Leaving Them a Better Place

2011-05-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

Brett’s Birthday Gazette

May 23, 2011 FREE

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Brett is Four!

Brian, Brett & Jonathan

Brett Becomes a Big Brother

On November 11, 2010, Jonathan Mark Feldman was born and Brett became a big brother. We really weren’t sure how Brett would react to having a little baby brother around the house.

However, since Jonathan was born, Brett has been nothing short of obsessed with his baby brother. He likes to get very, very close to Jonathan’s face when he talks to his “buddy.” It starts out with something like this…. “Hi buuuuuuuudddddddyyyyyyy.” Brett loves to hug him, kiss him, give him toys, and do just about anything in which he is allowed to get up close. If I indicate that I am going to change Jonathan’s diaper, Brett beats me to the nursery to get the diaper and wipes ready! He absolutely adores Jonathan in every way. At bedtime, he always asks me to bring Jonathan in his room for one more kiss!

Back to School

Brett started PK-3 at Eden Christian Academy in August. His teacher’s name is Mrs. Vuich and the aide is Mrs. McDonnell. (I absolutely love the way that Brett pronounces “Mrs. McDonnell!”) From the first day of school, Brett was quick to run into the classroom. Mrs. Vuich often has to remind him to give “Mommy a big hug bye-bye! He absolutely loves his teachers as evidenced by the art work that he makes for them at home! If you ask Brett what his favorite part about school is, he will usually say, “building with Eli.”

We have been extremely impressed with the Preschool curriculum at Eden. Brett has made progress with his handwriting. He is writing both uppercase and lowercase letters. He has reading lessons and loves when his fourth grade “Reading Buddy” comes to read with him in the hallway! Brett was so excited when he got in the car on the day that they did “Jelly Bean Math!” He had his little bag of colored jelly beans, and he showed me how to add the various colors together.

Brett enjoys his bible lessons, especially the story of the Good Samaritan, when he learned about the importance of being a good neighbor and discovered that even small children can extend kindness in many different ways. Brett has been diligent about learning his monthly bible verses. I especially enjoyed his enthusiasm when he practiced April’s verse from Matthew 28:6 – He is not here. He is risen. (Hand motions and all!)

Oh the Things Brett Will Say!

“The bases are juiced!” – “Do you like pasketti (spaghetti)?’

“For my birthday, I would like a fox in a cage.”

The things that especially aggravate Brian are when Brett calls the Tampa Bay Lightning the “Lightnings,” and when he calls Wilmer, our sponsored child from Guatemala, “Wilmert.“

His prayers are especially heartwarming…never rote!

Our Little Host with the Most

Brett loves to have company (or at least pretend we are having company!). He is always willing to set the table, and he is the first to the door to greet guests when they do arrive. When Brett is expecting friends, he likes to set out the drinks andsnacks. (Sometimes he likes to set-up imaginary playdates with lots of snacks at the kitchen table.) When it is time to leave, Brett always remembers to walk guests either to the door or to their cars. His exit greeting is always the same--- “Don’t smell skunks and drive carefully!”

Brett truly goes out of his way to be helpful around the house even when we aren’t having company. If he hears me say that I need butter from the refrigerator, he is quick to run over to the fridge, open the door and look for the butter. He also likes to clean, and he can often be found on his hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor.

4th Year - In Review May 21st – 23rd – Niagara Falls trip for his B-Day June 21st-24th – 1st KIDZ GIG June 20th – Brett got “called up” to play for Red Sox June 26th – 1st movie theatre experience (Toy Store 3) June 28th – 1st Swim Lesson August 14th – Wildwood 50th Anniversary Carnival August 16th – Cousin Jack Matthew was born! August 26th - 1st Day of PK-3 at Eden September 27th – Started serving at Food Pantry September 29th – School Picture Day October 21st – Duck for President performance by Pgh International Children’s Theatre November 11th – Jonathan was born March 27th – Suessical the Musical at the Bynam Theatre April 10th – Ran the bases at PNC Park April 23rd – 1st Penguin play-off game May 5th – Mother’s Day Tea Party at PK-3 Tailgating before the Pens game. If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try and Try Again Perseverance, as defined by the dictionary, is commitment, hard work, andendurance; being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaint.Okay….so Brett isn’t always calm and without complaint, but he sure does work hard at a task. For example it is not uncommon for Brett to insist that he can tie his own shoes and then sit for several minutes and work on it!(Then I sit for several minutes to un-tie them!) He has been getting dressed independently for some time and refuses any assistance. That is why you might see Brett with his pants on backwards. He is quite resourceful, too. Brett displays his determination in sports and school, too. When he is playing basketball with Brian, he will not give up until he makes the shot. While he has been learning to write his upper and lowercase letters, he has sat at the kitchen table for quite some time trying to get his letter formation just right. I specifically remember working on the letter “N.” Along with being determined, Brett is also pretty resourceful. Recently, I asked Brett to turn the lights on in Jonathan’s room for me. He couldn’t reach the light switch, so he created a little stool out of a stack of books. We absolutely love these qualities in Brett and can’t wait to see what God has planned for our little “Brettster! “For I know the plans I have for you,” Declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11	These are a Few of My Favorite Things Brett is passionate about many different things. When we asked him what sport he would like to play, he answered, “Soccer!” He also loves to play basketball, hockey, golf,baseball, and football with Brian. (He seems like quite the little natural at most sports that he tries!) However, Brett definitely has many other interests, some of which are: Coloring, “markering” (if he is using markers) and painting. He especially likes to make pictures for Grandma, Papa, Neenee, Jerry, Mrs. Vuich and Mrs. McDonnell. “Puzzling,” especially with Grandma. It is not uncommon for Brett to cover the entryway of the house with puzzles which he has put together. Music. Brett enjoys music and can often be heard singing in the car or tapping his foot to the beat of the music if he is in a public setting like church. His favorite songs include “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano, “The Cars Song” (Real Gone by Sheryl Crow) and “House Upon a Rock” from the KIDZ Gig soundtrack. Reading. Brett would let you read to him for hours. He has been incredibly patient listening to Brian as Brian has learned to read this year. Recently Brett “read” the book “It is Not Easy Being a Bunny.” When he got to the last page, he was so excited and he exclaimed, “Mommy, I did Book-It!” He also likes “Froggy” books. Brett also loves to do homework alongside Brian. Cooking. Although, Brett still doesn’t eat very much, he loves to help in the kitchen. If you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up, he will probably tell you a “Snack Chef.” His favorite things to make are salads and cakes. Helping! We are so grateful for Brett’s helpful spirit! We are always so happy to see him helping Mr. Andrew hand out the nametags at Kidz Church or hear that he is cooperative and eager to clean up at school. It is so fun to play with Brett because he is quite creative. One recent morning, he put box lids on his feet and one on his head and slid around the hardwood floor pretending to be ice-skating. I am not sure if his “babies” were at the ice rink or not. Brett has imaginary babies. He has had them since the winter of 2009, when Mark got so frustrated with the babies that he threw them out the window of the car on the way home from Niagara Falls. Brett assured us that Auntie Ann brought them back to Pittsburgh with her the following March. He started with three, but now he has twelve! .
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Brian's Birthday Gazette

2011-04-06T08:17:00.000-04:00

Brian’s Birthday Gazette

April 6, 2011 FREE

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Brian is Six!

