tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-164105712024-03-21T23:44:29.131-04:00My Scrapbook WorldLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.comBlogger397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-48628349861473728062011-04-21T08:31:00.000-04:002011-04-21T08:31:38.214-04:00Variety is the Spice of LifeIt's amazing to me how so many different individuals came together for God's purpose in Kenya. Our mission team consisted of medical/dental personell and service personnel. It consisted of men and women. It consisted of 20 something, 30 something, 40 something. It consisted of Anderson campus, Florence campus and Charleston campus.<br />
<br />
Yet, to serve, we served as one. Our leader, David Nimmons, referenced 1 Corinthians 12-30:<br />
<br />
<em>12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. </em><br />
<em>21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. </em><br />
<em>27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.</em><br />
<br />
And so within the body of Christ, we had our hands and feet and eyes and ears, yet we all came together. Diversity became commonality, a shared purpose. It was fascinating to see and be a part of.<br />
<br />
Jane was a member of our teaching team, yet she spent a morning moving rocks and helping with the water tank project up by the school building. That's where she was needed. Andy, the campus pastor at Charleston, spent time at the dental clinic disinfecting instruments, yet he was part of the construction team. We moved where the body needed us. <br />
<br />
What conclusion can I draw from this? That we all have a purpose in God's kingdom. That purpose may change as the body's needs change. That doesn't make us any more or less valuable because the body needs all of its parts.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-19855872195294375602011-04-18T10:53:00.000-04:002011-04-18T10:53:16.366-04:00No Rules, Just Right: KenyaOne thing I noticed while I was in Kenya was when the kids were coloring, both the big kids and the little kids: they used alot of color. They were not confined by the lines on the coloring page we gave them. They stayed within the lines, but used many colors within a specific area on the coloring page. It was fascinating. American children would color an arm flesh colored, or a skirt one solid color, but Kenyan children will use the colors they have and create a multi-colored arm or skirt. <br />
This color came out in their cultural dress as well as their daily wear. It was joyful to see the beaded bands around the womens' necks that they had made with so many different colors of beads. Row upon row of color. Their garments were colorful. No rules. Base clothes with tied on yards of fabric all in colors. <br />
The dancing was joyful and the colors with the dancing were even more joyful.<br />
It was amazing to me out of a life so uncolorful how so much brightness could come out. I was fascinated. The landscape where we were was dirt, dotted bushes, few trees...alot of brown, but not the people! Their smiling faces were accentuated with color.<br />
I love color. Color makes me happy, too. Maybe we should all add more color in our lives!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-37103606676945955662011-04-13T10:23:00.000-04:002011-04-13T10:23:00.034-04:00What CAn I Tell You About Africa?What can I begin to say about my experience in Africa except that the Holy Spirit revealed himself in so many ways. I was enveloped, surrounded, on fire! He was so evident in everything that happened. I find it hard to express in words his wonders. I experienced the fruit of the spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)<br />
<br />
<br />
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.<br />
<br />
The most evident I can share was when I was starting with motion sickness really badly on our bumpy, jostling bus ride our last day out to work. I said, "Holy Spirit please take this motion sickness from me," and it was gone. LIKE THAT! And I get motion sickness just thinking about a wild ride! So I also had the start of a whopper of a migraine. I could feel it coming. I was so amazed I said, "Can you take my migraine, too." It was taken.<br />
<br />
It's just so hard to write about the greatness, the omnipotence, the sheer envelopment during my time in Africa. It's amazing what you can hear and experience with God when all life's distractions are missing.<br />
<br />
I have more to share, but that is the start of my writings about this great, life altering experience from which I will never be the same as I was! How could I be?Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-1335998510936836242011-02-21T11:51:00.001-05:002011-02-21T11:51:50.308-05:00Oysterz - Boone Hall Plantation Oyster Festival 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZuvaxv_g6SRwY23kOuBfoa0gFIYVu7eqY0E30Iygs7_StCmW3c3GvhBB40RuV51Q-sawhkY7MYj0TbiwUD_0COMPHE2L2w8tOcDfMduYTXa7N_9XLp4QuN6OmzSy6WIxzewzow/s1600/oysterz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZuvaxv_g6SRwY23kOuBfoa0gFIYVu7eqY0E30Iygs7_StCmW3c3GvhBB40RuV51Q-sawhkY7MYj0TbiwUD_0COMPHE2L2w8tOcDfMduYTXa7N_9XLp4QuN6OmzSy6WIxzewzow/s320/oysterz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Recently, Becky, Jesse, Caitee and I went to the Boone Hall Plantation Oyster Festival put on by the Charleston Restaurant Association. Oyster buckets were $10!!! OMG, they were so good! We sat in the sun, ate seafood, drank some beer and listened to music. All in all, a great time was had by all!!!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-12209174709415948072011-02-16T07:49:00.000-05:002011-02-16T07:49:55.266-05:00Digital Expression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMgxbX6ozzXBIY1mKpWAWPkRaTgxYbyH5dXfLt5yrEfv7ZWZXfkEvj9QyYPZ5G_65_Dh2Xg9mRFKUPYbjpCBaNdt_I5ux_VxXap_hQJNrUeUWroIMgmazW76w7y5wqW5sb5dhuQ/s1600/snowday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMgxbX6ozzXBIY1mKpWAWPkRaTgxYbyH5dXfLt5yrEfv7ZWZXfkEvj9QyYPZ5G_65_Dh2Xg9mRFKUPYbjpCBaNdt_I5ux_VxXap_hQJNrUeUWroIMgmazW76w7y5wqW5sb5dhuQ/s320/snowday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I finally had a chance to do some digital scrapping. Lately, I've been so into my Kenya trip, that all I did was fundraise and make things for my Etsy shop and orders. Make things for scrapbook classes I was teaching. I didn't have much time for self-expression! Plus, I've been printing out all the blog entries about my fundraising to go in my Kenya album. That has been paper scrapping for the time being, which I have found frustrating somewhat as I can't do all the things that I can do digitally. <br />
