Expanding the Reach of the Gospel in...Florida

Missions Team from Wisconsin

2008-08-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

A Smile Goes a Long Way

2008-08-25T13:37:00.001-07:00

Accident in the Tribe

2008-08-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Road Trip from Mexico to Florida

2008-08-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

New Tribes Mission Headquarters

2008-08-25T13:14:00.001-07:00

Moving In

2008-08-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

My New Class 2008-2009

2008-08-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Molly Graduates from St. Louis University as a Physician Assistant

2008-02-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

I'm a Proud Big Sister!

2008-02-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

Molly is Hooded and Receives Three Honors!

2008-02-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

She Done Graduated!!!

2008-02-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

At the Reception

2008-02-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

My Sweet Family

2008-02-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Three Sisters

2008-02-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

Learning About the Feast of Tabernacles in our Classroom

2007-11-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

Erika and I Enjoying Thanksgiving Day

2007-11-26T18:35:00.000-08:00

The Funnest Part

2007-11-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

The Gals: Erika, Emily, Dorothy, Lisa and Christy

2007-11-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

Erika and I enjoyed inviting friends over for the holiday. Kevin and Lisa Lewis (a new missionary family), Juan and Dorothy Miranda (students in training to be missionaries), Rafa Lopez (student in traning to be a missionary) and Christy Chang (a highschool student who was staying with us at the time) ate dinner in our home. What sweet fellowship!

The Guys: Kevin, Michael, Lee, Juan and Rafa

2007-11-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

Proud of my Pumpkin Pie! My Favorite!

2007-11-26T18:19:00.000-08:00

October 19th: "Fake Injury Day" at School and Miss Drake's Birthday

2007-10-20T01:55:00.000-07:00

Esther Brings Homemade Cheesecake...my Favorite!

2007-10-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Boquet from Olivia

2007-10-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

"Surprise, Miss Drake"!

2007-10-20T01:44:00.000-07:00

While I was in the teachers' lounge over lunch break, when my class is normally outdoors for noon recess, my students snuck back inside the building and decorated the classroom for a party. With the supervision of one parent, they pulled it off without me knowing. My students planned the party all by themselves. They had sent notes home with each student the day before, had different kids bring different items for the party and had everything that they needed. Wow! Talk about team work! How special!

Did Someone Say..."Party"?

2007-10-20T01:41:00.000-07:00

The Scrumptious Brownies

2007-10-20T01:36:00.000-07:00

Philip, pictured in front, brought the yummy brownies. Claudia, standing next to me, is one of my parents and helped the kids pull off the surprise party.

The Party Planners: Emma, Adeliz, Andrea

2007-10-20T01:34:00.000-07:00

Where Do I Start?

2007-09-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

We're a Great Bunch!

2007-09-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

Do I Look LIke the Guys Behind Me???

2007-09-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Miss Drake's Corner

2007-09-11T10:10:00.001-07:00

Weekly Jobs

2007-09-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Reading Center

2007-09-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Our Classroom Pets

2007-09-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

1st-2nd Graders Hard at Work

2007-09-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back to School Party

2007-09-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

New Year...Some New Staff 2007-2008

2007-09-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog!

2007-08-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

I recently uploaded pictures from my summer in Wisconsin. For those of you who don't already know, I participated as an intern in Children's Ministries at Oakwood Church. I enjoyed working with children in a variety of settings from the inner city, to backyard VBS clubs, to a Creative Arts Camp (music and drama focus) to our closing church VBS. I am grateful to the Lord for the time He gave me over the summer to spend with my sisters in MO for a weekend and friends and supporters in the local area. I returned to Mexico on August 6th. School started yesterday!

Teaching Children In Inner City Milwaukee

2007-08-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Spending Time with Them

2007-08-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

Teaching a 5th-8th Grade Bible Study

2007-08-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Throwing Mini Marshmallows to Teach About Moses and the Manna God Provided

2007-08-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

Closing in Prayer

2007-08-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Leading a Spanish Song During Creative Arts Camp

2007-08-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

My Super Book Olympics Sunday School Class

2007-08-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Saying Goodbye to Oakwood Church on July 29th

2007-08-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Susie, Carol and Emily

2007-08-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

Carol (middle) is the Director of Children's Ministries at Oakwood Church. Susie and I were her summer interns and have learned so much about reaching children for Christ.

