Can't Help Falling in Love

I really do have more Russia stories to tell.  I won't give you another list of excuses because who really cares about why?  I don't even really want to hear it.  So, I thought today I could tell you more of my story and how this trip has changed me. 

I fell in love with Russia.  I am sitting here trying to think of another way to phrase it because that sounds weird to me, but that is really how I feel.  I was nervous at first and although I felt like in my head I knew what to expect, I did not know how I would feel about everything.  I had butterfly moments and I had moments of pure joy. 

I was REALLY nervous about teaching.  Which STILL seems strange to me.  I do have a degree in Secondary Education.  I was trained to teach - 8 years ago - with little to no practical experience in the classroom in the last 7 years.  Unless you count teaching in the nursery at church, which I don't.  Anyway, the nerves got better the more I was in front of the classroom and by the second week I actually felt competent.  Yes, there are always things that happen that I wished would have gone differently, but overall, big picture, I really felt like I accomplished what I set out to do. 

I was also (although I didn't realize it at the time) nervous about meeting the teams Russian friends.  The people that have been in their lives for YEARS, and now I was the new girl (one of the new girls).  Not only was I new, but I was youngish (most, if not all are younger than me) and female and I had NO idea how they would react to me.  And let's face it, I am one of THOSE people that wants everybody to like her.  I always worry that I am more "in love" with someone than they are with me.  THAT was totally silly.  I think by day 4 or 5 Rachael and I had "girls nights" set up on two different nights! 

Girl's night
Photo by Rachael Wise - www.rachaelwisephotography.com

I also completely fell in love with my roomie, Rachael.  She has a heart of gold and we connected in a really powerful way while we were in Russia.  One night, once our bodies had finally adjusted to the time change, we stayed up talking to each other until 4AM (not our smartest move, but TOTALLY worth it.)
In the beginning we were almost always attached at the hip.  I am sure it was because we were both newbies and together we were able to remember almost everything (like directions).  We eventually got our bearings, but still spent a lot of time together because we became so close. 



My Sweet Roomie
Photo by Rachael Wise - www.rachaelwisephotography.com

I also completely fell in love with the students that we interacted with, but I will tell you more about that in a separate post. 

There were so many people that welcomed us into our lives unconditionally with completely open arms and that was a HUGE blessing.  One day I hope to tell you more about those people. 

Until then...

One of my favorite Bible passage about love:

1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Top 10 Surprises

As you probably already know this was my first trip outside of the United States and it was also my first mission trip.  Many of the people that have previously gone on this trip did a great job preparing me for this journey.  I heard stories about every step of the trip, so I may struggle to find ten things that surprised me but here goes nothing....

10. We did not fly straight across the Atlantic, we flew along the east coast of the US, Canada, then across the Atlantic to Germany.  

9. After about 4 hours on an airplane I start to go stir crazy and I do better if I am sitting with someone I know.  

8.  Several of the girls that Rachael and I became instant friends with can quote Friends episodes as well as and often times better than we could.  (I have all 10 seasons on DVD.)  We had several quote/laugh sessions surrounding Friends episodes.  

7.  At the flat we stayed in there were rugs covering all the sofas and chairs.  I thought it was strange until we visited someone else's flat and they had something similar.  

6. Disposable dishes are really hard to find. If/when you do find them, they are really thin but surprisingly durable.  Russians often reuse their disposable dishes, but then again so did my grandmother.  

5. The toilet (or Water Closet) is often separate from the bathroom, and their toilets use very little water.  They also often have two buttons, one for small flushes and one for big flushes.  I thought this was pretty efficient.  

Street sign

4.  It was very difficult for me to learn how to navigate the city.  I am pretty good at navigation here at home, but I learn that is because I CAN READ.  When I cannot read, apparently it takes me much longer to get my bearings.  Although, in my defense, for the first couple of days I was working off of very little sleep.  But by the morning of day two Rachael and I were dipping our toes in navigation alone.  It took both of us, but between the two of us we could remember enough landmarks to navigate.  

3. I grew to really like tea.  Tea is a staple in Russian households and by the end of the trip I was completely hooked.  Now in the morning instead of coffee I have black tea.  I also REALLY enjoyed coconut cappuccino's there, but nothing is quite the same here.  They serve their coffee at a drinkable temperature, and I am certain there is something different with their milk.  It is probably less pasteurized and much fresher, so even though they used whole milk it did not upset my stomach at all.  