<br />
I've missed my digital world! And photographing things for my Etsy shop, got me excited about photographing what's out in the world and so these photos are from that inspiration. <br />
<br />
I'm caught between a rock and a hard place right now...sort of...I love glue and inks and the tactile feel of scrapbooking, but I adore the results of my digital scrapbooking and the challenges of getting done what I want. I should do hybrid, but at the moment, my color printer is out of ink...a paltry excuse, but the only one I have. Plus the printer has not been hooked up correctly as in it got knocked off the network. That is fixed (by me!!!). Now I just need to put it back in it's spot in the cabinet.<br />
<br />
I digress. I did find a huge box of embellishments the other night. Quite a nice surprise! Left over from my move from the bonus room to my new scraproom/office. It might help if I unpack the rest of my stuff! All things in due time.<br />
<br />
Such are my scrapping ramblings for today...Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-1651552137455553332011-01-26T09:28:00.000-05:002011-01-26T09:28:43.418-05:00We did it and thank you!<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Simply said, "We did it!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">$3,500 raised for Kenya. But those words don't show all the love and support that went with it. I'm amazed. I'm grateful. I'm blessed. I'm loved. I'm inspired. I'm going to Kenya because every single person that helped me took the time to say,"I believe in what you are doing," and wrote a check. Large or small, they all contributed to my journey. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">A journey that God had ordained before I started. Last week, our pastor, Perry Noble, said that if you are meant to go to Kenya, God will provie the funds. God provided. The Holy Spirit worked in many and the list of supporters is long and lovely! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">And so I am going to Kenya with a list of people in my pocket who made this dream come true. I have always wanted to be in the mission field. Kenya was the mission that spoke to me. I don't believe in going small, and I believe in going where it is a challenge...out of my comfort zone. Because as Christians, comfort equals complacency, and I never want to be complacent in my relationship and life with Christ.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">I am no one special. There is nothing unique about me to set me apart from every one I know. But, I do know I was chosen to go on this mission, that I must go on this mission, and that work will be done through me and in me on this mission.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">It's rather exciting. I'm giddy. I'm elated. I'm serving God on this planet! Through Him, I am serving others! My brothers and sisters in the far off land of Kenya. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Never in my wildest dreams did I think my desire to serve on a mission would take me to Kenya. Honestly, I started this fundraising with a bit of trepidation. My human weakness. Can I really raise all this money? Does God really want me to go? He keeps telling me He does.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">And so it is with a full heart, that I thank each and every person who is supporting me financially and with prayer. Your gift has made it possible for me to fulfill a dream! </span>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-53088073473989268012011-01-19T14:53:00.000-05:002011-01-19T14:53:41.021-05:00Nairobi or Bust FactsI am going to the Segera region of Kenya, which is north of Nairobi. This is the area where I will be serving on the medical/dental mission! Since, 2009 NewSpring has sent 241 people over 9 trips to serve with the 410Bridge on medical and construction missions . Do you know that they built a water system at Black Tank and it services over 4,000 people? Two kitchens were built in schools by those serving from New Spring. It might not seem like alot, but it sure does to me because imagine not having running water? Or going to school and there is no kitchen at your school. Imagine no medical care because you are in a remote area and too poor to get it. It just seems like a good thing for me to do to go to the Segera region and serve. I have to go. I was called by the Holy Spirit to do so. And He is providing in an amazing way!<br />
<br />
As of today I have 10 more days to finish raising my funds. This morning I said I had $598 to go and a dear AOII and friend, Beth Walsh, took me right to $500. Yes, that happened! And then I sold one of my crosses this morning! I'm at $490! Amazing to me. But then Pastor Perry said if you are meant to go, the funds will be provided. And so they are.<br />
Mind you, I have been fervently working towards this goal of $3,500, which I originally thought in my human way to be insurmountable. How silly I was. The first donation paid my initial deposit and took me $100 into my goal. It has been a whirlwind of donations since that time. Steady. I can't take a single bit of credit. I know where they came from. Not from me or my asking, but the spirit moving within people to accomplish this goal.<br />
Do you feel used? Ah, used by the Spirit. What an honor. And I thank each and every one of you!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-14242424063003064732011-01-14T07:02:00.000-05:002011-01-14T07:02:06.101-05:00It has a name!Oh my friends, I am going to Segera, Kenya! I found out today because I got an email from our trip leader that I need to go to the 410 Bridge site and fill out all the necessary official information! Official information! Kenya! Pinch me! That's what I'll be doing today!<br />
