Lacrosse...I had no idea this was such a violent game

Until this summer I had never watched a lacrosse game. Oh, my!! I had no idea the game was so violent. They smack each other with sticks. In the audience I can hear the WHAP! They push. They shove. Pulling a face mask is obviously out and there were some times that penalty flags were thrown, I can't really explain what made those actions illegal while others were acceptable. My dear Paublito was playing. I've been wanting to see him play for years and always seemed to miss the games. I am so glad I had the privilege to do so this trip!

Here is a photo of him in his gear.

Have you ever seen a lacrosse game? What did you think?

College basketball is still my favorite, but I could be a lacrosse fan.

Sheri

take me out to the ball game

Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack (or a funnel cake), I don't care if I never get back,

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, at the old ball game.

What a lovely summer it's been. I am glad we were able to partake in a good American pastime, baseball.

Sheri

do you know what today is? World Humanitarian Day

I love me a good farmer's market...

Farmer's Markets are the best! For many years I have been visiting the farmer's market in City Market in Kansas City. It is in the heart of the city, which I love. I usually skip breakfast because I intend to buy some fruit like cherries and some baked goods from the Amish. Mmmmm....I can close my eyes and be back there right now. Enjoy the pictures while I daydream...

Here is the entrance

backdrop of skyscrapers

look at all those fruits and vegetable

this person came prepared with their handcart. I need me one of them next time.

In the fall and spring I would buy my flowers for pots here. In the summer I would buy all my produce. It used to be such an unusual event. In Africa  and Asia, outdoor markets are the typical means to buy groceries, but I still love me a good farmer's market! Visit one for me, okay?

Sheri

little eyes are watching...

On our recent home leave I was reminded of a saying I have not heard in years:

There are little eyes upon you, watching you night and day.
These little eyes and ears take in everything you say!
Their little hands are eager to do what you do, And dreaming of the day to be like you!...

In 2009, one of my young cousins was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up. I was just listening to the conversation and was not part of it. She said, "I want to do what Sheri does."

"What does Sheri do?"

"She helps people in other countries."

I don't even know how she knew that. My aunt later told me that my young cousin loves looking at the pictures I email. After I left New Mexico I got an email from this young cousin. She was making jewelry for sale and wanted to give the money to help kids in Africa. She then recruited a couple more cousins to help with the project and had a commitment from her step-dad to match whatever they were able to make. Below is a picture of them selling some of their jewelry. Aren't they precious? Love them!

I am praying God plants a dream in their heart. That God takes them on a great adventure. I never imagined a life like this, I didn't even know such opportunities existed. Step-by-step Providence led me down a path that brought me here. I know they were each created for a purpose. I pray they discover their purpose and that they make wise choices allowing them to live that purpose. The best decision I ever made was commiting my life to Christ and following His lead.

Little eyes are watching...

When in Virginia I spent time with the Williams family. I love this family. I have loved these kids since they were much younger. The oldest is now graduated from high school and off to college this month. They left at 4am for a family trip the same day we were leaving to Kansas City. I was sad that I did not get to give them a proper good-bye. I woke to a surprise that brought tears to my eyes...it was a spontaneous note from the oldest son thanking me for being an example of someone willing to "be the change I want to see in the world."

Little eyes are watching...

In Kansas City we stayed with a friend of mine from grad school.  Her daughter is 20 years old and about to be a mother herself. This is another family that is very special to us. I had some great talks with this young lady about the future and her dreams. On our last night she left a thank you note and a small gift in our room. Again, I was surprised and teary.

Little eyes are watching...

I don't share this to brag on myself. I share this to make a point. I am not a parent. I still consider myself young. However, there is a generation of younger people behind me and I have the opportunity to invest in them, a responsibility to be a good example to them.

Why? Because, little eyes are watching...

What little eyes are watching you? Are you setting an example worth following?

Sheri