Brian, Brett & Jonathan Brian Becomes a Big, Big Brother On November 11, 2010, Jonathan Mark Feldman was born and Brian became a big, big brother. He was so excited after nine long months of anticipation and waiting. During my pregnancy, Brian was certain that he was going to get a baby sister, so he was busy coming up with girl names. His favorite was “Dalaya.” We aren’t sure where he heard that beautiful name, but he was insistent that we choose it. However, since Jonathan was born, Brian has been smitten! He likes to “talk” to him by repeating the noises Jonathan makes, such as “a-gu, a-gu.” Quite frequently, you will hear Brian protecting Jonathan (by reprimanding Brett for leaning on Jonathan or hugging him to tightly.) He even chose to take Jonathan to school for show-n-tell when he was Student of the Week! Back to School Brian started kindergarten at Eden Christian Academy in August. His teacher’s name is Miss Davis. He loves everything about school, especially gym class and math class. We are absolutely astonished at how much Brian has learned so farthis year, including sign language, Spanish, counting moneyand how to read. One of the most heart-warming experiences was listening to Brian recite Psalm 23, which he was required to learn for his first quarter evaluation. We are so proud that Brian has “stayed in the game” and earned a trip to the price box each week!	Oh the Places We Go! Brian’s favorite places to go include the Consol Energy Center to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins and PNC Park to watch the Pirates, Panera, church, Neenee and Jerry’s house, any pizza shop, Eat ‘N Park and Rita’s (especially with Papa). Last summer, while Daddy was in Nicaragua, we went to Seven Springs with Grandma and Papa. The majority of the time we were there, we played baseball. However, we did spend one day at Idlewildand SoakZone. That was fun! Like Father, Like Son! Brian is still very passionate about hockey. He spendsmost of his play time playing hockey downstairs— sometimes with me, Brett, and/or Daddy; sometimes alone. You can hear him announcing imaginary plays if you listen very closely while he is playing alone. When he isn’t playing, he is watching the Penguins on TV. He knows when all of the games are thanks to the Penguins mousepad-schedule that he received at the first game he attended this season. He checks it every morning at breakfast to determine if he needs to wear a Pens jersey that day! Now that he is a little older, he is generally permitted to stay up for the entire first period (unless he naps, in which case he will be allowed to watch more!) If he isn’t allowed to watch an entire game, he falls asleep listening to the game on his radio. He got to go to five games this season!!! Ask him! He can tell you the date, opponent and score! He has accumulated a lot of hockey information andstatistics in his little brain. Some of which he learned from watching SportsCenter; Some of which he learned from reading the various hockey books that he has checked out from the library; Some of which he learned from his most trusted source – Daddy! Brian has completed the Learn to Play Hockey developmental program at Robert Morris Island Sports Complex. He is eligible for the in-house league next October, and he is very excited!
6th Year - In Review April 11th - First Tee-Ball Practice May 9th – First Tee-Ball Game May 21st – 23rd – Niagara Falls trip for Brett’s B-Day June 21st-24th – KIDZ GIG June 26th – 1st movie theatre experience (Toy Store 3) August 14th – Wildwood 50th Anniversary Carnival August 16th – Cousin Jack Matthew was born! August 25th - 1st Day of Kindergarten September 27th – Started serving at Food Pantry September 29th – School Picture Day October 21st – Duck for President performance by Pgh International Children’s Theatre November 11th – Jonathan was born January 28th – Brian lost his first tooth March 13th – Brian learned to give Jonathan a bottle March 23rd – Brian’s Kindergarten play – Goldilocks & the 3 Bears March 27th – Suessical the Musical at the Bynam Theatre Milestone Mania This has really been an incredible year of growth in so many areas. Brian essentially went from a preschooler to a school-age child! (He confidently gets on the bus all by himself – after blowing me a few kisses, thoughJ ) He played his first team sport. He was on the Boston Red Sox tee-ball team. With a tremendous amount of practice (I meanhours!) throughout the summer and early fall, he became quite a little ball player. He even got “called up” to play coach pitch with the 7 and 8 year olds! He understands the rules of the games --- like baseball and hockey--, and he is also startingto understand what it means to be a “good sport”, including being a gracious winner and loser. He has stopped watching “kids” shows and started watching Sports Center. (He is such a big boy!)He restores a tremendous amount of sports information. Brian has learned so much in Kindergarten already. Watching him learn to read has been fascinating. He is disciplined and cooperative regarding completing his 20 minutes of “Book-It” reading each evening and all other homework that is assigned, such as marking vowels and boxing sight words in his reading books.Math skills are developing as well, including telling time and counting money. Brian is incredibly social--comfortable introducing himself to new friends and carrying on conversation with…just about anyone! You know your child is growing up when they tell you that you do not have to stay at a birthday party to which he has been invited! Now, he just has to figure out how to tie his shoes! The most incredible milestone continues to be how God keepsdeveloping Brian’s endearing, encouraging heart. “You guys are the best. Thanks for praying for me.” – Brian, with 102 degree fever	These are a Few of My Favorite Things Brian has developed a passion for all things sports-hockey, football, baseball and basketball. Brian and Brettspent hours this winter playing downstairs and haveenjoyed heading outside for a football or basketball game.Brian loves going to the Consol Energy Center to see the Pens play. He is currently trying to save $800 to purchase tickets for an upcoming game! Brian is convinced that he is not going to college, but that he is going to play sports when he grows up. He recently said to me, “Mommy, I will miss you when I live in Boston and play for the Red Sox.” Brian’s favorite foods are still pizza, stuffed crusted pizza from Eat ‘N Park, pancakes and waffles and Panera cinnamon crunch bagels. However, he will eat salad with enough ranch dressing and he has tried hot sausage and rotisserie chicken! Brian loves being with friends and always asks if he cango outside to see if anyone is playing, such as Sam & Joey Perry, Cameron & Ben Tino and Charlie & Jack Mill. (He really likes babies, especially Jonathan, of course, Claire Mill and Keely Allan. He likes to blow them raspberries and talk baby talk to them.) Brian has made many new friends in Kindergarten, including Luke Lilja, with whom we have had several afterschool playdates. Brian also loves playing with his grandparentsand “Uncle Cici”! Of course, his favorite playmate is Brett. Brian has repeatedly told me that his favorite days are May 23, 2007 (Brett’s birthday) and November 11, 2010 (Jonathan’s birthday!) He loves his teacher Miss Davis! When I picked Brian up from school on pajama day, he said, “Miss Davis looked really cute in her owl pajamas.” In his journal he completed the sentence: I work hard to______ . withhonor Miss Davis. I did recently learn something new that Brian didn’t like. During the Courage series at church, Brian told me that he is afraid of the deep end of the pool. And one of myfavorite things is the look on Brian’s face when Bretttalks about his imaginary friendsJ With neighborhood friends after finishing our service project for the food pantry (March 2011). .
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Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

Rejoice

2010-11-05T20:24:00.002-04:00

I can hardly believe that, in less than a week, we will welcome another one of the Lord's precious children into our family. ...and I am interrupted, as I type this, by my little Brett who reminds me of what a blessing and privilege it is to be a mother. He just called out from his bedroom, "Daddy - will you ask Mommy to come into my bedroom so I can tell her I love her?"

I am thrilled and consider myself blessed beyond all measure to be a mother. I am deeply grateful and humbled that God trusts me with this most important responsibility, and my greatest desire is to see my children grow up to love, obey and serve God.

However, as we await the arrival of our baby on Thursday, I begin to remember and anticipate the demands of an infant - round-the-clock feeding, constant diapering, (and according to Brian, "Lots of crying.") I don't want to become overwhelmed and stressed by the needs of an infant (Not to mention the demands of a five and three year old!).

I am reading the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan (for the 3rd time!) He reminds of us of the verse Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...Do not be anxious about anything. (Philippians 4:4-6) Then he goes on to write, When I am consumed by my problems - stressed out about my life....-I actually convey the belief that I think my circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice.

My prayer is that I will not forget that life is all about God and not about me at all... let me rejoice in Him always and be reminded of what a honor and blessing it is to be a mother - a job that yields eternal benefits!

--Beth Ann

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. -Philippians 4:11

36 weeks

2010-10-25T21:23:00.003-04:00

The past couple of weeks have been crazy good. We have been preparing for the arrival of our baby. You would think that - this being our third - I would have a pretty good handle on what needs done. I keep forgetting that preparing for Brian was much easier because it was just me and Beth Ann. When Brett arrived (oh boy did he arrive) the challenges where different because we had Brian, but the challenges still felt very manageable.

The challenges of preparing for this baby are different yet. Involving both boys, who are so excited to be big brothers, in all of our decisions from helping put the crib back together to helping choose names has been interesting. Tasks, like assembling the new pack-in-play, which would have taken me and Beth Ann a half hour to do now took a couple of hours! Recognizing that both boys use the bathroom independently, feed themselves and fall asleep on their own make us a little anxious about the adjustments that are forthcoming. Not to mention preparing for their little, broken hearts when I tell them that that mommy (and maybe daddy) are too sleep-deprived for another game of knee hockey.

However, as we closed this evening together in prayer, I was blessed to listen to both Brian and Brett pray for "mommy and the baby." Then it hit me. I was attending church and exploring my faith when Beth Ann was pregnant with Brett. It was not until Brett was born that I (literally as Brett was born) accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. While the process of preparing for this baby has been more difficult, it has been such a comfort to begin to welcome the baby into a family that is centered around Jesus and living in His grace and peace.

Mark

Love Thy Neighbor

2010-09-28T22:04:00.004-04:00

We are incredibly blessed and so are our children. Our basic needs are met, and we are surrounded by so many luxuries. However, the majority of the world is not so fortunate. I experienced this first hand in the garbage dump of La Chureca in Nicaragua this summer. Since I returned in early August, Beth Ann and I have been faced with the challenge of responding to our call as Christians to love our neighbors and care for those less fortunate and (maybe more importantly) figuring out how to teach such big ideas to Brian and Brett, who are just three and five years old.