I looked up Segera. It's almost smack on the equator. I find that detail exciting and glad I have a sporty hat to wear to protect my skin. How cool to be almost on the imaginary line that runs around the center of our earth.<br />
Ah and getting here has brought many sweet stories and acts my way. Last night one of my very dear friends sent me a donation. It might as well have been a million dollars because that is how it made me feel. He just moved, took a pay cut, had to get a second job and still put a Lil sumpn' in my coffer. Sweet, sweet, sweet.<br />
I love every donation. Each one has a story with it. Each one is amazing. Each one is a piece of my journey to Segera!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-33358562785391485102011-01-11T06:36:00.000-05:002011-01-11T06:36:08.335-05:00Moving forward towards KenyaI started raising funds and my gracious friends supported my dream. I'm so close! I'm going anyway! My passport is here. My initial paperwork from the church for the trip is here, and my first information packet. Shots are next! It's real people. I am going to Kenya!<br />
<br />
I am going to Kenya!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-39408766424980380192011-01-07T09:28:00.000-05:002011-01-07T09:28:45.667-05:00Thank you Glenn and Need More Help to get to Kenya..$800+ to go!Who knew back in the good old halls of Gunston Junior High that all these years later, a young man I went to school with would help me put a LIKE button for FB on my blog? Thank you Glenn for taking time out of your busy schedule to help me do that...walk me through it...provide me the HTML code...That was sweet, and nice, and above the call of duty! <br />
<br />
It's people like Glenn and YOU who are helping me get to Kenya! Everyone, I am so close, but not there yet and I have to have all my money by Jan. 29th! I can't help asking. I've got to go and I've gotten so far with everyone's help. I just ask that if you haven't had a chance to donate yet, please think about it. It's tax deductible and you can do it through <a href="mailto:paypal...lbossinger@sc.rr.com">paypal...lbossinger@sc.rr.com</a>! It's that easy! Just over $800 to go!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-49017827594580481772011-01-04T09:30:00.000-05:002011-01-04T09:30:40.440-05:00Schelle S.Prolly shouldn't post peeps' last names on my blog, but then I often wonder who really reads it anyway! HA! It's like a journal for me. Well, for my Kenya trip it is. I just bought some paper last night from my lss to start printing out my journaling so I have it for my Kenya scrapbook. <br />
Even before I have left, God has done some amazing things. I have grown closer to people and now I have a wish to celebrate my friend and AOII sis, Schelle, through my Kenya trip. Celebrate her dedication, her spirit, her zest, her determination...and through my trip, which I offer up as a prayer for her, I hope that there is a divine intervention in her battle against cancer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8w4MsCyg6_jodzxtPo7PNYY_13szeppSZm7vdQPCaKfh_E2UDJaLVdalcAvd6Bzbj6TPweZ6f_HpG5R6EelAufieEFZUbyMoxPAj-_eFIs0ZJ72i4Wl-5OkvoW6F0pzFHuTx8NQ/s1600/etsy+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8w4MsCyg6_jodzxtPo7PNYY_13szeppSZm7vdQPCaKfh_E2UDJaLVdalcAvd6Bzbj6TPweZ6f_HpG5R6EelAufieEFZUbyMoxPAj-_eFIs0ZJ72i4Wl-5OkvoW6F0pzFHuTx8NQ/s320/etsy+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvp-qwJbVp0nSsIr8Ap13q7wZXeYQIqrOXWMMwAP-PCGacpvbyN-DTZyWlspeE9jVXtuA1CWvex_k-WCX8L_EJnfcKXcmuMEJI84sW1O1zQk5_nNzaRtmXsKg6dyubDYQVuoIMg/s1600/etsy+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvp-qwJbVp0nSsIr8Ap13q7wZXeYQIqrOXWMMwAP-PCGacpvbyN-DTZyWlspeE9jVXtuA1CWvex_k-WCX8L_EJnfcKXcmuMEJI84sW1O1zQk5_nNzaRtmXsKg6dyubDYQVuoIMg/s320/etsy+006.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>I've made us matching bracelets. Dorky, prolly but a representation of my dedication to her. Mine has her name on it. I am sending her one to wear. Then when I come back, we can switch out. She can have the one I took to Kenya. It seems silly to some, but to me, it is where I am being led. And this whole journey to Kenya is about where God is leading me.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-46019541507796782462011-01-02T09:31:00.000-05:002011-01-02T09:31:03.763-05:00GRATITUDE and DEDICATIONAli Edwards is one of my favorite scrapbookers. She has a down to earth style I really enjoy. She captures everyday life in a creative, yet do-able way. One of the things she suggests is choosing is a word for the year. Sometimes this comes easy to me. Sometimes it does not. This year the word gratitude came shouting from my heart! How could it not be my word. My list of people helping me get to Kenya grows longer every day. There are people I don't even know who have helped me through etsy and just seeing my crosses around town. THANK YOU is a small set of words, but it carries a big sentiment from me.<br />
<br />
I have decided I must dedicate my mission trip to a dear sorority sister battling cancer, Schelle Simcox. I am in awe of her attitude, her bravery, her determination, her fight. So I am going to make a bracelet out of memory wire with her name on it and wear her to Kenya! Yes, wear her. You are coming with me Schelle. The HOLY SPIRIT has put this on my mind constantly. I don't know what it means for either of us, girlfriend, but I know I must do it. You are in my heart and mind and so I will carry you, dear girl, to Kenya with me!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-84053246367704584652010-12-23T09:34:00.000-05:002010-12-23T09:34:19.194-05:00A Living Miracle and A True Friend Knows Your HeartI often wonder how God does it all. I mean, He knows us down the every hair on our head. Every star in heaven has a name. He has a plan for each of us, down to the minutest detail. And so He has set me on a path to Kenya. He has opened the doors for me, and people have reached out in such an amazing way. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, while I was working, a man said that he thought the cross on my neck was "cool". I started explaining about my mission trip and that I was making crosses for it. Next thing you know, he had bought the cross of my neck to support me. A complete stranger!<br />
