So much happening...Had a nice relaxing Friday night with Claire and Stuart. After Will and Teresa left us at dinner to head to Calvary, we took the kids for ice cream, rented movies, then went to their house to watch movies and last episode of Monk. They are dear children! I slept most of the day Saturday...not feeling 100%. Still have health issues but am having some testing done this month. I'm sure it's minor. Thoroughly enjoyed the AL and FL match but didn't expect FL to perform so poorly. TX game was good also. Sun. morning Dickie spoke at Three Sails. We met at a nice home out on the deck by the pool. Dickie kicked off his flip-flops and taught the lesson barefoot. Next Sunday he will be back in long-sleeved shirt and tie. Ya gotta go with the flow! Like I've said before, flexibility is the key. Sunday evening we attended Cruz Bay then went out to eat with Will and Teresa. It was a good time for us to regroup, compare notes, and discuss some things we need to commit to prayer. Dickie and I will attend a pastor's meeting on St. Thomas Tues. night to make 2010 plans with them. We hope to have some ideas and dates for Calvary Tupelo people who are interested in coming down between January and May. Can't wait to come home in 2 weeks!!!!

We had a beautiful sail to the British Virgin Islands over the Thanksgiving Holidays with the Newcomers. They are so generous to share their boat with us and it was a neat experience. We attended the "Singspiration" last Sunday afternoon at Calvary Baptist Church. Mark this down - the Newcomers and Rheas (Rheacomers) were asked to get up and sing a song, and we did! Life is an adventure. Had a good first Advent Bible Study with Three Sails group on Tuesday night. Teresa led and did a great job. We will meet on Tuesdays during December. I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit, but it's hard when the temperature is in the 80's, and we can go swimming any afternoon. Must get my Christmas list out and get started soon.
It's interesting to be this close to Christmas and not feel the stress of it. Our decorations consist of a red bow and a string of lights. There is no Christmas baking to do because my oven doesn't work. Maybe it's better to focus on the real meaning than on all the "extras" we pile on ourselves during the holidays.
Counting the days till we go home on the 21st. I can't wait to see my boys!!!
Spent some time in the clinic last night and this morning. Been having chest pain but we've ruled out heart and lungs. Probably just gas! Will wait and see what develops.
Please pray for patience with my second-graders at this time. They are all worked up about the holidays and discipline problems seem to escalate.
Thanks for reading!!

Still very hot here - supposed to be high 80s - 90 this week. We are excited about going on a Thanksgiving sail with the Newcomers. They didn't want me moping around missing the boys, so they are taking us to the British Virgin Islands nearby. Looking forward to seeing the sights - just hope I don't get seasick!
Dickie is speaking at Three Sails Church this Sunday. They're the church I told you about before that met on the beach, but now Park and Rec has asked them to leave that area. They have met in 4 locations in 4 years! Now they are meeting in the home next door to Will and Teresa. How awesome is that!! God definitely has a plan. The Newcomers will begin an advent Bible Study in their home on Tuesday nights beginning next week. We have met so many people and it's nice to have someplace to invite them to worship and study. Can't wait to see where God takes this.
I have a quote I use down here at times: "Where am I?" I use it when things happen like driving down the road in the dark and almost hitting a huge cow by the side of the road; when I see a large iguana at school; when I see a head of cauliflower that costs $8.50; when I try to understand people who speak at least 3 different Caribbean dialects!

We had a great weekend on St. Thomas at the Paradise Pastor's Conference. I attended a session on Intentional Community Evangelism led by a member of the North American Mission Board. It was really convicting, and gave us and some of the church members on St. John some good ideas for future ministry.
Dickie was asked to go look over a mission building to see what condition it is in. It's located on the East side of the island and is co-owned by Calvary and Cruz Bay churches. The women at Calvary have been praying about re-opening the mission and about how God wants it used in their community. Teresa and I are working with that women's group to help them get some things going. We will go out to the mission building this afternoon after school, and we are very excited about the possibilities for ministry there!!
Dickie was also asked by Three Sails Church (anglo and meets on beach) if he would consider speaking for them sometime. This church is struggling because their pastor has left due to personal problems. Please pray for Dickie - that God will lay on his on heart what to share with this congregation and how to encourage them during this difficult time.

Things I hope I will never take for granted again: walking to the mailbox and visiting with a neighbor, my laundry room, clean water from the faucet, my church family, the morning paper.