Meet Neal and Carolyn (on right)

2007-08-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

This summer I stayed with Neal and Carolyn. They are a dear couple who I will sorely miss when I return to MX. They have made my time here so special.

Reunited This Summer...July 6th-9th

2007-07-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

I love it how when I least expect it, the Lord works out all the details to see family again. Two days before I flew to KC, I learned Molly was driving that way from St. Louis for the weekend. I never thought I would make it there to see Kelly (on left) and Molly (in middle). However, the Lord had a cheap ticket out there waiting just for me (I'm sure of it!). I was able to purchase it with a two day notice! Imagine that! We had a great weekend together, brother-in-law and nephew included. Thank you, Lord!

Sweet Time Together Way Too Early in the Morning!

2007-07-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard of a two year old sleeping in? Well, not in this house! What fun to have Xander come running into the living room bright and early in the morning where my sister, Molly, and I were sleeping on the floor the day after we arrived. He squealed with delight when he saw us on the air matress. He eagerly joined us. We had fun waking up to his giggles and cuddles. What a sweet boy!

"I Love my Mommy!"

2007-07-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

My youngest sister, Kelly, and her son, Xander. I think they like each other!

Is He Blowing a Kiss???

2007-07-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

Falling Asleep Eating a Peanut Butter Sandwich

2007-07-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Can you see the sandwich below the tray? It had just slipped out of his hand. Precious!

Singing at the End of the Year Banquet

2007-06-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

This year's seniors asked Erika and I to sing at their banquet. We chose to sing a recent new rendition of "Take My Life". We really enjoy singing together. It went very well.

Saying Goodbye to the Seniors

2007-06-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

End of the Year Dinner with Teaching Staff

2007-06-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

Last Day of Classes...Open House for Parents

2007-06-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Making Cookies for an English Class Party

2007-06-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

2007-06-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

What fun to see on Mother's Day!

Rain Brings Cacti Alive

2007-05-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

We're Off to the "Nombre de Dios" Cave on a Field Trip

2007-05-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we enjoyed a field trip to the cave located in the mountains on the outskirts of Chihuahua. Besides two kids that were pretty fearful the whole way through, we enjoyed stopping in each of the themed rooms and hearing explanations given by our guide. He was kind enough to give me a minute to translate the information over into English for my students. We had a great time together.

Searching for Stalactites and Stalagmites

2007-05-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

A Column

2007-05-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Girls

2007-04-15T00:36:00.001-07:00

Emma, Adeliz, Abigail, Andrea, Brianna and Annie

The Boys

2007-04-15T00:34:00.002-07:00

James, Keenan, Dany, Jacob, Josue and Makeda

Before...

2007-04-15T00:34:00.001-07:00

After...

2007-04-15T00:33:00.002-07:00

Brianna Writing a Story

2007-04-15T00:33:00.001-07:00

Jacob, Josue and Abigail Hard at Work

2007-04-15T00:32:00.000-07:00

We Begin Fourth Quarter April 17th!!!

2007-04-15T00:31:00.000-07:00

Mirador Sunset

2007-04-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

If you stick around at the restaurant, Mirador, which I mentioned below you can catch a sunset like this. Wow! I love the tiki light and cathedral off in the background all lit up.

Eating Dinner at Mirador

2007-04-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

Mirador is a restaurant on top of one of the mountains here in Chihuahua. It overlooks the city. It's a great place to visit at night!

Michelle, Erika's Friend from College, Visits Mexico

2007-04-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

What fun to meet Erika's friend, Michelle, from Moody Bible Institute.

We took her all over the city. This particular day, it was quite hot. As you can see, we had to take a minute and pop into a hole in the wall and buy some "Horchata" and Lime slushy drinks. They were so refreshing!

I Can See You!

2007-03-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Music in the Square

2007-03-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Emily and Erika (my roomate) in Front of Cathedral

2007-03-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

Looking Up

2007-03-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

I Love Teaching...Can You Tell?

