Amazing Opportunities

Nearly 10 years ago I sat in a room brainstorming with a smart group of people about creating a mission trip for tweens, ages 11-13. It would be called the "Juniors Trip". I had the privilege of helping create that first Jr. trip experience, hosted their training time and went to Juarez, Mexico to visit 50 tweens on their Jr. Mission trip with Global Expeditions. During that time, never did it cross my mind that one of my own offspring would take part in such a trip.

Bags are packed and excitement is escalating as tomorrow we head to the States. We will spend some time with family in Florida and then head to Texas where Skyler will join her team as they train for their mission trip to Peru. My 12 year old will partake in Global Expeditions, Junior Mission trip! Pretty wild; pretty amazing!

We are so grateful for all the incredible support she received for her trip both from America and South Africa. A special encouragement came from Sky's school. The grade six held a Candy and Cake sale with all the proceeds going toward her trip. It was awesome to see the camaraderie and support from her peers.



Last week at school during chapel they had a special time of prayer and "send off" for Sky as well! I sat in the back holding back the tears just so grateful that my kids are apart of such a wonderful school that put forth the effort to show their support of one of their own. So special!


Skyler, Blake and myself will be in the States/Peru for nearly a month. Rich and Tori will remain on the home front. July is a busy ministry season so Rich will stay back and his 6yr old side kick is quite happy to remain with him.

Please pray for each of us as we engage in the wonderful opportunities set before us and as we do so, separated from each other. God's grace is sufficient!

I hope to update our ventures here over the next few weeks so check back and check out the ministry blog for updates from the field!

Fun & Games

My Sky is turning 12 and requested an Xtreme Games party this year. 10 girls came over to the Franzenfam party venue and had an afternoon of wild and wacky fun.

Here's my girl prior to the "treats table" being demolished....


Let the Games begin....Team Awesomeness (purple) vs. Team Blue Brains (blue)

Using only one's nose and a little Vaseline, teams raced to fill their bowl with cotton balls.





Then using only one's bum, teams raced the clock to see who could pop the most balloons...


And a def. favorite was "Baby Burp"! "Mommies" helped their "baby" dress in baby attire and then each baby had to consume their baby bottle filled with warm 7-Up...the first baby to burp was the winner.


And things got real wacky when 2 of the interns showed up and had a Baby Burp face off.....





Then it was an all hands (and feet) on a game of Twister...



And of course, a break for chocolate sheet cake with strawberries and singing to the b-day girl...


Then it was back to the competition with an Obstacle Course....


Whip cream pie face smashing....





And my personal favorite (but def. not the girls). Apple bobbing.....


Immediately followed by finding the marshmallow in flour.....





As the game wars finished, the girls got cleaned up, polished off some pizza and had a slumber party where no sleep was had!


Sky My, you are a special girl to so many! What a fabulous day of celebrating you with your precious friends.