Fresh Water

This journey to fresh water began four years ago.  Missionaries from our church Rick and Mary Ervin had just left our church to move to Nicaragua. At age 5 each of our children had been taught through church by Rick and Mary. The year they left  it was time to teach Wynn so she had a heart for them.

Each night at dinner, she began to pray for them ( and still does).  Soon after they had left for Nicaragua, Wynn began to pray for fresh water. Her prayer at dinner was..."Dear Lord, Thank you for today. Thank you for our food. Be with Rick and Mary. And for fresh water." She prayed for what other concerns might come to her.  Each day the prayer for fresh water.

Rick and Mary returned home for a visit. I asked her about the water situation, and she said the water wasn't good unless filtered. I was overwhelmed to think that God had placed a need in her heart for something that others-people that she didn't even know. For goodness sake, this baby was 5.

Fast forward 4 years, our dinner time prayer still consist of ...thanks for the day, the food, blessings on Rick and Mary and for fresh water. Some nights it seems that dinner might get cold based on the needs she has heard about all day (friends who are adopting, or sick, etc).

Back in the Fall, plans for a Spring Break mission trip to Nicaragua began to surface. Mary Katherine and Sarah wanted to go. I had been praying and felt God place this on my heart to go as well. We planned and prayed. The time for our journey approached ....

This week was Spring Break. Mary Katherine, Sarah and I traveled with some of our youth to La Dalia, Nicaragua.  Our job was to work in a rehab facility meeting with the children and women. Our eyes were opened to a whole new world. One that is much different than ours.  This was a journey to fresh water.

The people we encountered do not know about the need for fresh water. They drink, bathe, cook with water that is contaminated. The people we saw in the clinic were treated for diseases from parasites. The bathroom at the rehab was an outhouse.

One night in our group sharing I realized ...fresh water. I had seen what my child had prayed for. I had lived for a week in a place where I made sure I had bottled water for drinking and brushing my teeth. I wrote in my 1000 gifts list ...fresh water. The reality of it all was overwhelming. My journey to this fresh water had begun four years before with a five year old girl whom the Lord speaks to. I am truly grateful for fresh water and the people of Nicaragua.  I am also grateful for a little girl whom the Lord uses to teach me.

Gifts # 296-429 ( a long list)
* sound of gentle rain on the window
* memories of a Grandmother on her birthday
*a morning walk in the cool breeze
* sunshine that overcomes the darkest of days
* a town of dead trees coming to life with white pear blooms
* a daughter's diligent work paying off in her ACT score
* freckled faced boys who still find joy in Nerf guns
* friends who in their grief help ones find healing
* kids laughter first thing in the morning
* seeing tiny arms and legs wiggle on an ultrasound screen
*seeing joy on the face of an expectant mom as she sees her baby for the first time
* sharing in good news with friends
* a gift that will make the birthday boy smile
* the almost 11 year old who still excitedly plans every detail of the party
* news from the doctor that makes you stop and think - realizing God is in charge
* grateful for tears that finally come out
* pink and purple sunset outside my dinnertime window
* little girls who make Philip and I smile
* a wonderful family
* baking with my son who ask lots of questions
* 42 years of life
* Trippe's 11 years of life
* helpful teenagers
* gaining of more time to get it all done
* medication that can correct what bad genes might could do- extension of life
* many well wishes from friends
* lunch with a confident 11 year old birthday boy
* pay day
* extra time to get it all done
* time of renewal
* laughter with friends
* a patient man
* new wisdom about a new culture
* laughter of kids and grandmother
* news of new babies
* friends who help you continue to celebrate birthdays
* friends who share a heart for missions
* a great day to worship
* a fun boys birthday party
* great discussion at small group
* coffee and blankets on cold mornings
* wedding plans for a patient, deserving young lady
* a quiet day at home
* financial commitments to our mission trip
* watching ducks sleep so oddly
* friends who share burdens
* naps of refreshing
* warmth of a blanket
* your word that brings refreshment
*the birth of our Sarah- her joyful 15 years of life
* seeing teen friends laugh and enjoy themselves
* a night free of cooking
* hearing a girl be excited about her plans with her Dad for Spring Break
* a husband who lives life and loves it
* after a big rain seeing nature nurture itself
* quiet time alone with God
* a day to find order and cleanliness
* videos that show my kids a grandfather they never knew
* friends who support and pray for you
* smells of a clean house
* energy to clean and wash
* the right mind to write notes of thanks and encouragement
* teachers who love to help children learn
* the tradition of the birthday banner and cards on the mantel
* Japan placed in the heart of a friend before a natural disaster
* encouragement from a friend about mission talk
* supportive husband who has a heart for missions
* last day of classes before spring break
* the sun and breeze that makes it feel like spring break is beginning
* smell of crisp, new dollar bills
* Philip getting off work early today
* hugs from little girls who will miss their Mama
* quiet time to read and prepare
* suitcases that zip
* girls excited to spend spring break on a mission trip
* getting to wake up and serve
* watching the faces of my girl who have never traveled by airplane
* like-minded mothers
* well wishes of airline workers- "praise Jesus"
* movies on airplanes that remind me of the 2 kids at home
* notes from a  Mother who wants to encourage
* husbands songs on playlist to remind me of us
* tears from a little girl who aches for the country that I'm headed too
* a good nights sleep
* waking up to new sounds of birds and roosters
*a day talking with women who share hurt, pain, struggles and a love for Jesus
* understanding a language I can't speak
* seeing God move in heart of people when I can't understand their words
* helping the sick
* seeing our youth see God in a new way
*seeing beautiful mountains
*songs of praise in any language
* smiles of children who have so little
* delicious meal
* clean water
* Wynn's heart for praying for this country as they need her answers
* seeing Jesus in the faces of the Nicaraguan people
* the children who joyfully greet us each day
* a man who gets relief from a bad tooth
* a doctor/dad who loves Jesus and his kids enough to share them
*rain that would cool us
* time to laugh with kids who otherwise wouldn't interact
* quiet time to pull my thoughts together
* a passionate ending worship
* time to help others in the clinic
* conversation about ministry with Mary
* clean bathrooms and paper at home
* seeing kids get teh purpose of why we were there
* seeing MK and SG making a connection with people
* a bus ride without being sick
* a day of shopping in the market with my girls
* translators who seem to let us ask as many questions as we wanted
*a good talk with a new found friend
* a bed to myself
* girls who follow the rules -respect the leader
* hot shower
* seeing the passion on a college students face about missions
* pizza for dinner
* new friendships with translators
* a home with electricity that works
* the beautiful lush resort
* hot breakfast
* warm sunshine
* safe exit from the area
* electricity that stays on
* laughter with friends
* Rick and Mary's passion
* getting back up the mountain from the waterfall
* making it on a mission trip when my body was so tired
* being home
* my family
* time to rest
* a quick nap
* first day of spring
* a husband who makes life fun for our kids