We don't have to go to Nicaragua to see those who are less fortunate or those who are hungry. Many people believe that that the problems of hunger are confined to small pockets of society. However, the reality is much different. Right now, hundreds of people in our own neighborhoods are struggling with hunger. Our wonderful church, North Way Christian Community, operates a Food Pantry to help these neighbors - those who may have recently lost a job, may be disabled and unable to work, or who just can't make ends meet . In an effort to begin teaching our children how blessed they are and the importance of serving others, Beth Ann decided to ask our church if Brian and Brett could get involved at the Food Pantry in some way. Our church graciously said, "Yes!" and said they could collect food and grocery products on a monthly basis and stock the shelves of the pantry. With much hesitation, Beth Ann made little fliers (asking our neighbors to partner with us by placing donations on their porches on the last Monday of the month), and the boys placed the fliers in their mailboxes.

Monday evening, we made our first collection and WOW! - we were so blessed by the generosity of our neighbors!!! The boys were so excited to run from porch to porch and collect the bags of food and grocery items that our neighbors had left. We laughed as they tripped over big bags filled with cereal boxes and soup cans trying to load the bags into their Little Tikes wagon. In a time when neighbors are often people we rarely see because of garage door openers and busy lives, we experienced the love and generosity of our neighbors directly last night.

We were encouraged and blessed by our neighbors' generosity. We are optimistic that God is going to begin to teach Brian and Brett an incredible lesson through this experience. I am so thankful that God has given me the opportunity to watch Him use Beth Ann to shape our children into strong Christian men!

Fantasy Football

2010-09-09T20:36:00.003-04:00

I have been playing fantasy football with some of these guys for 15 years. I believe my first free agent pick ever was Ickey Woods (1988). Let me introduce you to the participants of Larry's League 2010-2011.
Brian "Relive makes me thin" Bischoff
Height: 5'8. Weight: Undisclosed. Age: A young looking 37. College: RMU, Co-founder of RMU hockey team and competitive Eating Team. Experience: The last of the crew.
David "No relation to Brian" Bischoff
Height: 6'1. Weight: The wind just blew him over. Age: Farting dust. College: A waste of this guys time. Experience: 3 beautiful kids- done.
Mark "All-Star softball catcher" Mill
Height: 3 story addition. Weight: 220lbs before addition, 165lbs after addition. Age: 4 kids later. College: YES SIR, SIR. Experience: Have you ever seen the sleeping situation on a Sub?
Mike "Cleveland" Arnold
Height: Same as his wife. Weight: Going up with each bon-bon. Age: Youth Minister Eligible. College: Miami Heat. Experience: 1964- last Cleveland Championship.
Mark "Pappy or Old" Feldman
Height: Shorter each year. Weight: 2 additional chins. Age: Platinum highlights. College: University of Beth Ann. Experience: Wax on Wax Off.
Andrew "Phillies" Tino
Height: New Jersey short. Weight: He can bench each Bischoff. Age: Lost his documents when he defected Italy. College: Graig Nettles online University. Experience: None needed. His wife is brilliant.
Dom "Naked vest" Perry
Height: Mighty Mouse. Weight: Ripped. Age: Rapidly aging since his daughter was born College: Johnstown School of Accounting. Experience: Pitched a reality show to HBO starring Franky.
Mike "I need to build a wall around my house" Derenzo
Height: Good looking. Weight: Cut. Age: Too young for our block. College: Alabama. Experience: None needed. He is that good.
Brian "Do not go through that tunnel" Feldman
Height: Got the good genes. Weight: Extra ranch please. Age: College: Pathfinder Rollover. Experience: Declined a personal invitation from Hugh Hefner.
Todd "I need a chemical rep" Schurman
Height: lost 2 inches. Weight: Travels a lot. Age: Lost his hair at 15. College: Purdue University. Experience: Is actually Artie Lange's Cousin.

Game Time!

2010-09-08T08:17:00.006-04:00

I have been thinking a lot about the mission trip I went on in August. Although I am only a little over a month removed from my time in Nicaragua, it feels like years. The challenge since I have been home is to try and capture how close I felt to the Lord while in Nicaragua here in Pittsburgh. While on the trip, I expected the presence of the Lord, I asked for the Holy Spirit to move within me, I asked for guidance from God, and gave thanks constantly (like every second) to Jesus. Since returning from Nicaragua, the time I have spent worshiping, reading, speaking, and listening to God has decreased slowly each week. I am hoping to regain my discipline this week as my responsibilities ramp up. I was reminded of how powerful prayer is yesterday. I was tagged in a video from Nicaragua that shows God still performing miracles TODAY, right in front of our very own eyes-
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=10150242272710062

As I am writing this, I can feel myself getting excited for this year (ministry season), I love partnering with the leaders of my Church. I am so thankful that God has put so many people in my life who love Jesus.

Kent, thank you for trusting me with your brainchild. I am humbled to be given an opportunity to watch God change the lives of men in our community. Dennis, you amaze me with the unconditional love you have for the high school students in our area. Scott, Darren, Amanda and all of the Family Matters team, the love you have for my children and all children is best exemplified in the love Brian and Brett have for you and what they have learned from you. For instance, Brian bought me a baseball glove for my birthday. A neighbor said to Brian, "A baseball glove is the best gift ever." Brian looked him directly in the eyes, and in front of 6 adults and countless children, rebuked his statement by saying, "No Mr --- Jesus is the best gift ever."

Mark

My wife is amazing!

2010-08-03T19:59:00.003-04:00

I am so thankful for my wonderful wife. She is my rock. Her encouragement throughout the mission trip was amazing. She had people who have been influential in my life and spiritual journey write me letters of encouragement, and she hid them in my luggage. When I came home the grass was cut and the kids had picked out balloons and a welcome home cake. She played all day with two high energy boys, cooked them three meals, did all their laundry, bathed them, and put them to bed. Yet she still waited up and talked with me for a couple of hours about the trip. Not just talked but helped me walk through some difficult times in Nicaragua. When the boys woke up today she took them both downstairs so I could sleep for a couple more hours. Oh did I mention she is 5 months pregnant?
Beth Ann, I am madly in love with you. Thank you for allowing me to experience a once in a life time trip. There is no place in this world right now though I would rather be- I am so glad to be home!

Headed Home

2010-08-02T19:13:00.002-04:00

Our plane landed safely in Houston. The team was thrilled to have a piece of pizza and use a toilet that flushed automatically!

I just can't thank you enough for following our journey. Your encouragement, support and prayer has meant so much! I am eager to see how God will continue to use this trip, this team and all of you to further His kingdom!

One last leg....Houston to Pittsburgh! Let's join together in prayer for safe travels!

Mark

The End of our Journey in Nicaragua

2010-08-02T12:31:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was our last day to spend time with some of the families from La Chureca. We had the opportunity to go to church with them and out to lunch. Saying goodbye is never easy especially when one only knows where those families with lay their heads to sleep at night.

I was curious to know if the people of La Chureca are aware of what is "available" outside of the dump. Most of the people are. Even though they understand their living conditions are so harsh, many factors keep them from freeing themselves from the dump. For instance, the men can actually make more money in the dump than they can being a security guard for a local plant. In addition, La Chureca becomes comfortable to the families living there. They know their neighbors, the school, the missionaries who come to help. They know where to find medical help (even though the people rarely seek medical attention.) They can walk to work. Most families have a home and a plot of land. They are comfortable in the neighborhood in which they live.

I find it hard and humbling. If you take out La Chureca, the neighborhood and experience might be a lot like mine or yours. We like our neighbors, the school system, the commute to work, the hospitals which are close by and the people who get us through life (our church, our missionaries and mentors.)

I am no different than some of the men I met in La Chureca. My family looks like some of the families in La Chureca. None of us are different...some of us are blessed by the grace of God differently. Will we use the blessings God has so graciously given us to love and help our neighbors? God calls us to love our neighbors...not just those who live on our streets and in our communities.

According to Richard Stearns (author of The Hole in Our Gospel), our problem is that the plight of suffering people and children in far-off lands simply hasn't gotten personal for us. We may hear about them with sorrow, but we haven't really been able to look at them as if they were our own, our own children, our own neighbors. God surely weeps and grieves because every one of these children is His child - not somebody else's. Bob Pierce the founder of World Vision, once prayed, "Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." Let this be our prayer.

Our time is almost over here. We thank you for following our journey and praying with us. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for a safe return and for everyone from our team to start working through how to continue to use the blessings God has given us.

Thank you,
Mark

Last Day in Nicaragua

2010-08-01T20:59:00.002-04:00

There are some political and religious rallies today and tomorrow. Please pray for safety. It is the first time it has been a little sketchy as far as safety is concerned.