2007-03-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

Drills and More Drills

2007-03-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

Feedback is Key!

2007-03-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ely Leads Phonetics Drill All by Himself!

2007-03-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

Yum...Yum!

2007-03-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

We had a marshmallow roast for my English class. It was a cold day and made for a perfect treat during snack time.

Big Kids Like Them, Too!

2007-03-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

Holding the Moon In My Hand

2007-03-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

When I came out of English class one afternoon, the moon was hanging right above a mountain. I had to get the camera and take some fun pics. Neat, huh?

Meet Erika Van Kirk...my new roomate!

2007-02-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

Erika grew up in Mexico and after graduating from Moody Bible Institute last May came back to teach music. We hit it off instantly and a couple of weeks ago she moved into my home.

Enjoying One Another's Company

2007-02-21T14:03:00.000-08:00

It has been such a blessing to have, Erika, as a new roomate. We are having a great time together!

This is a First!

2007-01-31T15:35:00.000-08:00

I had to clean off the car with a towel! Who has a snow brush here in MX?

It Snowed Again!

2007-01-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday morning we woke up to this! Wow! These are some of our students walking to school (the building straight ahead through the trees).

It's Always Great to Have Good Friends!

2007-01-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Miss Barbara Russ

2007-01-31T14:45:00.000-08:00

Miss Russ is our school's kindergarten teacher. She comes from Oregon. I appreciate all the advice and wisdom she has shared with me since I started teaching 1st-2nd grade here in MX.

Tribal Retreat Praise and Worship

2007-01-28T15:21:00.000-08:00

Praise and worship was led by Australian missionary, Andrew Ferguson, who just recently moved into the Lajas tribe with his wife and four children.

Tribal Update from Barry Wingo

2007-01-28T15:08:00.000-08:00

Barry and his wife, Candy, are in the final stages of tribal church planting in the Tepehuan tribe. Barry has recently become a language consultant. He travels and mentors others doing language and culture study. He also helps to administer language tests to see if a missionary has completed yet another level of the language.

Tribal Retreat 2007

2007-01-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

This month everyone on our field came together here in the city and enjoyed a tribal retreat that took place at a local church. We enjoyed a devotional time led by visiting Australian missionary, Paul McIlwain. Each day we heard from our tribal missionaries. They gave us an update as to where they are at in their language and culture study, bible translation or teaching of the Word of God in their tribal settings in the mountains. We had a great week together here in town. It was the first time since arriving in MX, that I have been able to see all of the tribal missionaries in one place. After seeing their power points and hearing their presentations, I have been able to place where exactly they work in MX and with what tribal group. This is what it's all about! I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the work that is moving forward here in MX!

Chilly Chihuahua

2007-01-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

It's awfully cold here! Can you believe it? Mexico? I'm drinking lots of hot drinks and thanking the Lord my home has a furnace...hard to come by in these parts.

Let it Snow...Let it Snow!

2007-01-18T13:20:00.000-08:00

I saw snow for the first time in Mexico on January 16th! On Tuesday, just as school was letting out, it started snowing hard. My students were so excited! It continued to fall for several hours. I enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood with a missionary family and then took some fun pics in a local park. It was so nice to watch it fall and once again be in awe of God's creation.

The Three of Us

2007-01-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

I arrived back in MX on January 6th safe and sound. I am back into the swing of things. The new year is going well. I sure miss my sisters though. How grateful I am for the time I had to spend with them during the holiday season! (Pictured above: Emily, Kelly and Molly)

Xander Gives "Auntie Em" A Kiss

2007-01-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

I miss my nephew so much when I'm in Mexico! He grows way too fast!

Together for the Holidays

2007-01-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Emily, Andrew, Kelly(youngest sister) and Xander Skoog, and Molly(middle sister)We had a wonderful time in KC! Happy Holidays!

"Catching Up" Before Christmas Break

2007-01-10T18:04:00.001-08:00

Three of us girls went out for breakfast before leaving for Christmas break. Sarah Anderson is on my left, and Erika Van Kirk is on my right. I am so thankful for these great girlfriends the Lord has provided me with in MX. They love the Lord and are a blessing to spend time with.