Youth Mission Adventures

Long time no chat....but alot has been happening!

2011-05-17T16:21:00.009-04:00

Facebook, my new "excuse" for not blogging. I feel like I blog every day, but then I forget, not everyone is on my Facebook friends list! Sorry to leave you so very long.

To catch up:

Our house on Fort Benning....wonderful! We have so enjoyed living within hearing of revely and taps, of rifle and machine gun fire on the ranges, and the early morning platoon runs by our house. This old house, built in the 1920's is a trooper! The thick and sturdy plaster walls and wooden floors make me think that "if walls could talk" there'd be much this old house would have to share! I have participated in Spanish classes both last Fall and just this Spring. My Spanish is not yet near fluent, but I expect that as I pursue the language in Guatemala surrounded by speakers, it will improve quickly.

Ministry: I have continued to be involved in the work of Wycliffe, although part-time. I work half-days every day from my remote office in our house. The website has been my primary job, but I have been asked to speak and to develop some personnel guidelines for child safety and to support my boss in her new job. Last year we finished with the development of our Goals and Strategies for NextGen and this year we've seen those strategies begun and get settled in a good rythm.

Youth group: Michael and I have involved ourselves in the life of the youth group at our local church, Christ Community Church in Columbus. We chose to attend and lead the high-school "dig deeper" night on Sunday nights. After a few weeks, the youth pastor asked me to lead the study and teach the lessons. I was more than glad to do so. My first ministry love is youth ministry, and not having been involved last year (our first year of marriage) I was SO eager to get involved again. My spiritual gift is Exhorter, and this kind of position in a youth group is exactly what I love to do. Over the course of the last many months, we've had some great discussions and lively interaction. [The picture is of a trip I went on with some of the girls to the Revolve tour in Atlanta!] I have also continued to stay in contact with those students you know from Wisconsin. One in particular came to visit us here at Benning twice! Facebook has been an invaluable tool to me (and others in youth ministry) in keeping up with our students all over the country.

The Next move: Michael and I are expecting a baby! if you didn't already know from Facebook, the little boy is due to arrive July 10, here at the Army hospital at Fort Benning (Lord willing). We had to put off our move to Guatemala in order to await his arrival. Once he arrives it will be a week or two of rest (well, at least being home) and then we'll get packed up and move out. Michael will depart for Guatemala to report to his next assignment and I will go to CT temporarily to wait out the necessary vaccinations, then join Michael in Guatemala sometime in September.

I think that catches you up on the whole lot of subjects. Of course I missed telling you all the details, when the dates came and went. This overview misses alot. Calvary baby shower, spanish friends, work parties for Spanish ladies for the Christmas holidays, youth group comings and goings......Thank your for checking in again. there will definitely be pictures of the baby Stone when he arrives, as well as a few other announcements in the next few months.

Blessings!!

Dagney

Working on the website (again) and a new house!

2010-06-25T15:55:00.003-04:00

So, during the time since we arrived at Ft. Benning, GA, we have been living first in Army Post lodging and then at a Residence Inn in Columbus. Although this house in the picture is not "THE" house (its one from our neighborhood) it shows you what our house basically looks like. All the houses on our street are the same, with different locations (obviously!) so as of Monday we have an address!
304 Miller Loop, Ft. Benning, GA 31905

Also, this week I traveled to Orlando, FL to meet with a summer intern that is helping us make our online presence better and with our contact for the MarketingDept. I have only met these folks on phone calls, and it was a great advantage to work with them in person. I got to Orlando Tuesday night and returned Wednesday night to Columbus (well, Atlanta airport actually!)
We have set a schedule of changes to our website in order to improve it and we have plans to connect better to Facebook and to Twitter. We are trying to improve our visibility. If you are interested in looking around our site a bit better, we've opened up the whole site (as opposed to just the main page) to visitors. So there's more to see! www.WycliffeNextGen.com

Next week is our move-in week, and we will be having our first visitor! One of my Wisconsin girls is coming to visit, reason being for her to get out of town (she recently moved down South and lives in GA!) and to help me with our move-in. I don't really need the help, but its a good excuse for her and I to hang out and catch up and for Michael and I to be a testimony for Christ. She and I have been keeping up on Facebook, but this'll be our first time getting together for 3 years! Michael is excited to be involved in the life of a student I knew from before I knew him. I am looking forward to girl time and hang-out time and lots of talk time. She's staying for a week!!!
So pray for us, that the Lord would protect our attitudes during this time of transition, especially when we have another soul in our care.
See ya on the other side. Maybe with some good move-in pics!

Crossing the US for a new assignment

2010-06-14T13:14:00.009-04:00

We started our move on June 24, as the moving truck arrived for the day 1 of 2, to get us packed and loaded. We prepared for them over the weekend, after going to Michaels cousins wedding in Santa Barbara on Saturday. On Tuesday of moving week, we held our last Bible study at our almost empty house. It was a bitter sweet time of visiting with our friends and enjoying pizza. For me, this group of people is particularly special because they knew Michael and I as we dated, got engaged and then married and as two of these couples also dated and got engaged and married last year. We all know each other as newlyweds. From now on, our new friends will not feel that same connection, having no idea of the newness of our life together. So there is something special with these CA friends.
After all the packing and cleaning, we headed out on Saturday June 29!
Our trip took us from Fresno, CA to Flagstaff, AZ; Sedona, AZ; Blanding, UT; Glenwood Springs, CO; Salina, KS; St.Louis, MO; Nashville, TN; and after a stop to see family in Oakridge, TN onto Columbus, GA where Fort Benning belongs.
For a few days, we stayed in Post lodging, but on Friday we moved to an extended stay hotel in Columbus where we will stay for a few weeks until our house is available on post at the end of the month.
Georgia is definitely hot and high humidity, but y'all know me!!! I like that! It is also very green and tree filled. It'll take me awhile to adjust to the culture shift. But I figure I'd better get used to that pretty quick, as Michael's job will require us to be good at culture shifts in the next many years!
I am now in the same timezone as my organizations headquarters, as well as my supervisor. Before I left CA, I attended the SouthWest recruiters retreat representing NextGen and gave an update on our activities, primarily giving them a tour of our new website. These were the colleagues that I spent time with in Temecula, so it was also a personally rewarding time for me being with them one more time.
Our organization is sending out three teams of students this summer to Guatemala, Papua New Guinea and Cameroon as well as internship participants to Ghana. Our website has been active and getting bigger. Please pray for our students traveling overseas this summer, that their health would hold up and their patience would be strong. Pray for their character, that they would learn to be flexible and open to new situations and new people. We are very excited to see the results of their time overseas! Thank you for your support of our ministry and thanks for continuing to check in with me!

So...What about March?

2010-04-03T13:54:00.004-04:00

So, we got the website up and going as you know, and now we have over 100 members! I've been working with my boss Tracy on tweaking our little "issues" such as what to do about adult members and how to create more activity. We got a new "face" the week after we opened and it has our organizations "branding" for our age group. We love it! http://www.wycliffenextgen.com/

I have also been working on our Kenya missions trip, having a slow start of it in January setting dates and trying to get our team together. Unfortunately, because of lack of applications (we only had one) we had to cancel the trip and send that one student on another of our opportunities. She'll be going to Cameroon instead, which is cool! I am disappointed that we weren't able to make it fly, especially since it was a trial partnership with another organization, but so it is. I am a bit relieved as it free's my schedule up from complications as Michael and I move to Georgia.
So yeah, we are moving as of May 30th and taking the long drive East. We are due to the new job on June 8th.
In the meantime I'm leaving to see my brother and family in the Middle East, with my parents as of this Tuesday, returning April 26 to California. I've got a work conference to attend in Orlando May 9th-14 and then a couple days at the Southwest Regional recruiters retreat down in Southern California. Then it's one more weekend, attending a family wedding in Santa Barbara and then....leave Cayucos. I'll definitely miss the view, the West Coast culture and the constant growing season.
Last week Michael took me to Hawaii for a Christmas/early Anniversary present. We visited the island that I lived on 1987-1990, showing Michael my old house and my town and some of the activities I loved. We visited a ministry friend of his who now works and ministers to the military on Oahu and generally did the "Hawaii" tourist thing. It went so fast, Sunday to Friday. On Saturday we attended the wedding of a really good friend and youth ministry partner of mine in the Los Angeles area. It was really special to witness that event and I am so so happy for Doug. We both met our spouses on eHarmony!
I'll be away again for another few weeks, visiting my bro, but I ought to have some pretty cool pictures to show you when I get back!
Happy Easter!
Dagney

A partner organization of ours!

2010-03-03T16:55:00.002-05:00

I was just introduced to "banners" while creating our student website! So here's my favorite so far. We are hoping to hear from the website called www.vision2025.org for a banner from them. It would create a countdown of Bible Translation right on our website www.wycliffenextgen.com Very cool!

Its about time!

2010-02-26T16:28:00.002-05:00

www.WycliffeNextGen.com

Our new website is to be launched as of Monday morning! This site has been my "baby" for the last few months. It was a slow start but we slowly built momentum and I expect that it will only continue to improve. We decided to go ahead and announce the sites opening on February 28th. To do this we will send an email to the members of our current site and invite them to now join us "over here". On the new site we are able to give our members more options of video, chat and photo uploading. We have groups for them to join and events to be aware of. The benefit to this site over Facebook or our current site, is that we can allow our members to have their own pages but all unified under our own site. They can now post their own pictures, videos and start groups and discussion. We have the ability to post events and ask for RSVP. There are also a large number of other administrative benefits to this site as well as a good privacy control.
The video you see is the title video on our site and was produced by the folks at JAARS. JAARS is a partner organization and helps by enabling missionaries to get to their assignments, stay at the assignments, move around and get their work done faster!
Please click on the link above and check our main page. The look will be changing in the next month or so, to more closely tie us to our organization and give us a unique look. I'd ask that, unless you are a student please just enjoy our "Main" page and please don't ask to join. We are committed to keeping this site for students from 13-25 (ish) and not to have too many adults or "other" members. It allows for us to have better control of a safer environment for our students.
I am so excited that this almost done. Thanks for your prayers on our behalf!
The advant

NextGen retreat

2010-02-16T17:36:00.009-05:00

To update you on all that's been happening here within NextGen, I'll start with the 2010 annual retreat. Held here in Cayucos, as you readers know, we had a regular 8 of us, and couple extra's a few days. Everyone loved being here at the Stone's house, the view for one is wonderful. We were able to rent a small place three streets away for sleeping quarters and the meetings happened here at the house, as well as most meals. By the end of the week, we felt like we knew where we were at as far as our strategies for this coming year, and we were moving forward in understanding each others jobs. We had discussed a marketing strategy and felt like we were finally all on board. We discussed the website I'm working on and everyone seemed to be ready and excited to use it.
We did a few fun things as well. We went canoeing in a large 12 person canoe and even did a little exploring in Morro Bay! Another evening after meetings we stopped to see "Gum Alley" in San Luis Obispo( a kind of gross alleyway covered in bubble gum) before heading our for our annual dinner "out" Overall, it was a successful and effective time as a team. We were able to accomplish discussions in person that, over the phone are either not possible or frustrating.
For the next week I was playing catchup and working on a few of the new ideas generated during the retreat. We're still working on the kinks for the new site, but the GetGlobal trips will begin to do their team planning and team meetings online there!
This week the challenge is the Kenya GG trip. We have hit a few snags as far as the trip dates, but we are also seeing the hand of God in it. My boss/friend Tracy will likely be able to make the new dates better than the old ones. We have seen God use the details of the trip and some new immovable barriers, as His way of making the details of the trip fit His plans. We see this particular trip as a "test trip" for our new partnership with Wycliffe Associates. We hope that this trip will help us work out the details so that next year and the coming years we will be able to facilitate more than one trip a summer and give student a broader range of opportunities to see the multitude of ways they can serve in Bible translation. My biggest concern personally is that I am to be the team leader, but also I will have been just moved to Georgia with Michaels new assignment. So, something to pray about. I really, really want to go to Africa with a team of students...but not sure if I "should" go. In the meantime, I'm the team coordinator...so if you know anyone interested in a summer trip to work alongside a community of people working on deaf translations in Kenya!??? Have 'em call me!

lots of web stuff

2010-01-21T18:47:00.007-05:00

Hello from WET California! This week I've been working online on a website for our students that is not yet "live". Most of my week of Wycliffe work is something I can't show you....:-(...but soon! So I'll just include some links to things I've found that are fabulous!The first is a great video that we located on YouTube (hyper link there too, hard to see) that is quick and catchy. We've used it front and center on our new site. For example, a webzine that our partners JAARS has produced called Rev 7. (there's a link there on the words Rev7, it doesn't show up well) They produce this webzine quarterly, and this publication was about missions in Vernacular Media. How we work with new translations before the Word of God is actually published. It's considered non-written forms of translation. For example The Jesus Film. I got so excited when I saw this publication. I knew that it was in a format that students would enjoy. It has bright colors, short concise articles accompanied by fabulous photo's. The stories are written mostly from first hand accounts that give them so much credibility. Check it out, it's so interesting!
As for my family!
Michael and I spent this last weekend cleaning out his storage unit, where he placed just about all his belongings when he moved out here to care for his ailing mother. We need to sort out all of our now combined belongings in order to make our next move to Georgia in June. I got pictures the first day, but the second day it just downpoured and I didn't think about getting my camera out, while dodging rain drops and hustling back and forth to the nearby Goodwill.
We're doing well here. I'm keeping myself busy every morning (and usually into the afternoon, like today) with work stuff. The evenings are either Michael and I at home or like last night, attending Bible study with local friends.The next few months will be relatively quiet, until the months of travel and moving come. I'm soaking up (almost literally in this wet weather!) the time here in CA. The next adventure is almost on our doorstep!

is working on a computer , work?

2010-01-14T18:38:00.004-05:00

"HI" from my keyboard!
Whew! this week has been very productive, as far as it looks on paper, or should I say on the internet? I've been spending my "half" days, working on our new website, communicating with students through chat and getting "stuff" done for our Kenya trip. All that to say, when I push my chair back from my desk and get ready for the rest of my day I don't seem to have done anything. Well, anything that I can see, that is. I'm sure you know the feeling. The intangible "things" that we all do everyday. Relational jobs are just like that. We chide youth pastors for not "producing results" when really the results of relational ministries like that, are....relationships. I know more people who work in offices and in cubicles than I know otherwise, so yeah you do probably get what I mean.
So, I'm learning to count successful, a day of relationship building and a day full of communication, even if it is online.
Our website has taken most of my time, and I'm finding some really cool stuff to rouse the interest of students. First was a link to an article describing how Avatar the movie displays some of the technology we in Bible translation are preparing to use for the translation of sign languages! check it out! "Avatar and Bible Translation?"
Another really fun tool I just found today is a site that allows you to find Bibles and non-written resources in 3,000 languages of the world!

I also learned that a partner of ours JAARS, has a great resource called Rev 7, that is published quarterly, to highlight areas of ministry within the Wycliffe partnerships. The recent one was about the work of "Vernacular Media" or "non-written" communications. Fabulous! This is stuff that students can get excited about!

So, working from my computer.....I'm learning a lot and getting even more excited about the work of Wycliffe. Who'da known!
Dagney

Going Overseas this summer!

2010-01-07T13:46:00.003-05:00

We getting ready to go to Kenya! I'm helping get a team together to take students to Kenya in partnership with another organization to assist the ministry of DOOR, a ministry to the deaf in Kenya.
We'll be sending the team from Dallas after training to Nairobi, where the will spend 2 weeks working on a school building project where deaf students will go to school using the local sign language in order to learn.
July 14-Aug3...if you know any students interested they can contact us at getglobal_usa@wycliffe.org and get an application.
I've also been updating and preparing our new website for activation. We wanted a site that would allow students to interact more, post pictures and join groups. A bit bigger that what is available on Facebook and a bit more interactive than our current wynet site. the address is www.nextgen.ning.com but it does require member to join to see it. We're hoping it will be a fairly secure place for students to interact on the subject of missions.
So far that's been my latest activity. Next month I'll be hosting our whole team, here in Cayucos for our annual retreat. Looking forward to "going" to a retreat that leaves me in my own bed at night! what a treat! Besides, we're gonna take advantage of such a lovely situation here in the Central Coast where the weather is at it's best in Jan-Mar!
I've been able to keep in contact with students from my previous residences and have been enjoying the interaction and conversations. Many of those talks have been about important things.
Thank you for your interest in this ministry! Thanks for checking in!
Dagney

What's been happening on the Central Coast?

2009-12-14T16:20:00.008-05:00

Yup, married life has a whole new schedule. But I have been working right along with my organization, and we'll start with an update a few months back!
In October I went back down to Southern CA to attend a couple days of the Southwest regional recruiters retreat. There I presented the new outline of the future of NextGen and answer questions from the recruiters. It was a really good opportunity to solidify in my mind what my job really is supposed to be, by making a presentation. The powerpoint went well and I'm confident that our message was communicated to these busy people who will hopefully pass on some leads for our summer trips, GetGlobal!
Next, I attended the Missions weekend at Calvary church. I was really glad to be there this year especially, in order to re-emphasize the fact that I'm still involved. I was able to set up a nice display booth, provided through the recruitment department and had quite a busy weekend with friends and church members. I followed that trip up with a bit of family time as well.
After coming home, I attended another conference, this time to represent our organization at a youth convention of Assemblies of God Spanish churches. I had a great table display provided in part through my recruitment colleagues in Hemet. What a place that was, to hold a youth convention. Never in all my time as a youth leader have I seen such a place for youth. But I was able to chat with some teens, talk about the number of languages in the world that have no scripture AT ALL, and was pleasantly surprised to see such a compassionate response. I was also able to promote our newest available Get Global trip to Kenya in 2010. There seemed to be a high interest in that particular trip next July.
This coming December my team will be represented by my boss Tracy at the Urbana Conference, a huge gathering of college students to raise interest in missions. This being Michael and my first Christmas, and the first without Diane Stone, I decided that leaving on Christmas Day to get to the conference, wasn't the best idea for us. But Tracy will represent us very well!
In February we will be holding our annual NextGen retreat, and I am so excited to be hosting it here at our house in Cayucos! It will be a pleasure to use our house for ministry and I don't even have to leave Michael! woohoo!
The next year will already be bringing alot of changes for my new little family. We are to be stationed in Georgia starting in June, so we'll be packing up the house and preparing it for sale as well as saying goodbye to this lovely ocean I have become so fond of. We are looking forward to a bit more of "normal" after the last tumultuous year for Michael and his family. We'll even get to pick a new church home together for the first time! I also hope that I may be able to attend the Get Global trip to Kenya that I helping to organize, and my Mom and I are trying to fit in a trip to see my brother "over there" in April.
If you know of anyone interested in a work/translation exposure trip to Kenya in July 2010 who also may be interested in sign language work....give them my email address! dagney_stone@wycliffe.org
I hope that you have a Merry Christmas and enjoy time with those you love. Appreciate them for all you're worth!

Dagney

A long time and alot to tell you!

2009-09-15T16:42:00.009-04:00

I've got a lot of time to catch up on. I've been learning to be a wife and care for two instead of just me. We've had a number of visitors to our home in Cayucos. Michael finished one year of CalPoly ROTC and we're on the verge of beginning another. Mom Stone passed away in June and that ended up canceling Michaels temporary duty to Seattle and we stayed home instead. I've been painting and cleaning up and sorting and decorating in between visitors and events. (oh, yeah and burying dead seals on our beach...stinky!)
Recently I've started up my prayer email list again. I got off track on that for awhile (wow, its amazing how a wedding throws all schedule to the four winds!) but hopefully will be maintaining that again.
I've been up to Vision Camp as I said in the last post and since then had my coworkers, Tracy and Justin here in Cayucos for work meetings. In those meetings it was decided that Justin will be staying on for another year and will run Get Global trips as Director and I'll be helping him by coordinating one of the trips. I don't know which one yet. At the same time I'm to be assisting the trips by getting some more advertising and marketing out. Prayer would be helpful on that score.....
This Fall I'll be going to Connecticut for the Missions Conference weekend and updating everyone at home about what I'll be doing this year. I've scaled down to part-time, so my support has been scaled down as well. So for now I'm at 75% , but that is probably not completely accurate.
The seasons here have changed, from cloudy and strong marine layers to beautiful and sparkly. It'll start raining here soon, and the pelicans and dolphins will go away but...it's still beautiful. I'm learning to surf! The waves are free and the boards at Costco are perfect for beginners! Thanks for checking in!
Dagney

Africa??