Thank you,
Mark

Finishing Strong

2010-07-31T21:41:00.003-04:00

I am assuming that most of you read Beth Ann's last post. Everyone is fine. I think it is a perfectly normal response to a foreign county, their water and beans. We are making sure that the students are hydrated and well rested.

Today we returned from 22 hours of rest. Although we were swimming in the ocean, playing games in the pool and eating ice cream (not me), the group reflected on what God has been doing in each of them. I can make a case that the past 22 hours were the most important of the trip. We need to discern how we can take the closeness that we feel to the Lord back home and apply it to our lives. Why can we stop and pray for a man we don't know who is addicted to glue, but not take the time to pray for the kids we go to school with, play sports with and our own family members? Our team needs to go home and live differently than others who don't know the Lord. Our lives must not be the same as those who aren't Christians; We need to live our lives so others can see what happens through Christ.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing. - Galatians 2:20-21

We have about 36 hours left. Please pray for us to finish what God brought us to do.

Mark

Specific Prayer Request

2010-07-30T15:36:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone. I heard from Mark this Friday afternoon and as he put it, he is "feeling really crappy today." Mark is experiencing chills and stomach issues, and others on the team are not feeling so well either. Let's pray together against sickness and all evil...that God will protect their bodies, spirits and souls, so that they can finish His work strongly.

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, that by His power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Thank you so much for your continued prayers!

Love,
Beth Ann

Granada

2010-07-30T14:41:00.000-04:00

Brit and Brit

2010-07-30T14:23:00.000-04:00

How awesome is this!!

2010-07-30T14:22:00.000-04:00

Exploring Managua Today (Friday - Day 5)

2010-07-30T10:36:00.003-04:00

Travel day today. We are going to three different spots around Managua. I believe Doug and Daniel want to give our team some time to experience the culture of Nicaragua. The first stop is the market. Stop two will include history of Nicaragua. We are going to the old capital of Nicaragua - Granada. Stop three is a surprise for the high school students.

I want to quickly tell a story. This happened last night before dinner. There is a girls home just down the street from where we are staying. Daniel has a great relationship with the people who run the home. Most of the girls in the home are from La Chureca. Two high school students from our team sponsor girls in this home. They send them money on a monthly basis, write them letters, send them pictures and most importantly...give them hope of a better life. If it were not for people like Jordyn and Brit, these two girls may not be learning about Jesus, would most likely be malnourished and living in La Chureca. I can't even explain what it was like when they embraced these girls for the first time. (I can tell you - Pastor Kent would not have been the only one crying.) I will include some pictures of the girls.

Time for breakfast - beans and eggs.

We can feel your prayers. Please pray for our protection and safety as we set out today.

Mark

A Day at the Sports Complex (Nicaragua Day 4)

2010-07-29T23:32:00.003-04:00

Wow! So I feel every bit of 37. When we arrived at the sports complex, we decided to play a Gringo (that is what all the kids call white people) game of soccer. Big mistake1 When the first group of kids arrived, we were already sucking wind, drenched in sweat and running out of water. Daniel split the kids up into two groups of about 20. Half of the kids did crafts while the other half played soccer. Let me tell you - these kids can play. I quickly realized that goal-keeper was my best option. After four games, I was 3-1, but I had sucked down three Advil and at least a gallon of water.

The kids played sports just like my two boys at home. The passion, competitiveness, smiles, bickering, and laughing were all exactly the same.

At the end of the day, we all gathered to pray. Daniel asked for kids to volunteer and pray. To my amazement, both children who prayed, prayed for us. These are kids who just played soccer for over an hour. They are sweaty, hot and need a shower and a fresh change of clothes. The only problem is that all of the children have to go back to the dump and cool off with contaminated water that sometimes doesn't even turn on and refuel with the little bit that they have been given or what they found in the dump the night before.

Hug your children close to you. Thank God for what He has given us. Remember...all that we have can be gone tomorrow.

Mark

Thank You

2010-07-29T10:47:00.006-04:00

Mark has been in Nicaragua for about five days now. I wanted to thank all of you who are faithfully following his blog, praying with us and providing support and encouragement. We are so grateful for your notes, emails and texts.

Brian and Brett are a great source of support and encouragement, too. (I am so grateful for my two little reminders of Mark, as my big sister put it.) I read Mark's blog to them and their responses make me smile. For instance, when Mark shared that the team was making lunch for the children from the dump, Brian responded, "Daddy should make French toast for them because his French toast is awesome. But do they have syrup in Nicaragua?" That lent itself to a great conversation about the many blessings we have in America, including syrup!!! The conversation about why the little naked boy in the picture was only wearing "Nicaragua crocs" was a little trickier.

I would be dishonest if I said that I didn't miss Mark terribly. For those of you who are close friends with us and know about how our relationship operates, you are probably not surprised at all by the challenges his absence presents for me. However, God is faithful and I have been uplifted and encouraged by His promises.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge. ~Psalm 62:8

I wish that I had something more profound to share... for now, thank you God, thank you Mark and thanks to all of you for your continued prayers!

Love,
Beth Ann

Sports

2010-07-29T09:03:00.002-04:00

Thursday-

Early start today. We are hosting two groups of students from the school dump today at a local sports complex. Each group will have about 40 kids - Wow! I love how God works. Just when I am feeling so far removed from home and my family, He plans a day that resembles at leave a small part of home. I miss coming home from work and hearing the madness of baseball or hockey in our basement.

I am praying that the kids see what can be through God. I am praying their time removed from the darkness of the dump will help heal them of the bondage that La Chureca causes.

I believe today will be very hard (like the others have been easy?!?) The same children who sleep on garbage, breathe contaminated air, sniff glue, pick through garbage for food and play in puddles of chemicals, will be playing some games with me that I play at home with my children. We are all God's children.

Mark

Daniel washing his feet

2010-07-28T21:11:00.002-04:00

The girls home

2010-07-28T21:11:00.001-04:00

2010-07-28T21:11:00.000-04:00

Prince of the girls home

2010-07-28T21:09:00.000-04:00

Group praying

2010-07-28T21:06:00.000-04:00

Children of La Chureca

2010-07-28T21:05:00.001-04:00

More kids

2010-07-28T21:05:00.000-04:00

Children that lived next to the man we prayed for

2010-07-28T21:04:00.000-04:00

He WAS on crutches for over a year

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The Highs and Lows of Nicaragua....

2010-07-28T20:45:00.002-04:00

Last night was quite a signigicant night. I am going to refer you to http://mission2nicaragua.wordpress.com for more. Pastor Doug Melder explains the experience far better than I ever could.

I am not going to post much today. The pictures posted tell most of the story. We entered the dump with the intention of meeting and praying with multiple families. God had a different plan for us. The man our group is praying for in the picture had been on crutches for more than two years. We prayed for him for nearly two hours. The children and others in the pictures lived next to him.

When we left the dump, our team headed to the girls home that Daniel and Jessenia started. It was amazing. The Lord has done some incredible things for these girls (and one boy) through Daniel and Jessenia.

Thank you for your prayers.

Mark

Account of Our 2nd Day in La Chureca

2010-07-27T21:18:00.002-04:00

Today started with an abundance of sunshine and some of the best coffee I have ever tasted in my life. After breakfast, we all gathered on the third floor of the library and prayed for the day and what God would instruct us to do.

We entered the dump fairly early and began a prayer walk- simply walking around the dump and praying while following God's lead. We entered a family's home that raised pigs and chickens. They had at least 10 pigs and countless chickens. Daniel explained that their plot of land was on the of the largest in the dump. He also informed us that they are one of the more "wealthy" families in La Chureca. The walk lead us to the edge of the dump overlooking Managua. I am told that Lake Managua is the tenth largest lake in the world. Looking across the lake we could see some of God's finest work, including plush green mountain tops, islands in the middle of the lake and small ripples of current. What was amazing is that we were standing on land filled with garbage. The group began to pray for God to reclaim La Chureca. Many members of our team were overcome with emotion. It was one of the most difficult times of the trip thus far. Looking across the lake and seeing such beauty but standing on such filth and trying to make sense of it was hard.

After a difficult morning, we entered the school to serve lunch and play with the children. What a blessing. Brit joined a music class and blessed them with her talents. Mike (the student with the little boy on his shoulders in the pictures) gave every child a ride on his shoulders. Our entire group became young children again. It was so much fun interacting with the kids. The fun continued when we visited a boys home started a year ago by a family with which Daniel is close. I was able to show the boys pictures and videos of my family. It was incredible. We played soccer, fusbol and made some silly stuff with PlayDoh.

Off to dinner.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Mark

All smiles!!

2010-07-27T20:01:00.000-04:00

Brit is a true blessing!

