And they're off...

The Go Team Australia 2009 took off late last night, and as of this post are still in the air on their way to Brisbane, Australia.
I had such a hard day yesterday saying good-bye to Robert and Kathryn, not sure if it was missing them or not being able to go with them. When you are the traveler, you forget how difficult it is for the one’s left behind. The easy and difficult decisions made daily in a family, are left with the one and our lives are definitely running through ups and downs…good thing God is in charge, not me! (I just have to keep remembering that)

Please keep this team in your prayers as they travel. Check out the links attached to this list for more info.

Here is the Aussie Teams prayer schedule:

6/28-29 – Travel time-safety
6/30 – meeting with their host families (those who have volunteered to house our team)
7/1-2 – connecting with Ann Street Church of Christ members and Youth-including an all church dinner
7/3 – travel to Logan, connecting with the Aboriginal Community leaders there, cleaning the Christian Centre
7/4- Studying Aboriginal history and Ann St Community BBQ (modeled after our own KACC Community Suppers)
7/5 –Worship at Ann St, Mike preaching, team testimonies, travel to Eidsvold
7/6-Mike returns to the US for son’s wedding
7/6-7/9- team builds relationships with youth in Eidsvold, kids programming, BBQ, etc.
7/10- NAIDOC celebration
7/11 –day with host families, evening at Brisbane Lions game
7/12-Worship at Ann St, Robert preaching, team testimonies, farewell lunch
7/13-saying their good bye’s, debriefing and heading home

Thank you for your support, prayers and love...Liz

High School

So Kathryn graduated. Not a surprise, we knew she would. But it got me to thinking about my time in high school 30 years ago.
All the people I knew, and how they affected my life. I remember thinking around my 20th reunion (I didn't go) how I saw the people I really want to see all the time. Now I don't think that's true. I mean there were a lot of people who have influenced me. I think I would like to see some of them again.
Look I know I would have got through school without the people I knew but I am thankful for Kurt Weidman for helping me during my sophomore year. He was a senior and he was willing to hang out with me. He didn't have to. He wanted to. I haven't heard from him in over 30 years. Guess what? That's right "Facebook". I've also been in contact with alot of people from my past. and I just want to say thanks to a few. Andrea Heisler, Steve Filippini, Ed Morrisey, Mark Promer, Chris England, Brenda Van Den Bosch, Clay Weatherfield, Bob Patterson, Dwayne Epstein, John Escobar, Ty Elliot, Sherry Denton and anyone whose name I've forgotten. And most importantly Liz Crews. My life wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you all.
I think I'll see some of you at the reunion.

Robert

Kathryn 2009

Robert made this video for Kathryn's graduation, enjoy...

My heart is full...

Our kids have come a long way, and as I feel the pains of getting older, I also get the joy of seeing my children become the adults God has created them to be.

Last night Kathryn had her Senior Awards night. She received a nice check for college and she was also the recipient of the "medallion" award for Choir. It is the highest award given in that area, and she received a very nice medallion she will wear with her cap and gown in 2 weeks at graduation. She was beaming at the end of the evening.

Isn't there a song, "the road is long, with many a winding turn. That leads us to who knows where, who knows where." Kathryn is right there, but with one difference, God knows where! Her friends may come and go, boyfriends, schools, jobs, etc. But helping her to understand that no matter what, God is always there, will always be there, has always been there; has been one of the joys (and struggles) of my life. This verse has brought her through many a difficult time and she clings to it daily. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Through the heartaches and the pain, the joy and the laughter; she is such a beautiful, special person. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her! My heart is full...

Liz