2. There are almost no preservatives in their food, so nothing keeps for more than a couple of days, but it tastes SO MUCH BETTER.  The produce was much tastier too.  

and the #1 surprise while in Russia....

1.  I felt the Holy Spirit's presence stronger during a church service where I could not understand a word than I do at home where I can understand every word.  It was a beautiful experience.  


That was actually easier than I expected.  I may even come up with a few more later.  

Can you find the surprise in this picture?

Where to Begin

I think I will take Maria von Trapp's suggestion from the Sound of Music and start at the very beginning because apparently, it's "a very good place to start."

My journey to Russia began in the fall of 2004 when our family looked like this:

Our Family - November 2004

We were newly married (July 24, 2004) and placed membership at Riverside in October of 2004.  I don't remember exactly when John Cooke first told our bible class about Russia, but I suspect it was November of 2004 after they returned from their October trip.  

John Cooke

John came into our bible class and told us about Russia and how they teach a character education class at the university there.  Honestly I don't remember many specifics of John's story today (sorry John), but what I will NEVER forget is the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit.  At the time I did not recognize the feeling for what it was, but I knew I wanted to hear more.  After class I approached John and asked a few more questions.  One of my questions was what does the trip cost?  In his wisdom, John didn't really answer me.  He told me that if/when I was ready to go finances would not be an obstacle, we would find a way to get me there.  I believe in that moment, John knew that I would one day make this journey with him.  I didn't know it then, but I think John did.  

In 2006 I started my job at the airport and one of the ladies I work with adopted one of her children from Russia.  Even then I knew that was not by accident.  I knew that God was continuing to affirm that nudge I received.  

Fast forward several years and, Mike Odle came and spoke to our bible class about Russia. Again, unfortunately I do not remember many of the details of his story (sorry Mike), but I remember his story had a slightly different take.  He had a Russian student live with him for the Summer.  Mike's first trip was April of 2008, that summer Kate came to live with him and he returned to Volgograd in October.  I distinctly remember him retelling a story of taking her to the grocery store (probably Wal-Mart) and she couldn't understand why we had so many food choices.  This was an example to me of the excess I take for granted here and I was curious to see what life is like in Volgograd.  

Mike Odle

Honestly there was not a great deal of talk in our house regarding my urge to go to Russia from 2004 to 2011.  I started my job at the airport in 2006 and this was the first place I worked where I earned vacation time.  We had Aaron in January of 2008 and Lydia in August of 2010 and it took some time to build my time off back up after having both kids.  However, every time the team left for Russia my heart tugged a little.  I got included on the email updates while they were gone and my heart tugged a little more.

In October of 2011 after the team returned and I heard more stories and the pull to Russia got stronger.  At that time Aaron was 3.5 and Lydia had just turned 1 and I was not sure how I would be able to leave the family for 17 days.  But my ever steady husband reassured me that he could handle it; he knew it would be difficult, but it would be worth it.  We agreed that it would set a good example for the kids and we both believed it was what God was calling us to.

So I checked my time off spreadsheet (yes, I keep a spreadsheet) to see how much time I would earn by October of 2012. I factored in trips and holiday and plans that we had already made, but I realized I would have enough time off to make the trip.  Ryan and I talked about it and decided that that time was right.  I couldn't wait to tell John!  I was able to tell him on Sunday, November 13th and he was really excited.  He was excited for me, for the students that I would reach, and for the people at the church in Volgograd.

A team left for Russia in April of 2012 and as soon as they returned we began making plans for the October trip.  We began having monthly meetings in June to bond as a team and prepare for the trip ahead.  I began fundraising in July and we left October 17, 2012. We took family photos the Saturday before I left.

Our Family - October 2012

This is just one of many posts about my trip to Russia.  I ask that you continue to pray for the next team that will make this trip in April.  In only a few short months they will begin to make preparations in getting their Visas and plane tickets.  I ask that you pray for Ryan and I as we are already struggling with when I should go back.  I was forever touched by this journey, but I know it is only the beginning.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Russia Excuses

I was very intentional in leaving my computer at home while I was in Russia.  My plan was to do everything possible to be fully present for my time there.  For my first trip I am extremely glad that I made that decision.  The drawback to that is it is going to take me a while to get all my Russia posts written and online.  So for now I leave you with a list of excuses why I haven't posted anything yet:

10. Jet lag - I still get really sleepy at about 3:00 PM, and can barely keep my eyes open at 8:00 PM after the kids go to bed.  

