The Elephant

Have you ever heard the expression about overlooking the elephant in the room? Well, there's an elephant in our blog that we just can't overlook any more. Many of you already know that we recently had to make a tough decision concerning our ministry in the Philippines. We were scheduled to return to the PI in late July. Unfortunately our support has been impacted by the current economic crisis and we are unable to financially return at this time. This has probably been the toughest decision Allan and I have ever had to make, much harder than deciding to move overseas. It has been a decision filled with sadness by all of our family. The kids in particular have had a hard time adjusting. Missions is what we have felt called to and planned for. We have struggled with what God has for us now. We would appreciate your prayers during this difficult time as we seek out what the future holds. I plan to keep blogging and we will keep you posted as to our future plans. I have loved blogging about our experiences in the Philippines. Thanks to all our faithful readers for sharing in our adventure with us.

NASCAR All Star Race pt 2

Well Allan and Emily's NASCAR trip on Friday and Saturday was a rousing success. Emily loved every moment at the track. I am afraid she likes NASCAR even more now. The 2 of them couldn't have asked for a better time. They kept me posted on all the exciting events by the cell phone. One of the main highlights happened Saturday afternoon. They went to a Q&A time with Emily's favorite driver, Matt Kenseth that was broadcast on the Speed Cable TV station. Emily was chosen to ask Matt a question on live TV. She was given a Kenseth shirt because of that. Afterwards, Kenseth signed her hat as he was heading out. The race itself was an thrilling nail biter. Kenseth was in the lead during the last few laps of the race, but was beat out with 2 laps to go by Tony Stewart. This made for much excitement and she was thrilled he came in 2nd. They had a great time and came home exhausted. What a precious memory for the 2 of them of their NASCAR race together.

Matt's trailer

You can hardly see it, but here is Emily in front of Kenseth

as he is about to begin his Qualifying run.

Answering Emily's Question at the Q&A Session on SpeedTV

The Question?:

"What type of tracks do you like better; long or short?"

Autographing Emily's hat

NASCAR All Star Race

If you have personally known Emily in the last few years, you will know that she has an obsession uncommon to most 14 year old girls. She is crazy about NASCAR. She developed this love while we were in the Philippines through a combination of the movies Herbie and Cars, and our neighbors the Brewers and Nelsens. Her favorite driver is......Matt Kenseth, who happens to be related to our partner Cindy Nelsen. After Kenseth won the first 2 races of the season, his website offered some $17 tickets to the All Star race in Charlotte. Emily had a birthday coming up and Charlotte just happens to be 2 hours from here. So Right now Emily and Allan are having a father/daughter weekend cheering Kenseth on at the Lowe's motor speedway. I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow.

40!

Well it's official. I am now middle-aged!

Yesterday I turned the big 4-0.

I had a really great birthday. After lunch at Chick-fil-a, I spent the afternoon with Emily at our monthly crocheting class. We have been taking this class together for the last couple of months. This month we are making dish rags. It has been a hysterical time as we have bumbled through together. After our class, we arrived home to find that Allan had been busy decorating with the obligatory black crepe paper and sparkly streamers. We celebrated last night with my family by eating at my favorite restaurant--The Flat Rock Grill. For those of you familiar with South Carolina cuisine, I love their she-crab soup and crab stuffed shrimp. YUM! We then stuffed ourselves with cake and loaded cherry chocolate ice cream. (or Cookies n Cream for those non-cherry eaters) I now have to get back on my healthy eating plan today.