<br />
My dear friend, Patsy Lee, is a Christian mentor to me. I often go to her with problems, and she gives me advice from a Christian perspective. She is very wise, and I have yet to have her be wrong! We like to exchange gifts every year. Just a lil sumpn', and this year her gift to me was a donation to my mission trip with a beautiful card. I nearly cried. A true friend knows your heart. She knows my deepest desire is to serve in the mission field in Kenya, and so her gift to me was to help me along on that journey. I was so deeply touched. But she knew this trip was my heart because she is my true friend.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I went over to my dear friend, Beverly Surma's house. We were baptised together at NewSpring. We started in small group together, and now I'm the small group leader. She is a riot! We went and saw Adam Lambert together and rode in her red hot convertible...nearly froze to death on the way home, but that's what you do with good friends! We exchanged a lil sumpn' for each other. And she knows my heart. Back in September, she got me the most gorgeous cross at the Darlington Sweet Potato Festival. This was before she knew I was making them like a fiend, and before she knew I was selected for Kenya. I had put in for it! But a true friend knows your heart.<br />
<br />
I have had some issues with an untrue friend here recently. It makes me appreciate that true ones that much more. You don't have to donate to my mission trip. You can pray. I need prayer. Nancy Beach and Anne Caturano Semmler have offered prayer. And Kristin Furfaro. This is huge. Prayer will allow me to receive the most from this journey. <br />
<br />
Anyway, <br />
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, <br />
<br />
and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28<br />
<br />
If you lie and are deceptive towards someone who is your supposed friend, it is obvious you do not really like them. And if you try to flatter them with false flattery, again, it is obvious you do not like them. Sad, but true.<br />
<br />
I don't want to dwell on the negative. Just so happy about the positive and uplifting journey I am on as I raise money for Kenya. Each of you has made this journey possible. Each of you will be in my pocket on a piece of paper and prayed for every day as I am in Kenya. <br />
<br />
One of my favorite quotes is, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." <br />
<br />
I gave that to my mom when she was put on the transplant list. It applies to Kenya, but I'd like to add, begins with a single friend...and grows closer, one at a time!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-5818866973391196882010-12-13T09:11:00.000-05:002010-12-13T09:11:14.722-05:00We made goal number one!I say God made it. Each of you has been a special blessing. A part of my mission. I will not be in Kenya without each person who has made this a possibility. How do you say thank you to the people who make your dream come true! Two small words, but they carry so much from me! <br />
I'm amazed at how people have responded. So overwhelmed! Small post today. Simple gratitude. I am blessed by each one of you. You are making it possible.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-28840360837812721762010-12-03T10:00:00.000-05:002010-12-03T10:00:01.684-05:00Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and Donate through Paypal<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw2baYo9jX07PpsMbI8NxQU8p5v2e-fqXhWFvnYBq7_QufVV8il60v-UPYG-uGcFVrRRD9h7osh6cP2A8BIEgEllt-GLRpTbUtBsTWG97p9qRRjAcgjqYZLv-H8ccyp02RLZ1kQ/s1600/crosses+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw2baYo9jX07PpsMbI8NxQU8p5v2e-fqXhWFvnYBq7_QufVV8il60v-UPYG-uGcFVrRRD9h7osh6cP2A8BIEgEllt-GLRpTbUtBsTWG97p9qRRjAcgjqYZLv-H8ccyp02RLZ1kQ/s320/crosses+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist: Beth Walsh, AOII</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, Beth Walsh AOII sent me her donation in this decorated envelope that I just had to share! With a cute 8x1/2" page inside that will definitely be scrapbooked in my Kenya book, along with all my blog posts. How sweet! The mailman, I HOPE, appreciated the time it took to doodle this up! I sure did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday, I taught my scrapbook class at Scrapbook Concepts. There were six lovely ladies in there who I thoroughly enjoyed my time with. It lasted about two hours, and we made two flag books. One basic and one fancier with a 4x6 photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNbYwDdiKOcI6fK80bhhqA07xwiBIRri6XSQegm86bL2rGXU4lu5oaVCWh5kBO9ZdL1ieNW7E-HwpS0vnx1VvP_WBQvLr0V33SCo1JOONBvXdqPtIupYM_sy___ygkPd1c67U4w/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNbYwDdiKOcI6fK80bhhqA07xwiBIRri6XSQegm86bL2rGXU4lu5oaVCWh5kBO9ZdL1ieNW7E-HwpS0vnx1VvP_WBQvLr0V33SCo1JOONBvXdqPtIupYM_sy___ygkPd1c67U4w/s320/015.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4x6 Photo Flag Book</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Next, I will be teaching a waterfall class...no, peaking yet! That is Sunday, December 12th. Gotta whip out my samples this weekend in between work!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sun-Stand-Still-Happens-Impossible/dp/1601423225/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291386947&sr=1-1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKiAm2fMv5OdgcVL6uDvwVB6wpckhxurnfZONaUNW6YgqvxzCDt-ml2qlQmKIh9C8au2a18OEixR9yFaUHq8sp7NipvZ6CAfx742G4vR-s1I_4WzcC1iWS7X99zOPlTfo3jIkuA/s1600/sun.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven spoke at NewSpring recently.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Steven Furtick recently spoke at NewSpring. He is a friend of our pastors, from Goose Creek, SC, and currently the pastor of a church in Charlotte, NC. The gist of his message was that WE do not ask God for BIG enough things. He is greater than our dreams. After all, if God could make the sun stand still for 24 hours, what can't he do in our lives? This really stuck with me. (And for a shameless plug for him, click on the book photo, it takes you directly to Amazon.com where you can order his book.