It's all uphill from here

(To Left: Brad Wright & myself in Nicaragua 2009)

Things seem so easy right now. Right now life is easy. How long can "easy" last? I guess in applying the adjective easy it becomes completely relative. Financial burdens for this upcoming mission trip are not easy. The work to prepare for the upcoming months is not easy. The unanswered questions are not easy--are they ever? So, what is so easy, then? My decisions have been easy. From the moment I decided to move back to Huntington, everything has fallen into place (Isn't that exactly how God works, though?).

Okay, now hit the rewind button to: "From the moment I decided to move back to Huntington..." That decision was not easy. That was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make. I was torn in two distinct directions. Where I sit looking forward, I feel I made the right decision. And now... everything is easy. But I'll ask again, how long does "easy" last? There will come a time, a day, a decision that I will have to make. That decision will, no doubt, ask, "are you willing to take this a step further, or shrink back to your typical comfort zone?" I'm hoping more than anything I keep a' steppin'.

And speaking of steps, updates, and blog-things, this summer is winding down and August 5th is approaching fast. Brad Wright and myself will be leaving early on August 5th for Managua, Nicaragua and returning on the 15th. We have quite a schedule lined up while we are in Nicaragua. I won't go into "boring" details, but this will not be your typical mission trip. We are going with the intent of visiting with, observing, and learning from nonprofit organizations established in Nicaragua with hopes of following in their footsteps. There are some amazing people doing amazing things and hopefully we'll be lucky enough to shake hands and learn from the experts. The more I listen to Brad talk about the people we're going to meet, the more I feel a hurricane mixture of excitement, awe, and uneasy nervousness. I'm going to guess it's the same feeling you might get if Michael Jordan, Jennifer Aniston, Neil Young, or (___insert famous influential role model here___) shook your hand and agreed to sit down with you for a day revealing all their successes, failures, and advice offered up freely. It's a big deal and I think I can speak for both Brad and myself when I say we are extremely honored and excited to have a similar opportunity with a group of such inspiring individuals.

With that said, the big "fundraising finale" for this trip will be Saturday, July 31st. We'll kick off the day with a yard sale in Huntington and finish the night at Timberlake Pool for music, food, swimming, cornhole, raffles, prizes, and an overall good time for all. :) Our own (Parkersburg) Mollie Burdette will be singing throughout the night along with a Huntington local talent, Emily Kinner.

About Mollie: Mollie will be leaving for Washington State in August to plant a church just outside of Seattle's city limits. She has a huge transition ahead of her in all aspects, but she's confident in her direction and in what God's asking her to do. You can follow her and her progress in Washing by visiting the following blog website: http://olympialiving.blogspot.com/ If you get the opportunity to hear her story, it's most definitely worth your time to listen. She has a huge heart.

As we get closer to August 5th I'll be updating i am <'3rd more and more. While we are in Nicaragua, I'll be posting daily to keep "inquiring minds" informed of our adventures and progress.

As always, thank you so much for all you do! :)

less stressed, feel blessed, love your best,

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13

being "first" doesn't always mean you win.

I am third.

I am <'3rd.

one. two. three (<-- that's me).

My father gave me a necklace when I was in sixth grade. It was round, rough, and worn out from years of previous wear. There was a faded message engraved on one side of the silver metal charm--"I am third." I remember looking down and back at dad, "What does it mean?" To paraphrase as best as one can, it translates: God is first in my life; my friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, and you are second in my life; I come third in all things. It's a simple phrase with more wisdom than any theological book could offer. I am third. You are more important than I am. God is more important than all things.

I decided to name my blog according to this phrase my father lived by and carried close to his heart (literally). With this mentality at the center of my life, I find difficulty. I am at a point in time in which these words are being tried; my commitment to their application is being tested. Will I truly put God first in my life, or is this collection of three common words just that--a random collection of syllables? Will I put the needs of others before my own, or will I succumb to my own current frustrations--bills, health insurance, comfort (or lack thereof), instability in a changing economy. Is it scary? Of course. But God is greater than all things, including fear and any one of my own (selfish) frustrations. Hence the next major move in my life: back to Huntington.

I tried to force my future for a while. That doesn't work and I wouldn't ever recommend it. When I finally sat back and listened to God, I knew where He put my heart. For better or worse, I will be spending the next few years in Huntington substitute teaching, instructing an SAT prep course, and volunteering for Nicaragua Education Shelter & Health Care, Inc. among other mission-based endeavors.

Flashback: August 21, 2009

My good friend and mentor, Cyndy Hardwick, once told me that God gives us "signs" or "marks on our totem pole." These marks are His blatant directions for our lives; turning points; life-changing occurrences. I experienced a new notch on my "totem pole" when I went to Vera Cruz, Nicaragua from August 12-21, 2009. I left with no expectations. I left not knowing one person accompanying me on the trip (personally). I left with anticipation of "God-things." I returned with a new family. I returned with unexplained and unending tears. I returned with a new sense of what Jesus meant when he said, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:35-36, 40) I returned with a new sense of what my father's life motto meant, "I am third." I have food on my plate, while there are those that double over in hunger. I have clothes on my back, while children run the streets bare. I have health and laughter, while there are those who feel a pain with no end and tears from abandonment. How can I exist in such a comfortable life... knowing that there are those who might never even see a glimpse of what I live in each day. I'm not trying to claim that a life lacking pain or hunger is something to be looked down upon or ashamed of. We should be ecstatic! We are so blessed! :) What I am saying is that God blessed us with gifts--different gifts according to each individual. All I ask; all that I desire is to use what He's blessed me with thus far to love those who need it most.

Flash forward: Summer 2010

Now I find myself preparing for change, but not completely sure what that change might entail. I'm waiting, praying, and watching for that proverbial "next step." For those of you that are reading this, you have, no doubt, been a generously influential part of my life. You are beautiful. You may be a constant inspiration to those around you through encouraging words. You might be a prayer "warrior." You might be a wise mentor. You could be a donor to many causes. You might also be a hug, a smile, or a friend when someone needs it most. No matter what your role is in life and in God's family-- you do it well. Keep on keepin' on. Whether you realize it or not, there are those that need you, continually, to be a positive influence. And, in my round-about-way, I am thanking you... for everything.

As summer wraps up, so do our (Brad Wright & myself) fund-raising efforts. We've been working hard detailing cars, gathering items for a garage sale, and organizing a pool party fundraiser, scheduled for July 31st. It's been busy, but come August the work will be well worth it. We are attempting to raise double the necessary amount for traveling expenses. This total runs us to nearly $6,000. This is a steep amount for just two people over a two-month time period, but our motives are genuine. We hope to use the additional money while in Nicaragua to aid those in need (health, housing, education, etc.).

As a wrap-up to this first post, I want to thank you all again for your support and love. I will continually update this blog while our mission efforts are in full-force. When we are in Nicaragua (August 5-15) I will update daily, provided we have consistent internet access.

less stressed, feel blessed, love your best,

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13