Stephen and Rebecca spent 6 hours shopping for their wedding gift registry in Birmingham on Saturday. Yes, he survived!! I can't believe it's actually happening. So exciting!

We are going with the Newcomers to a Pastor's conference on St. Thomas this weekend and are really looking forward to meeting with several of them to nail down some ministry plans. Calvary Baptist on St. John should hopefully begin building their new sanctuary soon. Will keep you posted on that.

Dickie and Will have gone to the British Virgin Islands today to bring the sailboat over. It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it!

I'm sure it will be something else Dickie can add to his repertoire.

Really enjoying spending time with Claire and Stuart. We pooled our food together last night and then played a game. Great family time for the "Rheacomers," as Claire calls us now.

We picked up a young lady who was hitching a ride the other night - a darling twenty-something-year-old who told us she has lived all over. We dropped her off in the dark night in the woods where she asked us to, and I wondered "Whose daughter is that on this island hitching rides in the night?" I worry about her. I pray that each person we come in contact with will prayerfully remain in our minds and hearts.
We gave a ride to a man on Sunday morning who moved down here with his mother from Mass. After her husband of 60 years passed, she couldn't get over the depression, so they came here to their house on the water. We will pray for them to find the real Source of peace.
We are attending a Pastor's Conference on St. Thomas the last weekend of this month. It will be a time for us to meet with them and nail down some ways t0 help their churches. We will let you know what groups/individuals can do down here to help soon. Conference planning has consumed much of the pastor's time, and we look forward to it with much anticipation. Pray that the Lord will lay out plans for us.
School is out, but 2 second-grade boys are still hanging out in my room playing with a tennis ball. Feels like old times!!

THE NEWCOMERS ARE HERE!!! We are so happy to have familiar faces around us!!! Met them Saturday at the airport, helped them unload luggage at new home (very nice), and then went to J.J.'s in town to get Stuart a cheeseburger. He's a growing, hungry boy! Sunday morning we took them to Three Sails (beach church) so they could meet some of their neighbors. After the service we enjoyed the water for a little while. Then we attended Cruz Bay Baptist where Dickie brought the message about church members finding their place of service, whether it be out front or behind the scenes.
Will and Teresa are taking care of business today (computer, phone, bank, etc.) Please pray that they will find a vehicle that is safe and affordable.
Chris Maynard arrives on Thursday. We are really looking forward to her visit. She will prayer walk with us, share with some ladies at Teresa's home on Saturday, help out at the school, and sweat off 20 pounds! It's incredibly hot down here!!!
I've told you about the hog that visits our yard occasionally. Dickie looked out the window the other day and said, "Well, the whole family's here!" It was mom and dad hog, and 8 little piglets. I'm telling you, it's wild kingdom!
Keep us in your prayers as we seek God's will for our ministry here with the Newcomers.

We now have cable TV! Can keep up with what's going on in the world, but especially with SEC football.
Dickie will be leading Wednesday evening services at Cruz Bay Baptist during the month of October. The pastor asked him to lead a study on the end times. He has also been working on some physical improvements at the "Ranch." He is greatly missed on the days he isn't here at the school, because people have learned to depend on him for so many things.
We are excited that the Newcomers will arrive this Saturday to work alongside us! We have already scheduled a ladies' lunch at Teresa's house for Saturday, Oct. 10. I'm not sure much fellowship like this takes place, so it will be a lot of fun to get some folks together.
My boys are doing well. Joseph is enjoying Seminary. Stephen is finishing up his senior year and has his future father-in-law for a tough computer class. Daniel is happy at State and has become a houseboy for DeeGees. He gets to eat lunch and dinner there.
My future daughter-in-law, Rebecca, e-mailed me a picture of her wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses! It makes me feel included in the plans although we are far away. So thankful for her!

Churches in the Baptist Association on St. Thomas met together in one church last night and we attended there. Met several of the pastors' wives and we had a good time of worship together. We rocked the house! Sun. morning we attended Three Sails on the beach and had a long conversation with the worship leader following the service. He shared with us how difficult it is to live here at times, and that marriages are often attacked and threatened. He shared that this is a place to come to where there is great tolerance for many things; he also shared about the feelings of darkness he encounters. I'm grateful that we can encourage one another and hopefully we will get to know some of these folks better.
Will, Teresa and the kids arrive this Saturday!!! Chris Maynard is coming for a visit next week. Can't wait to see some familiar faces from Tupelo!
Learning that some of my kids are from home situations that are much less than ideal. I guess this is true anywhere there are children. Pray that I can get to know the parents better. Some of these kids get picked up by somebody different each day.
Miss all of you!!