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It is part of the reason I stepped out entirely in FAITH to raise $,3500 to go on a mission trip, as we all know, to Kenya. And I asked God to initially help me raise $52.00 a day for my first deadline looming Dec. 19th. He gave me more each day because my request was small, and He is greater than what I can ask for. I later had to up the ante to $68.00 a day as things had slowed just a bit. I got tired. I slowed down. Not God. Terri Hale Kessler responded and "bought" a day. But God in His greatness said, "I can do more, child." And her mother, Virginia Hale, is sending a donation on top of Terri's. I underestimate what God can do all the time.I"m human. And He is showing me, that He is God.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the midst of my, "slow" period, Bev Schaeffer, stepped in and said she would get me to Kenya. I've posted about that on an earlier blog. A sun stand still moment for me. A reminder...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday was quite an amazing day. Beth's adorable letter with her donation came in (featured above in the first photo). It is special to see people rallying around me and supporting me. It is inspiring! Then Karin Raus Vercamer (AOII), realized that paypal was the way to go. Frankly, it was instant gratification for donations, and as she said, the quickest way to do a feel good thing. Lo and behold, that opened a flood gate...literally! I watched Glenn Kipps (TKE), who I have known since 7th grade and showed up at George Mason and said, "I know you," use paypal to help me to Kenya. Cathy Arcieri Morales (Catie to some now), jumped on paypal and sent a payment for four crosses. Then Nancy Woloshin jumped on...my dearest crafting girlfriend and someone I have loved since I met 21 years ago after Lou and I first got married! Anne Duff Chappell is not far behind. I think she is still trying to figure it out...with now help from me because Karin was the one who got it all started and left me going, "duh".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But that's not enough, Cathy sent me an email that I opened on my phone. I love technology with a photo of her donation. So sweet because otherwise I have to call the church Kenya office to see what people have sent in directly to them. Not a big deal for me to call, but I love a girl so organized!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But that's not enough, I taught my class at the lss (local scrapbook store), and that earned me $30 towards my trip. But that's not enough! The sweet ladies in there gave $120 in extra donations! Yes, $120 extra.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What I'm trying to tell you is that God can make the sun stand still. You just have to ask.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And you can donate directly to me through paypal, which I will forward to NewSpring Church at: <a href="mailto:lbossinger@sc.rr.com">lbossinger@sc.rr.com</a>. Thanks, Karin! DUH!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">One final, irony of the day. I am going on a medical/dental mission. Don't know how I got on that one! But that is where I'm at.</div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-11854938906563727412010-11-30T10:47:00.000-05:002010-11-30T10:47:40.369-05:00I need your help and gratitude: Terri Hale KesslerToday I sent out sixty requests for donations on FB to my TKE friends and scrapbookers I have met through the years at various places and events! <br />
I watch every day as the Spirit moves in the world and amazes me with the generosity of the people I know. I can't do it alone. My motto is, "Getting to Kenya one cross at a time, one donation at a time." <br />
No cross order or no donation is more important than another as quite simply without each one, I cannot get to fulfill my dream to serve in Kenya!<br />
I've told you about some of my amazing sorority sisters. The thing is, over the years, through the joy of FB, we have reconnected, gotten to know each other better, and have even better relationships now! One special girl is Terri Hale Kessler, who I met in 7th grade at Gunston Junior High. Yeah, she scratched out Alice Lee's name on a Valentine card and said, "Oh, I spelled your name wrong."<br />
I can picture it to this day...in the gym locker room. Funny the things we remember. But a simple error took two girls on a ridiculous, and I mean ridiculous journey of friendship, lasting through a move by me to California! Where she called me, as our parents allotted us so many minutes on the phone because back then you had to pay by the minute, to tell me she just cut her finger off by slamming it in the door. She took her mitten off, and the rest of the top of her finger was in the mitten. Gross! HA! But all part of friendship through the years. I moved back to Virginia, and went to George Mason where Terri and I had to pledge the same sorority. She was telling me all about rush and we went in thinking to pledge one cuz of a friend of hers, and wound up in a completely different and fabulous AOII!<br />
Anyway, Terri and I lost touch with each other. Facebook came around and many of us girls reconnected. Everyone who got on here said, "Where is Terri Hale?" <br />
Talk about popular! Everyone wanted to find her. We searched everywhere, and then one day she pops up online! She's Terri Hale Kessler now, but she will always be that funny redheaded girl I met in 7th grade!<br />
Okay, off on a tangent I went. So I posted how I need $68 a day to get to my first goal of $1, 760 by December 19th based on what I have received so far. I only count cash on hand cuz if it's not in my hand, it's not in the church's mission trip fund for me! And lo and behold, lil' Miss Terri Marie Hale Kessler says she will buy me a day!<br />
I nearly cried. I might still. I was humbled. You see, I asked. The Spirit worked. God fulfilled. One day closer! One day, through a beautiful woman I knew at 13 (EGAD scary isn't it!).<br />
