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