2009-07-16T19:09:00.002-04:00

Again, it's Thursday and this time, I've got a new picture. Well actually, it's two weeks old. This is the group of "us" from Southwest Region who went up to the Julian area and held two sessions about Bible Translation during the Youth for Truth's Vision Camp. I was the moderator, did the opening and closing and just introduced the others when it was their turns to speak and kept us on time. Well, they all did that by sticking to their timeframes, but I had the watch! haha! Truly though, we had Jr. High before lunch and Sr. High after lunch. We seemed to have held the students attention, even though the poor Sr.Highers had to endure a session AFTER lunch (always my worst time in college). We had a number of them show interest in getting involved right away and even some of the staff took interest in our short term programs for next year! We gave out a number of praying for the Bibleless people groups, prayer cards and the students really seemed genuinely interested!
It was a unique time for me, a time of memories from some emotional upheaveal I was going through last year at the same camp and it was refreshing to see how God had changed my path and brought me to where I am today. It was also fun to be again, working with my colleagues down in Southern CA doing what we all love to do.
I will officially be taking the helm of the high school short term program in NextGen as of September. I have also been asked to possibly co-lead one of the trips to Africa next summer. Oh my! would I!!! I am discussing it with my new husband, as he's been invited to lead as well, and we are considering it and the possiblility of us arranging a household move around the same time. My boss and friend, Tracy and I have been talking about co-leading a trip to Africa for a few years. This would be fabulous. You would think I was doing "youthbuilders" all over again! May be!!!! Where's Gordy and Bear?? :-)
Prayer requests would include the decision about going to Africa and also, that I would be able to seemlessly take the responsibility for the short term program from those that are doing such a good job now!
thanks for checking in again.
Dagney

Back from wedding and travels and...

2009-06-22T19:07:00.008-04:00

I walked down the isle May 16, 2009 to become Major Michael Stone's wife. Our whole family had a great time. We worshiped God, enjoyed the day, partied and had a genuinely good time. The reception at Double Diamond hangar Oxford Airport was a dream. After we rested on Sunday, Michael took me to the Turks and Caicos for our honeymoon. The following week we returned to California for Michael to return to work at CalPoly's ROTC unit. We were continuing the celebration by planning our California reception in Paso Robles at Stacked Stone Cellars as we surrounded ourselves with Michaels California (and nearby) friends and relatives. My parents traveled to CA for the celebration and we were able to hold a vow exchange in Diane Stone's room as she continues to suffer from brain cancer.
To update you about my job. I am continuing with my organization. In fact we met in April to discuss the direction we want to take and to figure out who is doing what jobs. As of July or August the man who has been leading our short term trips will be moving to another position within the organization. My boss Tracy has asked me to take the job temporarily until we are able to fill that position with a full time employee. This means that I will begin to follow and support the short term trips that we are planning, for 2010. Sound familiar? It will be very similar to what i did with YouthBuilders! For now this is only temporary. I am not yet sure how this very busy position will affect my new position as Army wife, but for now I should well be able to maintain it. I am officially doing "part - time" with the organization but we don't yet know how that all works itself out. Next week I will be attending a camp called Vision Camp in Southern CA with my Southwest regional recruiter friends as moderator for the group. We will be presenting what our work is all about and hopefully encouraging and inspiring some youth to consider this work for themselves!
I have not yet found a church youth group home, although Michaels church, the Calvary Chapel of San Luis Obispo where he attends has a youth group. I told the pastor that I'd be checking it out but as of right now, the wedding planning and finding my place here at home have taken alot of time.
Also, would you pray with us (the Stone's) over Michaels Mom's health? She had a succession of seizures last week, of which I was in attendance for the 2nd - 7th. It was very dramatic and caused her son Jeff in Spain and Michael who had just left for Washington and a temporary duty station to return home to CA to be at her bedside. She has not been able to eat or drink on her own and was just taken off the IV. We do not know what to expect but at most it's a matter of weeks. It's a very draining time for the family.
Also with my organization.....NextGen is taking a new direction and we hope to roll out our new theme this year.
I'll post some more pictures of our wedding events, primarily the CA reception in my next update.
Dagney

Wedding planning firsts

2009-03-12T13:29:00.005-04:00

What I've got to report this week is just all wedding stuff! The first picture is Carolyn my invitation creator/producer. She and I have been working on the design and creation of these darn things for months. She did a great job and printed them last week. She was a great lady to work with!
Next was Michael and my first wedding/shower gift. It arrived sometime last week and Michael waited for me and we got to open our first gift together. Kinda fun, as you can see!
And finally while staying at a neighbors house and working during the day at Michael's house, I've been working on just about one main thing this week. Invitations. Amazing how much detail goes into these things! whew! So here's me sitting at Michael's house assembling invitations and writing address's. Can't wait to get them IN THE MAIL!
Finally, we also got to see our engagment photo's this week for the first time! you can see them at http://www.robertandkathleen.com/blog/ .
I got to attend Michael's church bible study and we had some really good fellowship there last night.
Next week after Jury duty on Monday (hopefully that's all) I have a few days at home and then head out to Connecticut for wedding planning stuff. Michael will join me out there too and will get to meet more of my CT group! See many of you in the next week or so!

I've actually been home the last week!

2009-03-05T14:23:00.005-05:00

This last week I spent at home in the Temecula area. I was able to attend youth group this and last week and even got to spend some time with a student from youth group on Saturday. She and I got to go to the Wild Animal Park and spend the day, thanks to a Christmas gift of membership to the zoo from my brother. I haven't had a chance like this for a long time of spending a day just hanging out with a teen. It felt so good and I really enjoyed being with her doing something we both could enjoy!
On Sunday last, I helped staff a couple tables for some colleagues at their home church missions conference in Escondido. It was a very large conference and we had two big tables. I had a great chance to watch my colleagues work as recruiters and got to talk to a number of people myself. I also met a young lady preparing for missions aviation as a pilot for JAARS. We got teary as we talked about our passion for all things aviation. Nice to find a fellow female aviation enthusiast like my silly self! I couldn't help but be a little jealous as she's pursuing that job and learning aviation mechanics and has almost finished her CFI license (certified flight instructor). Very cool.
Things for the wedding planning are going well. All the big stuff is pretty much done and we're tweaking the little stuff now! It's something like 71 days and counting!
thanks for checking in again!
Dagney

news from CA

2009-02-27T17:30:00.003-05:00

I have to catch up again. This time to tell some good news and answers to prayer! The NextGen retreat followed the Recruitment conference and it was at the NextGen retreat that lots of good stuff happened. I had asked previously for prayer regarding how I should move forward with the organization based on the direction that the organziation and specifically my department was going, and also based on my new station in life to come, as a wife.
We really got going Friday, the whole group of us plus our supervisor and the Director of Recruitment. We kinda started at the beginning and put all our "cards" on the table and thought through what we want to accomplish and how we might begin to do that. I was so impressed with our supervisors and their gracious way of handling our stress and our lack of focus. By the end of Saturday we had a list of goals, objectives and possible strategies to accomplish them. We set dates to review all of this and make decisions to move us forward this year.
I had some significant, and as I see it providential, conversations with my supervisor and the director over my feelings of insignificance in the work and real lack of work to do within the department. I was more than glad to hear that with the new changes in administration in our department and the renewed vision and focus that I not only will have a wider influence but am even being asked to participate in leadership roles that I otherwise would not have known about. These roles will be flexible enough to allow me to work from Michaels home once we're married and will likely move with me when he is reassigned.
I am re-energized. I feel appreciated for what I have to offer and I am excited about the direction that my department is taking!
Thank you so much for your prayers. I saw a direct answer to those prayers over that weekend and I am really excited.
These coming changes also allow me a bit more flex time right now as things are being reorganized, to spend the time I need on planning for my wedding and preparing to be married soon. August seems to be the month that I will begin to take a more active role in the direction of NextGen and will begin preparing myself for the tasks that I will be assigned in the revamped NextGen.
Thanks for checking in and thanks to the few friends who gently asked "so when will you update your blog"? Wedding planning......etc......(blah,blah)....I know not a great excuse, but it's the truth!
Learning along with all of you,
Dagney

We're all getting together in Orlando, Florida

2009-01-29T21:11:00.004-05:00

Hello from Florida! I arrived last Friday night first, to visit my grandmother and then drove up to Orlando on Sunday to arrive in time to greet my co-workers and other recruiters from all over the States. This was a Tri-yearly recruiters conference. We really enjoyed this weeks activities. I played guitar and sang in a singing worship group, spoke with two other colleagues in a workship on "Engaging the Millennials" and assisted as a workship facilitator. I really enjoyed serving this group of missionaries in our organization. I benefited from the active time being a part of an event like this apart from the insights I gleened from listening to speakers and workshops.
We ended the conference today and after spending some time at the headquarters just catching up with others there we began our NextGen annual retreat this evening at dinner. For the next few days our particular group will gather to discuss the issues that we face. We will plan our next year and think over our goals. We'll even get to spend some time just team building as our team is spread out all over the United States.
I am praying over my role in our organization and how I will adjust once I'm married. I'd appreciate your prayers on my behalf in regards to this! Thanks! Just being with those in my organization and being at the headquarters reminds me of why I LOVE this organization. So inspiring to hear stories from all around the world.
Dagney

getting to know the Stone family

2009-01-22T13:26:00.003-05:00

This last weekend, after a good solid week at "home", I traveled by train up to visit Michael. We got alot done, meeting with his Pastor and spending time with family as well as talking over wedding plans. The picture includes Michael and Me as well as his brother Jim and Jim's wife Tamara. Jim took us on a tour of a few local wineries in the Paso Robles area. It really was our first time doing the day with Jim and Tamara and long overdue. While we were at it we kept our eyes out for good spots for our California wedding reception.
I got to attend youth group for the second week in a row! wow! lol. We had a guest speaker who related to the students his high school testimony of being shunned by his local youth group. It was a stunning testimony and very applicable to our students right now. While visiting Michael this weekend, we attended his church there and I looked around for the possibilities of getting involved in youth ministry there. Looks like there is a small youth group and youth pastor so gonna have to have a talk with him!
Tomorrow I fly over to Florida, and after a brief visit with my Grandma Benny in South Florida, I'll drive up to Orlando and attend the weeks events. First the Tri-annual Recruiters convention followed by the Next Gen retreat over the weekend. I get back to CA on Sunday.
Prayer items are for the workshop that Ron, Tracy and I give on recruiting the Next Generation. Also that during this time as I ask God for direction about the next phase of my life married, that He would answer and show me how I should arrange my job description.
Thanks for looking in on me again!
Dagney

Catching up and getting ready for Recruiters Meetings in Florida

2009-01-15T18:56:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends! you gonna faint? Two weeks in a row? Yup! amazing. So this'll be short since there is a lot less to report since last weekend. I arrived in CA from CT's 22deg weather to find San Diego a lovely 77deg! YES! I had a little adventure at the very start.
An old friend of our family had taken me to the airport before Christmas and I left my car at their house to avoid the very costly daily parking fees at the airport. After she picked me up at the airport and we got back and tried to start my car, nothing happened. Not just a little "turn, turn" of the starter, nope, nothin'! I am more than grateful that this happened at my friends house as opposed to the public long term parking at the airport! So we ladies were brave, got out the jumper cables and got it going.
I've been making regular hours at the office this week, writing a newsletter for all my partners and putting together my part of a workshop that my collegues and I are presenting at the Recruiters Conference the end of the month. The conference happens Jan 26-29 in Orlando, followed by our NextGen annual retreat over the weekend. Last year, as you might remember, we held our annual retreat here in CA at Big Bear mountain, amidst the snow. This year we all decided that sunshine sounded good and since we're already all gathered it more than made sense.
So I'll be away again, but back in CA February 1.
Wedding plans have been a bit overwhelming the last week or so, but it looks like the clouds are clearing as we get the big items into place. It's now starting to get exciting. It is amazing how complicated this stuff can become! As the wedding day approaches some changes will be happening with my job.
I will be spending some time and thought in prayer during the conference and retreat and I would appreciate your prayers as I ask God how I can be involved in Wycliffe part-time and what the next phase of my life will be. My financial support will be reduced significantly, but my prayer support will definitely not! The forthcoming newsletter will explain all that.
Thanks again for your interest and prayers!
Dagney

whew! all things New Year

2009-01-10T08:30:00.008-05:00

well loyal friends. My life has been crazy and getting time to sit down and post a blog didn't happen. So where have I been and what am I up to.
First the BIG news (that to most isn't really news anymore) December 5 Michael proposed in his airplane at 5,500 ft and we got engaged! Our wedding is planned for May 16, 2009. That may also explain why I've been so busy!
Then Dec 9-12 I went to Waxaw North Carolina to take the last of our recruiter training. I was able to share my fun news with my co-workers and to see the famous aviation facility! To be honest I was all choked up when it was my turn to take the tour. I'd dreamt of working as a pilot for them while in college and there is a special place in my heart and mind for them. I was so glad to have a fellow pilot friend who actually flew for them and now works in Southern CA as a recruiter, who took me into the hangar after the group was gone so I could take some pictures with the planes. :-) I was so excited!!
December 18 I left for home and the holidays. There was a feeling of enthusiasm for the celebration and for Michael's arrival on the 23d but there was also a feeling of dread for the goodbye's and departure of my brother and his family. I wanted time to fly and I wanted time to STAND STILL! We as a family tried to soak up all available time and appreciate every last minute but the post Christmas separation the day Michael and I were leaving for Spain was gut-wrenching. I was especially grateful to have Michael as a part of this difficult time and learn to lean on him instead of my brother when I hurt. Perfect time for that.
We left for Spain taking planes and a train and getting a glimpse of the Old World. We were there to visit Michaels brother Jeff and his Spanish family including two little nieces. We were in Zaragoza most of the time and at the end of our trip got to see Madrid for a day. Surprisingly, the area of Spain that I saw, looked a lot like Southern California!!
Michael and I departed company in London Heathrow airport and while he flew to LA I had a 7 HOUR layover!!! Sooo, I took the Underground to downtown and looked around snowy London and got the stamp on my passport! (woohoo) I left for NYC and got to CT again late Monday night, just in time to celebrate Epiphany or Three Kings Day to the Spaniards.
I have been spending the last week here doing marathon wedding preparations and am due to leave for home on Monday the 12th. Whew!
Hope that's a good catch you upper! Will have ministry news forthcoming in the next blog but for starters I'll be leaving for Florida and the tri-annual recruiters conferences Jan 23. I have a 45min "seminar" that I share with my two co-workers on recruiting the Next Generation and I'm assisting with the worship times by playing the guitar and singing. I get back to CA again Feb 1.
Happy New Year everyone and thank you for your interest and prayers for our organization on my behalf!
Dagney

Thanksgiving trip

2008-12-04T16:32:00.008-05:00

Hello friends! As you can imagine the reason I didn't post a blog last week was it was Thanksgiving! I traveled back to CT on Tuesday and stayed until Saturday am. We had a great Thanksgiving Eve service at Calvary on Wednesday night hearing stories of thanks and appreciation of what God had done in our many lives over the year.
Our family this holiday included my brothers family, his in-laws the Sarris's and our long time friends Jenny and Jonathan Nelson from Virginia, as well as friend Bill Robbins (who's missing from the picture).
We fit in a quick trip to the tree farm to cut a Christmas tree and then a quick run at the mall for a jolt of holiday craziness there! I flew home the next morning. Since it was Saturday and I arrived in CA early, I jumped on the Surfrider train up to San Luis Obispo to visit my boyfriend Michael and his family. Stayed through Monday to visit and attend his Bible study group and then headed home on Tuesday via the train. Somehow I picked up a cold while enjoying my time with family and friends (I guess the cost of such gatherings) and I'm slugging away at this cold so I'll be better for the holidays to come!
This week I've got a prayer request for you regarding one of my WI kids. She (who will remain nameless) is really struggling with a difficult home situation, not able to get a job and not having transportation. "Stuff at home is really hard and I don't think she's getting any encouragement for her faith. She says that things have just gotten worse since I left and she feels like she just can't please anyone. Please do pray for these students. I really miss them and I am grateful for such things as Facebook that keep me in contact with them fairly regularly.
On another topic that is similar, I've really been impressed with the girls in my youth group here. They are much much busier than my WI kids, but that just comes with the territory here in SoCal. What impressed me last night at youth group was how solid and serious they are in their faith. Not that they don't struggle and all, but they (my particular group of girls) really have a handle on what it means to stand up to peer pressure and to resist the daily onslaught of influences around them. They do have each other and we talked about the influence that good friends have on one another, but they have a strong sense of what is right and what pleases God. I pray that God will protect them from our enemy and the inevitable attacks that he will try to wage on them in the future. There are others in our group that are not so "lucky", who struggle just like my WI kids with difficult family situations and really hard lives. I do still love teens and am moved by their struggles. Please pray for this next generation, that they will be able to recognize the Truth and to fight off our enemy!
Thanks for checking in and thanks for your concern about what is going on in my life and ministries!

lots of hosting

2008-11-18T18:06:00.007-05:00

After returning from our organizations regional recruitment meetings, I was honored to host some friends from out of State! First the Allinghams arrived. They are friends that I met in Wisconsin last year when I worked for the EFCA in Youth Builders. This couple and their little boy John are precious friends and of emotional encouragement to me. It was a pleasure to host them and show them CA! My boyfriend Michael even took Steve for his first surfing try. The guys did great but the water was sooo cold! In the middle of the Allinghams visit, another friend arrived, this time from Atlanta, Georgia! Jenijoy is a special friend of the last 8 years or so and has visited me everywhere I've lived during our friendship. She stayed on after the Allinghams left and I enjoyed her company until last Wednesday. After a full day at the office, as opposed to at home I left on Friday morning to go to Texas for a friends wedding. Michael took me to see his last assigment at Ft. Hood and I got to meet a mirade of his friends and his Bible study leaders.
This week I'm concentrating on working from the office and am staying with Jennifer, my San Diego friend who lives about 5 minutes from work. This way i can cut out those long commutes! I'll be in Temecula for youth group on Wednesday night, then back to San Diego again on Thursday. Next week is the Thanksgiving holiday and my parents are bringing me home for the holiday. We are all trying to fit in as much time as possible with the Lee Pitts family before they leave. If you are attending the Calvary church Thanksgiving service, I'll likely see you there!
Prayer items for me are that I can begin to narrow down the ideas that I have to two or three reasonable working items. Also that I would be able to write at least one rough draft of my chapter for our resource book, this week! Thanks for checking in again!