Serving lunch and playing with the kids at the school

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Praying for a man addicted to glue

2010-07-27T19:58:00.001-04:00

More homes

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2010-07-27T19:54:00.000-04:00

Homes in the dump

First Look at La Chureca

2010-07-27T09:12:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was our team's first day in the dump, La Chureca. The first look at desperation and darkness came about one half of a mile outside of the dump. The road leading into La Chureca was littered with debris and countless people were picking through absolute filth to try and find things to sustain them.

As we entered the dump, some members from last year's team were visibly excited while the first timers' chins were in their laps. One member of last year's team actually said to Daniel (our leader from Nicaragua), "Wow? They have cleaned it up and even put a building at the entrance."

I will do my best to describe what it was like entering the dump for the first time, but I am sure you can understand that there is really no possible way this can be done effectively:
My thoughts at first quickly followed my eyes. Voulchers were everywhere along with dogs, pigs, cows and chickens all looking for food. Garbage was piled high and low as far as the eye could see. When we exited the vehicle, Daniel walked us away from the garbage and into the "city." He showed us the school, clinic, church and general store. It became clear to me that this was not a dump with homes and people living in it. This was actually a small town where the city dumped its garbage.

Just when I thought I could take no more, God showed us His beautiful perfect image - smiling, jumping, laughing, excited CHILDREN! Where they all came from, I had no idea but it was awesome! They wanted to be lifted up, spun around, hugged and loved. God and all of His glory present in such a terrible place.

I will try to post more later about our first encounters; we go back later today to serve lunch in the school. I am guessing I will have more stories.

Mark

We Arrived Safely in Managua

2010-07-26T09:47:00.003-04:00

Pittsburgh to Houston to Managua. What a crazy day of travel. I am so blessed to have made this trip with 20 amazing people. We arrived at our "compound" around midnight Pittsburgh time. We were promptly greeted by Buzzby (no, not the king of the bees). He went over some basic rules or lessons of the jungle. I will only share one: Make sure you shake your towels and bedding before you use them. We do have scorpions and tarantulas...

I am sitting on the 3rd floor of what they call the Library. I can see tropical birds and beautiful mountains engulfed in a haze of clouds. The aroma changes as the wind changes - from flowers to sweet something, and the smell of coffee. As a friend of mine said recently, "Oh the winds are changing."

Today we will be entereing the dump. No sweet smells, no mountains, no tropical birds. Please pray for our team and the people we will be encountering.

Mark

Is That All You've Got

2010-07-20T21:38:00.002-04:00

Acts 13:4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit.....

When I first read Acts 13 and 14 (Paul's first mission trip) I kept thinking to myself how did Paul and Barnabas do it? How did they stay in a mission field (many mission fields) for two years? My goodness Paul gets practically stoned to death, gets back up and re-enters the city screaming IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOT (that is what I envisioned).

I missed it.....sent on their way by the Holy Spirit.

Mark

Thank You

2010-07-19T18:39:00.004-04:00

Recently I have been humbled by the outpouring of support I have received while preparing for the trip of a life time. In one week, I will be heading to Nicaragua with a group of high school students and adult leaders. We will be working with many different people, but the majority of our time will be spent in a place called La Chureca, a trash dump community in Managua, Nicaragua. It is home to countless children fighting to survive an unthinkable landscape of burning trash, physical and sexual abuse, and starvation.

As the day gets closer, I am experiencing an array of emotions. I am praying that all the emotions I am experiencing are God's way of preparing me. When I first agreed to go on this trip, it was out of complete (are you really sure God) obedience. I am now looking forward to seeing God at work in a terribly dark, dark place (a place not called Wexford), at work in the hearts of individuals who do not look like I do, who do not speak like I do or live like I do. I am so excited for people to see the Holy Spirit bleeding out of me. These people won’t look like me or live like me, but they are my neighbors. We are taught to love our neighbors- not just neighbors who live two doors down, who look like we do, or who go to the same church as we do. Our neighbors are all of God's children. Wow! I can not believe I just wrote that. It was not long ago that I was telling God how he equipped me to fund mission trips, not actually go on mission trips. God is so good, and I actually believe He has a great sense of humor....me on a mission trip? (That's funny!)

Beth Ann and I have entered into a wonderful time of prayer together. Already I feel that this trip has done wonderful things in my life. We are praying for the Holy Spirit's power to be unleashed within all of the participants in the mission and all around the people we encounter. I believe this is the start of absolute surrender for many of us or maybe just me?! Starting today (maybe tomorrow) I will begin to unconditionally put my life in His hands.
Thank you all so much for your love and support. I will try and update this blog: http://leavingthemabetterplace.blogspot.com/ as often as I can. Pastor Doug will be updating his blog: http://mission2nicaragua.wordpress.com/ multiple times a day.

Thank you for your support
Mark

Hot Dog

2010-07-05T18:27:00.005-04:00

Sunday July 4th 2010 was an incredible day but ended on a very strange note. I was privileged to listen to an inspiring message by Dr. Jay Passavant, we had a family game of baseball, rundown, and smores late night by the fire. Throughout the day Beth Ann and I were in constant discussion with each other and our two young boys about how blessed we are. We talked through how amazing the men and women who protect our freedom are and how much they and their families sacrifice on our behalf.

Beth Ann and I were winding down the night doing what she loves, watching ESPN (HaHa). About half way through the the telecast, ESPN showed highlights of our country's traditional 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Our first response was to quick change the channel because no pregnant women should be subject to that slop. My reaction slowly turned to a different disgust. On arguablely our countries brightest day: the celebration of our freedom, the constant reminder that we are free to worship Christ, a day when we all should be on our knees thanking those that serve...here was the USA (ESPN) braodcasting good old-fashioned American indulgence. In 2008, 49.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households, 32.4 million adults and 16.7 million children according to Feeding America. Health experts believe that undernutrition and unsafe drinking water are the two major contributors to 10 million children dying before their fifth birthdays." - Richard Stearns, The Hole In Our Gospel. Maybe I am sensetive to the issue because of the season I am in, but something about an eating contest when millions of Americans are hungry does not sit well with me. We are better than that and can do better than that.

Mark

P.S.

Americans enjoy 150 million hot dogs each July 4-"enough to stretch from D.C. to L.A. more than five times," said Janet "Queen of Wien" Riley, president of the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council.

Injustice or the good news?

2010-06-04T19:10:00.002-04:00

Injustice or the good news?

"Here is what would happen if we all paid our tithe- that is, 10 percent of our income instead of the 2.5 percent Christians actually give. We would have an extra $168 billion to spend in funding the work of the Church worldwide. $65 billion less than 40 percent of the previously mentioned $168 billion could eliminate the most extreme poverty on the planet for more than a billion people. Universal primary education for children would cost $6 billion; the cost to bring clean water to most of the world’s poor, an estimated 9 billion, and basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world $13 billion.

Imagine how stunning it would be to the watching world for American Christians to give so generously that it:

Brought an end to world hunger

Solved the clean water crisis

Provided universal access to drugs and medical care for the millions suffering from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis

Virtually eliminated the more than 26,000 daily child deaths

Guaranteed education for all the world’s children

Provided a safety net for the world’s tens of millions of orphans

Think about the statement it would make if American Christian citizens stepped up and gave more than all the governments of the world combined because they took Jesus seriously when He said love our neighbors as ourselves."--Richard Stearns, The Hole In Our Gospal

Injustice

2010-05-27T11:09:00.005-04:00

I was asked recently to share an example of justice or injustice with a group of people. I decided on injustice, in part because I just finished reading The Hole In Our Gospel.

"26,500 children died yesterday of preventable causes related to their poverty...Almost 10 million children will be dead in the course of a year. All 10 million of these children will die before they reach the age of five. These deaths are caused by birth complications (21%), pneumonia (19%), diarrheal diseases (17%), neonatal illnesses (15%), malaria (8%), measles (4%), AIDS (3%), injuries (3%), and all others (10%). The conditions in which the poor live plays a HUGE role in the spread of disease. Health experts believe that undernutrition and unsafe drinking water are the two major contributors to these 10 million children dying before their fifth birthdays." - Richard Stearns, The Hole In Our Gospel

More to come, including what Richard Stearns says we can do to fix this problem.

Happy Birthday Brett

2010-05-24T20:23:00.003-04:00

Brett’s Birthday Gazette

May 23, 2010 FREE

Extra! Extra! Read All About It –

Brett Turns Three!

Small but Mighty… and Challenging

For the record, Brett hasn’t gained more than a few pounds over the last year. Fortunately, his pediatrician and endocrinologist have assured us that Brett is a healthy little boy. What he hasn’t gained in pounds, he has more than made up for in strength, independence and willpower, though. Brett has a slap-shot that impresses all the neighborhood boys, and he is not afraid to grab a stick and jump right into their game. (Until Mrs. Jenkins lures him away with a freeze pop for his own good!)

