My thoughts are real scattered and I'm struggling to even remember what I did this week! Let's see what I can recall...

We have Thrive Trip with us! For years we have wanted to host our own mission trip for young adults from across America, and last year (around this time) we decided to go for it for 2007. Having our team of 8 here, with our 2 incredible team leaders, is the culmination of a dream. And I believe it's the seed for many more Thrive Trips to come. (What are you doing next summer?)

We've been doing some fun and different things with Thrive Trip (since they're our own team). We had a session on vision the other night, and Niel did an awesome job teaching. It was a priceless moment to see someone get it when Niel explained vision and purpose as something you are constantly thinking about, something you can't seem to get out of your head. One of our interns discovered her passion, and in that, her purpose. I just love it when we can help people realize the potential and purpose with which God created them!

In our staff development meeting on Monday I was reminded of this principle: Deferred obedience is still disobedience. My prayer is that I would hear God's voice clearly and obey immediately. Why should He keep talking to me if I haven't acted on what He's already shown me?

One of our interns is back in the States for her sister's wedding. It's not the same without her here. I miss hearing her laugh...

I had lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in quite a while (aside from quick "hellos" in the grocery store). It was great to catch up and hear about her recent adventures. She had been in our youth group when we first moved to Harrismith 9 years ago. You've come a long way since then, Melissa!

After we dropped off a team at the airport, Niel treated me to a great dinner in the city. More than the good meal, what filled me up was our conversation. With all our busyness in the past several months, it felt like we hadn't talked like that in a long time. I just soaked it in. I love you, Niel...

We recently got some pigs that we are raising and breeding on the base as an income-generating opportunity for the ministry. Yesterday Niel and I walked down to the "piggery" so he could show me and explain to me what the whole plan is. (It's quite a distance from our house, and let me tell you -- by the time we got back, we were both wiped out! I so need to get in shape!) Niel laughed at me because the whole time we were with the pigs, I was jumpy and squirmy and kept pointing out all the nasty things they were doing. The mamas are huge (I call them "hogzillas") and they are just plain gross. And the noises they make! How we ever decided it sounds like "oink" is beyond me... Yes... Even though I've lived in a rural area in Africa for 9 years, and have lived on our sprawling property for 5, I am still more a city girl than a farm girl.