Daily Happenings

Props to the guys at Best Buy and Gateway Computers - my computer arrived this morning completely fixed, in plenty of time before I leave to go back to NZ, and without me having to pay a cent, b/c it was still under warrenty. Yeah!

This evening, we all went out to Jackstack for dinner. Oh, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! There's nothin' like some good KC BBQ to relish before returning to NZ. It's been so fun to eat all the yummy American food that isn't available down under.

And this evening, we hit up Walmart and Target for our major shop. Seriously, I'm not exactly sure how we're going to bring everything home that I've bought. But I have to admit, I've had such a blast enjoying the American shopping - the prices and the variety! I'm convinced that you can buy anything you can imagine in America - most likely, at a price that you can afford. I think that our bank account will be grateful that I'm only in America for a couple more days!

And tomorrow Aaron leaves to go back to NZ - a numb reminder that our trip is just about over. Enough on that, though; no need to dwell on that thought any longer than necessary! :-)

Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My....

Today we went to the zoo with Scotty and Hannah and the boys. Taylor has been asking to go to the zoo for months, and since there's no zoo near us in NZ, it was really a special treat to be able to go here. She loved all the animals - and we sure did see lots. Then we hit up a great Vietnamese restaurant for dinner, which was really yummy. What a great day!

I can't believe that we only have a few more days left here in KC.....our time here has been wonderful, and I'm admittedly not ready to leave. The challenge now is still enjoying every minute w/o the reality of going soon casting a shadow over the good times yet to come here. And we sure do have lots of things we'd still like to do in these next few days.....a trip tomorrow to Deanna Rose Farmstead with the Walsh family, shopping, and several friends still to connect with...all before Thursday. I'm not yet quite sure how it will all fit, but such is the nature of life. I probably could have spent a month here and it still wouldn't have been long enough; you just can't do everything. I'm just grateful we've had as long as we have here.....it really has been special.

7 Years Ago Today

September 19, 1999. Seven years ago today, I stood with a company of people in a small room of an old trailer, witnessing the beginning of a prayer meeting that is still continuing today. I was 19 years old, had just moved to Kansas City, and my heart was just beginning to be stirred by the call to live a life of prayer and fasting. I knew that I would be involved with the House of Prayer on a regular, consistent basis, and so I found myself at the dedication service. What I didn't know was what sort of journey that marked the beginning of. I didn't know that my heart was about to be completely 'ambushed', turned up-side-down, and my concepts of God completely turned around. I didn't know that my paradigms of God and Christianity were about to be re-written and completely shifted. I didn't know that I was about to fall in love, firstly with Jesus, secondly with the man I would eventually marry. I didn't know that both he and my future in-laws were in that room at that very same dedication service. I didn't know that I would be living in Kansas City for the next 7 years, that I would be married there and buy a house there and that our daughter would be born there. I didn't know that saying yes to a life of sincere devotion, prayer and fasting, and wholehearted pursuit of the man Jesus would change my life and cost everything. I didn't know that 7 years later, I would find myself living in a foreign country, giving leadership to the establishment of a house of prayer. My life would never again look the same. What I did know was that I was smack-dab in the middle of sovereignty. And yes, it was worth it all.

A Post of Two Themes

IHOP is in the middle of a 3 day celebration rejoicing in 7 years of 24-7 prayer and worship. Today we gathered as a staff for a time of remembrance....remembrance of the good times, the hard times, the funny times, and the embarrassing times. We laughed like perhaps I have never seen our community laugh together. These three days have been especially meaningful for Aaron and I, as ones who have been here from the beginning and who lived many of the stories and moments that were talked of today. It has been good to remember where we (as a ministry) started and how far we've come, especially now that we (as a couple) are re-living in a sense those early days again.....though where we are now in NZ feels about 10 years behind where we were in 1999 in KC. I have felt again such incredible gratitude in my heart to the Lord for calling me/us to this place to be part of the birthing of this movement - in a way that felt 'quite accidental' from a natural perspective. I looked around the room today in awe of the lifelong friendships that were forged in these years, and of the caliber of men and women that we were priviledged to 'rub shoulders with' and call our friends these last 7 years. For this, we are a blessed people indeed. It's no wonder it has been hard to say goodbye. But this leaving and re-locating is part of the strategy of God in forming this "international family of affection" as Mike calls it. These friendships and camaraderies are forged out of substance that transcends geographic location and the boundaries of time and space. Friendships that are real and remain despite the miles and hours between us. Relationships that will endure to the end. So it's good to come home and renew the ties and maintain the connections between these ones who have been and still are our comrades. And for this I am grateful.