Words to a song we sing at Thursday night Bible Study which have been meaningful to me:

Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His love; let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul. Oh, let Him have the things that hold you and His Spirit like a dove, will descend upon your life and make you whole.
Oh, come and sing the song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy; lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name. Oh, give him all your tears and sadness, give Him all your years of pain, and you'll enter into life in Jesus' name.
Jesus, oh Jesus, come and fill your lambs. Jesus, oh Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Just completed reading through Acts. Oh, to be as bold, confident, and persistent as Paul!!

Still on wi-fi in town - very difficult to get computer service at school and the red tape is very long!!
We discovered a church on the beach this past Sunday morning called Three Sails. Very nice people. We met their youth leader who graduated from Auburn about 5 years ago and he reminded of the precious ones in our Sunday School class back home. It was good to find this group of folks to identify with in many ways.
This Sunday we plan to attend the church on St. Thomas which wants to begin an outreach to farmers in that community. Please pray for those doors to open for Dickie.
Hearing good things about revival services at Calvary Tupelo. We sure miss all of you, and are overwhelmingly blessed by the many letters and contacts we receive. It just blows us away and makes us feel very loved and supported!!
Personally, most of my days are going well, but occasionally those ol' tears fall and I get physically homesick. But it passes, and I move on. Following God's leadership is always the right thing to do, but sometimes it leads over rocky roads. Guess that's the only way we can grow and change sometimes. I'm sure I'll look back on this adventure someday and say, "Oh, so that's why He had us go there!!"
A little girl at school who gets on my last nerve writes me the sweetest notes but she can't get her work done! God blesses me through her each day.
Praying for you all!

Computer still on blitz at school, so we can get 15 minutes at a WI-FI spot in town!
Still plugging along at school and liking second grade. Dickie is pretty much full time doing whatever they need and being a disciplinarian when needed. The pastor asked him if he would drain the sewage pump each day, so I'm glad Dickie finished his doctorate before he came down here! It's all about service. We are trying to find out what the needs are, and where we can best fit in. Dickie is still leading Thursday night Bible Study at Calvary and speaking on Sundays in churches when needed. This Sunday we will attend a worship service at Cinnamon Bay on St. John to see what is available for tourists - do some frontrunning before Will and Teresa get here on Oct. 3 (Yay!). We have made aquaintances, but not really friends yet. People here are not exactly what you would call warm and fuzzy. Takes a while to break the ice, get past racial and cultural barriers, etc.
Continue to pray for us as God opens doors for new relationships and opportunities to serve. I still get homesick (especially on weekends) and am working through that as it comes. Is overwhelming at times. Have been reading in Acts about how much of the ministry was encouragement. It seems like that is a large part of what we are doing, and that's OK! Just being open to His leadership and His will for us while we are here. Love and miss all of you!!!!

Well, we made it to September. Still blazing hot here, but we have both lost some weight because of it! It's too hot to eat very much and we drink water constantly, plus we like to walk to town from school some days to get an after-school treat. I'm really glad I was moved from Kindergarten to 2nd. It's still hard, hot work, but the children are well-trained. I pray for and encourage the young Kinder. teacher every day!! I get to teach a 30-minute Bible lesson each morning, and the students are so eager to learn about it - a real highlight of my day!
It's a lot quieter at "The Ranch" without Georgia there. We miss her, but we know she is doing the right thing with her daughter. She did say that there is a possibility she may return after Christmas, depending on her daughter's health.
Talked to Teresa Newcomer last night and they really need someone to rent their house. I told her that if God leads them to stay in Tupelo, then don't feel responsible for us down here. Those were really hard words for me to say. What I really wanted to say is, "You better get yourselves down here as fast as you can!!" Now wouldn't it be a real hoot if God kept them in Tupelo with us planted down here?! I'm believing that He will provide.
Going to write plans for tomorrow.