Missions conference and Recruitment meetings

2008-11-04T17:34:00.005-05:00

Last blog post I was still in Connecticut. As of now I am in California again. As for the conference in CT, I was happy to be included in the weekend activities, to meet up with some missionaries that Calvary supports that I didn't know about and a few others that I knew but hadn't seen in a while. My own brother was included and that was pretty weird!
I arrived in CA last Monday afternoon and booked it back up to the mountains where I met fellow recruiters for our bi-annual recruiters retreat. Always a good time of reconnecting and refocusing. For me this time, it was actually a bit difficult as I was caught in the middle of a time of development for my ministry in our organization. We are just now really deciding and developing the programs that we want to see available so it's hard to report on that kind of work. We did gather more up to date information on what our organization is doing to further the work of Bible Translation and it was encouraging to hear that we will be starting a significant initiative to actually see the Bible translations of the world begun soon!
Right now I have a family from Wisconsin visiting me and another friend from Georgia arriving tomorrow. There are web seminars to attend throughout the next few weeks and a new idea brewing in my head that may become reality this year! My resource book for teens about missions is coming along. The other two girls who are working on it with me are doing well also! So far so good!
I haven't connected in person with my students in youth group but have texted a few of them this last week. Seems that everyones lives are just racing along. I am so grateful for texting, as it really does keep me in touch with my girls better than anything else does! yeah, yeah, I know... "technology"!

Connecticut

2008-10-23T16:56:00.006-04:00

I'm settled into a visit to CT. I arrived last Friday night with Michael and I'll be here until this coming Monday after our missions conference at Calvary is over. Michael came to visit my close friends and family here in CT, staying about 30hrs and leaving Sunday early in time to get back for work Monday morning! It was a light-speed visit! We managed to get him out to see the Fall colors and do some pumpkin picking before filling our house with a group of friends and feeding him the real "stuff"...(Italian sauce and spagetti and meatballs, made by Joe Corica).
Since he left I've been visiting with my Grandmother Charlotte, who is up from Georgia for the week. This Friday - Sunday is the Calvary Church Missions conference. My prayer for that time is that I'll have one great 2 minute story to share at church and a good "connecting" Sunday school class on Sunday morning between services. The conference ends after church on Sunday.
I return to CA Monday and I'm due up at Taquitz Pines in Idylwild that evening for our Recruiters retreat. When that ends on Thursday I'll be receiving my good friends the Allinghams as guests in town for the week.
I ought to have lots of good pictures for you in the coming days. My November promises to be a busy one!
If you attend Calvary Church in Trumbull then I'll look forward to seeing you there this weekend, starting Friday night! Thanks for stopping by to catch up with me!
Dagney

Friends from NY and friends with airplanes!

2008-10-10T02:21:00.008-04:00

Last week was a pretty full one! Don and Elaine Eli were out here in California visiting their son and my friend Doug, and they stopped in Hemet to see me and join me for dinner at my house! It was a neat experience to have friends from out East here at my house in CA. In fact, Elaine was one of the first two people I met my first night at Calvary Church in Trumbull. She was also the first youth group leader of my first small group in high school in CT. It meant a t for them to visit. The very next day I joined some friends in San Diego and volunteered for Fri/Sat/Sun at the Miramar Air Show with the Warbird West Museum. I helped "man" the MiG-21 cockpit that they use to raise some funds for their other airworthy aircraft by charging people a couple dollars to climb in the cockpit. Of course I love being around the airplanes and it is my privilege to know these fun people. Particularly the owner of the museum, Jim Ostrich who has been so kind to include me in the museum's various activities. He has blessed me in the area of aviation and continues to, as well as in the area of my local relationships. Without being of the same spiritual persuasion, he has certainly been a kind of "dad" to me here in San Diego. I was able to continue to develop these relationships during the weekend.
Youth group has been quite different this year. Our youth pastor left in June and we now have a somewhat permanent intern. The group has dwindled to around 30+ every week, but my group of now "Sophmore" girls has remained mostly the same. One friend of the group of girls just lost her Mom to a deadly disease as of this Sunday. Please pray for Samantha and her family. She is so young to lose her Mom and this circumstance has really affected those that know her as they watch her deal with the pain of it. My girls have been doing something special to encourage her. The Lord has blessed our conversation times in small group the last few weeks and I have left youth group totally charged up about how He chooses to use me. It's really exciting to watch the girls "get" new concepts about God! The last picture on this post is our group of leaders that met after youth group this week.
For work, I was able to meet with a young lady who is interested in working for my organization in the area of journalism. We have both had a lot of fun discovering the ways she could serve. She has agreed to join me and another recruiter as we begin to write a book that we hope will be a resource for youth pastors to teach their interested students about missions. We began working on this book last week and will meet next week to keep the writing going! I also met with a group of youth ministry workers from the LA area, this week up in Lake Arrowhead. I was able to enlarge my circle of influence and learn about what God is doing in youth ministry in this Urban area. Met some really amazing people! Wow, some people are seriously motivated!
I stayed with a relatively new friend Jennifer for the first time this week. She has offered to let me stay at her house which is near my work which would allow me to shorten my commute some during the week. We had a good time connecting and she has graciously allowed me to stay when I need to.
Well, that was probably enough to read! I will be traveling to CT next weekend in order to see family and to attend the missions conference the following weekend!
Thanks for checking in again! There was a lot to write about and there were some things I left out!
Dagney

Office stuff getting busy!

2008-10-02T17:53:00.005-04:00

I finally finished the decorating (for the most part) of my office in San Diego. There is a part of it that I can't show you, as it reveals the name of my organization, but just know that the wall facing the door has big mirrored letters of my organizations logo on the wall. Very cool! I've been busy with new ideas and with meetings. I've attended a number of webinars online to improve my skills in doing my job.
My youth group girls and I have been getting along really well. God has blessed me with some fabulous conversations in the last few weeks. Conversations that I go away from amazed at God and so thankful that He chooses to use me to speak through. I love, love, love watching and witnessing students grasp how wide, and tall and deep is the love of God! He is an amazing and intricate God!
This week I have the opportunity to spend time with my aviation friends as I volunteer at the Miramar Air show! I met these friends last year at this very event! Pray for me to be the gentle witness that I must be and that my life and actions prompt questions about who I follow. I love aviation so this is my favorite pastime and these are wonderful caring people!
Next week I attend with my supervisor, a meeting our youth ministry folks from San Diego, up in the mountains for Tues-Wed. We will have the opportunity to pick their brains and to share our missions ideas and opportunities with them!
Thank you for your interest in my ministry! Please continue to pray for one of my girls's friends who is losing her mother to cancer this week. She desperately needs the constant tangible presence of God to be her comfort. Pray that my girls will be that tangible presence of God in some ways that He will give them the wisdom they need to be a blessing to her as she mourns.
There are so many students who need our prayers. I have even had Facebook conversations that have prompted me and other to prayer. So many needs it's a good thing that our God has his ear and heart on every single one!

Arizon trip

2008-09-26T10:36:00.010-04:00

I've added two posts this week. The first one is below and I added that on Wednesday. This one is to update you on what happened since I got back from NC.
Last week from Tues-Fri I was in Catalina (ie.near Tucson) AZ. Our organization held some Child Safety Seminar classes, which I along with my colleagues attended on Wednesday. Thursday we met to discuss the future of our camping programs as well as to try to better define our dept.
In the evenings we shared meals both at our recruiter friends home one night and a retired organizational member the next. We got to watch 2 fabulous sunsets in Arizona! The desert in the southern part of our United States is absolutely beautiful. AS you can see!
This week at work I've had a lot more to do. I'm keeping up with a number of new recruits in my specialty age group and we are starting work on some new ideas. Which I will tell you about as i have a better idea of how it might work out. if you know anyone who might be interested in a short term mission trip to Cameroon, Africa next summer. We are in the beginning stages of planning one. Let me know!
Youth group on Wednesday was so much fun. I ran the game, which is not my favorite thing to do, but I used a game we used in Russia and it was alot of fun. Our group has dwindled in size. There are probably a number of factors why. One of them being we lost our youth pastor earlier this summer so we're starting up again fresh. We have a tiny little budget too, but that is normal for youth groups all over the country! Gotta get creative!
I finished my office finally, so next week I'll post pictures of my "other world"!
Thanks again for checking in! andPS> don't forget there are two posts this week. I want you to meet Michael my boyfriend.

Official introduction to my blog friends

2008-09-24T12:03:00.004-04:00

This blog is primarily for the "dissemination" of information to my partners, of my mission activities. But knowing that you my partners are also my friends I want to introduce to you my boyfriend "Mike" or "Michael" as I call him. We've been dating since the end of July and he has met both my parents, but not Lee yet.
So, a little info for the inquiring minds. Yes, he is a believer and originally from California. He's a little bit younger than me (27mths) and works for the Army. For now he's stationed at California Polytechnic University as a Professor of Military Science in the ROTC unit. He has served 14+mths in Iraq as a helicopter pilot (yeah, for those that know, just like Dad!) His intention is to make the Army his career, but there are a number of options out there for him when it's time for a reassignment. You could pray for him and his family as his mother is facing serious health issues and we don't know how much longer she has until our Father calls her home. His Dad has been gone since 2006, so many of the responsibilities of his family have fallen on Michael.
We have tons in common, aside from aviation and the military and I look forward to introducing him to y'all when the time permits! He is coming to CT in October, but because of his work and the flight schedule he won't be able to make it to church this time. He will get to see the Lee Pitts family and my "home town". Maybe those of you in CT will see him over the Christmas holidays!
Thanks for checking in. Ministry news will be posted in a few days! All is well!

the last 2 weeks!

2008-09-18T13:22:00.004-04:00

Well, for those of you who read my blog rather regularly, you know that I tend to miss my weekly blog updates when I travel. So is the case this time too! I went to North Carolina to join a group of friends, family and supporters for a yearly retreat/vacation. Our host and friend Mr Powell Harrison invites a large group of us to enjoy his family home on the Outer Banks. This year, as in the past we enjoyed deep fellowship, Bible study, worship and lots of fun. My parents joined us for the second "week" and I caught up with friends that I generally only see on this trip. It did not disappoint this year once again. I come back from this trip refreshed and excited and envigorated by the people time and fellowship. We always share our year and our prayers and hopes for the next year. Even the Tropical Storm Hannah was mild "enough" to be exciting but not to keep us from staying. We weathered a very windy night on Friday but by Saturday afternoon the skies were blue!
This week, right now in fact, I am with colleagues in Arizona taking a Child Safety Seminar and today (Thurs) we are meeting within our department to discuss the future of our camping programs. It is always enjoyable to spend face to face time with my colleagues who are usually spread out over the country. We return Friday to our homes.
On another note. My landlord/colleague/friend Tori's daughter is getting married at our home this Saturday! Very exciting! the groomsmen will be preparing themselves in my house, which is in the backdrop for this backyard wedding! So Saturday will be a fury of activity and I'm looking forward to it!

a gathering in CA from CT!

2008-08-22T20:25:00.004-04:00

Last weekend, I got to go up North a bit and visit with the Todd's )while they were here on vacation) and Doug with his friend Emily. We met at the beach where Texans, Jenn and Jason were taking surfing lessons and the five of us hung out for the afternoon and I stayed through the night and went home the next day! It was so sweet to revisit our memories of times working in youth group in Connecticut and to remember the lives that we were involved in while there. It has been 2 years since I saw the Todd's and it felt like just a few days. Doug has recently moved to Pasadena to work with a mission there, having just finished raising support is now fully active at the mission offices. It was kinda hard for us to believe that we were together so far away, out here in CA!!! Who would have thought a few years ago, of such an event.
Wednesdays youth group meeting was the first big one since school has started. Once school begins we see the kids more consistently. I am sad that the freedom of summer schedules are over. We have a new youth intern, and he has begun to prepare the schedule for the fall and winter and it seems like there will be many opportunities to be involved in kids lives. Yeah!
As Fall approaches, my schedule will be very busy. I travel a lot for both business and for family, in the Fall. This year will not be different. I go to Tuscon, AZ in Sept for a ministry training event.
Looks like I'll be staying in San Diego a few nights a week with a friend at her house. That will make it easier for me to get to work and will keep me off the highway so very much; but it also allows me to keep low rent and to enjoy the peaceful countryside where I live now. That is an answer to prayer for a solution to my travel woes and I get a friend in the mix too!

To translate or not to translate in Jamaica?!

2008-08-15T15:51:00.002-04:00

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/september/5.15.html

This article was brought to my attention as an example of the struggles that translation organizations face as they strive to provide the Scriptures in the heart languages of God's people around the world.
The task of translation is not an easy one and as you can see, the current trend towards "globalization" provides some interesting dialogue on the topic!
We value every language as unique and important. When scriptures are translated into someones heart language, they then WANT to read! Once they can read their own spoken language, it is then easier for them to learn a trade language! See the article and see how this problem is discussed in the particular situation in Jamaica!

California August

2008-08-14T18:10:00.005-04:00

July was a pretty busy month for me but August promises to be a bit slower. I can be at the office more consistently. I work a day or two from home but the other days I work at the National Network of Youth Ministries office, where the activity has also picked up after the crazy summer schedules. My fellow co-workers seem to enjoy popping into my office as it is decorated with spears and arrows and bamboo and a palm tree. I collected a few artifacts from the Temecula office and am privileged to display them in my new place.
We are working on putting together a new kind of short term mission trip for teens with our partner organizations. Hopefully we will get the big details settled in the next month and can begin to advertise it. The purpose is to give teens an opportunity to experience mission options in our organization other than simply translation. This trip will hopefully highlight the work of vernacular media! (meaning non-written forms of scripture). Pray for swift planning and sufficient participants! Another area that we are beginning to explore is how to get teens involved in missions through technology. I talked to a friend this last week who has some interest in the idea and we are gonna start brainstorming how this might work. A way to get teens involved in missions NOW through their abilities in IT! Please pray for the right connnections (meaning that we meet and talk to the right people in the right positions for promoting the idea within our organization).
In the local youth ministry area for me.....our church just said goodbye to our youth pastor, on good terms, and we are in the ever familiar, search "mode"! oh yea! But in the meantime we just met with our new intern for this year. We are hoping to see spiritual growth in our students and an effective ministry despite the lack of formal leadership. I love this kind of ground level ministry. It's actually what I really live for! Seems promising for this coming school year, and for some reason last nights youth ministry meeting reminded me of how MANY of these kinds of planning meetings I have attended in my 15 yrs in youth ministry! Ya know? Ministry never changes!? It seems like we're always dealing with the same issues.....how to show kids Jesus in such a way that they fall in love with Him and want to pursue Him for themselves, while at the same time having fun!!!! Ah, youth ministry! Keeps us young!!! (seriously! I was actually asked last week, if I was gonna be going back to college soon! hahaha!!! nice......."how old do you think I am?" I said) don't ya love teens?! I DO!!!!

6,347 days left in the countdown to Vision 2025!!!

Dagney

More Wisconsin....oh how I love it!

2008-07-31T17:15:00.014-04:00

There is no way that I can tell you how much fun it was and how refreshing to go back to Wisconsin. You'll just have to wade through a bunch of pictures this time! But that's more fun anyway, right? Of course, I'll say "something".....you know me! After last weeks blog report, I had a girls sleepover at the Grovers (permission granted, for those of you who wonder!) and then went up into more Northern Wisconsin with my friends the Allinghams to their family cabin. I got back on Sunday in time to clean up (no running water at the cabin nor indoor plumbing!) and get to Faith EFC for Sunday services. The next few days I packed in time with people, both my girls and other friends from church. THANKYOU to the Lovett's (and especially Sorena) for loaning me their car! Tuesday I reluctantly packed up and took the shuttle to the airport in Minneapolis. Once again my spirit and mind and heart had slowed down to the pace that seems to be the healthiest. I had had quality time with people that I care about. I had soaked in more beautiful farmland and taken a few walks. But got to tell you about Monday afternoon. After breakfast with the Clark ladies, I visited with the Berglund family, catching up on their "to-do"ing" and then we all went over to the Bartz's farm. OH MY GOODNESS!!! Soooo much fun. The Bartz "clan" was frantically baling and storing the hay to beat the expected rains. They allowed me to climb up in the hay mow (sp?) and watch as they finished the last batch. They placed each bale on a (don't know the official name) motorized ladder thingy (how's that for official? hehe) and it then dropped off up high in the barn and a couple girls and Chris helped stack it. I didn't take my camera! I know, bummer. Just believe me it was so beautiful, that big old barn smelling of hay with the late afternoon light streaming in through the cracks in the walls and the big opening at the end. MAN! I am so impressed with how much work it is to do what they do at a dairy farm. Wow. Paul Bartz told me some interesting stuff about the hay and how they manage that. Did you know that cows don't taste their food? They only smell it! yeah, picky cows! hehe.
The best part about being there apart from the gorgeous scenery was visiting with the people that I know. They still made me feel like family and it felt like I left yesterday. I am so grateful that God sent me to Wisconsin last year. Who would have known I'd love it so much? I was blessed by the significant conversations that I was able to have and renewed friendships. I sometimes wonder why God would remove me from that place so soon. Only He knows the answers to those questions. But I got to be there for awhile, and my life is richer for it!
Before I left someone asked, "are you going for work or for vacation?" I didn't know how to answer. I felt like I was going back to re-establish the contacts I made in ministry and yet I knew that it would also be a comfort and refreshment for me. I had promised the kids I'd go back before a year was over, and well......I got back exactly the week I left last year! whew, just made it! So somehow God allows ministry and personal refreshment to go hand in hand.
Hope you enjoyed the pictures! (they include girls sleepover, cabin time with the Allinghams, little girls tackle-box, cows outside my window at the Grovers, local scenery, Kayleen and Cole at the Bartz's farm)
Dagney

visiting my friends in Wisconsin!

2008-07-24T16:18:00.006-04:00

This week I'm back in my old home of Menomonie, WI! I have been gone from here for almost a year. So hard to believe! Last year, this week was when I moved to CA.
So I came back to reconnect with my girls and to visit other friends. Last night was an informal youth group "meeting". A few of the kids came, we had about 8 total and a bunch of the leaders. We played some games that I picked up in CA with my youth group and friends there and then I got to see how the new Faith EFC band sounds! Got to hear how this last year went and what is going on in the life of the church.
I am staying at the Grovers house, without them as they are in Peru right now! A friend from church loaned me her car, so I even have "free" transportation! Tonight is a sleepover, with basically the girls in the first picture plus another one that I ran into at Wal-Mart last night! I was hoping to see Emilee, and there she was late at night in Wal-mart. I wouldn't have been there except i had to exchange an item from earlier in the day that didn't fit. Which reminds me that this particular girl is so changed! Her countenance is brighter and she seems so much more healthy and happy! I knew it was a "God" thing that I ran into her last night and I am praying that she can come tonight so we can catch up. I met her only a month or so before I moved away from here and I have been concerned for her. I am so very excited to see this goodness in her life! She has been one of those girls that is constantly in my mind and heart.
I was able to go into Connersville and visit another teen, who graduated this year. She and I talked for a couple hours and I got to meet her "new" boyfriend....great guy. The drive to and from her house were amazing. Wisconsin farmland is absolutely out of this world....if you know what I mean. Green rolling hills, barns and silo's peeking out from behind a hill here and there, cows, and waving wheat and corn, straight straight rows of mown grass drying before they are baled. I drive from place to place in awe.
There are a few more days left. More pictures to come! (oh, and the last one is my girlfriend Minda!)

Vision Camp

2008-07-17T19:46:00.009-04:00

I spent last week in the Julian Mountains, attending and staffing our Vision Camp, a summer missions camp for teens. It lasted from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday! There is no possible way that I can tell you about all that happened. We were honored to have in our care almost 60 students from the ages of 12-18. We partnered with Youth for Truth, which is a discipleship program that also send short term teams in the summer to South America. I was a member of a Jr.High team and .....well shall I say, it's been way too long since I had Jr.High experience! whew! The girl in the picture was one of our team members. Each team was named after a language group that just recently completed a translation of the New Testament into their language. Our teams names was Aukan. Our week consisted of 3 meetings a day, of which I taught two sessions on Tuesday and two on Thursday, and games and team/tribal times squished in between! We got to know each other throughout the week and by the end of the week God had done some tremendous things in the lives of the students. We experienced some deep worship times, and watched as kids eyes were open to the reality of the Christian experience. Some received Christ as their own and some decided to spend time this year under the care of Christians in order to find out what Christianity really is all about.
I was personally going through a tough time emotionally, because of stuff the weekend before, but God was also talking to me and revealing some necessarily character growth. He gave me Colossians 3:12-17 and I am still thinking on all that He has for my growth based on that. I needed the camp experience just as much as the kids. God knows all we need. He knows just what to allow in our lives.
I will be going to Wisconsin next week to visit with my students there and church family and friends. I am really looking forward to it. But before that, I am holding a sleepover tomorrow night for some of my small group girls from my youth group! We'll be together that night and I am waiting to see what God will do using that time. Our plan is to continue our time together on Saturday and go to Oceanside for the day at the beach. These "hang-out" times are usually the times that deepen my relationship with my girls in ways that Wednesday youth nights just don't do. So I am praying for these fun times too!