Thank you, Terri!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-78320143510157839602010-11-29T10:54:00.000-05:002010-11-29T10:54:29.210-05:00The Sage Writings of Friends and Raising $1,325 by Dec. 19thOkay, I have a very verbose friend who has exceptional writing skills. Far beyond my capacity to express myself. You read about her in my previous blog post...Beverly Tucker Schaeffer. She wrote the most beautiful FB request to her friends to help support me in my fundraising efforts to Kenya. It told her I was going to post it here because it was so beautifully written. Can I find it? No. FB won't let me go back that far. And why didn't I post it when she wrote it? Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda...I'm finally off today. GACK! I wanted to share it. And it's not on her FB page for me to get. Double GACK! Oh well, I shall request she IM me it and post it later! <br />
<br />
I have another helper, too. Her name is Beth Walsh, another Gamma Alpha AOII. Gotta love those girls! I posted about needing to raise another $1,325 by December 19th and she writes, " Well, that's only about 14 friends puchasing about 10 necklaces and/or keychains that they turn around and use as small gifts or stocking stuffers at Christmas with (a note of who made it and why is what I plan to put on the boxes for mine). And a straight out donation towrads the trip is OK, right? And probably tax deductible."<br />
<br />
Then she wrote, "C'mon Greeks -- we don't want Leigh out in front of the supermarket ringing a bell hocking her necklaces. Let's get her to Kenya before she starts thinkjing of which intersections in Florence have the longest traffic lights."<br />
<br />
How I wish I lived near these two! And thank God for FB. They are a delight!<br />
<br />
Anyway, you can purchase my necklaces and/or keychains to give as gifts. To keep for yourself. To share with friends. My keychains hang on backpacks! Kids love backpack tags! That is one way to support me.<br />
Another way is to simply make out a check to NewSpring Church and mail it to me at home or you can mail it directly to the church with a post it note on it - Leigh Bossinger March 2011. Please don't put anything in the memo section. The IRS has a fit. <br />
<br />
The church address is: <br />
NewSpring Church<br />
<br />
Attn: Kenya Trip <br />
PO Box 1407 <br />
Anderson, SC 29622 <br />
<br />
No, I do not want to stand infront of Walmart with a bell hocking my wares. Tres embarrassing, but if it would get me to Kenya, I would do it. I do have my necklaces/keychains at two local businesses who have offered to sell them for me: PurseNalize It and Desert Sun Tanning. Please patronize them, and while you are there, pick up several of my crosses for a good cause!!! All proceeds from the sale of my crosses go towards my mission trip! In addition, to selling them myself, putting them in two local businesses, I am teaching at the local scrapbook store: Scrapbook Concepts. $5.00 from each person who takes the classes I am teaching is going towards my mission trip! And yes, I am sending donation letters out. US MAIL has delivered some, and I"m about to start using FB to contact some people whose addresses I don't have. And yes, I am praying ardently... <br />
<br />
And no, I do not want to stand at Florence's busiest interesection with the longest lights...clearly five points...which is actually six, but who is counting...if you live here, you know exactly where I'm talking about. It's a mess! <br />
<br />
So as they say, leave no stone unturned. And if I have, please let me know what it is so I can fix it. It is my drive, my desire, my heart to get to Kenya to serve!!! Please help me! I can't do it alone!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-58647666396218628432010-11-23T09:57:00.000-05:002010-11-23T09:57:14.667-05:00Beverly Tucker Schaeffer and Stepping Out In FaithBack in the fall of 1982, I pledged AOII at George Mason University with my best friend from high school, Terri Hale Kessler. We were initiated into this sorority founded in 1897 by four ladies...who had no idea Facebook would ever exist. Facebook has allowed many of us from Gamma Alpha Chapter to reconnect. The president when I was a pledge, our pledge trainer (poor woman...we were a rebellious class due to our size and strong mindedness), my fellow pledges, sisters from before me, and sisters who followed me, including my little sister, Theresa Lynch Wheeler. <br />
<br />
One who followed me was a young lady named Beverly Tucker Schaeffer. (Have to use all those married names and maiden names in case people forget your married name!) I had my crew. She had her crew. We shared the bond of sisterhood. <br />
<br />
Now come to 2010, and let me tell you about a conversation we had on Facebook. You see, I have as I have mentioned in previous posts, stepped out in FAITH. I must raise all the money in order to go to Kenya because I don't have it due to some life circumstances. <br />
<br />
<strong>My FB post:</strong> "AOII-Gamme Alpha Chapter... You girls are friggin' awesome! Were, are and continue to be! Thanks to each of you helping me get to Kenya!!!"<br />
(My post was made in response to figuring out I need to bring in $52 a day between now and Dec. 19th to make my goal of $1, 760 by that date. And I just had gotten an order from Terri Hale Kessler for five of my crosses that I have been making like a fiend. $50, plus an order from one of my daughter's friends, making a total of $60 because God is always bigger than my dreams.)<br />
<strong>Bev:</strong> "How closst to goal are you? I mean, I know you're already going, but how goes it???"<br />
<strong>Me:</strong> "Oh no! I'm not already going for sure March 2011. If I can't make my $1, 750 by Dec. 19th, they keep the money raised and push me to a later date! That's my first deadline.The Balance is due Jan. 29th! Right now I have raised a whopping $240 on top of my deposit! I have a ways to go! Now, that is cash in hand. I think I have another $150 in firm orders for crosses. A few more peeps have promised to order...I'm putting along and also will earn $$ for my scrapbook classes...And I've sent out about 40 letters asking for donations... :)<br />
<strong>Bev:</strong> So, put that in layman's terms for this English major. How much more do you need? Just gimme a number. I'll make it happen.<br />
(My heart was aching from joy; tears were filling my eyes from shear amazement. Frankly, I was embarrassed to tell her how big my goal was.)<br />
