Archive for the ‘Birmingham’ Category

Jun
8th

But I Do Have Credit at Lucy’s…

Posted in: Birmingham, Frank, Nicaragua | No Comments »

As we round the mid-way part of our fundraising process (59% supported!) we are continually amazed at how God is not only providing for us financially but is still using us. I guess I kinda felt that God would quit using us until we landed in Nicaragua.

I have been doing some work for a client that is trading store credit with us for my services. This has been great because this client just happens to be the best little coffee shop in Birmingham! Today Bekah was on her way to meet me at my office and a guy asked her for some money. We make it a practice not to just hand out money (nor do we ever actually HAVE money) so she refused. Half-way up the next block God would not let her just walk away. She walked back down and offered him lunch with us (surprisingly not the first time she has shown up with someone and said ‘I have someone that needs some food’).

What ensued was one of the best conversations I have had. We talked about our pasts, our beliefs and our dreams – all over some tea and paninis.

I may not have any silver or gold, but I do have credit at Lucy’s Coffee and Tea!

Jun
8th

Fuzzy Math

Posted in: Bekah, Birmingham, Fundraising | No Comments »

Who said budgets aren’t fun? I happen to love them, especially when I’m budgeting for a move to Nicaragua. The past few days of work have been mentally draining, as I am training not one but two replacements. My last day at work is July 2nd, and for fun, I redid our budget. Yes, this is fun to me.

We currently have 59% of our monthly salary raised, as well as all of our moving costs. The math is slightly fuzzy because we don’t know the total amount we will be able to contribute. It all depends on how many people hire Frank to do websites before we leave. Hint hint! Thankfully, he’s signing contracts on two websites this week, and there is a third website that has about a 60% chance of signing in the next three weeks.

When we went over the budget today, Frank and I couldn’t stop laughing. In that “I can’t believe this is really happening” giddy way. I know that people aren’t giving for recognition, but I am specifically amazed at the generosity found in our small groups and through both sets of parents. Without their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to get to Nicaragua as soon. It is especially hard for our parents, as they know that their contributions get us closer to leaving.

Apr
9th

Community

Posted in: Bekah, Birmingham | No Comments »

For the past couple of years, Frank and I have served a group of guys in downtown Birmingham. Part of that service is at a soup kitchen. We’ve gone with different groups over that time, but lately it’s just been us and Frank’s family. The time we spend in that kitchen has been incredible. Even when we get The Yeller (as in, yelled for ten minutes “more please”). We laugh together, get stressed out together. Numerous hams have gone in the oven. Potatoes have been boiled. Tea has been spilled. Sugar and salt have been consumed in massive quantities.

I checked the calendar for upcoming dates at the kitchen, and they don’t have any available until July. My heart cramped as I thought “Wow, that’s when we hope to leave.” I can’t think of leaving these guys. I have come to love them and be amazed by their love and deep thoughts. From Crazy Nate to Chip aka Chuck Taylor, I have no idea how I’m going to say goodbye. We haven’t told them that we’re leaving yet. Frank and I are avoiders of all goodbyes.

Please be praying for us through this process. Pray for these guys, that they will know the depths of Christ’s love for them. Pray for people to love them a million times more than we do.