Summer camp

2008-06-26T13:52:00.005-04:00

Yeah, I know the picture is TINY! I will get some bigger ones and change them when I can. Ok! I went to camp last week! That's why my blog wasn't updated. My youth group from Sunridge Community Church in Temecula took about 60 kids up to Pondo Pines Camp at Big Bear, CA! We left last Monday and returned exhausted but happy on Friday. I am so grateful that not only is my job flexible enough to allow me to volunteer for such events but it's even part of my job description! woohoo! How lucky am I?
I was privileged to spend the week in the cabin with the girls from this years small group. We spent the day, just about 24/7 with each other! *big smile* The theme of the camp week was "Shine" which was based on Phil 2:14-16 "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing". All 8 teams were named after stars. Our team was called Aimach, which is a star in the Andromeda constellation. The speakers topics were all based on astronomy. It was fascinating and although I've heard that kind of thing before; I was again amazed at God and His immensity and grandeur. That WAS the point actually! :-)
The best part of all of this was that as I sat in the meetings and spent some talk time with my girls, my heart was full to overflowing. I was so blessed by my time with them. I was again reminded of WHY I LOVE youth ministry. I was again reminded that THIS is WHY I do this stuff. That God has made me for this ministry. I can not believe, as I look back, the years that have flown by and the lives that I have had some influence in. They bless me and God blesses me by being allowed to be a piece of their lives. I LIVE for times like this. When God gives you something to do, He makes you LOVE it! :-) I got to see God work, meaning move hearts and change minds, last week. He did it with teenagers. He did it without our help. He spoke to me as well, through a continuation in the passage in Isa 40:26. I've been concentrating on verses 27-31, but then He added verse 26 for me. "he calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength not one of them is missing". I was reminded that He has not forgotten me. One among trillions. He knows me and He cares what happens to me.
Anyway. That was my week. I was blessed and rewarded. Teens saw God in their own lives and He showed Himself amazing. Whew! Can ministry be any better than this?

Family vacation

2008-06-12T17:30:00.007-04:00

We had a great trip! I returned to CA on Monday evening. It all started with Memorial Day party at the Pitts in Stratford, followed by a few days of moving the Pitts in Bethel out of their house. They will be moving in with my parents for the month of June, grandkids and all! We left for Virginia on Friday and enjoyed a week of being together. We were graciously offered a place to stay in Massanutten resort near Harrisonburg, by the Fellenbaums. The weather was wonderful, with the exception of one day of storms but even that was kinda fun. We explored the Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns as well as the resort pool and horseback riding stables. We took turns preparing meals and generally just enjoyed hanging out together. Our room sat at the back of the 11th hole of the resort golf course and it was fun just watching people putt! The trip ended with a memorial service for my grandfather in Scottsville, VA. That was a really hard day or two for me. I knew it was going to be hard, and it was. I reminded myself that Jesus allowed himself to grieve at Lazarus's tomb, despite the fact that he knew he was to raise his friend from death. So it's OK to grieve, even if it's simply to feel the loss of the persons presence. PopPop is and will be, greatly missed.
The day after I returned to CA I attended my second Para-chapel ministries meeting at Camp Pendleton, the place all the contacts there got started. It was fun to report on the new ministry youth group starting and it was also a personal benefit to meet some of those who also volunteer on base.
I am just getting rolling again with office stuff for my organization. I will be going with my youth group girls to summer camp next week. We had also planned a sleepover this Friday night, before I realized that it will be followed by a week of camp together! oh well! the more the better! :-) I was welcomed very warmly back to youth group last night and it was so encouraging!
As always, thanks for checking in!

New friends and New ministry

2008-05-23T16:39:00.004-04:00

Some of you may be saying, "finally! a picture!". Yes, my friend Kate Sutton, our youth pastors wife, remembered her camera for our "girls night out" this Monday and I'm so glad she did! I always forget! A bunch of us "girls" got together to say goodbye to Kate and just for fun. Kate and her husband Terrance are leaving us and moving back to Chicago. So our church is looking for another youth pastor. I have been very blessed to get involved with a youth ministry team of fun people. We meet after group every Wednesday and this was our first girls night.
Also, on the job ministry front (as opposed to the personal ministry! lol ) We had our second meeting at Camp Pendleton for the new youth ministry starting there. God continues to do things His way, as opposed to the way I expect. A Young Life team is being formed, to be a foundation ministry for the fluctuating military community. We had some new people come, and a few from our previous meeting. I was a bit discouraged, as there were a number of people missing that I expected to see, but as is His way God brought those people that He wanted to be there. Everyone that came was really enthusiastic and ready to begin! The first youth gathering will be an ice cream social next Thursday. There are 800 young people on the South side of the base (which itself contains 30,000 people!!). Please pray with us, that most of these young people will show up. We'd rather have too little ice cream, than too much! :-) The Young Life director here says that the leadership information meetings have been exceptional. He rarely gets so many interested volunteers as we have the last few meetings. God is truly in this. I am just so glad God has allowed me to be a piece of that! It is hard to explain how good it feels, to be involved in youth ministry with military kids....it's kinda like coming "home". If you want to know more about this kind of ministry, check out www.mcym.org
Thanks for checking in! I'll be in CT as of Memorial Day, and then our family is going down to Virgina. I'll be seeing some of you soon!

Just a quick update!

2008-05-20T19:46:00.002-04:00

I went to Idylwild, CA this last week from Monday thru Thursday and I failed to take any pictures! So I didn't have anything fun and new to show you. It was a Southwest Recruiters retreat. We meet twice a year and this was my very first time!
I was excited and encouraged as I heard stories from the other recruiters around me. We heard from each region, worked on some new reports done on our personality profiles, and heard from our recruitment director as well. Our days were full and our nights spent online! How funny that email has so taken control of our lives! We all gathered in the same room, but instead of gathering in chatty groups, we all sat facing our computer screens. The very last night we were all able to peel ourselves away from those screens and play a fun game of "Apples to Apples". What a fun silly game!
This weekend I got to go to the CA beach for the first time! I went with my neighbor to Oceanside! So California. It was so nice, and warm too! yeah!
Sunday I was so blessed to be surrounded by friends. Sunday morning after church we talked for at least 30 minutes and in the evening we were all gathered in a friends home to send off our youth pastor and his wife. I am so grateful to begin to have a group of friends, and girlfriends!
I leave next Sunday to go home to CT for a bit and then our family is all heading off to VA for a family vacation. As some of you know, my brother and his wife will be moving their belongings and preparing to leave the country for overseas service. We are getting in some good family time. At the end of that time, June 7 will be the memorial service for my grandfather, John L Pitts III. It is still hard to believe he is gone, and I think that that service is going to be particularly difficult for all of us. It will be held in Scottsville, VA our family "seat". I'd appreciate your prayers for us as we grieve all over again.
I'll update on Thursday and maybe I'll even have a picture next time! :-)

Moving in and making new friends!

2008-05-08T18:19:00.007-04:00

Last Friday my two friends moved me into the new office. We got the desk and file cabinet and chairs all in and I was set! We will be bringing in some of the display from the old office to this one, and Kurt is gonna set it up for me. It will then look a bit more like a jungle. That ought to be fun! You'll see that next week. The next picture is me at my new desk. Looks pretty plain, eh? Wait till you see the fun stuff from the old office. Last weekend, after much mental debate, I went on the womens retreat from my local church. I have never attended a womens retreat and yet I thought this one might be different that what I've heard of before. Well, I was right. This group of ladies was quite adventurous! Most of us went rafting on Saturday and our little raft group had quite the adventure. We got stuck on a rock mid rapid, and although our guide had guided tours for three summers, we needed another two guides to get us "unstuck". That made our raft group a wee bit timid, but we made it the rest of the day and had two more good and fun runs down the river! The biggest reason I attended the retreat was to make some more lady friends. I was so blessed, and made some good new friends. One was also a girl who rode up to the retreat with me, and with whom I found I had a bunch in common with. We both lived in the same area in Hawaii and we talked and laughed about our love of Hawaii and it's idiosyncrasies. I even met another single gal and she is full of life! I thought I've done some pretty cool things in my 33 years, but she definitely beats me to the punch! She's got me thinking that I might try a half marathon! why not?
Youth group has been very rewarding, and the girls and I are getting along really well. We are trying to plan our next sleepover, and their thinking maybe the last day of school would be good.
I am continuing to meet with the Chaplains at the Marine base Camp Pendleton, and we are asking God to help us to know His plan for this ministry with youth and we are looking forward to watching Him use us in the lives of kids and in the building of a partnership with local churches.
Hopefully I'll be getting a new short term trip idea off the ground soon. We're hoping to develop a partnership with a sister organization and this could be our first group effort. The idea is to expose teens to the other sides of our work in our organization and let them see that God can use them in all kinds of creative support roles, working alongside translations projects!
Thanks for checking in again! Come and visit if you feel like it. I have a guest room!

Moving my office

2008-05-01T18:27:00.005-04:00

Another year, another move! Hehehe. well, actually we are moving my office from the Temecula location South, to the offices of the National Network of Youth ministries in San Diego. Kurt Scorza on the left (formerly of the dog training episodes) and Paul Johnson on the right are helping me get it all there. I will be commuting from Hemet to the Rancho Bernardo area 3-4x's a week. We'll see how it goes. For now I will be continuing to live in the home I live in now. If the commute proves to be too much and God opens an opportunity for me to live somewhere near the new office, then I'd move then. For now, while the Temecula office continues to be open I'll visit the members there on Mondays and work from home 1-2x's a week. This new location has some very good points too! The office of the National Network of Youth ministries houses youth networking people who communicate with youth ministries all over the nation. Perfect for a member who wants to network with those exact people too! God may be expanding my reach and that of my organization through this opportunity.
I'm continuing also to work with my kids at the youth group at church. We will be losing our youth pastor in the summer and our church is already actively looking for a replacement. So my services are definitely needed at this season of ministry there. I have been blessed to be given the chance for deeper relationships with a number of the girls there and as you who know me know, I am so fulfilled by those relationships. God has specifically made me for ground level, local church youth ministry.
I have been talking to the chaplains at the Marine base and a ministry called the Military Community Youth Ministry and we are continuing to meet to build this youth ministry. I so enjoy getting involved in the lives of military youth and their families. It feels kinda like "home".
Also, it looks like we're finally getting a short term trip opportunity off the ground. It will hopefully be a trip to Cameroon, Africa next summer. We hope that it will be a trip for youth to see the other side of our organization, an area called Vernacular Media! I might even get to go to Africa myself. This thrills me, as I have yet to go to that continent!
So, little moves and big moves...God gets glory in all of them!

San Diego and Youth ministry meeting

2008-04-25T15:44:00.007-04:00

Well, it's been over a week now since I last wrote. Since then, my parents came out to visit for the weekend last. The pictures are of the Balboa Park area, and as you can see it's peak rose season!
The Camp Pendleton meeting was last night and it went really well. God drew 9 churches and 13 people, apart from the three of us leaders. The two chaplains did a super job, we had two videos of military moms answering questions about how we could help address their needs. It was very evident that God was in it, as the people who came were passionate about being involved and one church has even been praying for an opportunity like this for a few years now! The Base chaplain is very open to taking assistance and will do all he can to allow us to assist with the youth on base. We are all excited, and i am honored that God is allowing me to have a piece of the action. Not only am I able here to find ways to help more youth, but these are military youth too!
Throughout the process of contacting churches to come to this meeting, I've met and spoken to a number of really good contacts, one of them being the MCYM, or Military Community Youth Ministry. We have been able, through God, to connect with a few really good networks of ministries. It is gonna be really exciting to see how God moves in order to minister to the kids on this base. For some reason He is moving now, and boy am I glad that I get to be a part of it! We're just stepping up to something God has already begun. Can't get any easier than that!

Goodbye's and Airplanes

2008-04-10T14:19:00.005-04:00

Last week was just a plain old work week, but I feel like I've lived two weeks in one!
The first two pictures are of our office closing celebration last Tuesday. The office in Temecula will be officially closing May1, but we are preparing the move out throughout this month. People from all over the area and from Florida came. We had a luncheon and a little meeting, as well as got a group shot!It was a time of tears for some, as they shared lots of memories. It was a good closure though for most.
Like I told you last week, last Monday I met with two chaplains on Marine Base Camp Pendleton, to discuss ideas of how we can minister more effectively to the young people on base, essentially the military "brats". Having grown up as a Navy brat, I am eager to find a way to get involved in any sort of ministry to these kids and as you know youth ministry is my "thing"! So through our discussions, God made is clear that we should ask the local churches for help in doing this. So we have set up a meeting on base for a few weeks from now and we are praying that many churches will come to hear the 2 big ideas we have for how they can assist the chaplain corps in reaching the youth on base. I am more excited than I can say, as this week I have been seeing a super response so far to the idea (which was God's) and I continue to pray that God will raise up the churches He wants to use for this work!
The last picture is a new hobbie of mine! *kidding! Actually I helped work on a plane this Saturday in San Diego, with a group of people I met, who love airplanes too. This C-45 was going through it's annual in order to be ready to fly this weekend. I was just helping screw some bolts in in an awkward spot! whew! but I learned some new things about airplane maintenance (have a longgggg way to go!) and I enjoyed simply hanging out at the hangar with the others.
Please pray with me over the preparations for the Camp Pendleton meeting. That God would help us to make those churches aware that need to come and that we would have a great response, enough to fill the need for mentors to kids left behind by deployed parents and the need for a consistent youth ministry on base. Thanks!

I've been in Dallas

2008-04-03T17:04:00.007-04:00

Last week I went to Dallas to do some recruiter training for our organization. We got a tour of the facility there and learned as much as we could cram into our brains about how and why we do what we do. My co-worker Tracy and my supervisor Ron and I spent our last few hours down in Fort Worth at the historic Stockyards! Good to see some history of a place when you visit.
While at the training, I came across an old friend! A guy named Michael, whose picture I put here. He was a member of my YouthBuilders 2003 team to Thailand! He and I enjoyed lots of laughs and talks when in Thailand and it was such a surprise to see him at our organizations facility in Dallas! I got to catch up and find out about him completing Moody BI and going on to study linguistics with his new wife. Wow. Where does the time go? I was so blessed though, to find that a Youthbuilders member is pursuing full-time missionary work! Of course I had to tell Gordy and Bear!
This week I met with some chaplains on Camp Pendleton and we are together planning a meeting on base, of a gathering of local churches. We want to present the needs of students on base and see if local churches can help. Pray that I can get in contact with all the churches that could help and that the Holy Spirit would call many of them to assist in youth ministry on the base.
I had my first sleepover with my new youth group girls! 9th grade and we had a really good time! I was blessed by watching them interact and we're already talking about doing it again! Thank you God for blessing me with this activity. I see a deeper level of relationship building and that is just what I prayed for!
The office here in Temecula also had a closing celebration this Tuesday. A few people came from Orlando and many from the local area who are working remotely or are retired. We had a good time of fellowship and of sharing memories. Of course, I didn't have as much to say as I was the newest member, but I could tell it was a healthy closure time for most.
I got really good news this week! I have a new office! I will be working out of the National Network of Youth Ministries office in San Diego. It will mean a 1 1/2 hr commute, but I am gonna try to make it work. We'll see. This is a super opportunity for me though, as it will keep me right there in front of important people in youth ministry. My organization will be a resource for those there who need input from a missions organization, regarding youth ministry. It's nice to have a plan for the future too! I'll move in there May 1.
It's been cold here in SoCal. I understand our weather has been the same as Menomonie, WI! Ah, Spring! brrrrr. :-)
Thanks for checking in again!

Is it Spring now?

2008-03-21T01:54:00.004-04:00

Beautiful California! Recently my days have been full of youth ministry at my local church, everyday work at the office in Temecula and working on finding a new place to work out of. Looks like it's a great possibility that I'll be working out of the offices of the National Network of Youth Ministries! More about that when it is official. I had a great opportunity to meet with the Para-Chapel ministries of Camp Pendleton last week, and that has led to more opportunities, as i will be meeting with a couple of the chaplains in the next week or so.
I had a friend come out to visit me from Nebraska. Keith came for the weekend last, and I was able to take him with me to help me with a fly-over in the Palm Desert that I attended as ground support, and then I got to show him San Diego!
Next week I will be in Dallas for recruitment meetings at our offices there. I look forward to these times, as I get a renewed excitement for my organization. When I return next Saturday, I'll be making preparations for a sleep over of 9th grade girls, at my house! I am so excited. I am glad to finally be getting into a bit deeper relationships with these new girls. They seem excited to come too. I prayed that God would work in this, that we would have some good significant conversations regarding their faith and that it would come naturally.
I must update you on Gypsy, my dog training client. I will get more pictures. FOrgot to take me camera this week! She has learned heel, sit, stay, down and this week "come". She has breezed through most of her training until we got to "down". Surprisingly, she showed her little bit of passive aggressive nature, and was not doing down for a few days. Her owners wondered if she'd ever get it, but in the end it really was just a stubborn attitude in the way. This was the first command they had to really try to teach. But she does it now, and beautifully! Now we are working on her "come", which she is good at but....because she they haven't had to correct her very much, now that they need to use the "no" off-leash, it isn't affecting her as it should. She does not have enough experience learning what "no" feels like. We are needing to be creative to figure out a way to get her to respond to the verbal "no" without the correction. Anyway, she will be learning "place" next week and then we'll be done! wow! I've been told that she is much easier to handle with the kids around, that she will obey at the park and is much better with people in general. Our biggest task is to get her so comfortable with the commands as to stop the submissive peeing!
So, that's what's up here in SoCal! There will be more to come! Thanks for being a part of it with me.

Old friends and new ministry

2008-03-06T19:39:00.003-05:00

I would like to introduce you to an old family friend, Father Frank McQuire. Two weekends ago I went to a church that our family attended when we lived here in the early '80's. I felt so welcome and such a part of community there at The Good Shepherd Episcopal church in Bonita. Wow. Ya know, I even got to sing with the choir! Choir robe and all! Yeah. That was the weekend that I was waiting to hear how my grandfather was doing and it meant alot to have the comfort of family ties all the way out in CA. The look of the church hadn't changed at all, and it was to my surprise to find that our old rector was still attending. He was as spry and spirited as always despite the affect that a stroke has had on his outward appearance. It truly meant alot to find that this church family even remembered my family and welcomed me so openly. Wow. I actually have a piece of "home" here in Southern CA! *sigh
I have also just realized that I need to step up my efforts to relate more to some local teenagers. The Holy Spirit caused me to realize that the very thing that I find most rewarding was missing from my life, ie. one on one relationships with teenagers. Although I attend youth group meetings and have a small group discussion, I don't yet have deeper relationships with girls here, like I had in WI and CT. So, this week with prayer behind me I asked the 9th grade girls about having a sleepover at my house this month. What a positive response! "YES" was the answer. So that is in the works and I am feeling really happy about the prospects of getting to know some girls a bit better.
A big prayer item these days is the decision about my office. As you may know our office here is closing and I must find another place to work in the area. I found out today, that my first choice was no longer an option, so now we are looking at sending me a bit further out, like towards San Diego. There is an option of working in the office of the National Network of Youth Ministries. I already know most of the staff, at least partly and they like the general idea. So please pray God would open up the best opportunity and that I would know what to do about where to live. I can either stay in my rent free place and commute or I will need to move. Moving would also, most likely mean that I will need to change churches! ouch!
Thanks again for checking in!

