In Need of Paper White Lilies

I'm in need of paper white lilies,

unbending beneath steel-lined clouds


that bow to fertile Earth,


and life giving burial grounds.

Endless gray misty mornings

that stretch into the night;

I appraise a sleepy world,

I gaze on the gauze filled sight.

I'm in need of paper white lilies,

whose crowned heads come burgeoning forth

from a quiet slumbering bed,

like a resurrected corpse.

This birth from decaying blanket,

whose fragrance fills the air

and pushes away woolen complacency

that is evident there.

I'm in need of paper white lilies,

that burst up from underground

released from cold, quiet stillness

and unleashes hope from its bounds.

(I love you, Spring!)

It's Megan's Special Day!

Today is Megan's very special day. It is her one month anniversary, and her 21st birthday. If someone had whispered into my ear when she was little all that she would do, I don't know that I would have believed them!

I still marvel when I think back at how her adventure to Uganda came about and smile at all that she is learning. Do many of you know how it came about? Have you heard the story?No? well...

Once upon a time there was a little blondie who was born with a very generous heart. This little girl with the big blue eyes and a shy smile was full of energy and loved to be outside.

During her schooling she was adept at sneaking out of the house and up into a tree whenever I looked away. (and she continues to this very day.)

Or out into the mud puddles.







Or out to...you get the idea: She loved being outside.



Before long she was running long distances and developed a passion for marathons. And while many other girls were hanging out with friends on the weekends, she was running the miles to train for one of the most recognized marathons-The Boston.





At age 18 she ran the Boston Marathon.

But, this little girl also cared greatly for others

and was quick to help those that were hurting. As she grew she learned about the horrors that many children in northern Uganda had to endure due to the demented mind of Joseph Koney and the LRA.

She learned about many in Africa who had very little and yet such a full life. Soon her attachment to this continent grew. And grew.

Determined to go and experience Uganda first-hand, she stepped out and began planning to join YWAM on a trip there. She was convinced that God was calling her to go; but He had another plan for her. A fork in the road soon became very apparent: Raise the money to join YWAM, or accept a scholarship to NCU. Through wise councel and lots of prayer, she layed down her heart's desire and went off to NCU. Though her heart was broken as she believed that her dream was gone, God hadn't forgotten.

While running for NCU's cross-country team and attending classes, she learned of an opportunity to go to Uganda and study abroad there. Soon this determined young lady had the paper work in, half a dozen shots in her arm, and her bags packed! And you know what? Not only did God give her the desire of her heart,

but her scholarships and financial aid covered her trip and schooling.

So you see, God blesses!

Happy Birthday, Megan! We love you so much! And while we miss you something fierce, we know that you are doing exactly what God has called you to do. So enjoy, learn lots, and remember to wear your shoes-you have to watch out for hook worms!

Hurray! Today I came home to find our luggage sitting on our front porch. After missing our connecting flight in Atlanta (more on that after I recover a bit from embarrasment), we arrived in Seattle late Sunday night to find that our luggage did not. But it's here, along with my camera with MORE pictures of Baby Henry! I know, ya just can't get enough of him!

Will the Real Henry Marr Please Spit Up!

Awwwww, just look at adorable little Henry...

Or wait a minute...



Now I'm confused...



Are you just as befuddled as I am? Weird, right? If you haven't figured it out yet, the first picture is of Henry's Aunt Karli when she was about 2 months old, wearing the same gown. I don't know about you, but I think that they have some of the same features!

Some kind of crazy!