9.  I have a full time job that I had to go back to the Monday immediately following my Saturday return.

8. Jet lag - My brain still isn't fully functioning from the transition.  

7.  I have two children that want to spend every moment possible with their mommy and I try to honor that because one day it will be gone.  

6.  Jet lag - My body is really confused.  

5.  I have a sweet husband that has been doing everything since I left and I am trying desperately to jump back in and do my part.

4.  Jet lag - When I do sleep I have trouble staying asleep, but part of that problem is related to #7.

3.  I know that pictures will tell a lot of the story for me and after spending two and a half weeks with a professional photographer I need to do a little editing of my pictures before they are posted.  

2.  Jet lag.

and the #1 reason is......

1.  I am partially struggling with finding the right words to tell my story in a way that brings honor to God.  

Until I get some good rest and have some time to overcome those obstacles  here are a few pictures.  

You can also visit our church Russia mission blog to read Mike's posts about our journey.  He was able to do most of his blogging while we were there.  The up side is he writes for a living and his writing is beautiful.  My writing will probably feel more like a conversation with an old friend.  It will be grammatically incorrect.   

Paka!

~Love~

Julie

One Week

We leave for Russia in exactly one week!  

My emotions are all over the place.  I am so excited that this trip draws nearer and terrified at the same time.  Before anyone asks, what are you terrified of, or why, there is nothing specific.  This is a big journey for me beyond the flights to/from Russia.  This will be the longest time I have been away from my husband and kids ever.  

However, anytime the fear creeps in I remind myself that God is faithful and walks beside us.  I think of my favorite bible verse Romans 8:28, that God works in all things for the good of those who love him according to his purpose.  And I am quite certain that this trip is according to his purpose and that God will work in us, through us, and most likely at some point in spite of us.  I am also reminded of Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  The two key messages from this that I hold onto as we make this trip are "Therefore go...and teach" and "I am with you always."  Ok, maybe that's three key messages.  Go, Teach, and God is with you.  So simple yet so powerful.  

We got home yesterday from a trip down to Houston to visit my family, and before I had even finished unpacking from that trip I started packing for Russia.  My big suitcase and backpack are out and as I think of things that I will not need at home before we leave I put it in the suitcase.  A sweet friend of ours let me borrow the backpack and I LOVE it, I may never give it back.  It holds way more than it looks like it would and that is a very good thing considering the length of this trip. 

As always, thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to pray for our team as we finalize our preparations.  Pray that we will find ways to keep our anxieties to a minimum, that we will remember to pack everything that is critical, that we will get good rest in these last few days leading up to our trip, that we will do everything we can to make this time a way easier on our families, that we will be able to wrap things up at our jobs to be gone for 2 1/2 weeks, that we ALWAYS remember who is in control, and anything else the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.  Thank you.



"Life is a journey, not a destination."
~Ralph Waldo Emmerson

I AM A LOSER!

Sorry, I couldn't resist.  

I started back on my Weight Watchers journey two weeks ago.  Last week I had no change, which is good.  

This week, I am a loser!  

I lost .8 lbs which is better than no change at all.  The target weight loss is 1/2 a lb to 2 lbs per week so .8 is right on track.  

I think what made me successful this week is I saved all of my weekly points and some of my activity points for the weekend.  Which, translated out of non Weight Watchers speak, means I did not indulge, or minimally indulged during the week so I could indulge over the weekend when I knew I would have less control of my food choices.  We were out of town at a wedding and visiting my family.  

Any tips or tricks for maintaining good habits while in another country?

Stay tuned for next week.  

Ready to go...almost

Countdown:
Days: 20
Dollars: 0

PRAISE GOD! With your help I have now raised all the funds that I need for this trip.  There are a couple of expenses that I have realized I did not budget for like taxi's and buses, but I am confident that God will work it out.  

