With Honor- Mission Serve 2012

Mission Serve

This year’s focus was WITH HONOR.  The project coordinator was Wesley Smith from Boiling Springs.  The construction coordinator was Steve Swann.  Steve works for the City of Charlotte.  We worked with Steve on another project and it was great to see him again.  As a side note, people from Boiling Springs talk VERY country.  We stayed at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church in Matthews.  They were gracious hosts and fed us very well.  Our girls were blessed with a large room. 

Worship

Our speaker was Rusty Stroupe, the baseball coach at Gardner-Webb University.  The band was Transformation 22. 

The job site

The Foxtrot squad had the pleasure of serving Mr. and Mrs. Turner.  We were given the task of re-shingling the roof.  Some of the wood also needed to be replaced.  For several days, our vocabulary was full of words like button caps nails, plywood, architectural shingles, chalk lines and felt paper.  The squad completed its task in three days.  We definitely felt God’s hand on us, as no one got sick or injured.  We were also blessed with some shade.  Our squad was led by construction captain Bret Sprecher and co-squad leaders, JoAnn Bolton and I.  We had squad of mostly high school students, which proved to be a hard-working group.  Squad members were from Maryland, Georgia and North Carolina.  The final day, which ended early, was spent helping the Echo squad complete their roof.  Echo and Foxtrot had a great day.  There were no conflicts between the squads, as well as no bragging about Foxtrot finishing first.  Echo was blessed with great leaders, including ‘’Uncle Tim.’’  Tim was the first aid supervisor for the project.    We were blessed with having all of Wednesday off.  Due to a Thursday morning interview, I took the whole day off.  I spent the afternoon job searching and submitted an application (Red Cross).   

Molly- Foxtrot

Andrew- Foxtrot

Rachel and Bret- Foxtrot

Members of the Echo squad

Free day
The Bethlehem youth group went to Carowinds.  We got our discount tickets (thanks, SECU).  After a few roller coasters and the swings, we headed to lunch.  We bought food at Wal-Mart and made sandwiches in the parking lot.  We rode the Roaring Rapids and then split off into different directions.  I spent the rest of my time at the water park.  There’s a lot to be said for the lazy river and the wave pool. 

Here is my photo album from the week:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100697503589233.2577581.22210366&type=1&l=ed2a98723c

These are notes and pictures from the Mission Serve staff: http://www.mission-serve.com/mission-serve/2012-projects/charlotte

Independence Day

The highlight of my day was a running field trip.  We did nine miles through Goose Creek State Park in Washington.  It's a challenging run, as you have to watch your step.  The trails have a lot of roots.  So, I tripped...and then three other people tripped...not over me.  ;) I also turned my foot a few times, but no injuries.  It was a hot morning, but well worth the trip.  A few of us dressed in our red, white and blue.  Jamie brought little flags and we took a picture with them.  I wore my patriotic cape and red tutu.  They were part of my outfit for a race in DC.  You only live once, why not? I'm happy to add that my bug repellent worked.  Not all were that fortunate.  ;) Marion is a great field trip organizer...thanks again for planning it!   

Left to right (back): Jamie, Donna, me, Tony, Leslie, Anthony

Front: Tyler, Marion

Porter Family Reunion

My great-grandmother was a Porter.  This reunion is held every June in Salemburg, NC.  This is in Sampson County and isn't very far from Campbell University.  Mimi had 14 brothers and sisters.  One passed away early on due to a childhood illness.  With so many siblings, you can imagine how large our reunion is.  Our branch of the family was well represented: Memaw, Papaw, Aunt Carol, Brittany, Anderson, Great Aunt Lola and cousins Eric, Amber, Brooke, Ann, Doug, Phyllis, Denise, Breanna, Allison, Anthony, Carol, Janice and me.  We missed all who couldn't join us, especially our loved ones from Texas, New Mexico and Florida.  So...James, Debbie and Keith (to name a few), that is a hint.  ;)  Please join us next year.   

Beach Trips

We took our traditional beach trip for Memorial Day.  Our days were spent with the Pope's and the Watkins' enjoying Atlantic Beach.  The first day was very windy and we spent part of it at the house.  We relaxed without having sand blow everywhere.  We were feeling some effects from Tropical Storm Beryl.  The next day was much better and we had a great time.  I left a day early so that I could visit little Anderson in Raleigh. 

At the end of June, my family took their annual beach trip with some friends.  I joined them for a few days (Monday evening-Friday afternoon).  Brittany and Anderson went down, too.  I got lots of time with my little fella.  We enjoyed some meals out and a few desserts from the Dairy Queen.  Anderson had the child's clam strips...kidding.  His mommy ordered it and enjoyed it on his behalf.  I had a soft shell crab sandwich (the only sandwich I've ever eaten with legs) and a shrimp burger (a pile of shrimp on buns).  We made two trips to that restaurant, the Crab Shack.  We took Anderson out to the beach for some pictures...too cute! One day, I slept past 9! As I was on an 8-5 schedule for some time, my body doesn't know much about sleeping in. 

Introducing...Anderson!

As you probably know, I have a nephew! My sister, Brittany and her husband, Matt, welcomed their first child.  Anderson Thomas Birkenmeyer was born at 4:09 p.m. on Saturday, May 12.  He weighed 9 lb, 11 oz and was 22.5 inches long.  He was born with a head full of hair.  Anderson earned some nicknames while at Wake Med, such as ''two month old'' and ''lover boy.''  At his most recent appointment, he weighed 13 lb, 4 oz.  As a big boy, who also decided to turn a bit crooked, he was delivered c-section.  His mommy had a long and hard delivery, but she still did great.

Anderson was recently diagnosed with reflux, but is doing well with Zantac drops.  Before this diagnosis, he made a trip to the children's ED at Wake Med.  He hates having his nails clipped, so that is done while he sleeps.  Before that happened, he spent a lot of time wearing gloves. 

He recently had his first photo session.  He did great, but tried to pull off his hat.  Anderson quickly outgrew newborn diapers (long baby) and is now in three month clothing.  He has taken his first vacation and made his first friend.  Last week, he began staying at the sitters when his mommy returned to work.  We are head over heels for this little man.  He has a wild life... he lives with two kitties and a doggy.  I'm sure he will be crawling after them before we know it.

      

Florida Vacation

In April, I flew to Tampa.  I visited my cousin Emily, who lives and works in St. Petersburg.  We went to St. John's Pass (Madeira Beach), Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach and Tampa. 

At St. John's Pass, we had supper at Bubba Gumps, ice cream at Kilwin's and looked through the shops.  We were entertained by watching the birds eat chopped-up fish. 

We spent several hours relaxing at Indian Rocks Beach.  It was a pretty day and I floated around in the gulf. 

In Clearwater, we visited the Golden Villa Motel, the Serious Cookie and watched a movie on the lawn.  I spent the best summer of my life in Clearwater.  ''The Villa'' was where we stayed for several months.   

In Tampa, we walked around the historic area and had dinner at International Mall.  Since that was Sunday, we also went to Emily's church.  She also took me past the hospital so I could see where she works.   

I am already looking forward to my next trip to see my favorite cousin! Love you, Em!