My hero, My grandfather John Lee Pitts III..May 1919-Feb 2008

2008-02-29T19:10:00.002-05:00

John L Pitts III died Tuesday February 26, 2008 in Delray Beach at the Manor Care nursing facility, while in the company of his son John Pitts IV. “Jack” was born 22 May 1919 in Scottsville, VA to John L Pitts Jr and Laura Margaret Connellee. Jack lived in Scottsville with his mother, father and sister Alice until May 1929. Due to the national economic depression his family moved to Middletown, Delaware to live with his grandfather and grandmother Connellee. The family moved around over the next few years ending up in Bloomfield, New Jersey. During this time he and his sister shared their home with their first cousins, Alfred and Bill Connellee.

During these younger years, Jack became interested in airplanes and flight. He entered the Virginia Military Institute following his father’s footsteps, where he played football, ran track, and played guitar in the VMI band. While attending VMI he courted Marjorie Ann Gibbs of Middletown, DE whom he would later marry. They spent many weekends at Big Band dances and riding the scenic area on horseback. Graduating with the VMI class of 1941, he entered flight training and following the attack on Pearl Harbor, became a B-17 “Flying Fortress” pilot, ultimately completing 58 combat missions with the 97^th Bomb Group earning among other awards, the Distinguished Flying Cross, losing only one of his crew to enemy fire.

Within days after returning from the African theatre he married his childhood sweetheart Marjorie Anne Gibbs and was assigned to the Boca Raton airfield by the Army Air Corp to command a flight test group who developed night fighter tactics, testing and improving almost all known Air Corps aircraft and testing the then secret “G” suit for jet aircraft, as well as other duties. He left the Air Corps in 1946 and began a car rental business which he would own and operate in Delray Beach for the next 50 years. A son, John L Pitts IV was born to Jack and Marjorie on January 20, 1946. They continued to live in the Delray area in the house that Jack built for the rest of Marjorie’s life. Marjorie died in 1977 after a long battle with cancer. Jack then cared for Edna Gibbs, Marjorie’s mother, who had come to live with them until her death in 1981. He was very involved in the community being a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts, a Delray City Councilman, a senior warden at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, President of the local Kiwanis Club and leader of a harmonica band that played at local hospitals and homes. Jack was well known to appreciate as well as play golf and to be a long time fisherman. Many locals will remember seeing him around town and in local restaurants entertaining with his harmonica. A few years after Marjorie’s death he married Ann Detwiler to whom he stayed married until she died of a stroke 19 years later. Once again he married, this time to a longtime local friend Bernice McNeece with whom he enjoyed a refreshing 9 years of marriage and who survives him. He is also survived by his only son John and his wife Patricia and grandchildren Dagney and John L Pitts V and wife Anne, great-grandchildren Aurora and Bryn Pitts. He is a much missed and beloved Dad, husband and grandfather. We are proud to have called him our own. A memorial service will be held in the Spring in Scottsville, VA where Jack will be buried alongside Marjorie Ann (Gibbs) Pitts. The family requests in lieu of flowers that gifts be made to the Pioneer Boys Association at 309 NE 1^st St., Delray Beach 33445 which supports the local Boy Scout troops in Delray Beach.

Youth group and Doggie update!

2008-02-21T17:04:00.007-05:00

Here is a very recent picture of me and a few of my girls at youth group! When I asked to take their picture they were very eager! These girls have made me feel very much at home at "Epic" our youth program at Sunridge Community Church. It has been such a refreshing change to spend a number of continuous weeks at youth group. No travel! yeah!
Next is a couple pictures of our "love" poster, from which the quotes came that I posted in last weeks blog. As you can see, the poster was "full-up" with valentines wishes for God. Teens can express themselves in ways that I am sure God totally enjoys!
I told you that I would also update you on Gypsy's progress in training. Well, we met for her second lesson yesterday. She is doing remarkably well! Her "parents" practiced as they had promised and she is very comfortable with her "heel" and was able to try some distraction practice too. Then we taught her "sit", the formal version. Many dogs know a form or two of "sit", but my version includes an "automatic stay" and a one word command (vs."sit, sit, sit, hey! sit!"). At first she didn't understand that while she was "sitting" she wasn't free to go just because we sat down; but she very quickly got the idea, and by the end of the hour was reasonably adjusted to the idea. I am sure that this will be a foundational command for her and well used in the future. Her "mom" told me that she even made an hour+ long car ride this weekend without a single bark or whine! Tremendous results! We're all very happy! Next week she will be taught the "stay". I'll tell you how it goes!
Our department had a conference call today and we are moving forward with a number of our plans for this year, including filling up our stateside camps and our international trips. We are developing an idea for a new kind of international trip for teens and that idea is gaining popularity and possibility! I'm excited about that!
No need to be wondering if you should be jealous of our weather down here. It's been rainy, cloudy, foggy (need fog lights for my car!!!) and actually snowy! Although, I must say, nothing like those Wisconsin winters!
Thanks for checking in!

It snowed in Southern California!

2008-02-15T20:13:00.006-05:00

"I love you God, so please help me be more nice!"
"Father, thanx 4 everything! I love u! love ur daughter"
"I love u God you're always in my heart"
"thank you for giving me a second chance"
"Father God, you're there when no one else is, you created love and i want to live by it. when the darkness closes in you're all that's left. you are all love and I'm in it. Love you dad...!!"

I think God probably treasures these love letters to him more than our best poetry. These are quotes from a banner on which our youth group kids wrote their valentine notes to God. These were some of my favorites and there were many more. Being in youth ministry has been very rewarding.
The first picture is from my drive home last night. You can see the sunset reflecting off the mountain that I live on. It snowed yesterday. So much so that our dirt road was very slippery and I almost didn't get to work, despite my 4x4 vehicle! But I did and caught these beautiful shots on the way home.
Today I met with my boss Ron and we talked about ministry and plans for where our "office" will be among other things. We also met one of "our" kids from our ministry's website. She and her father met with us for lunch. We have been trying to keep in contact with our website kids and hope to see that ministry develop into a healthy alternative chat room for ministry minded kids.
I met this week also, with the San Diego Mission Team and we discussed how we've been networking with youth pastors and youth ministries in San Diego. We are seeing the Holy Spirit prompt kids to begin their own outreaches to their peers in schools and we are getting really excited about the possibility this next generation finishing the "task"! I am beginning my contact with the chaplains to reach military kids on a nearby base and I hope to encourage them to greater outreach.
Update on Gypsy, the Australian shepherd. She had her first lesson in "heel" and boy did she do fabulously!! She responded so well to very few corrections and as I somewhat expected was one of the very few dogs who learn quickly. She amazed me and her owners. We expect to see her behavior dramatically improve. She is already quieting down in the car and staying calm for her dinner too!
Thank you for all your interest and concern for me and for youth ministry!

Ministry and dog training!

2008-02-07T18:22:00.000-05:00

Aren't they cute? Meet Gypsy! Your new client!
This week I've got really fun news! Through me, you my partners are able to supply some help to a colleague of mine in training his dog! A fellow missionary here has an adopted dog who is in need of some basic training. I am able to assist using my professional skills and do it free of charge, which to this family, who is severely low on support, is the only way they would be able to get help. I feel as though you, my partners are the ones giving this help to them. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. So through me you are blessing another missionary! It is such a strong feeling that I am not able to sufficiently communicate this. I really feel like a conduit! Who would've thought that I could use my dog training to be a direct blessing to a missionary. Fun! I'll keep you updated on her progress as we work with her through the next 6 weeks. She is shy and fearful and many of her issues stem from her fears. I expect to see big changes in her very soon. She is afraid of people and dogs, submissive pee's and has a bit of separation anxiety. Wait until you hear what happens next. We're going to apply some basic obedience and she is going to blossom!
I'm doing youth group and loving it too. There are lots of new things to do in the office as well. So life is coming at me pretty quick. I'm learning to keep it within the right boundaries.
Thank you for checking. Aren't you proud of me? I've updated three weeks in a row now!
Thanks for your support and your interest!

Greetings from the sick one

2008-01-31T19:03:00.000-05:00

Hello again! I am showing you a picture of last nights sunset. We rarely get big lovely clouds like this in CA so I just had to catch them, besides I needed a picture to show you and this week you wouldn't want to see me! As soon as I returned from the retreat I got sick. Literally, as soon as I drove in the driveway! So I was well cared for by two friends and by Tori and Richard my neighbors. I'm still recovering, but God has been teaching me that I must not worry so much. Worrying about recent events actually made me sick. So, humbly I am learning. Notice learn "ing", haven't quite got it YET!
My best news this week is that I went to youth group and was once again so blessed. The girls in my small group of 9th graders were open and real with each other and me. A few of them even impressed me with their prayer lives! wow! praying every night for world issues. They really do it too! I was honored by some follow up questions and felt like once again, it was one of those youth group nights I live for. I have been so wonderfully surprised by these kids. They are not what I was expecting. Much friendlier and much more open with me!
Prayer requests would be for one of my boys in Wisconsin who is struggling with spiritual warfare. Please pray that he is protected and that he wins over the enemy and is granted restful sleep at night! For me that I would be able to organize my work life and be able to meet with a few youth leaders in San Diego. Also, we are trying to figure out my future office situation. My boss's still don't yet know what the plan will be. Pray for doors of opportunity for a local office to open so that I don't have to move.
and to close a favorite quote..."Greatness is not revealed in vast miraculous actions but in daily positive attitudes"- Chuck Swindoll
love you!

Next Gen Retreat

2008-01-24T17:01:00.000-05:00

I have been so late getting this blog updated! Since I got back to California I haven't stopped.
SO! here we are at the Next Gen retreat up at Big Bear Lake, CA. I was responsible for the food and activities for the group during the week. We had members join us from all over the USA and Canada. All of them are members of our organization and involved in ministry to teenagers. The purpose of the retreat is to discuss the future, talk about what we are doing and should be doing. Of course pictures of meetings are boring, so I am giving you shots of our big group activity! Snow shoeing. I have never done this before and only a few others had. The snow up here at Big Bear is beautiful and we had a great group time tromping around in the snow among the pine trees up here at 7,000 ft. Our meetings end tomorrow morning and we will all be making our way DOWN the mountain complete with tire chains!! yikes! Even me, the seasoned New England driver is nervous. CHAINS???
This next month I will spend completely IN California! My first full month at home, believe it or not! So I have an executive meeting of the San Diego Mission Project, and youth group and various organizational meetings at the office. My boss is currently in the State looking at office options for me, once our regional office closes. I'll let you know as I know, what is going on with that.
I pray that your days are warm, and full during this winter season! The snow here in Big Bear is reminding me of winter!!! :-)

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-27T17:23:00.001-05:00

We're enjoying each others company. Visiting with church friends, and generally feeling very blessed. I hope your holidays are as special as our are. Well what to say, except Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me and the Pitts family!

California, Christmas cookies and Connecticut

2007-12-21T17:11:00.001-05:00

First I want you to meet Pancho. A connection from our organization, who I believe God brought to us in order to help us develop a new partnership to get some creative access to short term mission opportunities for teenagers. Ron, (my boss) and I met with Pancho last Monday. He loves teens and he is passionate about construction projects for missionaries! Be prepared to hear more about Pancho in the future! I believe he is an answer to our prayers for what God wants to do with our ministry to teens!
Now here you can also finally meet the famous Rio, my first friend from California! She's the little one in the middle! I held a Christmas party (my first in CA) in honor of Rio, who will be traveling to Asia for 6 mths. She is such an inspiration to me. If anyone is inspired to pray for a young 22 yr old who responds to God's call and goes anywhere, even to war-torn countries, let me know and I'll get you in contact with her! She will need serious prayer partners!!
I flew to CT on Tuesday and am now beginning to celebrate the Christmas season with family and friends. I was so honored to be invited to a friends home and learn to complete their Italian cookies, of which the name escapes me! It is this cool, tiny anise cookie smothered in honey! The Corica family makes this a holiday tradition and I was allowed to be a part of the party! We hung around rolling, cutting and baking for a few hours and I totally enjoyed myself. It was fun to be back in a home that I have great memories at from High school and with people who are special to me.
I've spent a day baking cookies with Mom and we've got all kinds of holiday plans including skiing in Vermont with a friend from Virginia! I've joined the choir for the Christmas season too. What a privilege to sing under our great choir director Marjie Brake! :-)
I met with some members of the San Diego Mission Project on Monday as we planned ways to better pray for the youth ministries of San Diego and from now until January I'll be working from Connecticut. Already I've got a list of practices to learn our organizations database and I'm helping to plan the retreat in January. I've got another training meeting in Orlando in January too! Seems like I'll be continuing the travel schedule on into the new year!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and thank you again for your interest in my ministry and life. Your friendship and interest make my life much fuller! Thank you!

Orlando again!

2007-12-11T20:09:00.000-05:00

Well, I just returned from a week in Orlando Florida! This time it was as a full-fledged member of my organization! woohoo! We were there to learn to use software and systems set up to help us do our job as recruiters. I was blessed to be able to get to know some really super people, who are recruiters all over the country as well as the staff at the headquarters in Orlando. We had regular work days and even a few Christmas parties!
Following this time at the headquarters, my mom joined me and we drove down to see my grandfather for the weekend. He is recovering from having some radiation and is kinda discouraged. I asked my prayer partners to please pray that I would be able to lift his spirits. I believe we were able to do that to some degree. He has never been sick, so he just doesn't know what it feels like to recover from something so drastic; and to have to learn this at 84!! wow! I pray that he will continue to improve and not feel hopeless. I played my guitar and we got him outside in the sun. We talked to him when he was not resting and encouraged him to eat, even though he didn't feel like it. He even played a few games of Sequence with us and that was a great improvement from his recent days of simply sleeping. Thank you for your prayers. If you feel so moved, I wish for prayers for his salvation. We just don't know!
I will be in CA for this week and then returning once again to CT for the Christmas season. My boss and I are meeting a new member here at our Temecula office tomorrow. This is someone who loves youth ministry and we hope to encourage him to consider working with us in our department! I have a youth group meeting to attend and a small group meeting. Just the short turn around time is making long term planning difficult! Gotta get those Christmas cards done and some shopping too!
The first thing on the "docket" for next year is a department retreat in January. We're starting out the year with vision casting! I can't wait!
Thanks for checking in!

HEY! did you know? The "Boomer" generation consisted of 88,000 people in the USA. The "Gen X" consists of 35,000 and the "Millenials or Post-Mod's" are 85,000. Why the drop in population between the last 3 generations??? 40,000 abortions!!!! My generation was cut in half!

Balloons and Sunsets

2007-11-29T14:16:00.000-05:00

I'm back in California and getting ready to go to Florida to get involved in some ministry training. We will be learning how to use some software that we need to track new members to our organization.
In the meantime, I have a few days to get connected again. I had youth group again last night and am slowly learning kids names. Of course the ones I had memorized didn't show last night and I had a bunch of news ones to learn! The kids are quizzing me on it already too! The group of adult leaders get together for "dinner" after group and hang out. It's so refreshing to have a group of new friends to hang out with who also love teens. :-) Thanks for praying! Also, tonight I have my second small group meeting. I want to get involved this way because our church doesn't have Sunday School, so this is the only way to really get to know people at church! I'll be missing next week, as I'll be in Florida, but they are all understanding!
The first pictures were my first chance to catch the balloons of Temecula in action! I happened to have my camera when they were landing, so I caught them over the vineyards. There were three of them and Temecula wine country is known for their ballooning. The next two pictures are of one of the many beautiful sunsets I get to watch from my deck. :-)
Christmas is approaching, and I don't have lots of time to enjoy it at home, so I'm decorating and getting "in the mood". I thought maybe I ought to have a goodbye party for my first friend Rio as she heads to Asia to be involved in ministry there for 6 months. She is an amazing young woman and I am so glad that God put her in my life as an example. If there could be more young women like her!!! I wish you ALL could meet her. You'd be amazed.
Enjoy your first official week of the Christmas season! It all goes so fast, doesn't it?
Dagney

Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T17:49:00.001-05:00

Well, this week I'm in Connecticut for the holidays. Lovely CT has plenty of leaves and this weekend we were out raking. Here's the happy family!The holidays are rapidly coming on. My niece has given us lots to laugh about, she's our entertainment these days!
Not alot of news so I'll share some pictures instead!
I won't be home for long, off to Orlando for training next Sunday and then with one week in CA, I'll be home again in CT for Christmas.
I appreciate all of you, who check on me periodically!
belated Happy Thanksgiving!

Freedom!!!!

2007-11-19T19:50:00.000-05:00

I am FREE in many senses! I know it's early in the week for a blog post but i just have to tell you! #1.my car is paid off and I'm ecstatic. It's all mine! #2 I got my CA license plates, finally! (and side note, some money that friends from CT gave me while I was home, completely covered the very expensive cost of the licensing and title!!!little did they know!) #3 and the BIGGEST news! is I am released to my "assignment" with my organization!! Yes, as of today. Whew!
So thanks for sharing in a little bit of my news. I'll try to update again over this week, as Thursday is Thanksgiving anyway. There has been lots of fodder for pictures this weekend and there will be again while I'm home for the holidays! See ya again soon!

Connecticut, California, Chicago and St.Louis

2007-11-14T14:12:00.001-05:00

Well where HAVE I been? After leaving CT I arrived in California to witness the result of the fires, drive home to wash laundry and leave 24 hrs later for Chicago and St.Louis. In Chicago I met up with two co-workers and we drove down to St. Louis for 4 day trip to the Youth Specialties conference. My organization had a booth, which is what you see in the first picture. That is Ed Swanson our camping director and he built those walls and hung the hammock. We were simulating our camping ministry. Our Brazilian hammock was very popular. We were raffling off a Jesus Loves You soccer ball (which has "Jesus loves you" in 30 languages) and 2 "Da Jesus Books" the Hawaiian Pidgin translation. We received many compliaments on our booth and we made some good connections. I was inspired by the general sessions that I was able to attend and really enjoyed the fellowship amoung hundreds of fellow youth workers from all over the US.
I was also able to make some networking contacts and I hope that a few of these will lead to some solid partnerships for my organization.
After the conference I helped my co-worker Tracy find her new apartment in Chicago where she will be moving this month. It was fun to help someone else look and not be the one looking!
Next I came back to CA and immediately got involved in a formation flying group. The San Diego Salute is a team of T-34's that fly for shows and events in the SoCal area's. I have been asked to be their announcer and this has plunged me back into the world of aviation, for which I am immensely grateful to God! This is an ecclectic and fun group of people who love aviation and are willing to let me tag along and learn from them. I look forward to alot more flying and even getting help in getting current again myself! Why do I miss Wisconsin?? *wink
Tonight I am going to youth group, the one at the church I've decided to join, Sunridge Community. I'll be helping with the Sr.H and I am looking forward to getting involved in the lives of kids again.YEAH!
I am sooo close to being officially at 100% support. It's just a matter of getting the final word back at the office from a few partners and adding up the numbers!! We're planning the department retreat for January and I just got involved in the National Network of Youth Ministries and will be much more active in that in the very near future. I hope to soon contact Josh McDowell and Doug Fields for opportunities to pick their brains and find out how my organization can be more involved in the lives of teens and inspire kids to join missions. I was really pumped up by the Youth Specialties conference and I hope that God has big plans for my organizations work!
Oh! and one last big praise! My car is paid off as of today! FREEDOM!!!!

I'm an Aunt 2x's over!

