Loving on the children

Bean Bag Game

Loving on the Children

I have had no iPhone service since reaching my destination and my regular e-mail has not worked.  I am attempting to post from the internet to my blog and hoping this works, so this is a test.  Our team has been extremely busy and I have actually loved on too many children to count while passing out book bags --- I LOVE IT!!  We have a team of 13 who are all working very well together.  We have been offered way too much food to eat.  My knee has been hurting pretty badly but thankful I have vicodin and ambien to help me sleep at night -- there is no pain until I go to bed at night.

Going to attempt to post one picture, just as a trial; my love to all and thanks for your continuing prayers.

/Users/joycelriggs/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2010/Sep 17, 2010/DSC03018.JPG

In Air on way to NY

How cool is this to be posting from the air! Check in at TPA could not have gone smoother; bags checked all the way to M! Just pray they are there when I get there as about half of the time the luggage does not make it when the person does! Doing great, a little tired and sleepy, but very happy and excited to be on my way! Thanks for praying everybody -prayers are definitely felt! Blessings and Love to All

Too Cute not to Share!"

Looks like TC wants to go too! Bless his heart he does this every time I get ready to go; he knows the routine well. So just now when I went to close my bag this is what I found; isn't he adorable. Thank goodness TC can stay at home and my grandson Kris comes every day to feed him, change his water, clean litter box and love on him. I just love my kitty and he loves mama enough that he has learned to say "mama" -- yes I've got it recorded for any who want to hear. Thanks for your prayers, I am going to get just a few hours before heading to airport; my daughter, Donna, has volunteered to take me once again and I am grateful.

BIG PRAISE

I just had to share this one. A very dear friend had given me a very large piece of luggage to use to take Sharon her goodies. Unfortunately it just did not work out -- with the 50# weight limit it was only half full! Then when I weighed the bag, the empty weight was 16#. So today after church I was talking to God while driving to Goodwill. Yes, you guessed it, found one for $3.00. Lined it with bubble wrap and when I had completely packed all the goodies the weight was at 49.6# --- all I could say was Thank You God! I am still thanking and praising Him for all of the blessings and prayers today; He has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams today. Please continue to pray, see what happens!!

The bag, fully loaded with all of Sharon's goodies:

Thanks for Praying!

Thank you God for a wonderful church family; I was overwhelmed today at the outpouring of love, support and prayers for my commissioning. I still have some things to do, but I just wanted to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your prayers! Flight leaves Tampa tomorrow (13th) at 12:05 for JFK, before departing there for the long flight over. I will keep you posted as time and service permits. Under my AT&T plan I am allowed to receive unlimited texts, so I would love hearing from you --- it will cost $.50 for me to send text to you. It is my hope that the internet service will be working well and I can keep up with you by e-mail or the blog on my laptop. In 2009 our team was blessed by a great meal and then the locals presented us with individual tagines to take home.

Packing

Got a lot of things done today, but still much to do. It feels like Christmas, I've got my list and I'm checking it twice! Thanks for all your prayers! Monday is almost here!

The children love playing games as well as receiving book bags.

More pictures from 2009 Book Bag Distributions

Hoping these pictures give you an idea of the book bag project; 1,500 book bags were passed out in 2009; goal for 2010 is 2,010! And yes, we do eat, the first food picture is a typical breakfast, fried bread and boiled eggs. My favorite is the tagine with vegetables; especially green beans --- and yes, you do eat with your fingers. We are instructed to look at the dish in front of you and draw an imaginary pie shape close to you; this is your share --- ha ha -- as you can see not everyone goes by the rules!! But we have lots of fun!

It has been a blessing preparing this to share and I trust it will be a blessing to you.

Love to all,

Nana Joyce

Pictures from 2009 Book Bag Trip

Nana in her glory with the kids!! Packing and getting ready to go again and getting more excited by the moment!!

Test

Checking to see if I can post from iPhone


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:iPhone

Getting Ready

Today is September 3, 2010 and I am counting down the days to September 13 when I will leave on my 20th and 21st mission journeys, back to back.  Going with Liberty Baptist, Hampton, Virginia to help with book bag distributions, then stay and help the dental team before arriving back home on September 28th.  It is my hope to be able to post a short daily statement while away and perhaps some photos -- this is if I can learn fast enough how to do this.  I covet your yarps as I go.

Blessings,  Nana Joyce