Summer Mission Trip

A lot has happened since I posted last time, but it doesn't seem like many people read blogs anymore, and I totally forget to post.

But I'll start back a ways and catch up over the next couple of weeks.

First of all, Jasmine is safely home from Honduras. She said it was challenging, and not all of their team worked together well, but she was glad she went. She said the best part was evangelizing to the little kids.

Here are a few pictures.

They started at one base building a road.

They moved to another base went out in boats to villages to evangelize.

 

All in all it was a positive experience for her.

Honduras Houseboat Team

I finally have some photos of Jasmine at Teen Mission International at Merritt Island. One of the moms flew down for the commissioning service and took pictures.

At the last night rally. 

Jasmine is kind of smashed at the back.

Packing up.

And this one is the team in HONDURAS!!!

Here's the report from the team leaders:
Praise the Lord! All the Honduras team luggage, team members, and leaders all arrived safely in Honduras! After a night of not much sleep in the airport, we were able to get to all of our flights on time. Eating some meals at the airport helped to lift some spirits! On our bus ride to the base, we were all hot and tired, but arriving at the base and finding that the evening meal was waiting for us was a big encouragement! We unpacked the team food and evangelistic items and then took personal items to the dorm rooms. We had a very short time of announcements, singing and prayer and then headed off for an early bedtime of 8:30 (of course that was 10:30 in the time zone we have been in the past two weeks.) The weather is hot and humid—just like Florida!

Jasmine on a Mission

Since our motto is, "It's all about the journey," we try to make an adventure out of any trip. Jasmine's journey to Teen Missions for her summer mission trip was no exception.

We stopped at Wakulla Springs very briefly. It's a beautiful place, and you can even jump from a 20-foot  platform into the springs, which we have done on previous trips. I am not a fan of heights, so I stand at the back of the platform, look straight ahead and run off the platform. This is often accompanied by a rather rude word. :)

 We stopped at the railroad square in Tally equally briefly, and since the prices were crazy, our big purchase was a large chocolate chip cookie for $3.75.

 We continued on to Orange Park Mall to meet up with Jasmine's birth mom. There is a game area at one end.

She got Ravenclaw Vans (Expensive shoe brand) while there.

 We drove just a little further to St. Augustine.

The next morning, we spent two hours going through shops in St. Augustine. I only  know it was exactly two hours because that's how much parking I paid for.

We then headed down to Daytona Beach to their flea market which has over 600 shops. We did a bit of shopping there before going on to Titusville for the night. The next morning we signed in at Teen Missions on Merritt Island.

With three college aged leaders.

There have been just a few pictures of her during training.

Her team leaves for Honduras on July 1 or 2.

The Youngest Three

Right now we are in the busiest part of the the year. Jasmine's last day of school is tomorrow. She graduates May 29. The twins graduate middle school two days later. Here are some pictures from recent events.

The twins got new hair cuts, and Jasmine got her hair straightened. So new looks for all three.

The twins turned 14 on May 15.

For the first time--at least since toddlerhood--this is the first time Kaleb has been taller. In previous years Kayla has been between 3" and 6" taller. Now she is 5'4", and he is 5'5". Her hair makes her look taller, but look at the should height. We had to line them up on the wall and mark the heights to be sure.

This is the remaining kitty. Tyler is keeping him.

The senior classes here all go to elementary schools and do a walk through. This was Jasmine's walk through.

She also had awards day.

The cord is a military cord and the medal is for perfect attendance.

The church also had a recognition day for all the seniors.

Next time she wears the cap and gown will be at her graduation.

As I mentioned earlier, this is the one kitty we are keeping. Both mama kitties have been spayed. So now we have 12 week old Sorin, two mama kitties, an old kitty and four dogs.

Jayden, around 13-16 years old

 Travis, 6

 Sasha, 5

Sadie, approx 7-8

 Caspian, 8

Rosie, approx 2-3

Abbi, litter mate to Rosie

The next weeks are going to be crazy busy. Memorial Day at our new house the 27th, graduation the 29th, the twins middle school graduation the 31st, Tyler, Jasmine and me flying to NYC the 31st, the twins' 5 day camp June 10, high school cross country starting the 10th (the twins will start late), Kayla's court date undetermined, Jasmine leaving for her summer mission June 15. We also have to make sure Jasmine's college classes are set up for next fall before she leaves for camp. 

I will be updating my blog as these events take place.