has the sweetest little laugh and is doing very well on baby food. We started stage 2 last night! Sleeping through the night is still a struggle but with the problems we have had with Savannah, this is nothing new for us.

Tomorrow we are having some men from our small group from church coming over to help Aric on the house. We are trying to get it fixed up fixed to sell. We are VERY fortunate to know these people that are coming help and hopefully the work they help us with will help get our house looking better.

I apologize that this blog entry is late and a little scatttered. I actually started typing this last week when I got back from Fairhope. Our week has just been so busy!

I will post some more about the mission trip when I get back. I can't wait to share what God has done!

Happy Friday y'all!

Emily