GOOOOAL!

Magnolia Cup 2011 Winners- TFC 2000 Blue Boys

This weekend Trippe's soccer team had a tournament in Clinton. They played their league games on Saturday as a part of the tournament. Wynn had a Saturday morning piano competition so the girls and I stayed here. After game 1 Philip called to say Trippe's team had won 5-1 against JFC. He thought they might play well and go farther in the tournament than we had first thought. We jumped in the car and headed for Jackson.

On our way, Philip called back to say they had beat the next team 6-0. We arrived for game 3. Our boys happened to lose that one, but they had played their hearts and bodies out all day. They were just plain worn out. We were entering Sunday as the first place team so our game didn't start until 11:30. We got to sleep in...which is relative with 6 people in one hotel room.

The winning goal!

We played game four against the first team that the boys had played Saturday. We discovered this team to be a little tougher, but we won.  This set the boys up for the championship game. They had not gone this far in a tournament before and they were very excited.

The game began and Gulf Coast scored fairly quickly. Our boys were tired. Half time came and went. About halfway into the 2nd half, our boys scored. The game was tied. We had watched the previous game end so we knew that they were making championship games go to a shoot-out. Our game ended in a tie. We went to the shoot out and it too ended in a tie....the drama. Next up was SUDDEN DEATH! (what an unfair way after a weekend of hard playing) Trippe was first up to kick (feel my stomach sinking-I was immediately sick). The other team went first...the referee lined the ball up...the kicker aimed, shot and missed! Next up, was my BABY. He stepped up, confidently, set the ball, kicked and SCORED! TFC 2000 Blue Boys won the Magnolia Cup!

The humble boy getting his medal

We did it! We skipped  school on Friday and headed to KY. Will is finishing seminary at Asbury (or better known as ASHBURRY) this year. Lilla turned one year old and we decided that a visit was in order. It just worked out that our first free weekend was the weekend after her birthday and the weekend of Halloween. Our visit was great! We needed to see our friends.

Our trip included a special birthday party for Miss Lilla. We enjoyed a stroll to campus where Will and Merissa lead the kids on a scavenger hunt. The fun that they have with our kids...I know that our children are blessed and will never forget.

I see two monkeys in a tree!