Brett’s strong-willed side often comes out best while we are at his Ear, Nose and Throat appointment. (God Bless Dr. McElwain and Cathy!) It usually requires 3 staff people and me to hold Brett down for his ear exam. However, during his last visit, he tried a new technique (after bolting out of the exam room when the door was left open by the technician.) Brett actually ROARED like a lion when Dr. McElwain walked in the room. He turned to me and announced, “Me scare her away and she no look in my ears!”

Brett definitely is not afraid to say “No,” and doesn’t always obey immediately. However, Mark and I are determined to be diligent and consistent. We have found some remarkable advice:

"Train with an eye to your children's souls. We are made what we are by training. Our character takes the form of what mold into which our first years were cast. The path of obedience is the way in which He gives blessing. Determine to make your children obey you, though it cost you much trouble, and cost them many tears. The mark of well-trained children is that they do whatsoever their parents command them - cheerfully, willingly and at once." ~J.C. Ryle (1888)

Sounds like a lofty goal, but we believe it is attainable because for each of Brett’s challenging moments, he has a million endearing ones!

Oh The Places We Go…

Brett went on a lot of fun trips this year:

Niagara Falls, NY for a spring family visit
Myrtle Beach, SC with Mommy, Daddy, Brett, Grandma and Papa
Niagara Falls, NY for the July 4^th weekend
Rehobeth Beach, DE with Mommy, Daddy, Brett, Neenee, Jerry, Uncle Brian, Aunt Beth, Aidan, Auntie Ann and Kimmy
Berkeley Heights, NJ for cousin Aidan’s 2^nd birthday party
Niagara Falls, NY for the Christmas Holiday
West Palm Beach, FL AND Orlando, FL for our 1^st trip to Disney with Mommy, Daddy, Brett, Neenee & Jerry!

We were really excited to spend Brett’s birthday 3^rd birthday in Niagara Falls this year!!!

Brett’s 3^nd Year - In Review

July 9^th – Swing set installed!

Sometime last summer – 1^st time on ice skates

September 14^th – 1^st Day of Preschool at MPCP

January 16^th – Brett’s 1^st “friend” birthday party at Wildwood Highlands for Chase Monroe

January 19^th – 1^st trip to Carnegie Science Center

February 14^th – 1^st Pens game

February 20 – 21^st – 1^st trip to Walt Disney World

March 1^st – Met Baby Peyton Sevick, who was visiting from Guatemala

March 11^th – Henry & Mudge performance by Pgh International Children’s Theatre

May 11^th –1^st service project at ManorCare Nursing Home w/ Chevaliers & Champions

Sometime this Spring – Potty-trained!!!

Brett the Preschooler

Brett started preschool in September at Memorial Park Christian Preschool. We were slightly hesitant to enroll him for several reasons, but after prayerful consideration we enrolled him in the Unassisted (no parents attend) One Day Two Year Old Program. It was such a great experience for Brett. When I picked him up, he was usually smiling and covered in paint, marker or dirt from the playground. He always reminded me, “Me no kie (cry) today.”

Mark and I were pleasantly surprised at both of Brett’s parent-teacher conferences when we learned that he was progressing nicely. His teacher, Mrs. Seiferth, informed us that he: uses “please” and “thank you” independently, sits/listens to story during circle time, comes to line when called, verbalizes appropriately to teachers and peers, shares with prompts, takes turns with prompts, recognizes his written name, cuts with regular scissors, knows and is able to match shapes and colors and uses the bathroom independently. She said that he especially enjoyed stringing colored key rings and playing with other small manipulative, such as ladder blocks and clear crystal blocks. He didn’t participate in praise and worship, but he sat quietly and watched the others. According to Brett, his favorite thing to do at school was “see Byan (Brian) on the playground!”

The Things that Brett will Say….

“You are kidding me!” – “Mommy, why don’t you have a penis?” (he usually says this loudly in a public restroom) – “I sy (try) again” – “I’m a strong boy.”

A Few of My Favorite Things

Brett is becoming quite a diverse little boy. He really loves everything about hockey. Brian and Brett spend hours playing in the basement. Brett is mastering a lot of the hockey terminology; he can commit and identify most penalties by name, such as slashing, tripping, and goalie interference. He especially loves wearing all of the equipment. Just a week or so ago, he insisted on wearing his goalie gear to my doctor’s appointment – shin guards, gloves jersey and helmet!

While he loves playing golf, hockey, basketball, baseball and football, Brett is also developing an artistic side. He really enjoys painting, coloring and drawing. One of his favorite pastimes is using the Ratatouille Draw with the Chef magnadoodle. He recently drew a “dine-sore” that really resembled a dinosaur. In the car, it is not uncommon to see Brett’s little foot tapping, keeping the beat of the song that is playing on the radio. He always asks me to turn the music up!

Brett doesn’t eat very much, but when he does, he chooses macaroni and cheese, noodles, Kix or Golden Grahams cereal, Cheez-its, pretzels, Goldfish crackers and freeze pops. His diet is pretty much limited to carbs and candy!

Other things that Brett likes – putting puzzles together, building with blocks, Play-doh, playing board games like Zingo, reading (favorite books include, The Best Nest, Toy Story Forever Friends and the magazine Wild Animal Baby), wearing football jerseys, “Blue Milk” (Pediasure supplement with the blue cap), cleaning, his friends Ben, “Els” (Ella Perry), Mada, Ashlyn and his cousin Aidan, and his very favorite person in the whole world, Brian!

Happy Birthday Brett!!

Obedience

2010-05-02T22:03:00.003-04:00

I am without question not the smartest kid on the block (that award goes to my 5 year old), but I am trying very hard to understand obedience. The past couple months have been very difficult on me as I have wrestled with my desires and needs verses God's plan for me. I have been trying to understand what it is I am supposed to do. I am trying to understand why I am being moved so far outside my comfort zone. I have read scripture about obedience. I have entered into prayer. I have talked to people I love and respect about this topic. Through it all, I hear all the right things about obedience, but do I really understand what it means to do what God is asking? I hope I hear Him clearly, and I pray I am doing what He asks of me.

Trying to discern all of this can be exciting. The implementation can be awful. What I do know is God placed on our hearts to be married in His presence. I believe He has asked me to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua with some amazing high school students (I do not like to leave my basement). What I also know is that He has blessed Beth Ann and I with the responsibility of a third child of His. For Him to entrust us to raise three children to follow Him, to love Jesus, and to further His kingdom is amazing to me. The least I can do is be obedient.

Mark

Hope is Real

2010-02-06T23:31:00.003-05:00

I called my mom this evening, and opened with my usual question, "Hey Mom! What are you doing?" She replied, "I am crying." I developed a sudden pit in my stomach. My mother rarely cries. "Why are you crying, Mom?" I inquired. She replied, "In the 24 years that we have lived in this neighborhood, nothing like this has ever happened." She went on to explain that her new neighbor across the street snow-blowed her driveway for her. (The people on my parent's street barely talk, so they are definitely not shoveling or baking brownies for one another.) This was a huge blessing because my step father is out of town, we just got pounded with 24 inches of snow, my parents have a really, REALLY step driveway, and I am almost certain that my mother doesn't know how to use their snowblower. This was so great for me to hear considering (right before I called my Mom) I updated my facebook status: Incredibly full of hope. (God has so much to offer!) Hopefully, I will be sharing more soon!

This was just another example, which is so exciting and validating! We may not always be able to see or feel hope. However, I know that it is there. It is real. It comes from God.

Beth Ann

Frustrated

2010-01-26T19:27:00.004-05:00

My struggle lately has been understanding that others are not on the same schedule and do not always operate with the same sense of urgency as I do. Incompetence and lack of courtesy sends me over the edge. I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife that is so grounded and grants so much grace to others.

However, are there times when it is appropriate to "flip out"? (I suppose I can answer my own question when studying the fruit of the spirit.) Do I always have to turn the other cheek and grant people grace, though? When am I allowed to LEAN into someone? I think that I have found God's answer... see Ephesians 4:15 "Speaking the truth in love."

I'm so thankful that God has allowed me to work through this struggle. I feel as if He has been walking me through some very specific situations with others to help me learn that this struggle is as much about me and my growth as it is about the other individual. I never want to forget God waited 30 plus years for me to enter into a relationship with Him. Oh the grace he has granted me!!

Mark

2010-01-22T19:44:00.007-05:00

It has been a long time since I have blogged about anything. Sometimes I just feel strange writing to space, but I have decided this is or will become a journal for me.