<strong>Me:</strong> $2,960 total... :) if you make it happen, I'm sneaking u in my luggage! It was $3,500 to go plus $150 deposit.<br />
<strong>Bev:</strong> Lemme see what I can drum up, sweetie. I got on the horn & got two of my coworkers to their goals for their Komen for the Cure walk. God needs you to go, the people there need you to go. Your heart is already there.<br />
<strong>Me:</strong> You are making me cry! and my heart is already there. Not truer words spoken! The bonds of sisterhood surely are special! <3<br />
<br />
1. I could not believe what I was reading! My stepping out in FAITH was being made whole. My friend, Bev, was answering my prayers. Divine intervention at hand. Glorious and beautiful Holy Spirit filled conversation. <br />
2. How could Bev put into words this: "God needs you to go, the people there need you to go. Your heart is already there."? I felt led by God to go on this mission trip. This mission trip reached out and grabbed me, and said this is the one. The people need me, she said, yet I know, I will learn more from them than anything I can humanly do for them. And, "my heart is already there." <br />
Yes, Bev, my heart is already there. You made the sun stand still for me last night. <br />
<br />
I know this mission is meant for me because I kept wavering. Afraid. Afraid to step out in FAITH. It's scary. Stand on a precipice and say, "Lord, I have nothing. You must do it all. I am here willing to serve. Help me." And over the ledge I went because my little sister, Theresa Lynch Wheeler sent me a check to cover my deposit and a piece of my trip. And I continue, not to fall, but to rise because if you step out in FAITH, God will lift you up. And Beverly Tucker Schaeffer is a living example of the Spirit working through people and of goodness and a true heart. <br />
<br />
I can't say thank you. It's is small word for such large gestures. But, I will carry all ofyour names to Kenya in my pocket. And every day, I will say a prayer of THANKSGIVING for God's greatneness in allowing me to serve and each of you for getting me there!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-27221914996775840542010-11-20T10:52:00.000-05:002010-11-20T10:52:53.918-05:00Purse N Alize It (Silver Impressions)!I used to work at Silver Impressions, now PursNalize it (located next to the Piggly Wiggly on 2nd Loop Road). Yesterday, I went up there and ran in to Jerri, one of the owners. I told her about my mission trip and my crosses, AND THEY AGREED TO CARRY THEM FOR ME! And to make sure even when they have sales that I always get $10 for each one they sell. I'm so excited! That is such a huge blessing and divine intervention! I thought they might do it, but I dared not assume or get my hopes up to far...I must remember the sermon about the day the sun stood still! Quite amazing how God is opening the doors for me to go to Kenya, one cross at a time!<br />
I hope you will go by there and get one of my crosses and while you are in there, browse their amazing personalized gift selection. They have everything! They monogram and engrave!<br />
While at Linn's store, Scrapbook Concepts, I ran into a lady telling me about her Etsy store and how her product has taken off. I have seen some people I know on FB talk about things in their ETSY shops...I got her phone number in case I need help. Next stop Etsy!<br />
Met Laura Broach's mother-in-law today. Lovely woman! She bought a purple cross. While Laura was here with Barbara, she mentioned zipper pulls and back pack tags! Kids love to hang things off their backpacks! <br />
You see, when the door is wide open, you know you are doing the right thing.<br />
Two more goals tomorrow I can't mention...<br />
Now I have to get William Major going...the trend setter that he is! Gotta make his so he can wear it around and show everyone.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-44250240321121533402010-11-19T08:58:00.000-05:002010-11-19T08:58:51.194-05:00Thanks to Desert Sun, The Plaza and Scrapbook ConceptsThank you to Tammy Chapman at The Plaza...my hairdresser and owner of the salon. She is letting me put my crosses in there to see if they sell! So please go by there and get one...or get your hair cut there! That would be good, too! She is awesome!<br />
I'm going to be teaching some classes at Scrapbook Concepts in December. So I hope that everyone will come because all the proceeds I make will go towards my trip!<br />
Susan Overstreet is going to put my crosses in her Desert Suns. So go get a tan or a spray tan and buy a cross and tell her I sent you!<br />
I"m doing everything I can to raise this money and the rest is up to God. I can push my trip out to another time if I can't come up with the funds. I feel motivated and encouraged to keep moving forward. <br />
I'm sure people are starting to get sick of this...but I gotta keep it on the front burner! Donations are accepted! Checks made payable to NewSpring Church. You can mail them to me, and I will forward them to the church! Then I can add you to my list of fabulous supporters!Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-39922932924236286072010-11-17T09:47:00.000-05:002010-11-17T09:47:35.321-05:00Donations and only 32 days left to raise $1,690Progress is slow in the area of raising money. I know it is going to be hard, but the Lord keeps telling me to step out in FAITH, and so I am. This is completely an act of FAITH. I do not have the money to do this myself.<br />
<br />
Now, a bright note in the aspect of fundraising, my cross necklaces and keychains are hits! As soon as the money really starts coming in for them, I will be on fire! Towards my goal of $1,750 I currently have $60. I have paid my deposit already. That means I have $1,690. <br />
<br />
I worry that people are going to get sick of hearing about this, but if I don't keep it in the forfront, it won't happen. <br />
<br />