We had a very busy day today! This morning, we drove over to Coral Bay where Dickie spoke at Calvary Baptist about being a light in this world. We then took the Lukes to eat a sandwich at Cinnamon Bay restaurant and had a good visit with them. He asked Dickie if he would work with a group of 4-5 from his church and teach them how to share their faith with others. As we were leaving, we ran into Pastor Terrence Jones and his wife Sharon from St. Thomas. We had already met him, and she is just precious! He told Dickie about a pastor's meeting on their island next Tues., Sept. 8 so he plans to go there to see what their needs are. We are looking forward to working with Pastor's Conference over there in Oct. Most of the speakers are Southern Baptist Pastors or NAMB employees.
Georgia left today and we will miss her greatly. Good news - she talked like she might come back in Jan. if things are going well with her daughter!
As we work here, we are mentally filing away projects which can be done by people who want to come from Tupelo. Plenty to do here everywhere we look. We are also considering where work groups could stay and it looks like that wouldn't be a problem or financial burden on anyone. The most expensive thing here is food!
I begin my first day tomorrow as a 2nd grade teacher. I'm very excited about that!
Dickie speaking tonight at Cruz Bay Baptist on the ministry of the Spirit in us.

I had no idea that a five-year-old could drive me to tears. I have a Master's Degree in Special Education, have raised 3 sons, and I have no idea what to do with some of these kids. Well, I know what I want to do and what they need, but I am not allowed to do that. Had one young lad get mad at me today and he rolled around on the floor and then proceeded to knock over chairs. There is nowhere to send him. We have a principal but she has to teach 1st grade. What to do?!
Most of these kids are precious. I'm thinking about putting all the ill-behaved ones at one table and just let them go at it! I've heard words you only hear in R-rated movies.
Georgia is leaving on Sunday. We will miss her! It will be Dickie and me in one apartment, and Mr. Riley in the other (below us).
Dickie stayed at the Ranch today to do some work around there. You know what the scouts say: "Leave it better than you found it."
We will go to Calvary Baptist tomorrow night for Bible Study, then Dickie will speak there on Sun. morning. Have talked to a local person about becoming involved in tourist ministry! We need local involvement so the work can be carried on after we leave. Thanks for all your prayers!

First Day of School!

Just completed 1st day of Kindergarten. WOW! Had no idea what I was in for. Will have to regroup and form a new plan of attack. I'm not at Calvary anymore!!!
Sunday on St. Thomas went well. The worship service started at 11:00 and Dickie began speaking at 12:45; lots of music, talking, etc. The woman who made announcements even gave the seniors a lecture about signing up for SAT, college applications, etc. Pastor Zamore and his wife, Michelle, took us out to lunch and we really had a good visit. He is very excited about starting a tourist/dock ministry and wants us to help get that started here. On the way to the ferry, they stopped to buy us some butter bread, than a milk shake, which is served with alcohol unless you specify differently! Don't worry - we ordered without.
Really enjoyed our respite on St. Thomas - clean hotel, a little beach time, now back to work!
Sad news: our new friend, Georgia, who lives with us at the Ranch found out today that her daughter has cancer. She will be leaving within a few days. She has been our angel since we arrived and I will miss her terribly! Please pray for her.
Good news: We have wheels! A 2000 Jeep Wrangler is now sitting in the parking lot to take us home. Soon we will go to St. Thomas and do a much-needed K-Mart run.
Saw a mouse in my apartment this morning. It's Wild Kingdom down here!

Open House Tonight!!

Think I am finally ready for Open House tonight! Have learned that people in this community really think a lot of this school, and church members pitch in to help get it ready. This is a very dusty place.
We may have found a vehicle! 93 Jeep Wrangler for $4,000! Won't we look cool. Will wait and see if it's still available after our money has transferred to our new checking account here, which took us 2 hours to open yesterday. Island time!
Leaving island tomorrow to go to St. Thomas where Dickie will speak at a church Sun. morning. We hope to learn about their needs as we meet with them Sunday. A sweet couple from Calvary Tupelo has paid for us to stay in a motel there! Bathtub, here I come! I might even use 2 towels!!! God is good!
People in these churches are so matter-of-fact about their faith. A good lesson for me. They speak of things of God like we speak of movies, books, shopping, etc. They don't seem to take things for granted like I do. I have a lot to learn...
A very large iguana hanging around outside my classroom this morning! EEEK!!!

Sweating! This a hot place. I promise I will quit saying that. Dickie and I are working hard at the school. He is mostly computers and whatever else anyone needs done. I'm going through a mess of stuff in my room and deciding what to use and not use.

We are staying in town tonight, walking around looking for car for sale. We will eat at J.J.'s because a waitress told us last week that she is leaving the island. We want to say good-by, and she might have a vehicle.

Got to get back to work!