I am almost ready because it seems like time has flown by from the time that Ryan and I decided that I would make this trip to now.  But these last 30ish days are dragging.  I have been anticipating this trip for so long that :
I am ready to be there, doing this work that we set out to do.  
I am ready to get my suitcase out and pack.  
I am ready to go to the store and  buy my snacks. 
I am ready to gather and organize my toiletries.  
I am ready to coordinate with my roommate who will bring the hairdryer and who will bring the flat iron.  I am ready to tightly roll up my clothes so I can also fit in the various item that our group needs to bring for our students and the church we support.  
I am ready to go on my first mission trip.
I am ready to go on my first international trip.
I am ready to fly across an ocean.
I am ready.....almost.
I am almost ready for the way this trip will change me.
I am almost ready to teach college students about respect and fairness.
I am ready....almost.

I ask you to please continue to pray for our team as we prepare.  Pray for our families as they prepare for us to be gone for 16 days.  Pray that the exchange rate for Rubles will go up, so we can get more for our money.  Pray for our team to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  

Thank you!
JP

Last Hurdle - Done!

Countdown:
Days: 33
Dollars: $200

Thirty-three days left and our team is all set.  Our coordinator got our Visas in the mail on Monday and that was the last major hurdle we absolutely had to over come before we left.  PRAISE GOD!  All 6 of us were able to get our Visas without any trouble!  I should have mine in hand by Sunday!  

I ask that you pray with me over the following people:

Paul- the minister at the church in Volgograd.
Irina - a member of the church in Volgograd and she also helps coordinate our apartments.
Ludmilla Karpova - the director of the Character for Kids program at the university.
All the current university students that we will come into contact with.
All the former students that we continue to build relationships with.
The women who we will rent our apartments from.
All the members of the church in Volgograd that we will visit.

Thank you for your continued prayers as I prepare for this trip.  

~Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.~

6 Weeks To Go

Countdown:

Days: 41

Dollars $300

Wow, time really is flying.  May people have been very generous and I am nearly at my target amount to raise for my trip to Russia.  This last $300 that remains is basically the amount that I will need to cover the cost of my apartment for the time that we will be there. How great is that?  $300 for 16 days, you can't beat that.  

Well, that's about all I know for today.  Please continue to pray for the team as we prepare.  Please also pray that God is already preparing the ground ahead of us so that we can plant seeds while we are there.  We can only do this through Him, and we are blessed to have this opportunity. 

Until next time....

Paka!

Let the Countdown Begin

Count down:
Days: 55
Dollars: $550

Those numbers worked out nicely.  That was not intentional on my part, but it is pretty cool to me.  We had an anonymous donor take care of the fees for all of our visas.  What a blessing!  Mr./Mrs. Anonymous donor, we sincerely thank you for your generosity!  

Preparation updates:
I completed watching the video for Fairness and I get to do an interesting activity with the students.  I get to start off seemingly arbitrarily handing out pieces of candy to students while leaving others out.  Then we get to talk about how that made them feel and why it is important to treat people fairly.  I am trying to decide how I should go about doing this.  Should I have one of my co-teachers pass out the candy, one of the students?  Thoughts, suggestions?

Does anyone have any recent pop-culture references that would be good examples of Respect or Fairness?  

Over tax free weekend I purchased a new pair of athletic shoes and I made sure I got a pair that are mostly gray.  Apparently white athletic shoes are a dead giveaway that you are American.  Not that I have any hope of hiding that!  I also got a rain coat (that fits) to be able to layer with a sweater, if necessary.  I have travel adapters for the power outlets.   I am debating on purchasing a backpack that has built in security features to keep out wandering hands.   I am sure this is a little overboard, but we travel quite a bit and it would get good use.  

If it is not already obvious, I have never traveled out of the United States.  Any advice for newbie international travel?  

Until next time...

Paka

Russia Update

On July 15th I send the following letter out via email:

"Dear Friends and Family,

Twice a year members of our church travel to Volgograd, Russia to teach the Character for Kids program at Volgograd Pedagogical University.  The Universal Values taught are Honesty, Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Courage, Caring, Fairness and Hope.  The students are typically studying to become teachers and the goal is to model to them how to teach the values to their students. There is also an advanced class that the students can take on Conflict Resolution.  

A key part of this journey involves our church supporting a church in Volgograd.  While we are there, we meet and study with the members, share meals, and fellowship together.  We will also spend time outside of the University fellowshipping with the students. 