If I sell 170 cross pendants and keychains, I got it!!!! Then on for the remainder due in January! If 100 people gave $10 each, I would have $1,000 towards my goal. If 50 people gave $20 each...and so on. I try to break it down like that. Small steps into the big picture. Thirty two days left to reach my goal....Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-55381312026003964052010-11-16T15:32:00.000-05:002010-11-16T15:32:53.335-05:00Photos of my horseshoe nail crosses and keychains I am selling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7Bvv_BqWbB7Cld2UIZ5Uxhvd1a0aAjY02LNN_m6MifbtT_yROw8ap5PSJPoWPoh5cJLObSAHNPvkEqaYpmV3KVlaWM2uT54PtV_pIctQzVM_x1r-Y0SnsKfa4eXHtHbkOb0zkw/s1600/cross1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7Bvv_BqWbB7Cld2UIZ5Uxhvd1a0aAjY02LNN_m6MifbtT_yROw8ap5PSJPoWPoh5cJLObSAHNPvkEqaYpmV3KVlaWM2uT54PtV_pIctQzVM_x1r-Y0SnsKfa4eXHtHbkOb0zkw/s1600/cross1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6x0GO8zQGAI53zm951_lAN1NUUpXZbb2Jrt2gdL-EOj-4jqGEWGmlShdav68UualX_jRWtkWlRDA63vtsU2H26U_pEiQjP_OUX2wKKxrlc-55lAqCuxfncNtuTYDmrAeVZOD6A/s1600/wire+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6x0GO8zQGAI53zm951_lAN1NUUpXZbb2Jrt2gdL-EOj-4jqGEWGmlShdav68UualX_jRWtkWlRDA63vtsU2H26U_pEiQjP_OUX2wKKxrlc-55lAqCuxfncNtuTYDmrAeVZOD6A/s320/wire+colors.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWBfuwYfofFCEdAn2L1tJubieyLkLNtN5KE10gVZFdW__ifUH0Po_FY-_qgezWRQzd7xYPHKEqbTOAUBqa8oNvyoGg2Ng64mb6Nav9gxIs8knytHUNHVp5eNkrxWB3TZBvedPcg/s1600/keychain1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWBfuwYfofFCEdAn2L1tJubieyLkLNtN5KE10gVZFdW__ifUH0Po_FY-_qgezWRQzd7xYPHKEqbTOAUBqa8oNvyoGg2Ng64mb6Nav9gxIs8knytHUNHVp5eNkrxWB3TZBvedPcg/s320/keychain1.bmp" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM4_CqGNlJU5RqeJeSGe4OUqITRMR05HF0RiEACNlty0vMijrL-qdLVS37yBskbdSMt6wxcRnu_7c2MEZan27yOa2EoTAocO1IyPdMkopWzN0zUoD3nSc74U4Ix_1J1tDqtv1Lw/s1600/cross2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzM4_CqGNlJU5RqeJeSGe4OUqITRMR05HF0RiEACNlty0vMijrL-qdLVS37yBskbdSMt6wxcRnu_7c2MEZan27yOa2EoTAocO1IyPdMkopWzN0zUoD3nSc74U4Ix_1J1tDqtv1Lw/s320/cross2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-62114700845810581422010-11-15T21:37:00.000-05:002010-11-15T21:37:53.196-05:00Horseshoe Nail cross necklaces and keychainsI am so blessed. I am making crosses wrapped in wire, any color, to raise money for my mission trip. They can be necklaces or key chains and all proceeds go to my trip. This idea came from this cute girl I know at work. The Lord has lead the way and opened the doors. I got my first donation for one today from my friend, Laura. My high school bud, Dorsey, is ordering some. Two of my sorority sisters have placed orders! And three of my small group friends have placed orders, too. I desperately need to raise $1750 by December 19th! I would have to sell 175 crosses or get donations.<br />
I will post a picture of my crosses tomorrow and the current colors of wire I have, but I can get more colors! I feel this idea is blessed!<br />
I am also trying to combine with another person I know who is gig to study at Hillsong in Australia. We can split our proceeds by combining our efforts because he knows different people than me. This will also satisfy my desire to help him achieve his goal.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-47468664436955779402010-11-10T22:13:00.000-05:002010-11-10T22:13:38.725-05:00Kenya Post 2Not too much exciting to say. I really need to do more like get my passport and figure out all these shots. The only thing that freaked me out a little was how the information of the risk of malaria was so alarmingly long. Treatment before trip, treatment during trip, and treatment after you get home. I don't want malaria, and I'm not worried about it, but if I had that kind of personality, the web information would have scared the tar out of me. <br />
I hope that my friends and family will be excited for me to have this experience. Everyone who has gone has said it is life-changing. They went expecting to help and make an impact but came home being helped and being impacted. God will do amazing things, I'm sure.<br />
Please pray for me that I am able to raise the funds for this trip. Even if I can't get it all together for March, I can still use he money I raise for another trip.<br />
Some people ask me why I don't serve in my own community. Why I would go half way around the world to serve when people need help right in our own backyard. Isn't that a bit presumptuous? I do serve actively in my church. And as an extension of that, I would like to reach out in the world. America is a blessed country, and we as Americans enjoy a high standard if living. I feel that as Americans we should be involved in the world. What is a great nation if we only serve ourselves?Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16410571.post-47637461974993362852010-11-09T13:10:00.005-05:002010-11-09T13:19:46.606-05:00Mission to Kenya Update 1I am sending out some letters to family and close friends today. Only 10 so far. Not alot, but I was truly blessed with the very first donation (and you know who you are!) <br /><br />It is hard to ask people for money. It is hard to ask people for money for a mission trip. I am truly stepping out in FAITH on this one, as if I don't raise the cost of the trip: $3,500 through donations, I simply cannot go.<br /><br />I would love to thank everyone personally on my blog and make a list of donors! I will set that up as I get some in and also a little "meter" to track my progress. December 19th isn't that far off so I really need to get in gear.<br /><br />Everytime I think of not going, the Lord puts something in my life that says you need to go. I think that a mission trip is a calling. It is not for everyone as we all have different gifts and talents that can be used in various ways and places. Why me? I do not know, but the Spirit has spoken loudly to me, and so, I will follow.<br /><br />I hope you read and enjoy what I write...and photos eventually. Post a comment. Ask questions if you want. <br /><br />I do worry a bit that people I ask for donations from will wonder how legitimate is this serving in Africa. I will set u direct links, too, on my sidebars for that. Not today. <a href="www.410bridge.org">The 410 Bridge</a> and <a href="www.newspring.cc/kenya">New Spring</a> are directly linked if you have questions or are curious now about my trip which is again March 17-26, 2011.Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10821561224825797978noreply@blogger.com0