I don't think I will ever take my home for granted again. Learning to be thankful for what I do have rather than what I don't have.
-don't have a bathtub but have an indoor bathroom with shower and warm water
-don't have a car but have sweet Georgia to take us around, a public bus, and 2 good legs
-don't have clean water from a faucet but have stove to boil water on
-don't have windows but have screens to keep bugs and other critters out (sometimes)
-don't have a dryer but have clotheslines and a lot of hot air blowing

Let's be thankful for what we have!!

so much to tell...Sat. morning we were treated to a 2-hr. island tour by an elderly gentleman from the church. was raised here so had many stories to tell. spent sat. evening at Calvary Baptist Church Camp (primitive!) in Coral Bay and attended church there, then ate lunch at Pastor Luke's home; a precious godly couple who have a true burden for the lost. They brought us back to the Ranch (our home) in the back of a large pick-up with benches! After a quick jaunt to the beach to cool off, we attended services at Cruz Bay Baptist. Today we are working at school. Kids start next Mon. Dickie invited to speak at Pastor Zamore's church on St. Thomas Sun. morning.
Pray that the Lord will raise up workers at Calvary Baptist Coral Bay to assist Pastor Luke.
Pray that the Lord will give Cruz Bay Baptist a heart to reach out to the community.

to paraphrase Pastor Luke: "Today is the day the Lord has made. When it is gone, we will not see it again. We need to use it serve the Lord." - my new mantra

Wanted to finish some thoughts. God is sifting me already. He's helping me learn to take my eyes off myself and my comfort. There are not many distractions at the Ranch, so I am already more focused on Him and His Word. It's me and God, and me and Dickie!

Speaking of Dickie, he is a real trooper - consistent, faithful, calm. Please pray for him as God sets out a path for him while we are here.

A church member is taking us around the island tomorrow. Then we are spending the night at the camp on East end of island and going to Pastor Luke's church (Calvary) on Sunday. Another adventure!

Love and miss you all

We are here!

We have been here for 48 hours, and I can't begin to tell you all that we have experienced. Here is an abbreviated update:
Great travel, met by a pastor from St. Thomas who came over on ferry with us, met at St. John by very sweet Georgia (has been volunteer here for 3 years) who took us to our new home at The Ranch; honestly, I had to fight tears when I saw it - 4 miles from town up in the trees, can't drink water, flush toilet paper, no air conditioning or windows (only screens), pen of dogs outside window, roosters crowing, building very public and shared with others (even though we have our own little corner of the building); it is a concrete building with apartment set up in each corner. Have small gas stove, nice refrigerator, bedroom, kitchen table and basics.

This is more difficult than I imagined. I cried each time I talked to somebody from Tupelo the first day and evening we were here. Today, I finally called the boys because I could carry on a conversation without crying. Dickie is fine!

Today we are at the school working (he is setting up computers, I am learning about the A Beka Curriculum) so it's a better day. Georgia wants to take us to the beach later for a hamburger.

Some funny stuff: Since we are without a car, we hitched a ride to town yesterday (safe here) to walk around and buy some groceries. Waited one and one half hours to catch public bus home. Got home after dark, and it is very dark at the ranch. A good initiation for us!!
Groceries on the island are double what they are at home. After we get a vehicle we can go to St. Thomas to K-Mart which will help some.

Goodbye.....for now!

We actually about to leave Tupelo! I had no idea there was so much to take care in order to leave for 9 months! Whew!

The boys will take us to Atlanta for an early morning flight out and we should arrive St. Thomas at 2:40 p.m. A pastor is meeting us at the airport, then riding over on the ferry to St. John with us to meet my new friend, Georgia!

Please pray for me to have strength as I say goodbye to the boys! Not too many tears!!

I will post pics of my apartment at "The Ranch" ASAP.

Moving In, and Moving Out!

We spent the day in Starkville getting Daniel's stuff situated in a house. He is in a good situation, with Daniel Wynn as one of his roommates. He visited with a man at the printing center about a part-time job during school, so this is a good thing also.

Now I have seen where all of the boys will be situated while we are gone. Please pray for their safety, health, and discernment during this semester.

I guess we will actually pack ourselves beginning this weekend!

Pre-adventure plans

Overwhelming is the word for the day concerning this adventure! Preparing ourselves for 9-month travel is one thing, but moving three young men back to college and seminary in other cities adds a whole different twist to the mix! I know it will all get done. God has given me a peace about this that is unexplainable. I must admit there are times when I'm "not feelin' it" and wonder if we are out of our minds. Then I rest a while, put it into perspective, and move on in His strength!