And for something else, I am grateful for, too: Wal-Mart. Today was my first visit back to this blessed piece of real estate in Kansas City. I'm actually quite surprised that none of the employees stopped and asked where I've been for the last eight months. I was certain that I would have been missed, and a marked decline in monthly sales noted since late January. But alas, my homecoming in this regard went largely unnoticed. That, however, caused no disappointment in my shopping experience. Wal-Mart was just as good (if not better) than I remembered it to be. I relished in the large selection and ever-so-inexpensive prices that awaited me there. I'm quite certain I could have spent twice as much as I did, had I not been aware that my entire shopping budget for the trip couldn't be spent in one setting. It was while walking through the aisles this evening that I became aware of the great luxury it would be to be able to shop in such a wonderful place whenever I liked; I can't believe I wasn't aware of this great fortune when I lived a mere 10 minutes away. I have since decided that living in New Zealand is an expression of living the fasted lifestyle - probably good for me in a way, to deny myself of the pleasures of shopping and eating out in the glorious restaurants here in KC. I don't think there's any need to tell you that I am enjoying every minute here and living it up to it's full potential. And on that note, it's time for me to retire for the night. Another morning of shopping awaits us tomorrow!

The Surprise of a Lifetime

Aaron and I managed to pull off the surprise of the century - he showed up last night and surprised Graeme and Sabrina! We had asked them if their friends from Ohio could stay at their house for the weekend, and told them they needed a ride home from the airport on Saturday night. So at 10pm yesterday, Graeme and I got into the car and drove to the airport.....only for him to find out that it was Aaron we were picking up, not Marty! He got the shock of his life, as did Sabrina when we got home. And Taylor's face this morning when she saw her daddy was priceless - she's been missing him so much! But of course, we couldn't tell her, either, 'cuz she'd tell everyone that her daddy was coming! :-) It's so great to have Aaron here - I missed him more than anyone! This weekend is also IHOP's 7 year anniversary of 24-7 prayer, and they're having a huge 3-day celebration with food, video clips of the old days, stories from the last 7 years, etc. It's so special for us both to be here, especially since we were both here in the early days and we lived the stories that are being told. This is fun!!

Back in Kansas City Now

We had a wonderful week at home in CT with my parents. Dad took the day off work on Thursday, and though it was a rainy day, we still had lots of fun together at home, relaxing and enjoying being together. Friday morning Joanie and I took Taylor to an indoor playground, since it was raining again. We wanted to give her a chance to 'exercise her large motor skill abilities' before sitting on an airplane all evening. She had lots of fun, and Taylor certainly did get some energy out!

Our plane ride home was good - Taylor was an angel both flights! She really is such a good little traveller. Lord knows she's sure done it enough. We did have a bit of adventure along the way, though, barely making our connection in Charlotte........after boarding our plane in Hartford about 15 minues late, we were just about ready to take off.....and the piolet then told us that there was no flight path for us, and we had to wait for take-off...and he was going to turn off the engines to conserve fuel. I knew then we were in trouble, as we only had a 1 hour layover in Charolette. 10 minutes later he came on and said that we would be waiting for about 45 minutes. By that time I was wondering if we'd get into KC that night, or if we'd be spending the night in North Carolina. This is when I started praying even more. 5 minutes later, the piolet told us that we had been cleared for take-off in 5 minutes. So we got into Charolette in just enough time for us to run/walk fast through the airport to arrive at our next gate in just enough time to board. That was a close one, but I'm so thankful we made that flight!

So it's good to be back in Kansas City. I kept thinking when we were in CT that we were coming back to KC 'cuz we lived here......it is still weird to think about the fact that we don't live here, even tho it still feels like home. I'm hoping these next two weeks go by reeeeaaally, reeeeeallly slow!

The Fun Continues...

...as does the jet-lag. Once again, Taylor was awake at 11pm last night, ready to get up and play. But she's so good in the midst of it.....she stayed in her crib for about an hour and a half, again without crying or fussing. Just talking and trying to go back to sleep. It really could be so much worse. Of course, this also means that I haven't gone to bed before 1am all week......but this morning when I woke up, I didn't feel like I had been hit by a truck, so that's always helpful. :-)

This morning we (Taylor and I) went out for breakfast with my Pastor's wife and had a great time with her. Then this morning we went to the library with Grandma Joanie and got a huge stack of books to bring home. I must admit, it was a bit weird bringing Taylor to the same library that my mom brought me to when I was her age. :-)

Taylor is now sleeping, and I'm feeling like I could also use a little lie-down. But to take a nap is to give in to jet-lag....I may just press through.

Taylor is Definitely Jet-Lagged

I put her to bed tonight at 8pm....and she went to sleep fine. And was sleeping fine...until 10:30pm. It's now after midnight, and she's still awake. To her credit, she has stayed in her crib (with minimal crying) and is "trying" really hard to go to sleep, but to no avail so far. She has done so well, considering the last 4 days. I mean, the last two hours really could have been so much worse....she really is a little trooper.

I sure hope she goes to sleep soon, though, 'cuz mommy is getting tired and wanting to kick this jet-lag, too. It could be a long night.