2007-10-18T15:47:00.000-04:00

She has arrived! Yes, it's a girl. Bryn Marie Pitts arrived just after I did on Oct 17, 10:10pm. I got in to Bradley airport Oct 16 at 7:45pm and we got the phone call late that night to come get Aurora, my other niece, in preparation for baby to arrive. Wow. God does take care of details. I was given this ticket and made arrangements for it in June or July. We weren't told the due date at that point, so this can only be an extra blessing from God. He knew when she would be born and allowed me to be here for it. I know it's an "extra", but with my brother and his family preparing to leave for overseas missions, this birth may be the last one for some time that we'll all be in attendance for! I am grateful.
I am home to attend the missions conference for Calvary Evangelical Free church. I will be in CT until Oct 29. Prayer requests would include my being able to raise that last $96 a month that I need in order to work full-time in ministry in California. Also, I am looking forward to a number of small group meetings, that have already been arranged. I hope to be used by God however He would like, and I expect that I will be encouraged through the conversations with these home church family members. Every time I come home God has used people in this church to encourage me, to counsel me and to prove His activity in my life in specific ways. I hope that He will repeat that pattern and I hope that I can be a blessing in return to speak of how He has been amazing in my life too.
ps. check this out! I made friends while attending the Miramar Air show in San Diego and was able to catch a ride in a T-28. Not only that, but God has totally blessed me! I am now connected with a great group of pilots whom I will be working with and who have introduced me to some great opportunities for flying and for hanging out with those that do! I'll be driving a Vietnam era Jeep in the Thanksgiving Day parade and be trained to announce for their air show performances of T-34's! Wow! I am soo excited! I've been praying for over a year now that God might allow me to fly again.

Not alot of news

2007-10-11T12:26:00.000-04:00

Not alot going on here as far as work. I am at 96% support though!
There are some plans being made for what I can begin to do once I am released to my ministry assignment. Apart from training meetings that I'll need to attend, one of those plans is to attend the Youth Specialties conference in St.Louis in November. We plan to interview youth leaders as to what areas of their ministry we can help them accomplish in missions. I am creating a list of questions that we will use. We are also creating a design for our booth at the conference, complete with tents and hammocks. This is represent the camping ministry called Jungle Jump Off. We hope to recruit both campers and helpers!
Last week I was blessed to have been given a trip to Ohio with my Dad to see a special air show, called the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends! There they gathered 100 P-51 Mustangs (WWII aircraft) among other aircraft. It was a really special weekend, not only to be surrounded by my very favorite airplanes, but to spend time with my Dad. We can't stop talking about it. I took 200+ pictures, but here are a few for you.
Right after I returned from Ohio, a girlfriend came to visit me here in Ca. Anna Tuckwiller from Virginia came for a week. Her last request was to watch the sun set over the Pacific. As you can see, it didn't disappoint!
As to prayer requests, I have found a church that offers a singles ministry and although it is far away I plan to supplement my future home church with that ministry. I am so excited to have been introduced to this Evangelical Free church ministry. I am still looking for a local home church. Also, I will be traveling at least once every month for the next few months. It's hard to settle here and travel so much, although I LOVE to travel. So I would appreciate prayers that I can settle with a church and friends here while at the same time accomplish all the travel. One of those trips is coming up next week. I will be going back to CT for Calvary's Missions conference and hopefully the birth of my next nephew/niece! Perfect timing!!! Thank you God! and thank you Dan Getz Jr for the ticket home!!! Thank you for checking in on me and my ministry situation! See many of you very soon!

2007-09-20T22:13:00.000-04:00

This is part of the road to my house. In order to get to this point there is 20 minutes or more of asphalt and then.....this. lol Good thing I have 4WD! They tell me that when it rains, it flash floods!

Been away a bit

2007-09-20T21:48:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! I went to the East Coast for an annual get-away/retreat with friends. We are graciously invited year after year to this little piece of heaven on the South Outer Banks, N.C. This is a special time to be blessed spiritually and emotionally. We held Bible studies and worship times, and lots of talk time as well as celebrations! Thank you Powell and Anne Harrison!
I am home in Southern CA now and writing more letters to partners, trying to get in touch with everyone. I can't keep from doing some NextGen work though. I hope to have support confirmation in time to get moving on some great ideas that my colleagues and I are dreaming up. One is a Youth Workers convention in November. We want to pick the brains of youth pastors and workers about how we in my organization, can help them help their teens to think about missions.
I have so many ideas I want to get started. Once we hear from all my partners I will be free to "go at it"!
I attended my first youth group last night (Wed) at Sunridge Community. We played a giant game of "capture the flag" (hilarious) and then a teaching time followed by hang out time. Some of the kids were willing to talk with me and I got some hang out time too! :-) After youth group the leaders go out for a late dinner. For you CT people, this restaurant is open the latest in town....*drum roll* 11:00pm!!!! Missin' those New England diners! :-) So, I'm going to attend this church again this week and go from there! It was really sweet to be with youth leaders again. I must say though, CA kids are so different! I was told they are quite sheltered and you can tell. Some of these kids have never been outside of Temecula, even going to San Diego is a stretch for them!!! Wow! I would never have thought that! The culture of these more well-to-do kids is gonna stretch ME. There wasn't a single "Emo" kid in the group. I'll miss that kind of kid. I'll have to get used to the "popular" crowd. Who said ministry was easy or comfortable?? :-)
To end I'm going to include some more pictures of "where I've been" the last two weeks! In case you want to know what heaven might look like! :-) Thanks for checking in AGAIN!

Waiting in Hemet

2007-08-30T14:08:00.001-04:00

Well, here is a view of "my mountains" for you! The paddock in the picture is behind my house. Cool huh?
This week I met with a group of youth ministry people in San Diego. I was invited to meet some of those involved in mobilizing our youth ministries in this area to better reach our youth. What an amazing group of people! They are so passionate about having the Gospel shared with every teenager in San Diego county. It was a pleasure to be a part of this group. I've been invited back and I expect that God will use these connections as another way to find those teens that He wants to call into missions and Bible Translation.
As for the rest of my days, I am waiting. Waiting for my organization to give me the "go-ahead" to actually work. I am working from home, not even going in to the office these days. I must have confirmation of 100% support before I can officially begin my job. I am not allowed to even accept speaking engagements until they are confident that I don't have to return to CT for "partnership development". In the meantime I'm contacting those who have been a part of my team this last year with the EFCA and writing letters. I am sure that it is just a matter of time, that Summer is upon us and peoples lives are very busy. Prayer request? That those who plan to continue with me to my organization will let it know. I imagine for some it feels like they are recommitting. In fact it's really just a change of authority from the EFCA to my organization.
In the meantime, we're having HOT weather and even some storms! I am getting excited about what God has in store for me in youth ministry and missions here in Southern California!
Thanks for praying!

Camp in the mountains

2007-08-23T15:54:00.001-04:00

Well, what has Dagney been up to? Apart from getting settled, I have also been quickly getting involved in ministry with the office here in Temecula! Last week I spent up in the mountains, at Idylwild CA helping to staff a camp called Total Vision. This camp gave the participants the opportunity to see the work of my organization at a much deeper level. I appreciated being introduced to the concepts of linguistics, phonetics and the sort. It was almost a brain drain! The ladies in the first picture are some great crazy missionary women. Do we have fun here or what?
The next one is a skit that I took part in that demonstrated how confusing language can be. It is necessary to be a good listener. The topic was the usefulness of the bandana in missions living. I was supposed to have mistaken bandana, for banana. I demonstrated how to open it to then use it to cover your head for shade, how to wipe it over your limbs to "dry" off persperation, to "spread it out on the ground" and sit on it to keep from getting your bum dirty and then to "lay" it over your eyes to keep off the sun. What a mess! But Fun!
I was really encouraged as I spent time with these amazing people. I was challenged to get over my recent move and to concentrate on the participants of this camp and be a part of God moving in their lives. It was so energizing to see God use my life, my testimony and such for His glory.
I also met some new friends! Trevor and Sam Deck are missionaries who are recruiters in San Diego! We got along really well and I was so encouraged that I might now have some new friends. We plan on attending our required "recruitment" meetings together and traveling together. I am so blessed!
The reason for me to go was to just spend time getting to know the few teenagers that attended. That was such a pleasure. These were some really mature, awesome teens. I was impressed with them. The picture of the group of smiling people, is those of us who helped lead worship. Next to me on my right are the three teens. Marieke, Aryn and Becca (who by the way, is from the town in CA that I was born in!).
Lastly, I have just met with a man who leads a ministry here in San Diego, and who is an EFCA church member. He was an answer to prayer. His spiritual gift is Exhorter,and he was an amazing encouragement. He challenged me to more committed times with God and He challenged me to try to accomplish greater things than I would have imagined here with my organization. He has agreed to be a mentor for me in ministry building (yes, I know that's Gods job, but hopefully you know my intent). He can teach me alot about building networks and meeting people and can challenge me to think bigger. He said he sees a vision for what God is going to do with me, and I am a bit scared but also totally encouraged. If it's gonna happen it is gonna be ALL God! So this meeting was from God I am sure. He is already arranging things around me. I have a meeting with a network of youth pastor next week!!!! Wow!
Prayer request? That all my financial partners would finish signing up with my organization so that I can actually begin to do all these things. Without knowing if I am at 100%, I am not officially allowed to begin my job. Please pray that that is resolved soon!

Paul Washer sermon jam 1

2007-08-17T23:36:00.001-04:00

I thought this video was a refreshing challenge to our young generation, as well as us. Tell me what you think.

From There to Here

2007-08-08T20:44:00.001-04:00

Before you read this one, notice that this is the second one I posted today. There is another new post below!!
So a friend of mine informed me that moving is one of the top 10 most stressful life events! Huh. So, that's why I feel the way I do!! :-) As you can see from the first picture, we left on a beautiful Wisconsin day. I would have enjoyed the farmland more had it not been for the tears in my eyes. Our first stop was Omaha NE. We were then on to Colorado Springs and Santa Fe, then to Kingman AZ, and on to CA. We stopped to see friends two times and both times were blessed and encouraged on our way. We saw some beautiful rows of corn, sunsets, mountains and desert. Did you know desert can be beautiful? I may not want to LIVE there, but it IS pretty!
We arrived in CA all in one piece, Dad having driven the truck the whole 2,000+ miles!! Thanks DAD! Some help arrived from the Temecula office the evening we drove in and we managed to unload the entire truck. My new neighbors, who own the home I'm living in were there as well, moving in boxes and carrying the stuff one load at a time. Wow! It takes much less time to unload those big trucks than to meticulously load them!
The next few days were emotional for me. I am grateful that my parents are so patient. I was not, and never have been one to take moving easily. Each time I move it seems harder. How does that happen? Age? Anyway, after a few days I began to feel better and began to enjoy the lovely scenery surrounding me. God once again has really blessed me and arranged just what He knew ahead of time I would need and enjoy. I live in the beautiful mountainous farmland of Southern CA. We have orange groves and vineyards and horse paddocks all around. It's lovely! I still get to drive through farmland to get to the office! He knew I would enjoy that!
Before Mom and Sharma left to head back to Connecticut, she took Sharma and I to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I couldn't pass up the silliness of the turtle costume!!
I am now settling into the office routine in Temecula. I met with my new boss for the first time today and we talked about our dreams for the future of NextGen and how we can help build relationships with youth pastors and youth ministries in Southern CA. I have a feeling that the pace of life will speed up quickly. I also think that I will enjoy the job! I already am heading off to help staff a language training camp in the mountains of CA next week and will have the opportunity to learn some more in depth translation work and hang out with a couple of seriously interested highschool students. Hit the ground running!

The sad part

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

Saying Good by was really hard. There is so much time to cover since last posting that I need to break it into parts. The first part is Wisconsin and the next will be...you'll see! Well, the first picture is of me and some of my kids at the St.Croix Cty Fairgrounds to see the tractor pull. I really enjoyed myself with all this farm culture!! What fun! It was a sweet time with these special people. Then the next one was a flight I was invited to join with my best friends in Wisconsin, Steve and Brenda Allingham and their little boy John Kenneth, for John's first small plane ride with "Daddy". It was our last real time together, and boy was that fun. Steve even let me fly for awhile.
Next is the packing stuff. Mom was a huge help, having flown out to WI early to help me pack. I don't know what I would have done without her! The Sunday before I left was a sad one for me saying goodbye to my church family in Boyceville. We all fit into one picture! See?
The Penske truck was almost NOT big enough to fit all my stuff, but this "motly" crew managed it with the supervision and expert handling of my Dad.
The next day after the apartment was checked we headed out of town. Not knowing when I'll be back made it harder to leave. We have created some great memories and I am grateful that God sent me to Wisconsin, if only for a season.

Packing and Praying

2007-07-19T14:10:00.001-04:00

Wow, this week is so different! Mom arrived Tuesday and we have gotten started with the major packing. I said goodbye to Gordy and Bear yesterday while dropping them off at the Minneapolis airport for their trip to Congo. They won't be back until after I leave. That was a really hard part of my moving out experience so far. Wow. It really hit me that Youth Builders is over. So then the rest of my day was rough. It was all better though when I spent the evening with my kids from Faith EFC and others in a volleyball tournament. God knew just what would cheer me up. Being with the kids was it! The picture is of some of them. I have been putting off saying goodbye to them. This is getting really hard. I am only able to do it, because I remember that this move is God's will for me. That His hand has been in it every step of the way. I am really excited about this new job with Wycliffe, and yet I am trying to make sure that I have good closure here. The hardest part is leaving my "kids". Please pray for these girls and guys as they find their way in this world, that they would hold really tight to Jesus and trust Him!
So packing, packing and more packing. Going to see one of our kids compete in a tractor pull Friday! We're getting all the Wisconsin culture we can in before I leave!
Thanks for checking in!

Girls Movie Day on Saturday

2007-07-17T00:08:00.001-04:00

Girly stuff

2007-07-06T12:44:00.001-04:00

Another week has gone by. Thanks for coming back!
Last Thursday I had a sleepover with a group of girls from church. We had a really good time. I had hoped for a good fun time as well as hoped for some significant conversation. I believe that did happen.
As you can see we had some good "girl" time, but we also played "hide and seek"!!! Can you believe it? High schoolers playing "hide and seek"!
I am now in the swing of moving. My office was the first to get boxed up. A coworker (Gordy) is coming to take this huge desk to our church for our church office. I have alot more to do, but it will all get done.
My Grandmother Char is here to visit, and although we'll see a bunch of the countryside, she'll be helping me to pack. Nice to have company for that!
The moving truck is hired!!! Finally! Mom and Dad have their tickets and the process of getting to California is on it's way. Prayer requests would be that I would have confirmation from my partners of their support so that my organization is confident of my being at 100%. Also that I can get all the paperwork for my health insurance complete in time for the transition from EFCA to my new organization.
Before I sign off, I must tell you I'm still learning about Wisconsin culture! I learned that Bear season is all summer and that it is broken into two parts. The first season is "running" season, where they "run" the dogs after the bears, chasing them all over the countryside for practice. The second is the actual kill season. Huh! who would've guessed! I also had an interesting experience feeding my girls for my sleepover. Did you know that some kids here in Wisconsin don't eat "store bought" meat? Yeah! They get the fresh "stuff" so readily that they don't buy it! That was a whole new idea to me! Never heard that one before. Have you?
I still can't believe that I love Wisconsin ( and the Midwest in general) so much. I am so grateful that God brought me here, if only for a year.
Seize the Day!
Dagney

Enjoying Wisconsin as much as possible

2007-06-28T14:44:00.001-04:00

What a sky, eh?!! The last few days have been hot. They've also brought some major storms. I can not believe how beautiful the sky can be here in the Midwest.
The last week has been full of preparations to move. Every day I get a few more things done. I still have to decide what moving service I am going to use. The problem is that some have good service, some are cheaper with much less service and some aren't returning my calls and emails. So, the drumbeat continues.
In the meantime, I am trying to take advantage of every opportunity with "my girls". I finished up my last etiquette class on Wednesday. The plan is to celebrate/practice with a dinner out. Tonight I am holding a sleepover at my house. I am expecting about 8 girls. I know that the girls enjoy being here, and I am praying for this time to be not only fun, but refreshing and peaceful for them and maybe even a chance to talk about some meaningful stuff.
I was able to get a commitment from a couple to buy my washer and dryer, not for the price I'd hoped but at least I don't have to move it. I can leave it right here and they will come and get it! yeah!
So, prayer requests would be that the moving service would be decided on and would be reliable. Also that the Lord would provide the money to pay for this moving service/truck and other random moving expenses. Selling the washer/dryer is a start and I've had a wonderful gift from partners towards that goal! He will provide, that is for sure!
Thank you for your interest! This next month will be full of change, change, change! At least life isn't dull!
Seize the day!
Dagney

Tea and talking

2007-06-21T18:12:00.001-04:00

Well, my Ladies Dessert Tea went really well. Bear Grover and I hosted a tea for the ladies of our church, Faith EFC last Friday. It was a time for us to treat these hard working ladies at a place away from their homes and away from their everyday responsibilities. I had a great time and I know the ladies did too, as a few of them stayed right on into the night, chatting.
The next thing I did this week was to visit with a new colleague of mine in my organization. We camped in the U.P. or Upper Peninsula of Michigan and spent time talking about our future ministry. We will both be focusing on youth ministry and developing programs to encourage missions and the work of our organization in those youth ministries. I have a much better idea of what I should do to begin with when I get settled in California.
As for my coming move, this week I will be deciding on a process of moving (ie. drive it yourself vs have it driven for you) and will be collecting my boxes. My grandmother from Georgia will be visiting just in time to help me do some packing! yeah!
I have been having a great time working with "my girls" in our youth ministry by teaching them basic home etiquette. It's been a good challenge for me as I put together a plan for what to teach and how, and it's been a rewarding experience to watch the girls learn. It's sticking!
I have set dates to have another (and probably last) girls sleepover the end of the month and also a girls movie day the beginning of next. Trying so hard to work in some good time with the girls before I have to leave.
Prayer request number one is that I can get an appointment with a doctor to complete the necessary paperwork for my medical insurance with my new mission. Once that paperwork is complete, then I can officially move my financial situation. I would prefer a female doctor, as long as your praying! :-) One that I was recommended to call was not able to take new clients, so I am back to square one.
Thanks for the visit! Thanks for your interest.
Seize the Day! Romans 12:11
Dagney

Hospitality as ministry

2007-06-14T13:21:00.001-04:00

Thank you for checking in again! This week I have been impressed with Gods using me in the area of hospitality. I have always believed, since moving here to this apartment, that it is a blessing. I have wanted to use it for His glory and for ministry. Now that I will be home for all of June and July, basically until I move to California, I am taking every opportunity to use my home for ministry. The picture that you see here, is one of my girls and her brother and his wife. They asked to use my office and printer for a task they needed to complete; and I was so thrilled that they felt comfortable to ask! :-) Loved it! For this month I am teaching a class on "etiquette" and "manners". Did you know that there's a difference? :-) Yup! according to me, etiquette is a list of rules according to a society and manners is causing others to be comfortable in your presence and honored above yourself. My class is all girls and is being held the Wednesdays in June. It didn't occur to me to take a picture of this week's class, but I will do my best to get one next week!
God also gave me the idea to have the ladies of my local church over for something at my house. So it was decided to host a Ladies Dessert Tea, which will be this Friday. Bear Grover and I are hosting it, here at my house! :-) Yeah! It is such fun to run with an idea that God gives, because you just know that He is in it and that it's gonna bring Him glory! It is even better when the idea is something that is fun and fits with your abilities and passions! So if you are so inclined, please pray that the ladies will be comfortable as they are served and feel honored and not embarrassed. I am praying that they will feel peaceful, and feel His presence among us. I hope it will be a refreshing time for these very hard working ladies. I want it to be FUN too, of course!
Next week I am driving to Michigan to meet a colleague of mine in my organization. We plan on having some time talking over ideas for our ministry and getting on the same page. Once I move to California, it will be much harder to make arrangements like this. So we're taking advantage of the somewhat close proximity.
So, thank you for your partnership with me. I know that God brought me here to Menomonie and to Faith EFC for His own reasons, and you with me. I also trust Him as I take a step at a time towards my future ministry. Moving plans are coming, but each day I try to remember to enjoy Wisconsin and seize every opportunity for ministry here where I am right now. As Jim Elliot said, "Wherever you are be all there"
Dagney

Connecticut Again!

