The Pot of Gold

There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or so the saying goes, well we found it! My first few days in America were spent with the Baumruk families at Rainbow Springs (FL). It was stunning; have a look....

We stayed in a rustic albeit huge house so the 12 of us fit comfortably. These are some views from our balcony.....








We spent 3 full days tubing





Kayaking





Posing for pictures (my Dad and brother are the Baumruk photographers).
This is the "Mama & Kid" picture....Me (in winter white), my 2, Aunt Kelly and the 4 cousins


Making a Splash


After a jump on the rope swing


Not even the rain could stop the fun


Eating lots of good food



Exploring





Playing oodles of card games


And just being wacky


We don't see family much but when we do the time is golden....my rainbow's pot of gold!

Peru 2011

Skyler had an incredible opportunity to go to Peru on a mission trip with Global Expeditions for 10 days this July.

After hearing her numerous stories of fun, ministry, team, new friends, sappy songs, discovered passions, and new found depths in the Lord I will attempt, pathetically I am sure, to share a glimpse of her time.

Sky met up with her team in Garden Valley, Texas at Teen Mania’s headquarters for two and a half days of training.

There they would learn a 16 minute drama called, The Journey, where she would play the part of “Pleasure” in addition to being cast in the crucifixion and resurrection, ending scenes. With drama being a passion, she embraced her new role and despite the 8 hours of practice in the grueling Texas heat (100 + degrees) the team perfected their presentation.

In addition to the awesome worship and various sessions preparing the students for ministry they would end their training time with a special ceremony. 400 torches lit the campus as students (other teams departing to other parts of the globe were there training as well) followed their country flag to an erected cross for a time of Commissioning.



I have been a part of many Commissioning services over the years but this one was extra special as I was now viewing it through my daughter’s eyes.

After our goodbyes (and a few tears) Sky boarded a plane and I would not see her for 10 days. The “Mama thoughts and prayers" began....Would she settle okay?/ "Lord, help her to adjust quickly". Would she make friends?/"Lord, bring her a friend today". What if she got sick?/"Lord, watch over her and keep her healthy"....etc...etc...ETC. :)

While I, along with so many of you, were praying (THANK YOU!!!) she was....

Being led by her 2 Team Leaders and trying her palate to Peruvian things like Inca Kola.


Being cared for by her sweet MA (Missionary Advisor, aka small group leader)


Growing and having fun with her MAG (Missionary Advisor Group...aka small group)


Seeing and experiencing Lima. She went from winter in South Africa to summer (HOT) in America back to winter in Peru. It was damp and cold and she said they never saw the sun.





She was developing a heart for the people of Lima, especially the children.


Doing drama presentations in schools, parks, markets, and orphanages.


Finding her heart stolen by this little cutie.

Sky said the little girl would cry anytime she tried to put her down.

And making friends along the way....





At the end of each trip, peers vote for the team member they feel best exemplified the core values instituted at the beginning of the trip. Any guesses as to who was nominated as the Peru Jr Trip GEM???.......

Such a proud Mama!

As the trip came to an end and the plane returned to Dallas, TX the wait would be over and I would hear first hand how Sky’s trip went. She would have one final day debriefing at Teen Mania...I was able to steal her away during her free-time; she chattered on and I listened as we consumed loads of chips and salsa, enchiladas, and sweet tea! My heart (and stomach) swelled as it became obvious to me that Sky had a picture perfect trip; one that would leave a mark forever.

I have been on, led and helped devise scores of short-term mission trips and I’ve witnessed the impact on not only those being ministered to but the trip participants as well. I can emphatically say, Sky was impacted!

Rich and I are so grateful to her trip leaders and all of those that helped make this trip possible! You sowed good seed and it is bearing fruit! As they would say in Peru, “Muchas Gracias”!!

Taller & More Particular

After 4 weeks in the States the Franzenfam is all together on one continent at the place we call "home".

Sky had a fabulous time and I have pictures to prove it. Once I can get them organized I will be sure to share.

I did however upload a recent pic from the cute girl I spent WAY too long away from. As the kids were getting ready for bed they were told to "lay their clothes out for school tomorrow." Tori did not disappoint....



Apparently not only did Tori grow taller while I was away she grew a bit more particular.

LOVE being back and enjoying the silly things my cute kids do. :)

Pine Cove- Camp 2011

July 2011 is definitely going to be a highlight for Blake and Sky. Not only would Skyler have an awesome experience with her Peru trip set before her but Blake was afforded the American "summer camp" experience.

The night before camp would begin I took Blake for his "last supper". He chose Ci-Ci's pizza (all you can eat pizza buffet) and consumed 10 pieces of pepperoni pizza. When your coming from Africa you really don't need Disney when there are places like Ci-Ci's...Blake walked out a happy boy and for $3.97 compared to a ticket to a Disney park we had a cost savings of $146. (I'll add that to my American shopping spree)


Sunday afternoon it was off to Pine Cove for 5 days of fun! Blake was apart of the Towers Camp....


We were welcomed by dripping wet (so hot outside) happy counselors, some on foot and others on horseback....


I got Blake settled in his cabin....he was a Trufflehunter for the week. Really nice accommodation!!


After meeting his 8 bunk mates we were off to explore. The lake fun.....


And the pool fun....

With the record high's that week reaching 107 F, those 2 would get a lot of use!

We said our goodbyes and he was off for a week of camp fun!

The following Saturday morning I arrived to fetch him. The room was filled with hundreds of excited (and sweaty) campers.

We worshipped together singing many of the songs they sang throughout the week. The theme for the week was "Rescue"...who doesn't like a good rescue story. We were told that amidst all the fun, campers heard of different rescue stories from the bible and modern day. Of course with the greatest Rescue story being told...that of a Father's plan to rescue His creation through His son Jesus.


After hearing camp songs, and snippets of the week each counselor honored their campers.

Blake's Certificate of Recognition:
"Blake is diligent to complete a task given to him. He is generous, willing to quickly provide for those in need. He is virtuous choosing what is right despite the outcome. "

I found the "near tear" moments with Blake and Sky did not come when saying "goodbye" but when I had the opportunity to see what they were apart of. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that my 2 have such phenomenal opportunities this summer with 2 such amazing organizations! And for all those that helped make it possible for my 2 to have been afforded these incredible opportunities; I am truly grateful. We definitely will "pay it forward" so others have these same opportunities!

We now await Sky's return and the stories she will have to tell......

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.