I've felt God's nudging for years to be a part of this program.  Ryan and I have prayed about this, God has been faithful with the timing of my job and our family, and in October of this year I will travel with 5 other members of our congregation to Volgograd!

I have two requests of you as I prepare for this journey.  First, and most importantly, I ask for your prayers.  Please pray for our team as we prepare for this journey, that God will keep us safe, that He will open our hearts and eyes to where He is leading us and where we need to spend our time.  I believe there is power in being prayed for by name, so the group going is Rick Ellis, John Cooke, Mike Odle,David Gleason, Rachael Wise and Julie Pagenkopf.  

The second request is more difficult for me, but I believe that God calls us to ask each other for help when needed.  I ask that you prayerfully consider joining me financially on my journey.  The cost of the trip is around $2,500 to $3,000.  No gift is too small, and all gifts are sincerely appreciated.  Any funds raised beyond that will either be used to assist other members of the team pay for their portion of the trip (if needed), or to provide additional assistance to the church in Volgograd.   Please send contributions directly to our church with “Julie Pagenkopf –Russia” in the memo line.  Please also label the envelope with that information to help distinguish it.  The address is Riverside Church of Christ, 150 E. Beltline Rd Coppell, TX 75019.  

Also, there is a post on March 17th about the decision to start this journey. 

I thank you for your prayers, love and support as I make this journey.  I know God has big things planned for me in this ministry. 

Love and Blessings,

Julie Pagenkopf"

Financial Updates:
Thanks to some very generous gifts, I only have about $900 remaining to raise.  God continues to be faithful even when I have doubts.  

Preparation Updates:
Our team meets regularly to get together and spend time getting to know one another and  prepare for our journey.  I started really reading through the materials and trainer's guide two weeks ago to begin to prepare my portions of the classes.  I get to teach Respect and Fairness and I get to assign the homework the first night.  

The homework is really easy, (and not so much) we ask the students to write down what they believe.  Ex.  I believe in love at first sight, I believe in God, I believe in aliens, I believe peace is possible etc.  The one thing I am struggling with in presenting this assignment is what examples to put up on the presentation.  I could go with the ones that are already there, or I can put up some new ones.  One of the current examples is the peace answer.  I was given the opportunity to read some previous years papers and that answer was given an awful lot.  So I am wondering did they put it down because they really believe it or because it was a good example.  My goal is to spur them to introspective thought, but not end up with cookie cutter answers.  Any thoughts on possible examples? Maybe I am just over thinking it.  

I am still delving into Respect and Fairness.  Luckily a couple of the guys hired someone to record all of the classes, and so far I have watched the one on Respect and have some notes. More to come on that another day.  

I hope to provide more frequent updates as we get closer to our travel date.  

A BIG THANK YOU to all of you who are Making this Possible for me by providing support in EVERY way.  

In Memory - Year 2

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of  the day a dear friend got to meet Jesus with his sweet daughter.  You can read my post from the 1st anniversary here. Everything I said from last year still holds true.  I still miss Phil and Raychel a LOT.  Life will never again be the same, and that's ok.  This year I choose to focus on the fact that they are with Jesus, and that's where I want to be.  I am not sad for them; I am still sad for us.  I look forward to the day that I FINALLY get to meet Jesus and he will say "Well done, come on in!"  And part of me hopes Phil will be waiting there to greet me and say, "Well done, nah, she did ok, but let her in anyway." And we will hug (and I would say, and I would cry, but there are no tears in heaven, so I will get all the crying done now) and it will be as if no time has passed.  He will show me around and sign me up for Praise Team.  


Today is also the 2nd birthday of a SWEET BOY!   Happy Birthday Big Boy!  You are a beautiful light and a wonderful gift!  You have Godly parents, family and friends and I look forward to continuing to watching you grow! 


From Romans 8 
 ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 




Thanks for stopping by.  Please keep Debby, Zachary and the rest of the family in your prayers today. 

Wonderful Wednesday

I decided that "Weigh-in-Wednesday" was too weighty of a title. 

I lost another 1.6, for a total of 38.2, but if anyone asks I say "40 pounds."

Short post for today.

Final thought:
"Being FAT is hard, Being SKINNY is hard, choose your hard."

Water Day - Please read TODAY!