2007-06-07T23:05:00.001-04:00

I've been in CT for the last 13 days. I have been so blessed by the many conversations and meetings that I have had with church members, partners, other friends and family.
The reason for going to CT was to attend 2 weddings, both of former youth from the youth group I worked in for years. It was such a pleasure and kinda weird to be attending their weddings when I can hardly believe that so much time has passed.
The picture that you see is of one of my girls, Lauren, whom I had a chance to visit with and catch up on her life. She was one of many of my girls that I was so glad to have time to talk with and share what is going on in their lives and mine.
I was able to attend the Memorial Day picnic that my Senior pastor Dave McIntyre and family held at their home. What a super day of talking and being encouraged. I actually had trouble with my voice following that full day of talking! Mr.Hunt if you are reading this, thank you for your words of encouragement and exhortation! God used you to speak to me, and I listened! Thankyou for being used by God to speak into my life! I am so very encouraged.
I was able to also spend a significant amount of time with my little niece Aurora while her parents were overseas. God used her to confirm some new life lessons in my heart and she and I were able to reconnect. I love that kid!
I am on the road to moving to California now! I am planning my moving truck and finding boxes as well as making plans to spend as much time with my youth group kids as I can. I want to ring out of these last days, as much face time as possible. Turns out we will be having youth group throughout the summer, so I will be able to see these kids right up until I leave! This leaving is actually really hard for me! There is still so much to do in Boyceville with my kids.
I held my first "manners" class this Wednesday. It went fine, but I realized that I didn't "pray Up" as i should have and relied to heavily on my own strength. Believe me, I will be better prepared and prayed up next week. I also think I will have double the number of "students" as school will be out finally!
Prayer requests..that I would be able to work out the last details of my assignment to California (finalizing my financial situation, confirming with existing partners, deciding on a move out/in date, get my medical paperwork and appointments completed in time). Also that I would be able to leave "well". I want to make sure I say good good-byes.
I will be in Wisconsin for the whole month of June and probably most of July! Amazing!
Thank you for stopping in to read up, and thank you to those of you who partner with me, I am so so grateful for you.
Dagney

New Office and goings on

2007-05-31T10:32:00.001-04:00

Hello! I missed last week, because I was traveling back to Connecticut to attend a few weddings and catch up with family in the mean time.
The picture is of "my" cubicle in Temecula offices of my new organization. They already have a space picked out for me! All the decor is native dress of South America.
I've been so blessed to be home in CT, visiting with so many of you who read this blog, as well as some of my girls that I need to keep in better touch with. God has encouraged me through some surprising conversations with friends and partners. Some have been used by God to speak directly to me, regarding particular prayer requests I have had and I am amazed by how gracious God is to me. He goes beyond the necessary in order to counsel me. Wow.
I attended the wedding of Matt Toms and Olivia Paris who were "kids" in my youth group and have since become fellow youth workers and friends. This weekend I will attend the wedding of Laura Plouffe, who is also one of my former "kids" and has actually been a good friend although are ages are quite apart. How special to have two important weddings a week apart, with Memorial Day in between!
I miss my kids in Wisconsin. I have missed another youth group meeting, and it may have even been the last "official" youth meeting for this school year! *sad I will be starting an etiquette class next Wednesday though, as long as some of the kids actually RSVP! Prayer requests would be that I can think of a good goodby gift for each of my girls, that will be a reminder of God and an encouragement. Also, that the "right" kids would attend my little class. I look forward more to the time I'll spend with them teaching, than really what they'll learn! Is that selfish? :-) A neat praise, beyond the tremendous encouragment that God has completely showered on me through my partners this week, is that Dan Getz Jr. has blessed me with some unused Northwest miles and I am now able to get to CT from San Diego for the missions conference in October! :-) Yup, if you know me, it just fits that I'm already planning travel 5 months in advance! *hehe.
Thanks for reading! I am nothing without God's hand in my life and nothing without the you my friends and partners!! Don't forget, we are in this TOGETHER!
Dagney

A note from California

2007-05-18T15:04:00.000-04:00

Hi my friends and partners! I am visiting the place where I am going to live in California. The office in Temecula is very nice. They even claimed a cubicle for me and posted some pictures of me at Pine Summit camp. It felt so welcoming! Everyone here seems eager to have me join them. What an honor that is.
Mom and I drove the 30+ minutes to Hemet from the Temecula office, where the house I am offered to live in exists. The country around here is so drastically different from Wisconsin, especially this time of year! But as with all moves, there are some things you miss from "home" and some new surprises where you are headed. Right? So my emotions waver, but my faith is not. I know that God is the same God out here as He is in the place I have fallen in love with Wisconsin and Minnesota. He will help me to fall in love with this area and it's uniqueness as well.
Prayer requests are budding constantly now. A few I'll share with you. 1) that I will know how I am to arrange to move out here. There are many options and there is a need for me to be out here the middle of July (right in the middle of my moving time). Don't know if I should try to move before that camp or just come out and go back after the camp and move. 2) That God would direct me to the church that I should attend and hook me up with some good friends and kids in a youth group that needs me.
Actually it is all a bit scary. I must trust Him to supply all my needs and to use me in His plan.
Thanks! I'll get pictures on when I return!
Dagney

Turkeys and Teens

2007-05-10T12:33:00.000-04:00

I got another glimpse of Wisconsin culture yesterday! Co-worker Gordy got a Tom Turkey for the season and invited me over to see it. I learned that Spring is the time for hunting Tom's and Fall is for hens. Learned a bit about "shot" and how they guys set up the area with decoy hens. Very interesting! I had to get my picture with this beautiful bird! :-)
Youth group met last night and I've included some pictures of that too. It's starting to really sink in that I'm not going to be with them much longer. I am sad that I can't invest more in their lives, I feel like I'm just getting started. They are God's kids though, not mine. I advertised a class to be held at my house on "home etiquette". The idea seemed to interest the group. I hope that a little snafu on the first date won't keep them from coming. School isn't actually out when I thought it was out, but I hope that won't stop 'em. It will be held for the four Wednesdays in June, and I'll be teaching how to set a table, serve and act at the table, how to act in different restaurants, how to formally introduce people and some other various topics that I can fit in. Oh well, it's something I can teach and something they may not get otherwise. Always good to know! and I get to spend more time with some of them! :-)
The news on the new job transition is that I'll be moving in July. I don't yet know when in July. Mom and I are going out to California to see the office in Temecula and the living situation. I've been talking to the office staff and there is a youth retreat, held in mid-July that I've been asked to be a part of. Don't yet know if I will be able to get out there in time for that or not. I've already had to turn down a Get Global trip to Peru for June. Just can't do it all! Next year though maybe!
I will also be trying to meet with an associate of mine in Next Gen, Tracy before I leave for the West coast. She lives in Michigan and we have lots of brainstorming to do!
prayer items: that kids who could benefit from the Etiquette class would be free to attend.
That the timing of my moving would work out best for both the new office and the kids in my youth group her in WI. Moving details and thoughts of that are creeping into my mind and becoming more of a reality! yikes! move again! OH, and also that the financial set up for my transition would be decided and settled and sufficient. A free place to live in California is definately a blessing! Thank you Tori!
Thanks for checking in! Have a lovely week!

A final report on Training Camp

2007-05-03T13:25:00.000-04:00

I had to share these pictures with you, which I just received. We were priviledged, while at training camp, to attend a Bible Dedication ceremony. These New Testaments were already presented in their villages, but were being celebrated by the USA staff. The first translation, you can see was a candle!! This is a secret language group in a secret country! Wow. The other NT were begun in the '70's and have just been completed. It was an amazing worship service. I was so encouraged and so thrilled to be joining the team. God is doing wonderful things through this organziation and I get to be a part of it! I got to hear some great stories about the process of translating the NT into the Folopa language. The Folopa NT work began in 1973 and was published in 2005!
I have also included a picture of me speaking at training camp. We were asked to tell the story of how God brought us to this organization. It was amazing to hear of all the various and creative ways that God brought each individual to where they are now. I was honored to be amongst that group of believers.
For a bit of really recent news. We held our Bible Quiz at youth group last night. The leadership team plus one girl and one boy voluteer! The girls did super. The boys really needed that volunteer! It took us about 45 minutes to complete the quiz. It was the first time that this group has experienced a quiz, with quiz pads etc. They thought at first, that they were going to be "zapped" if they got the question wrong!!! :-) No! Gordy and Bear were the facilitators and the kids did admirably for their first time! I hope that this will spur on some future Bible quizzes. It did get them to memorize those verses! Well, at least the girls!
I've been invited to the Boyceville HS play next week! I love stuff like that! Maybe this time I'll remember my camera!
Thanks for reading! Thanks for partnering with me!!!
Dagney

Loving Training Camp!

2007-04-26T17:06:00.000-04:00

This organization is a great ministry! We are nearing the end of the 2 week training camp and I can hardly believe it!
I have learned alot more about Partnership Development. I have come away with a lot of ideas about how to connect better with my "partners" (new name for supporters, and I like it better!). I have been stretched in my speaking skills and have made some new friends.
You should see the campus here in Orlando! This organization is very wise about using resources. They do all things with excellence also. I am feeling very at home here in this ministry. There is also lots of room to grow! Who knows?
I am more and more passionate about Bible Translation. It really is a key component to peoples around the world knowing God more intimately, and at time at all!!! I've heard story after story about how having the scripture in their own language has helped people to actually know God, when before they only heard "about" Him. And yet! Even those who have some of the Bible, the New Testament for example; don't yet have Psalms or Proverbs or Kings or etc. etc. I don't know how I would exist without the Psalms?! So, there is much more work to do!
I leave for home this weekend. There is more to do with youth ministry there and catching up with friends.
I will most likely be moving to California. It looks like that is the most strategic place for me to work. Pray that all the financial details will be worked out. I know God will do that. Also, pray that we will fire up the organization, to see youth involved in a much more significant way to further Bible Translation! They are our next generation! We need to get their attention now!!! :-)
I'll be seeing a bunch of you in CT the end of May! Looking forward to doing some more connecting and informing you of all the changes in our ministry together!!! I hope your excited with me!
Dagney

Training Camp

2007-04-20T08:29:00.000-04:00

Here I am in Florida. I am here to learn the in's and out's of my new job. The best part so far, apart from meeting the missionaries in this group; was the Scripture Celebration. The whole community here gathered to celebrate the completion of 4 New Testaments. One secret translation which was represented by a candle and 3 others from across the globe. It was an amazing gathering! Wow. Talk about thrilling. One of these translator couples began their work in 1975!!! They just finished last year!
I will be here for another week. We are putting in long days and have homework at night. As the days progress I am more and more impressed with the organization and the level of excellence in which they serve God.
Did you know that the people who will be the translators to finish the Vision 2025 are today, only 12-14 years old? That's why I'm here! To get the youth of America (and elsewhere) involved in missions and the task of Bible Translation! Thank you God!

Just a quick hello!

2007-04-15T20:33:00.000-04:00

I know it's been way too long in my posting! I've been away from the internet. I am currently in Florida at Training Camp! We just started yesterday. I was able to come a few days early and visit my elderly grandfather just South of here.
This picture here is of the girls movie day I held just last Saturday. A bunch of my youth group girls came over all day Saturday and we watched Jayne Austen movies! I prayed that it would not only be a fun day, but that the girls would feel safe at my house, that they would feel peaceful and that it would be a blessing to them. i asked God to use it in their hearts and lives. I believe He did. I saw and heard evidence throughout the day that the girls enjoyed themselves and that they were blessed. I am so grateful. In fact, i must make time to do it again as a few of the girls told me that they wished we would. So! We will! Here in this picture are Left to Right, Rosie, Alex and Sabrina. Also I had Tiffany, Kayleen and Joanie. It truly was a "girls" day! We even had scones and tea at "tea time"! :-) A few of them stayed overnight and we went to Easter Sunday service together. THAT was a blessing to me! Having company in the morning and on the ride to church! :-)
I have already been blessed today at Training Camp, here in Orlando FL as we listened to stories of other training camp members that led them to this organization and how God has worked in their lives. I look forward to getting to know Wycliffe staff and I am sure that God has something in the plans to work on me as well. I'll be here until April 28! I should know by the end of this trip where I will be moving! *finally* :-)
Dagney

Home for a week and off again!

2007-04-06T12:15:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! I've got no good pictures this week! Yah, weird. I have been in CT for the missions conference and then in Wisconsin for 2 days and then off to Atlanta, Georgia where I met up with some supporters and attended a missions meeting. Both trips were great to catch up with family and friends as well as add to my missions knowledge. It was such a pleasure to be in Atlanta during their Spring peak! I thought CT was the only place where the Spring pollen was so visible. Atlanta equals it!
I am home now until next Tuesday, when I will go to Florida to attend training camp. I'll be there for a few weeks. I hope to get alot of questions answered, as well as finalize the decision on where to live!
I'm not gonna move until July. My landlord gave me an extension! That was an answer to prayer. Now I'll have time to decide where and time to see my girls a bit longer. I've got some ideas in the works for stuff to do with youth group, so I hope I'll have time. Mom and a few friends are making plans to visit as well as possibly help me move. This summer will be another one of great changes.
I'm hoping that God finally brings that "special someone" into my life this year too! Who knows what a year will bring! :-)
A prayer request for my kids, is that God bring someone to replace me at youth group. I'm really gonna miss these kids. There is so much that could be done here. I'm glad that I've had the priviledge of being a part of the ministry here, even if for just a year.
Have a wonderful Resurrection Day!
He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!
dagney

Little bits and pieces

2007-03-24T10:54:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday! :-) oops, yah a little late. I am in CT this weekend, for our Missions Emphasis Weekend. I'm excited to be speaking to my home church about all the changes and what I'll be doing this next year. Last year at this time I was just beginning to worry about the last 20+ % support that I needed and wondering if I was ever gonna finish. At that time, who would have thought I'd be back in a year from Wisconsin talking about a move to a new organization. So much can happen in a year!
The picture here is of my small group Bible Study. It is not a true representation of most of my friends, but it is almost all of us. We meet every other Tuesday now. It's nice to be with a group of people my age. A number of them have become good friends.
I will be missing a youth leadership meeting this Sunday. I pray that the teen that I put in charge will do what's asked of him. I know he can, but will he? Youth group was cancelled this week because of fog! Yah, fog! So weird! So I haven't seen the kids this week. I will miss them next week too because of travel. I am to go to Atlanta to visit some supporters and attend a mission meeting about some new up and coming mission projects that my friends want me to hear about. Hmmmm
This Sunday I'll be speaking at a Sunday school, so I am looking forward to using some of my new presentations! :-) Fun, Fun!
Thanks for checking in!
Dagney

Spring IS coming, but ministry is happening now!

2007-03-15T13:43:00.000-04:00

It's Thursday again, and there's lots to tell you, but no specific pictures of it.
First, I had a really great time with some Mormons that came to visit last Friday night. Many of my prayer partners know about this and were involved in praying for it. I was so nervous until people started praying, and then I was filled with excitement and enthusiasm. The Holy Spirit filled my home and I was provided a great website for building my knowledge. The website is called www.exmormonsforjesus.com Check it out, it is a really well written and gracious presentation of truth. With that sword of truth and with the Holy Spirit, we were able to share the truth graciously.
Secondly, we've had some really good conversations at youth group. We have been watching a video presentation called the Gospel Journey. The kids are really listening to it and we've had two weeks of significant conversations in small group following the video. I have been talking to a group of girls that have really important questions and who have been struggling with Christianity because of what they've seen people do, who call themselves Christians. The Gospel is marred by the activity of sinful people. Big surprise! We are all sinful, but we've been talking through those arguments that they have and have been able to see Jesus for who He really is. It's been so fulfilling and rewarding to talk with them about such important things. I've seen them open up more to the Truth of the Bible. Please pray that they continue to receive the truth and that they eventually ask Jesus to be their Saviour!
I will be going home for the Calvary Missions Conference. So I'll be seeing some of you, this time next week. I am so excited to be able to talk about my new job! There's so much to tell!
I wish you a happy St. Patricks Day! I'm gonna celebrate here with a few friends.
Dagney

Back in snowy Wisconsin and planning more trips!

2007-03-08T14:41:00.000-05:00

The camps went really well! That's me next to three missionaries during the last weekend of Pine Summit camps. Joyce, a fellow missionary in the USA, Tracy (in orange) will be my co-worker in NextGen and tall Linda Hughes, who is a recruiter in the Southwest region.
For a few of you, who are confused as to what this trip was about and where I've been, a little explanation.
I attended this camping program in Big Bear lake California. This organization was asked to provide the program for the camps winter retreats. This organization does not own or run the camp, we were simply asked to provide the program. So lots of staff came from all over the country to help provide teaching and games and "stuff" for this super camp called Pine Summit. Youth groups from all over southern california attended, both Jr. and Sr. High. We ran a program of introduction to missions and Bible translation. I do not live in Cali. yet. I am still residing in Wisconsin, but simply went to CA to help run two weekends of the 6 weeks of camp.
We saw a number of students respond to the call to missions, many counselors and youth leaders show interest in pursuing missions and many students deal with forgiveness and some accept Christ as their savior! It was a powerful pilot program and a super start to our being able to spread the word about Vision 2025 in Southern California. We have already been asked by a number of the attending churches to come speak to their congregations and youth groups further about missions.
I learned a bunch of new ideas that I can use to share the need that exists in missions today. I plan to use a number of these ideas at Calvary (my home church) for our missions conference.
I am now back in Wisconsin. I am trying to finish all the paperwork that is required in order to attend the training program that is required in order to finally be a member of this organization. I still don't know where I will be moving. It will be either Dallas, TX or Southern CA. We'll see. There is lots of follow-up to do in Southern CA and now it looks like I've got a place to live for much less that it would cost for me to find housing of my own. Is this God's provision? Dallas is also full of potential. Somehow I'm going to have to make a decision by May1.
We had a really intense youth group last night. The gospel was clearly shared, and I believe that it was the first time that I noticed a few of my very hurt girls really consider Jesus. None of them publicaly responded to accept Him, but 4 of the 5 were sooooo close! Pray for them to make the decision to follow him. God was pleased to allow me to share very very clearly his salvation message as a result of a really good video we watched during youth group. This was the first time for such a clear opportunity! It was so intense and so exciting. I just wish they had made the decision!!!! Pray!
So, in the next few months there will be some big decisions and some big changes. I'm excited to take you along with me in this adventure. Thanks for volunteering to travel with me!

