Shimmy & Shake!

 Have you ever gone to a Concert in the Park?

For those of us who live in this particular cluster of towns, it is a Summer tradition.

I have a confession.

I don't go for the concert part.

I don't go for the park part.

I go to be with friends,

to relax,

& maybe to enjoy watching the slightly inebriated lady who proudly shows off her one dance move (picture a shoulder shimmy shake thing whilst leaning forward....and then leaning back. oh, & picture that over and over and over....).

She is there almost every Friday night, and for some reason, her consistency brings me comfort.

The "friends" I love to sit closest to, in the traditional attendance of auditory art in the great square shaped outdoors, are the Dubs.

This Friday was no exception.
I tagged along with the Dubs and their special guests,
Uncle Karl & Aunt Kristy.

The difference was that I enjoyed the nephews dancing with their Aunt Kristy, all three of whom have way better rhythm & more varied dance moves than the slightly inebriated shoulder shake lady.

It was delightful!

This little man, besides being a great dancer....

is also skilled in the art of comedy!

He climbed up on my blue plastic lawn chair, and proceeded to play "peek-a-boo"....

& "Smoosh-a-face-a-boo"

& "Not-sure-if-I'm-breathing-a-boo"

& "Scrunch-a-face-a-boo"

 & "Peek-a-scrunch-a-boo"

 & "Oh-my-goodness-I-want-to-eat-you-up-course-you're-so-cute-a-boo"!

 After E-baby got bored, 

Pilot J tried out the "Smoosh-your-face-a-boo" too!

Pilot J abandoned me shortly after, because of important frisbee throwing business,

and left me to face the "authorities" by my lonesome.

I think Sheriff E-baby thought I looked suspicious because of the whole
laughing-so-hard-I-almost-peed-my-pants thing.

He let me go with just a warning.

Which really was only fair, since the fun I was having was mostly his fault

Honduras 2011

Through a series of some surprising & exciting events, I found myself a part of the 2011 Honduras Team.

Initially, I struggled with feeling like my stepping in at the "last minute" was saving the day. Thankfully, God was not under any delusion as to who who really steps in, orchestrates, and saves.

Once I stopped thinking of my own fabulousness (sigh), I was able to see how God had been working on my heart since last year's trip & preparing me to go.

There is nothing like some good ego deflating to prepare oneself for adventure & hard work.

Our team consisted of 3 adults & 5 highschoolers.


Dan K, Dan H, MHR Dan K, Brianna F, me, Kellen H (our fearless leader), Jon K, & Bobby D.

We worked hard doing construction...


playing with the kids, comparing musical influences with the locals...


helping with a medical clinic, practicing English & learning Spanish in return...


and serving the local missionaries
(notice the commanding way that Mike Pettengill just sits)...


I was especially blessed to get to reconnect with some of the precious kids I met the year before.

Here are some of my "tagger-ons" Samuel, Oneda, and Carolina...


Another special treat was getting tons of time with some of the craziest and most creative and athletic teens I have had the pleasure of knowing...

We became obsessed with this little footballer monkey that was made out of coconut husks that Dan Katches (the kid) bought as his souvenir. There were a whole series of photos taken of the adventures of this strange little creature.


Who says boys don't play with dolls?

I am glad for the chance to go again to a country that is finding it's way into my heart.

Grateful & open to a third trip.


I heart Honduras!