God has been doing some amazing things in my life. I feel closer to Him today than I ever have before. Seeking God's wisdom or praying for His intervention has not only been amazing but also freeing. I long for His direction and approval all the while knowing He may be silent for a long period of time, or He may just want to enter into a deeper relationship with me. I thought I would be frustrated by not "hearing" from Him about the various issues Beth Ann and I have been praying about, but there is a peace within me. Wait, that's so unlike me, as I am writing this I am thinking that God is actually supplying that peace and calmness......I guess I am hearing from Him.

A friend of mine and co-worker recently lost a good friend. My heart breaks for him. He has no where to turn. He is surrounded by individuals who do not know Jesus. They drown their mistakes, sorrows, and tragedies into worldly things. Pleas pray for him and his friends family.

Mark

Early Christmas Gift

2009-12-18T23:01:00.008-05:00

I received an early Christmas gift... a personal phone call from my dear friend, Leigh, who is a missionary in Guatemala. In the days of connecting via e-mail, Facebook, etc. it was just so fantastic to hear her voice! For those of you who don't know Leigh and Josh, here is a little bit of their story:

About two years ago, Leigh and her husband Josh shared with us that God had placed a call on their hearts to move to Guatemala and serve on staff at Missions Frontier in Chichicastanengo, Guatemala for at least three years. Their mission: "Use our gifts and abilities to further God's kingdom through ministering to those in need and sharing the hope of Jesus Christ." I have to confess that Mark and I were stunned. While we knew that they followed Jesus with a passion, we just didn't think that they would choose Guatemala as their mission field. (Not to mention, they were so effective at ministering right here in Pittsburgh. Mark and I - case in point!)

Fast forward to January 2009. Both Leigh and Josh resigned from their professional positions in Human Resources and Finance fields respectively. Their home was sold. Their cars were sold. Their belongings were sold with the exception of their dog Jeffrey and anything that fit into the five or so bags that they were permitted to take with them to Chichicastenango. (According to Mark, "End of story. Any questions?")

They "settled into" Chichi in late January. By the end of February, I received an e-mail from Leigh informing us that they were expecting their first baby! (I can remember thinking Hmmm...God's timing is really something else. However, a friend of mind challenged me to think of it this way: Perhaps that is God's way of blessing them for being obedient to His call."

So, I am all over the place here. My intention of this post was to share some of the details of our conversation (the mice that frequently visit their apartment, the plumbing problems that make washing baby bottles by hand even more of a hassle, etc.) However, I am feeling a nudge to revisit Leigh and Josh's mission statement and take a good look at how I am using the gifts that God has given me. What better time than now?

Merry Christmas!

Beth Ann

(Learn more about Leigh and Josh at dustysandalswalk.com)

The Joy He Has Given Us

2009-12-14T16:08:00.006-05:00

Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples, "Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children's. And anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom's gates."

Mark

What comes first?

2009-12-10T12:30:00.003-05:00

I have once again failed to enter into scripture on a consistent basis. I can give every excuse in the book: time, energy, family, blah, blah, blah. The fact is I need to enter into a deeper relationship with the Lord. Henry Blackaby says, "obedience flows out of a love relationship with Jesus." Okay, so what do I do? Spend more time listening? Read the Bible more? Pray more? Serve more? Listen to more Podcasts (this I love doing)? Do I concentrate on one of those actions? What comes first? Ugh the confusion sometimes gets me so frustrated with myself! I know one thing I am not going to do is sit back. I can't. I can not pray and then just sit and wait. That makes me feel like I'm stealing.

Mark

Believe in His Promises

2009-11-10T22:30:00.005-05:00

In the bible (in the book of Matthew), Jesus told his followers, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." I used to struggle to figure out where I was on this one. I struggled because I hadn't any enemies (at least none of which I was aware) and hadn't been persecuted, let alone mistreated in any form of the word. Praise God! I am so incredibly blessed. However, this led me to ask myself, "Am I prepared to obey God when I am put in the situation to do so and if not, how do I prepare?"

Similarly, God has spared me from betrayal, abuse, rejection and the host of horrible experiences that can leave people wounded, full of anger, sadness, vengeance and therefor, making it difficult for them to embrace forgiveness. I know God wants us to forgive our debtors. I so desperately want to obey His commands, but just haven't had an opportunity to practice. So my worry was "God, what if I am not good at forgiveness? What if I can't do it?" Forgiving my sister when she forgets to call me back for the third time is much different than...oh, I don't even want to give an example, but you know what I mean.

However, I am trying to stop wondering and worrying. I know the truth. There will be trouble in this world. I am going to worship and believe in His promises of faithfulness, comfort, help, guidance and peace. I believe what He says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Beth Ann

2009-11-04T21:38:00.002-05:00

I have been the Director of Operations at a local business for about 5 years now. Today was one of those days where I wish I was told where to dig the hole and how deep. Today was a day where I had a tremendous amount of mixed emotions. I have always believed that failing is a wonderful teaching moment. We can learn and be taught a lot when we fail. Today was different! Yes, there was failure. Yes, there were teaching moments. Yes, myself and others learned a lot. But it still stings. I learned to check my job at the punch out clock, but somewhere along this journey I decided to pray and care more for the people I interact with daily. It was easy before. I could just leave everything at the clock. I'm starting to learn to leave everything with Him. God has started to use me much differently than I had planned.

As Brett would say sillie Daddy

A Shot of God

2009-10-31T16:37:00.003-04:00

What do you do when your family, friends, and loved ones are going through difficult times?

Is it me or does it seem like the past month has been filled with tragedy, grief, and uncertainty? I used to "turtle up" and wait for these circumstances to pass. I now find myself seeking God's word and will. The problem I have come across is sometimes I don't like God's plan. I'm struggling with "Why?" Why now? Why did you allow that to happen? Why did you not stop that?" I feel so guilty that I even question His plan, but I do. I want to know Him. I want to hear His voice, so that no matter how terrifying the situation I will feel His presence comforting me and all those involved.

I am in a season of finding scripture to answer the "Why?" questions. I wish I was in a season of celebration. Maybe I need to celebrate God more and stop worrying about the unexplainable. That is His job. I want to exit this season and start pursuing His love again with excitement and expectancy.

I need vaccinated with God.

Mark

Empty Bags and Broken Heart....

2009-09-22T22:21:00.006-04:00

I am home from my second frustrating, exasperating excursion to the mall in the last two weeks. It used to be so fun. When I couldn't decide which pair of shoes to get, I'd buy both! Even though the jeans that I purchased just a season ago still fit and are barely worn (to be honest), I'd get another pair because the magazine article indicated that style is what's NOW! (As if the ones that I got three months ago are so not now?!?!) I'd buy a purple handbag because purple was the new black? Smokey eye palette? Sure, if that would make my eyes look sexier. I'd drive home with a big smile and a passenger seat full of bags. However, as I headed to Steamers to get a $4 coffee (oh there is just nothing good about this story!) to take a break from the mall madness, I had a thought...Do I really need this stuff? Am I indulging at the expense of someone less fortunate? There wasn't a single thing in my shopping bags that I accumulated over the last hour that I needed. Unfortunately, I allowed that to be just a fleeting thought. I sipped my coffee and headed to the car with a few new "key pieces for fall."

I ended up at the mall again this evening. I managed to convince myself that I "needed" a new pair of jeans. As I drove home, I asked myself, "Am I indulging again at the expense of someone less fortunate?" I remembered images of the children living in abject poverty in Chichicastenango, Guatemala where my friends are serving as missionaries, and I wondered how far the dollars spent on my jeans could go in that culture. "Why do I think I 'need' these jeans?" "What is this about?"

Frustrated, discouraged, disappointed, empty and embarrassed.

So, the question in my heart is not about the jeans. The REAL question is which culture, which kingdom am I living for?
The one that leads me to believe that I could possibly need to squeeze one more pair of jeans in my closet; the one that teaches me that my identity is found primarily in how I present my physical body to the world? that beauty is skin deep?, OR
The one that reminds me that my identity is found in being His daughter and promises that true beauty comes from within, when I reflect Christ.

When I live for His kingdom and trust in His promises I can only imagine the freedom; not to mention the time, energy and resources that I can invest in serving others.

You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free ~John 8:32

Beth Ann

2009-09-07T17:16:00.003-04:00

This week my small group will be finishing a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I hope the men in my group experienced the same spiritual growth as I did while reading this book. Near the end of the last chapter, Chan asks "What will people say about your life in heaven? Will people speak of God's work and glory through you? And even more important, how will you answer the King when He says, "What did you do with what I gave you?" When I first settled on that question, it scared the crap out of me. After praying and thinking through it, I'm actually excited. I'm excited to one day go before Him but I'm also excited to have the opportunity to do more.

Beth Ann and I have decided to get back into the bible and start praying with a purpose. For the last 6 months or so, I have been reading some outstanding books, but I have neglected the Word. I'm looking forward to this fall season of studying scripture and meaningful prayer with my wife.