California Camping

2007-03-03T02:31:00.000-05:00

Yes, California has snow! I'm up in the mountains of Big Bear Lake. If you've been following the
story, you'll know I am working to help staff a winter camp program for a camp here in Big Bear called Pine Summit! Well I hung out at the camp facility this week with a few other members, and now we've begun the next Winter camp weekend. Tonight was our first meeting and Tribal time. All day tomorrow we've got meals with the kids, meetings, worship services, Tribal times, tribal games and all sorts of fun camp stuff. I am supposed to speak at Saturday nights rally. Please pray for me to have passion that the campers can catch, that God speaks through me and that I will be clear and focused! I am to give the final HooRah speach. I am nervous, because I don't want myself to get in the way of what God would have me say. I want Him to speak to these kids through me. He did it last week, mightily. I pray that He will honor me again and use me.
I did get to ski on Thursday, thanks Mom! What great snow and they called it "packed powder"! They have no idea what "packed" powder is unless they've seen New England "packed powder"! The mountains here are so beautiful! The big Ponderosa pines still amaze me. We had a few snow storms this week as well.
I had some really nice slow days, that I could do lots of quiet time and had a particularly special prayer time with a gal who stayed this week too. We went hiking on Monday and that's the first picture of me and the "bear"! Can you see the ski resort in the background?
There has been some talk about me possibly moving to California instead of Texas. We've got some figuring out to do. The cost of living in CA is much higher, but the interest among youth ministries is greatly increasing, due to this camp program the last 6 weeks. You could pray for me that I would know Gods best in this situation and that He would also guide my boss Mike, to help make the decision about where I should go first.
Lots of exciting stuff happening in missions. I am more and more excited about the priviledge to serve with this organization! Wow! What a commission God has placed on the back of them. I can see how God has led me here and what a good fit I'll be here.

A bit of the Pine Summit Weekend Camp

2007-02-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

I want you to meet the staff that have been running the program here at Pine Summit Camp. What a great group of missionaries! From Left to Right: Linda (recruiter and lady who shaved her head to donater her hair to "Locks of Love"), Michelle (little Philippino lady who lived and taught in the Philippines for 3 years), in back and with beard, Paul Smith (recruiter and lived in Surinam), next Paul Smith with hat on and wife Karen (pilot in Brazil) mustache fellow is Norm (head of recruitment for the Southwest region), next with hat Ron ("SoCalRon" a NextGen coworker) and finally Joyce (wife of bearded one , recruiter in Orlando). I have had such a great time, learning about this organization, speaking on behalf of them to teens and their leaders and hanging out with teens. I feel even more sure of my calling to this organization and even more impressed with what they are doing worldwide!
Here is an example of the crazy things that JrHighers will do to earn a "button"!! Really! She drank the combined leftovers of all of our breakfasts simply to earn a button!
The next shot is of me in one of our "tribal Times". These sessions were times where the kids learned about a newly reached tribe. Our tribe was the Moskona, a tribe in Indonesia. We learned what their culture is like and what the challenges were in translating the scriptures into the Moskona's heart language. We had great interaction and participation and I learned a great deal about how this organization works! I was absolutely honored to also speak to the assembly during our evening meeting last night, on how I was called to missions and about how they can too. God was pleased to speak through me and I was so amazed at how He did it. I am so excited that God has chosen to use me this way. I see my new job forming right before my eyes and it's scary and exciting! It may be that I will be working in San Diego, because of the response that they are having here! That will present some problems for my support level, but if God determines it He will also provide!

Camping in California!

2007-02-23T19:56:00.000-05:00

I'm in the mountains of California! Joining the team of the Southwest Region of a new organization Pine Summit camp at Big Bear. Tonight we begin with Jr.Highers and will be spending the next 2 full days with these energetic teenagers. I will be living with a group of them and helping teach then about the Moskona people group, a recently reached group in Indonesia. We will be learning to speak some of the language and talking about the difficulties in translating the Bible into not only their language but their culture as well.
The camp is beautiful as you can see! They got a fresh blanket of snow in last nights storm and it made the whole campus look perfect for snow camp! It'll be a cold one! So pray for me as I feel really inadequate to teach this and for the kids that they will be receptive and enthusiastic. In the past weeks of camp, there have been salvations among the teens and the adult leaders, as well as committments to serve in full time missions. This camping program is a great opportunity to get the message out about the work that we are doing.
Pray that I would have the energy and enthusiasm to last through the weekend. Pray that I would communicate clearly and with excitement, the message of missions and of service for God. Pray that I would be able to have a good relationship with the kids that I'll be staying with in the cabin, that they would share their lives with me and would feel comfortable with me so that I can share my faith and love for God with them.
So much is happening here. It may be that through this camp, other such camping programs will be started. This program has the potential to raise up many for the work of translation in the USA. It may also be that God will use this experience to lead me to live in San Diego because of the activity among youth groups that this generates. I've been asking my prayer partners to pray that God shows me clearly where I should live. He may use this to do that!
On a personal note, I was given a verse this morning in our group devotions that was an incredible encouragement to me from God. Suffice it to say that it was one of those God things, only He could have arranged such a verse. He is so very specific when He counsels and encourages us. We must NEVER doubt that he knows what we're going through and he has compassion on us, and that His mercies never end but are new every morning! He is so specific. What an amazing, lover God He is!
Dagney

A bit of youth ministry buzz

2007-02-15T17:57:00.000-05:00

Youth ministry really is fun. We've been hanging out quite a bit more, these last few weeks. This is Cassy and Rosie. two of my girls. They stayed over last Friday night along with Rosie's sister Joanie. We had a really good time just hanging out, sleeping in and being together all day Saturday. I want the girls to feel at home and welcome at my place. We watched some movies, ate breakfast and played on the computer and watched another movie, and talked before they left Saturday evening. Then again yesterday (Valentines Day) before youth group meeting, Rosie, Joanie and their friend Annie came over to help me bake cookies to take with us. I was really glad to have some company for the day and we had a good time watching "Sense and Sensibility" while the cookies baked. Youth group meeting was again, a spiritual battle but it seemed to go well. The topic was Creation/Evolution and with a few kids who are very skeptical of "religion", this was making me a abit nervous.
BUT, God provided good material, and the kids were asking good questions, and overall it was a good discussion! Thank you God!
In the next few weeks I'll be planning on having the girls over more and I've been talking with some friends about starting a girl's only "charm class", on how to eat at a table, how to take care of yourself and all about who we are in Christ as a woman/girl. If you're looking for prayer requests, this would be one. That I would know how God would like me to work with these girls and to add to their lives in various ways. I have been blessed by their trust and I look forward to being even more a part of their lives! Youth ministry rules!
Dagney

You gotta see this!

2007-02-13T22:29:00.000-05:00

I'm adding a post in the middle of the week, because I wanted you to see this "local culture", before my next regular blog posting on Thursday. This is a 50/50 raffle that the Lions club runs. The way it works is you buy a ticket in order to choose a day that the "Klunker" will go under the water. Then when the time seems to be drawing near to the ripe time, they set up a camera with a time/date stamp. People then begin to buy the time it will go under. Whoever wins, by choosing the right day and time, wins 50% of the money that was raised by selling tickets and the Lions club gets the other 50%. Pretty cool deal! I have yet to buy a ticket, but I'm gonna join in the fun too! BTW this is Lake Menomin, which is the lake that Menomonie sits beside. It is right in town. What fun these Wisconsinites come up with for Winter, eh? hehehe

Frozen Lakes and Freezing Weather

2007-02-08T15:24:00.000-05:00

Told you I would and here you are! I got to drive on the lake! yah! Gordy went with me and showed me around the lake. The first moments on the ice was thrilling! I was driving my car on the lake! There are car tracks all over the snow. We made sure to give the ice shacks a few feet of space and kept an eye out for other cars around us. There are no "roads" out there , so it's kinda like flying in that aspect. Just keep scanning the...lake :-) vs the sky. We stopped to try a fishing spot. Just pick a spot wherever! So Gordy drilled a hole by hand auger, and tried a bit of fishing. Nothin', so we moved on and did a tour of the lake. Then he suggested I do a "donut" with my car! No way! I could just see that top heavy SUV flipping over on it's side! Gordy insisted that it wouldn't do that. I felt much easier doing aerobatics in an airplane at 10,000 ft, there's lots of space to turn around and all before you get to the ground. But in a car!? Look how close the ground is! After a bit of coaxing, I tried it. Then tried it again. Not so bad! Kinda fun! I'm learning all kinds of new stuff!
As to ministry! Well, now that I've made the announcement that I'm going to move to a new organization, I have less to do officially. I have started a leadership Sunday school class, with a few of our teens. They love it and I love it! God has blessed the times and we are already seeing spiritual attack. Which in my eyes is only proof that we're doing the right thing. Pray for our 2 boys especially. As soon as we did our first class our one guy has faced some spiritual warfare of the mind. I know my girls are only next. And if you think I've been clear of it, you'd be wrong. All kinds of mental warfare going on. Do pray for us. We've begun a study of the difference between Christianity and other beliefs and I see a storm brewing with our secular kids. It's gonna come to a head very soon.
Thanks for checking in. If any of you want to experience "real" winter, come visit!!!
Dagney

Big news and winter fun

2007-02-01T16:57:00.000-05:00

Candlelight ski! I was wondering what this was, since reading about it in the Visitors guide for Menomonie in July. There really were candles the whole length of the trail and at the end there was an entire wall of ice that they had lit with electric lights. A girlfriend of mine and I rented cross-country ski's and "scooted" our way all along the trail as we greeted the other skiers and laughed as we fell. I've downhill skied but never cross-country. It was absolutely beautiful! I can't wait to drive over the lake next week and get a picture of the "klunker" car that the local Lion's club has parked on the lake and set up as a 50/50 raffle. The deal is to guess the date and hour maybe even minute that the car will slip below the surface and sink to the bottom as the ice melts. Check in next week, I'll try to get a shot of that! The things these Wisconsinites think of to do in the winter! What fun.
The Big News is that I'll be changing jobs! A newsletter is just being completed and will go out to all my supporters, telling them with more detail. Suffice it to say that I have seen God's hand in calling me to work with a Bible Translation mission in the youth ministry called NextGen. I have even noticed God showing me His heart for this task of translation. I will not be doing the job of translating, but instead of helping to call others who will. This change will likely also require me to move, again. This time to Dallas, Texas where the national office resides. I have been eager to live in Texas anyway, so here's my chance! I am so eager to be included in this team of passionate missionaries. All of them have a heart for youth ministry as well as for translation. Some of them have previously translated the Bible into a language and are now back in the USA working to send others. Expect to see this change between now and June!
Thanks for checking in! I made it on Thursday again!
Dagney

Orlando adventure

2007-01-25T17:53:00.000-05:00

The alligators are ferocious in Florida these days! Well, Ok, this one is pretty tame. He was a display at a restaurant/air boat ride place that I visited while with a group of missionaries last week. I was visiting with this group in order to understand better what they do. This group is particularly interested in getting youth excited about missions and specifically about translation work. Now I'm excited too! Did you know that there are still 4,000 languages (tongues) that still do not have the Bible in their language. Of those 4k, 2,000 of them have someone doing something. This may be as little as simply beginning to write their language down or having a missionary assigned to begin. That doesn't mean they have a Bible yet! To put it into perspective, there are only about 800 languages that have a written Bible. This organizaion has set a goal of seeing the Bible translated into all languages by 2025! In order to get that accomplished (and hopefully hasten Christ's return!) we must get our young people dedicated to getting it done too! We need this next generation. They are an essential ingredient to this giant task. They are the answer to the need for translators and translation helpers. So they began a department called Nex Gen. standing for Next Generation of course :-) . Within this group there are a variety of individuals who are involved in camping, online chat groups, and short term missions. I was able to meet this whole crew and begin to understand their passion for translation. I met a few missionaries last week, who themselves accomplished translating the Bible into a language and had come home having done that looking for new chances to be involved. Talk about walking with hero's!
There will be more news to come on this. Watch your mailbox's.
As to other things, it's freezing cold here. No, more than freezing. But I am actually enjoying the all white landscape and the promise of more snow to come.
Youth group has started up again, with some interesting new challenges. Please pray for me as I prepare some material to teach a Sunday school on leadership. We are beginning a leadership group and I believe it is critical to also expect them to be spiritual leaders. I am praying for help with this, since study prep is definately not my gift.
Thanks for checking in! Hope your winter is as beautiful as ours here in Wisconsin!
Dagney

Ice Fishing!

2007-01-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

I'm getting a chance to experience the real Wisconsin. Here is Gordy and me with our ice fishing trophies. Monday afternoon Gordy took me for my first ice fishing trip. He set 4 lines for Northern's which is what we got, and we fished a number of other holes for "pan fish". There is about 6-8 inches of snow on the ground now, which is making the local population really happy. Snowmobiler's, cross-country skiers and general outdoorsy sorts are saying "finally"!
I'm out of town right now in "sunny" Orlando, for a conference/retreat. We're talking youth ministry and missions. I'll have more to update you soon. Actually, don't be jealous. It's overcast and only slightly warm. (60's)
Oh! some stuff has come up with my youth group kids. Please pray that I have lots of wisdom, that they share their troubles with me openly and that God is pleased to use me in their lives. I want to be, but I am not able alone. I need Him to do it, I just hope He does it through me.
Loving Wisconsin, loving God and excited about the future- whatever that is!
Dagney

Christmas is for seeing old friends again!

2007-01-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

What a great time I had, spending quality time with family and getting to also visit with out of town friends and now their babies! Look at that! Four babies! I am on the right, with my brother and sister-in-law and niece. The rest are all reall y good friends, some that I hardly see but every other holiday, every year. It amazes me how quickly life changes. In fact, the smiley guy center, seeminly missing a wife, is a new dad! So actually these families represent 5 babies!
As to what is happening with me right now, I am looking for new ministry opportunities. I am going to be spending next week with some staff of NexGen of Wycliffe Bible Translators. I do not have a final idea of what this will lead to, but I will certainly keep you posted! (literally!)
Right now my youth group kids are back from their EFCA District conference and they are really pumped! They desire to know the Bible better, and they see value in studying the scriptures. Pray that this desire continues and that we the staff, capitalize on it!
We are again advertising a Lebanon Medical Mission. If you know of anyone who is a medical professional, who would like to serve in missions, the trip is scheduled March 18- April 1. Also we have a Prayer Walk mission in Enlgand for March 2-11. Call me if you would like more info! 715-309-2224!
Thanks for checking in! Next week there will be pictures from Orlando, where my meeting is with Wycliffe!

Mixing it up in Menomonie

2006-12-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

Yah, it's a bit fuzzy, famously, this is how my indoor pic's turn out. But, this is me with some of the other tour guides at the 1856 historical Wilson Place Mansion. For Christmas, we dress up in somewhat period costumes and lead tours all week and longer on the weekends. I've had such a good time leading these tours. I have had a chance to get to know Menomonie history a bit better (did you know that our own Capt.Wilson owned the largest fleet of steamships in America at his time? and the Wilson and Stout money came from the largest Lumber Co. in the Midwest!). Yes, and Senator Stout (the second generation to live at Wilson Place) build Menomonie into a bustling, active social center, not only by building beautiful by-ways and buildings, but also founding the first Manual Training school in the US- Stout Manual Training School, which is today the U of W Stout). There is lots more to tell, but suffice it to say, I think this is a 'trip'!
In the midst of this experience I've had a chance to get to know some members of the Menomonie community, and have even had a chance to share my testimony!
As for ministry life, I'll be leaving my youth group for the next 3 weeks, and that is actually part relief and mostly sad. There is so much to make me worry, and so much I want them to know! The number of divided families is amazing! I think of the 20+ that come every week, 3 of them have their original parents! But those three are the children of the other youth leaders! Last night, one of my more troubled girls, told me that her father had died, just like that... hardly any emotion, hardly any noticeable reaction besides a desire for attention in regards to the news. Now, this "sperm donor" was no real dad, and yet, so very sad. Is it not? When does Jesus return????
We had the Chief of Police for Boyceville speak, and he shared his stories and ended with the gospel!! :-) the Chief of Police!! such a great guy and so well liked by the kids. He invited me to a prayer meeting that member of the community hold every Friday 6am. They pray for the kids, for the families etc, and they actually meet at the police station! So, although it's so "stinkin" early, who could pass up a chance to effect these kids lives, by praying in unison!? He also told me that Wisconsin has the highest rate of alcohol and "other" drug related incidents in America! and that Dunn county , which is my county, apart from being the poorest in Wisconsin, has the highest alcohol and other drug related incidents in Wisconsin. That makes my county, Dunn county the worst for alcohol and other drugs in the USA! THAT is hard to believe, rural/rurban Dunn county? Explains alot about these kids.
So, pray for them. Pray for me, that I might be creative in finding ways to meet with a few of these girls, and that God would then give me wisdom beyond myself to know how to handle the messiness that I'm bound to discover as I get to know them better. I will just have to simply "GO" if He is in it. He'll do the rest. Oh, these kids need Him! They need the freedom that knowing Jesus can bring!
Thanks!
I'll be seeing some of you soon in Connecticut! to the rest, Merry Christmas!

Let it snow, let it snow....

2006-12-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

Nice cold Wisconsin. Actually, currently it no longer looks all white and pretty here. A majority of the snow has melted, but this was too good to pass up. It's been "real" winter this last week. Temp's in the 0's to 10's. Yup. But a big difference between here and CT, is the lack of moisture here. What is cold here, seems to be colder in CT because the dampness goes right through you. Here, is saps your body of moisture. My skin is drained and my hair is full of static!
As for what is going on in ministry here... I've been to two meetings in Minneapolis, one to help us prepare for the change in our email system and the other to meet with the other members of Connect, to discuss what our goals will be for next year.
This week's youth group meeting was amazing as usual. I got really nervous the week before the meeting. Not sure why, but I was reminded to pray and ASK God to do His thing. As soon as I was done praying, he released my worries and the rest of the time I just waited to see what He was gonna do. My girlfriend from Atlanta, Jennijoy, is here for a visit. She came along, the girls accepted here immediately and she joined in the small group conversation. She was even able to reinforce some comments that I made last week, without being prompted by me. But we serve the same God who works in me and her and loves these girls. It was a great conversation.
The plan is to spend some time, next week, working at the Grovers house and volunteering my time at the local museum house for the Christmas tours. Already I have had the priviledge of sharing my testimony with the curator and hope that i will be able to share again.
I am loving Wisconsin, loving the Christmas season and loving the rurban life. I wonder what it'll be like once the holidays are over? My local friends have promised to help me adjust and show me the ropes.
Bring on the snow! It's cold enough, it ought to be white!!!!

Thanksgiving

2006-11-30T22:40:00.000-05:00

Yup, I did it again! I missed last Thursdays blog. But this time I have a good exuse! I was home in Connecticut. I had a great weeks visit. We had 18 people at our Thanksgiving feast! For the first time in years, we weren't able to carve the turkey at the table the ole' "Rockwell way", but instead we had a great group of family and friends.
This picture was taken on our Christmas tree cutting trip. The top left is my brother Lee and his daughter Aurora and my sister in law Anne. Then Jenny and Jonathan Nelson, who have been regulars at our Thanksgiving table all throughout their college years and now as a couple have made it a tradition to join us! Then bottom left is me, Mom and Dad and Sharma, a ward of my parents. We were able to find a beautiful Fraser Fir, and as you can see it was a perfect day for tree hunting. This was a the traditional "Jones Family Farm" in Shelton.
Since I've been home I've been busy with work stuff. Today I met with coworkers and we reviewed our short term team applications and plan on rewriting and updating all our team paperwork in the next month. I am also working on two brochures, one for a coworker in Connect and another for a short term team to Rwanda in 2007. Next week we are all to attend classes on Microsoft Outlook which will soon become the EFCA email system. Then we have two days of meetings to talk over our goals for next year in Connect. I am also looking forward to my first house guest! My girlfriend Jennijoy is coming to visit and will be here for 6 days. I hope to get my apartment decorated on Saturday before going to a Christmas concert that some teen friends are performing in.
I've also had a chance to get involved in my community by volunteering to lead tours at the local historical "Wilson Place Mansion" in Menomonie. They give special Christmas tours. I haven't led house tours in years, and am a bit nervous. I know that after the first one, I'll be fine. I even get to dress in period costume!:-)
So, with the holidays here and my coworkers back from their trips abroad, there is lots to do. But I like it that way! And what better time of year than Christmas with all the lights, the smells and the family spirit. i love this time of year!
ps. Wisconsin is beautiful in Winter!!! hint hint!