Saturday, we woke to sweet sounds of a little girl excited to find her friends still at her house to play. Will ran to gather homemade donuts for us. We decided to take a tour through downtown Lexington. We walked through the Farmers Market. They offered many choices of fresh food. It was neat to see the many choices. We continued to walk through Lexington and found the Green Festival (ok, Merissa, I can't remember what it was called). Merissa was excited to see her favorite writer, Wendall Berry, speaking. While she listened a bit, Philip and Will lead the kids through the displays gathering "FREE" stuff. Nothing makes Philip happier than a bag of free goodies. We tried some organic coffee that guaranteed our weight loss, Trippe and Wynn went on a scavenger hunt through the kids section, and at the end the kids got a pumpkin. We were grateful for a stroller at that point.

Teaching kids to respect the Father of Methodism!

Philip and I took advantage of our new found desire to see all SEC football fields. A stop at UK was in our sites. We jumped out of the car and began to look for our search of the perfect picture. It happened to be the weekend that MSU was playing KY, but the game was in Starkville. In fact, Dr. Yarbourgh had called Philip earlier in the day offering boxed seat tickets. How nice that would have sounded, but we were glad to be with friends!

We had a quick stop for resale shopping and Joseph Beth's. We left MK in the corner to read her book that she forgot to bring. (thanks Will for checking it out at the seminary library so she could finish). Trippe & Mama found books that we needed wanted, but we resisted temptation and left them there. It was on to Wilmore for pumpkin painting.

It was time for trick or treating in downtown Wilmore. Lilla transformed into a butterfly, while Trippe became a pumpkin. The Howell's and Will put on our maroon and headed out for some time of treating! Will and Philip kept an eye on the time so that we wouldn't miss kick off. Will set us up for game watching and indoor tailgating. Merissa and the kids all waited outside for the neighborhood trick or treaters. Lilla was facinated with all the people who were coming to her house.

The Bulldogs pulled away a nice victory in football. MK finished her book for school. We had celebrated a great Halloween.

Sunday morning we woke to get ready for church at The Quest in Lexington. We worshiped with music written by Eminem. Who would have thought? Wynn enjoyed the teaching and took notes on how not to live in fear. It brought tears to my eyes to realize that my 8 year old was so moved by the message that she wanted to remember it. We enjoyed lunch and then to campus for Christmas card pictures. (thanks Merissa).

It was time to head back home. The best part was knowing that our friends would be home in two weeks for Thanksgiving. One last adventure on our way home. Will reminded us that Vanderbilt was just off of the beaten path. Heaven knows, we jump off that path often for the experience of life. Well Vanderbilt we saw. Pictures we took. At this point, I am 4 SEC schools in 2 1/2 weeks. You must love a Howell adventure. At least our kids will have stories to tell.

HOT-Lanta

I mentioned earlier that we took a family trip to Atlanta. At the very last minute, (night before, I think) we made plans to head to Atlanta with Julie (Philip's sister) and her family. We have three oldest kids the same ages and gender so we travel very well together.

We met them at the GA state line and swapped kids and began the rest of our journey. Arriving in Atlanta and to our hotel, the kids quickly hit the pool and hot tub while parents planned a little more of our trip. Previous vacations with this crew consisted of the beach and lots of sitting. A word to the wise, Atlanta not a town for sitting. We started our Friday with a trip to the Coke Museum, the Aquarium and then finished our night with Braves baseball. We even ran into friends on a Tupelo Baseball team who were being honored at the game that night. It was a fun-filled day.
Wynn was the nightly entertainment. She loved the music played at the game, and spent the evening dancing! The Braves won at the last minute and gave us an exciting ending to the night. We stayed for the fireworks, which Uncle Court assured us we could truly still see from the parking lot. Our Daddies are the best...big city driving, and lots of patience!










Saturday, the Howell's slept in. We met up the the Mealins at Stone Mountain. They had staked out a place to sit in the shade. We toured around the area and enjoyed the hot, hot day. Everyone, but this Mama, made the trek to the top of the mountain. I found a shady spot with my book about Sabbath. I began to take my own personal Sabbath for the next hour while they work hard to reach the top of the mountain. After their return, we began our search for the perfect spot on the grassy lawn for the laser light show. The area was already over half full when we found our spot. The kids played cards, and hung out while we waited. Our family visit here 8 years ago was much different with two young elementary aged girls and an infant and toddler. We must say we enjoyed the evening.





We made the decision to head to Birmingham , to our favorite holiday spot, the Mealin's hotel for our 4th of July celebration. The Howell's got up and drove to church in Alpharetta at Northpoint Community Church. We met friends from home (who kindly saved us seats so we could swing in the back door). We were blessed by a powerful service then exited church to be given a BOMB Pop by the greeter! Happy Fourth of July!

After church,we scooted across the street to treat Wynn to a visit to the American Girl Store. If only, I had taken a picture of Trippe's face as he waited, and waited, and waited outside the store for us. The big girls patiently helped Wynn look through the whole store (2 or 3 times) then helped her pick a great accessory for her dolls. We regrouped after a little shopping and headed for Birmingham.