Mark

A Great Example

2009-09-02T19:48:00.003-04:00

1 Timothy 4:12 says, Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

My son Brian who is 4 has been a great example all day for me. Brian has been sick for about 24 hours. His fever has been as high as 103.8 and he has been extremely tired and lazy. Throughout the day, Brian has told Beth Ann and Brett countless times how much he loves them and how they are the best mommy and brother in the "WARLD." After I read him a story, he told me what a beautiful day it was today and to make sure I get a good nights rest.

When the boys get sick, I usually (always) get stressed and angry. I often run from God thinking I can control the situation. I run from people that have the ability to speak into me and set me straight. I need to learn that this world is not my home. I need to stop trying to hold on to certain "things" in my life. God has tried and even disciplined me enough times...Why don't I get it? Maybe the more discipline I get in my spiritual journey, the more control I will give to God.

Thank you Brian for being an example to me. Thank you for showing me how to love when times are difficult. Thank you for having faith in us and for allowing me to learn from you!

Mark

Noticing butterflies...

2009-07-15T22:26:00.006-04:00

I want to share just a few of the details of a conversation I had with a friend who recently returned from a trip to Nicaragua. She spent seven days ministering to people who live in the Managua city dump (garbage dump to be more specific.) I really wish you could have been there listening. I keep replaying our conversation and realizing how much I gleaned from just one hour with her. (Imagine had I not promised to take the boys to the pool....) She shared with me that while she was walking through the city and feeling so overcome with despair, she prayed, "Please Lord, show me something beautiful in this place." Just as she raised her head, a butterfly flew right by her face. Was that a coincidence? Some might have considered it as such. (Knowing me, I would have missed the butterfly all together.) It was not. Her experience was what some refer to as "a God thing." An answer to prayer. It really made me think about how often I use the words "coincidence," "ironic," and "random." How often I must be missing "God things." As a follower of Christ, I need to understand and truly believe that nothing in my life is random, ironic or a coincidence. (No karma, Mark!:) Everything that enters my life, God is simply working out His perfect plan for me. That lead to my next question. How could living in a garbage dump in Managua, making dwellings from tin, cardboard and other materials found there be part of any "perfect plan"? Perhaps because I have been defining perfect instead of trying to understand that only God is perfection and He is the judge, not me. I would imagine that He sees the people in Managua and those right here in Wexford as equals - sinners, broken and in desperate need of His perfect love.

Beth Ann

Wrecked

2009-07-08T20:23:00.003-04:00

I had an opportunity to spend some quality time with a friend that I often look to in life for answers about everything and anything. What usually happens, as did during this encounter, I leave with more questions about God, myself, my life, and my community (which is a great thing). I left this encounter with a specific question: Am I eliminating every excuse for not living a radical love-motivated life in response to God's passionate love for me? The easy answer is no. Want my excuses? I have a family. I have a job. Am I not already doing enough? I'm sick (ha! In more ways than one). These worldly excuse are starting to fade and my relationship with Christ is starting to gain momentum. Maybe not abruptly, maybe with some reluctance, definitely with some fear, but undoubtedly with trust in God. Turning over control to God is something that I will struggle with forever, but I believe in His Word and I desperately want to be led by the Holy Spirit!

Mark

Hopeful Now

2009-07-05T22:27:00.004-04:00

Mark and I had the pleasure of running into old (meaning previously lived in our neighborhood) neighbors, who we haven't seen in over three or four years. The last time we spoke to them, they were extremely concerned about their daughter. I can still remember the expressions of despair, discouragement and hopelessness of their faces when they would talk about her. They were particularly worried about the choices she was making, from her wardrobe, to her activities and how she spent her time to her peer group. However, what I think broke their hearts was their crippling relationship with her. We were so absolutely encouraged this afternoon when they shared that their relationship with her is completely repaired. (Unfortunately, we didn't have time to get all of the details.) However, over the last few hours, their story has been a source of comfort and encouragement. Relationships can be repaired and renewed! I especially needed to hear their story TODAY. God is so good and with Him, all things are absolutely possible.

Beth Ann

Chi Chi

2009-06-23T20:43:00.005-04:00

I had the privilege of listening to a friend of mine preach this weekend on "faith without works is dead" from James 2. It was one of those messages that grabs you and does not let go. God has been doing something with me since his message.

Beth Ann and I had dinner with two wonderful friends who have been in Chi Chi, Guatemala for the past 6 months doing missionary work. I have never been around two people who have been called by God and understood- without a doubt - that this was not a decision they were making, but a decision God made for them. The gave up blossoming careers; They left behind family members with serious illnesses; They gave up complete control of their lives and trusted the Lord and His calling. What faithful servants! After being in Guatamala about a month, God blessed them with a gift for which only He controls the timing - a pregnancy.

I finished a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan and have been stuck on three sentences from his book: Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants? Do you believe that a wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in your life? Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made? I beleive that our friends in Gautamala can answer YES to all three of those questions. That is true faith. Wow! What amazing people they are!

Mark

My Harvest

2009-06-08T21:30:00.003-04:00

We drove home from Myrtle Beach on Saturday night after two fabulous weeks of sand and surf. I can remember times in my life when driving home from a vacation was dreadful. I dreaded returning to work, to laundry, to balancing the checkbook, to the stress and anxiety of daily life (sans Christ). However, this time was drastically different. During the drive home, I realized that I was excited to get there! I reflected on my present blessings (which are overwhelming me right now), and I praised God for His providence and favor. However, to quote the lyrics from "The Desert Song," I know I am filled to be emptied again, (so here is my challenge) this seed I've received I will sow.

Beth Ann

The Last Day of Vacation

2009-06-05T21:05:00.003-04:00

Let me start by saying, "Thank you Barb and Bill." These past 10 days have been quite the experience. I loved watching the boys interact with their Grandma and Papa. Some of my favorite moments were: Brian Euro Jumping, Brett playing bouncy ball, Brian in the lazy river, Brett running CRAZY at the beach, Brian hunting hermit crabs, and my favorite of all was what Brian called "making memories."

There are times in life when I believe as a father it is our job to help facilitate the way God wants men to be. I believe God made men to be brave and daring, among many other attributes. John Eldredge says, "There is something fierce, passionate, and wild in the heart of every man." I had the opportunity to watch and help Brian be brave, passionate and daring over the past 10 days. I felt like he went from our passive first born to a young boy who put his helmet on and CRASHED through walls. But the most amazing part is everyday he asked questions about Jesus. "Daddy, why is Jesus in everyone's heart? Daddy, do I have to close my eyes to talk to God? Daddy, is Mommy's Grandma in heaven?"

That last question was amazing in many ways, but the most amazing thing happened the day after Brian asked that question. It sparked a conversation between Bill, my father-in-law, and I about Faith. Beth Ann and I got Bill a copy of Mere Christianity, which he is almost done with now. While Bill has been reading the book, we have had wonderful conversations. Because of the strong leaders around me and what they have taught me, I am confident that Bill and Jesus will now "work it out". Thank you Brian!!

Mark

Vacation

2009-05-26T21:33:00.000-04:00

As we turned onto Route 79 South in Wexford heading to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Brian whined, "Are we at the beach yet?" Squeezed between Brian's booster seat and the beach gazebo in the third row of the Acadia, I was watching Dumbo and offering goldfish and cranraisins to appease the boys. Brian spilled his Capri Sun all over my new khakis when we were almost there. I took that in stride considering Brett had vomited on me just an hour before that. Frustrated? No... It is time for the tried-and-true tradition - the family vacation! Time away is an opportunity for fun, relaxation and togetherness. Mark and I are in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with the boys (and my parents) for almost two weeks. What a wonderful chance to enjoy traditions and create new memories! The sight of Brian and Brett running toward the ocean together quickly makes me forget about my cherry-stained khakis!

Beth Ann

Leaving Them a Better Place

2009-05-15T21:03:00.000-04:00

Beth Ann and I have spent many nights talking about being more "tech-savvy." Often times, the conversations end with "it's just not us" or "we are too old". Well here we are. Our blog.

We often talk about how we can influence people around us and make a difference in this world. The reality is neither one of us will be an ambassador to another country, a publicly elected official, or even in a position of influential power. We do believe we have been called to help people around us see the joy that we have received from becoming followers of Christ. We want this "place" to be better for Brian, Brett and all children. We want our children to witness the love and passion we have for God. If we want to leave them a better place, then we need to be more like Christ. (Beth Ann is doing a better job at this than I am.) As a man, I need to lead stronger within my home and within my community.

Beth Ann and I will do are best to update this as often as possible. Sometimes it will be me (Mark); Sometimes it will be her (Beth Ann).

As Brett says "I you love....peacccce)
Mark