My sweet friend, Kelly  made me aware of a great project for World Water Day.
Today and today only they have a matching contribution up to $25,000.

My goal is to raise $550 dollars today for this project.  Clean drinking water changes lives for people in more ways than we can imagine.  This amount will train one mechanic to care for 50 wells, keeping clean water pumping for 5,000 people!!! Together we could help 5,000 people with only $550 dollars!

http://www.tapwater.causevox.com/jmpagenkopf

I ask you to prayerfully consider any amount that you can give to this project, and or re-posting on Facebook to make even more people aware of this project.  Thank you!

Weigh-In Wednesday

I didn't make it to Weight Watchers on Tuesday, but when I logged on to my computer today Ruthanne over at Eclectic Whatnot reminded me that yesterday was Weigh-In Wednesday. 


 I went into our bathroom and did my weigh in.  Just like I would at Weight Watchers, with my work clothes on.  Granted, it was two days late, but I knew it would keep me on track either way.  


The number for today is.....  190.5.  WOW!  


I have to admit I did not track (bad) or do anything especially different this past week.  But no matter what I attend my Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes that burn some major calories and earn me some major points!  


That brings my total loss to 38 pounds!  I am so grateful that I have this body and that it is working for me.  I hope that I can remember that when I put food into it.  


Question:  Have any of you done a cleanse diet?  Which one did you do?  What  did you think of it?  Did you talk to your doctor first?


Happy Thursday!


Visuals are good for me to remember how far I've come, so here's another comparison shot with my sweet friends.  You can also see how big our kiddos have gotten.  

January 2012

April 2011

Big Decision

Several months ago my hubby and I made a big decision.  We decided that I would go to Russia with our church.  We have attended Riverside for seven years, and for seven years this is something that I have felt God calling me to do.  Thank goodness God is patient.  Until recently I have not had enough time off to make the trip.  They are gone for 16 days, that's right, 16 days, with about 3 of those days being travel.  We will then teach Character Education classes at Volgograd Pedagogical University for two weeks.  (more to come on that in another post) We will spend the weekend with our students and with members of the church that we support there.  


This past week I hit a milestone in my preparation for our Fall trip.  I received my passport in the mail!  This is my first passport EVER.  My first international trip is going to be to Volgograd, Russia.  It is very intimidating, exciting, and strangely fine all at the same time.  

I have talked with several people that have gone in years past and the one thing that stands out to me the most is their unconditional love for the people.  It reminds me of Jesus, and that is the underlying thread of why I press on.  Another reason is I have a degree in Secondary Education that I am not using.  Was that God's plan all along?  I don't know, but I do know that in ALL THINGS GOD WORKS!  He walks along side us and makes the most out of every decision that we make; what an example of love and grace.  


My plan is to post updates as I walk this journey.  The Spring team leaves for Russia in a few short weeks, and I know they eagerly anticipate their upcoming trip.  


Thank you for walking alongside me and this Big Decision.

Getting Rid

I read recently on Pinterest, my latest obsession, this quote, "I'm not loosing weight. I'm getting rid of it. I have no intention of finding it again."  I love it!  This is the last time I intend to fight this battle.  One of my other favorite skinny sayings is, "Being fat is hard, being thin is hard, choose your hard."  


Ruthanne over at Eclectic Whatnot had a great idea.  She decided to start a Weigh-in Wednesday for herself.  Every week she is going to post her success story.  She is doing a fantastic job! 


So, I got my blogging bug back.  I started my blog in 2009 and I have had a total of 35 posts since then.  Not a ringing endorsement for my blog, but I will give it a try again.  


So I started my journey via Weight Watchers in May of 2011.  


Before: May 31, 2011 
Weight: 230.2

September 6, 2011 
10% lost

March 13, 2012
Pounds Lost: 36.6 
Current Weight: 193.6

It's been an uphill battle, but I have AMAZING support from my family, friends and co-workers.  Just when I begin to think I can't do it anymore, someone says just the right thing to give me the motivation to continue.  My two beautiful children are also a big motivation.  I am able to give more of my self to them now that there is less of me.  I am so thankful to God that he has given me this opportunity.

Weigh-in Wednesday

More coming soon. 


*Spoiler Alert* 
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From 230.2 to 193.6
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Check back soon for the story.