Another Glorioius Day in CT

We had a blast today! This morning was church, and it was so refreshing! I love Gateway so much, and remembered this morning why. There is such a powerful anointing on the worship there - I worshiped this morning like I haven't in a long time, and it was so good for my heart. I also love listening to Pastor Brian teach - he has such reality in God and love for Jesus, and that is so evident when he preaches.

Then after church, we all went apple, peach, and raspberry picking. I've got some of the cutest pictures of apple picking.....but I don't have my laptop here to download them onto, so unfortunately I can't share 'em yet. But believe me, Taylor was just the cutest, and had such a great time pulling the apples off the trees. And the raspberry picking was the best - she kept eating them instead of putting them in the bucket! Can't say I blame her.....they're so yummy! Hmmm....might have to produce my favorite white chocolate raspberry cheesecake tomorrow. Now wouldn't that be a shame?!

Traveling Ramblings

My time here in the States so far can best be described as a dream come true; so many of the things that I was wishing for and longing for these last 9 months, now being lived in reality.

Yesterday (after bringing my computer to Best Buy to be fixed), I spent the afternoon with Larisa and had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, eating outside on the plaza. It was so awesome to spend time with her and to enjoy some of the Kansas City sights. I also got to see both Linda and Deborah briefly yesterday - not long enough to have a "real" conversation, but long enough to remember how much I love them and to make me really look forward to having some good time with both of them, as well as with others.

Taylor had lots of fun with Nana and Granddad yesterday....running around (or rather, making them run around after her), playing with toys, reading books, laughing, and being silly. It was so fun to see them enjoying each other, but also painful at the same time, realizing how much they're missing out on.

Today we left KC to come to CT to visit my parents. I was dreading the plane ride, after just clocking in so many hours in the skies recently - especially for Taylor's sake. But it was such an easy day! Taylor was an angel on both planes - sleeping for the whole 2 hour flight the first time, and playing (and eating!) happily on the second. I genuinely enjoyed her company, and we really had lots of fun together. She (and I) arrived in CT in good spirits, and enjoyed a nice little trip to the park on our way home from the airport with Dad and Joanie.

It's great to be in CT....nothing like coming back to your hometown and being with family. It's so good for the soul. Tomorrow is church.....and hopefully tonight I can fall asleep before 1am. That would be a plus!

Home.

I'm home. And I love it. Granted, I've only been here a couple of hours, but it already feels good to be back. A whirlwind of emotions, to be sure. I think the question on the table is, "Will being here satisfy my longing to be home, or only make the longing deeper?" I think the answer is yes. A strange paradox, to be sure. The challenge for me will be embracing the reality of both, and not holding back because of it.

I can already tell that the second reality which must be realized: the life I left is not the life that exists here now. Meaning this: The 7 years we lived here were no doubt the best years of my life. Spreading my wings for the first time as a young 19 yr. old, falling in love, getting married, buying our first house, forming and deepening lifelong friendships, Taylor's birth, Graeme and Sabrina living right up the road, drinking daily from the well at IHOP, and the list goes on. But time moves on, and that which was before is no longer. And I can never go back to that life. Even if we had stayed here, our life would look different now than it did back then. Perhaps not all would be different, but the painful reality of life is that nothing ever stays the same.

So where does that leave me? With the gift of being able to come back here and enjoy. To enjoy friends, family, and the multitude of things I've missed about this place I love. Yes, there is a mourning that is real, too; but my prayer and desire is that the joy of coming home would far outweigh the pain of missing it.

Highs and Lows

It was a sad day for my computer today. I brought my laptop to the prayer room, brought it home, and by the time I had finished checking my email, I realized that one of the hinges on the screen had broken. I'm still not sure how this happened - I didn't drop it or drop anything on it.....but the thing sure is broken. Fortunately, it's still functional, but just doesn't open or close properly.

The good news is that since I'm going home this week and it's still under warrenty, I might be able to have it fixed or replaced......if they believe me that I didn't drop it!

On a much better note, the prayer room was awesome this morning. The intercession prayer meeting we had was perhaps the best one we'd had since the house of prayer started 7 months ago. Everyone in the room was engaged the whole time (all 4 of them!), the worship team was flowing so well together, and there was a definite prophetic anointing on the singers and musicians. It was one of those prayer meetings after which I felt refreshed, not totally drained. The Holy Spirit sure helped us on that one. Hopefully there will be many more of those in the weeks and months to follow.

Speaking of the weeks to follow, I'm getting so excited about Taylor's and my trip back to the States. I can't wait to be in America again, to see family and friends, to eat American food, to sit in the prayer room, and to go shopping!! I'm not looking forward to the flight, but there's no getting around that; it has to be done. The fun thing is that Sabrina is meeting us in LA to fly back with us and give me some help with Taylor on those last two flights - often the hardest ones, after the big long 12 hour flight. I can't believe we only have a few more days before we leave!