We arrived at our favorite holiday place....the Mealins Motel. Aunt Julie and Uncle Court had a great dinner planned. We enjoyed seeing Uncle Court's newest hobby, home-brewing beer. We were all amazed at his invention! Wynn even helped to give tours of & the basement setup. After dinner, the kids headed out on the golf cart while the parents enjoyed dessert on the back porch. Suddenly, we heard a loud sound which was a lot like crying. We stopped to listen, since all 7 kids left out on the golf cart. We quickly realized that it wasn't crying, but the lovely sound of all 7 children singing "God bless America" at the TOP of their lungs. How precious was that! Uncle Court provided the fireworks for our celebration. The kids joined us out back and began a game of sardines.

We decided that we enjoy holiday weekends with the Mealins. We have spent Memorial, New Year's and many other holiday weekends in Birmingham. We declared to spend the next major holiday together!

All My Chickens In One Basket....FINALLY!

I am the person who most people ask, "I bet you are ready for school to start?" My answer for the past 10 years has always been NO. Go ahead, call me weird. I enjoy our Summer time together. We usually fill it up with swimming next door and with friends, trips, camps, and summer time dinners. We are very laid back in our schedules and we like it like that. It is a breath of fresh air from the busy-ness of a school year.
First day of Summer!

I sit here hours before our first open house begins, and I reflect on our Summer of 2010. My little chickens have been spread far and wide this Summer. I don't even know that I would call it a Summer. School let out the last week of May and begins again next week (August 4th). I just wanted to post pictures of the fun that was had by all!

We made our yearly trip to Methodist Annual Conference in Jackson. This is the few days that parents swap roles. Daddy becomes the Pool Patrol and Mama attends meetings.

This year was different in that a day into the meeting we took Sarah to Magee for send-off. She left for Honduras with Paw-Paw, Mrs. Lou, Emily, Ashley, Aunt Lanelle and a group from Magee. This was Sarah's first plane ride and international trip. She had a blast and got off the bus stating a return trip for next summer.

Sarah,Aunt Lanelle, Ashley, Mrs. Lou and Emily

Sarah and one of the many children she met in Honduras

We got Sarah back the next week in the middle of the night. We stayed up with Julie and her girls hearing all about their ventures in Honduras. What a blessing to have a group of teen girls who had seen the world from the eyes of another country! We washed clothes while we visited and began to repack Sarah.

Mary Katherine had stayed back with our church to ride to Mosaic, a week long mission in Long Beach. We let the girls sleep in then gathered Sarah and her repacked suitcase and met Russ & crew in Hattiesburg. Sarah and MK were off for a week of local missions on our MS Gulf Coast. This ministry started after Hurricane Katrina and our church is still apart of the continued rebuilding process there. The girls love to participate in the work and retreat of this week.

The Orchard crew at Mosaic
We skipped a few weeks and enjoyed a family vacation to Atlanta (see separate post).

It was finally time to send Trippe and Wynn to Camp Lake Stephens. This is a place that is dear to my children. We normally go in June and this Summer just demanded that we wait. Trippe and Wynn met friends at camp on Monday. Mary Katherine and Sarah helped me get them settled in. Back when I would take the older girls to camp and Trippe & Wynn were young, we had a tradition to dry the tears. Trippe and Wynn hated leaving their sisters and I drug them back to the car with promises of ice cream. We drove a few miles down the road to get Baskin Robbins each time- the treat of those who had to return home. Well this year the big girls didn't really cry, but they remembered all the years they missed out on ice cream.





Trippe and Wynn had a blast! They returned with many stories of laughter, song, swimming, zip lines, and camp outs. They also returned with chiggers and a few ticks. You know you have enjoyed camp to the fullest when you itch for the following week!

Philip & Sarah returned the following Saturday to retrieve the younger ones while I dropped MK at the high school. She left for a week to attend Brevard Running Camp. Yes, we actually paid money for her to run twice a day in the mountains all week. She is on our THS Cross Country team and actually enjoys running. MK learned that post run soaks in a cold, natural stream is wonderful. She learned about goal setting, and that she likes to run where their is no MS humidity.

XC Brevard Running Camp 2010
We gathered MK the following Saturday. We washed her clothes and repacked she and Sarah for a three day trip back to Atlanta with the church youth group. They spent a day at Six Flags. On Sunday night, they attended youth at Northpoint Community Church. The girls enjoyed the time with their church friends and returned exhausted.

Orchard Youth at Six Flags
Now, all the chickens are in my basket! I am currently preparing to attend the first of our school open houses. To answer your question, even after all the crazy trips and washing loads of laundry, I'm not ready for Summer to end. It has been a blast!