Memorial Day and Moving Forward

With all the changes in relationships, work, and life taking place around us, it was apparent that we needed a "break from reality." And so, somewhat last minute, we tested the packing abilities of our new van and loaded the back full of camping supplies and headed for Greenleaf State Park (near Braggs, OK). We left with the mindset that there may possibly not be any campsites available for us by the time we got there on Saturday afternoon (because of the holiday weekend), but we were willing to take our chances. It even rained on the way out to the campground, but that didn't slow us down or change our minds. Just being together as a family, with no outside demands or distractions, was what we needed . . . much more than a campfire, tent, or air mattress accomodations. It even rained a good part of the time that we were gone on our mini-vacation, but if we had to to choose all over again whether to go or not, we'd be packed and gone in a heartbeat.

McKenna did GREAT, as she is an avid outdoors kind of girl. Walking barefoot in the grass, chasing geese, and splashing in the waters of Lake Tenkiller are all things that are right up her ally. Of course, Mom forgot to grab her swimsuit in her last-minute packing adventure, so we tested the weight capacity of her White Cloud diapers (which they sadly don't sell at Wal-Mart anymore) on a couple of occassions. She also enjoyed stuffing marshmallows in her mouth, though she'd never actually eat them, and she came away with several bug bites and scraps all up and down her leg from climbing up on the concrete picnic table. She was a trooper and a sweetheart pretty much the entire time.

Of course, now that we are back into the throws of reality, we are trying to process through all the changes that are impacting our lives and our community. As of yesterday, McKenna has a new daycare "mom," as Dessa had her baby and will soon be transitioning to another position within the ministry. Dessa is more than just a great mom and has been a huge blessing to my daughter and my family. We will definitely miss that connection of seeing her every morning, every lunch time, etc... Also, our next door neighbors and a social worker friend of mine will be moving at the end of the week (along with several others within the ministry). And to top it off, our small group through church will be disbanding as of next Tuesday. If you know me (Sarah) well enough, it takes quite a bit for me to get beyond my social anxieties and comfort zone, and so I find myself questioning my desire/ability to open myself up again and make myself vulnerable to making new connections. Is it that I have a hard time trusting others or that I have a hard time trusting that God would put people in my path that could love me beyond my faults and idiosyncracies? Be praying for us if you would, please. We want to be open to the Lord's leading for us in all areas of life . . . just some days it's a little harder than others.

Twelve Weeks and Counting

Proof We Survived

I'm sure that some of you are still suffering through the effects of the recent rash of winter storms, ice-induced power outages, etc... And for that I am truly sorry. Thankfully, we Baum's survived after only a few days without power and, thanks to preparations we made after an 8-day power outage in January 07 (at which point our house got to 39 degrees), we survived in warmth and only had to layer up minimally. McKenna, of course, was a pretty good sport when the natural light died out and we had to survive by flashlight and candles. Here's a few snapshots of our "adventures" last week.

Warm Enough to Play

Although we've been forced to "hibernate" indoors much of the winter due to frostbite conditions outside (okay, that might be somewhat of an exaggeration), we HAVE had a few days of respite from cabin fever symptomology. Is that a word?

Anyways, here's a few shots of our adventures on those warmer days of escape. Can you tell she enjoys our community playgrounds?

Christmas in Florida

I realize the timing of this post isn't timely in its report. I'm beginning to think that I should re-examine my personal expectations for blogging and simply use it as a place to share pictures and passing thoughts . . . not philosophical ramblings or things that evoke feeling. While sharing those things may be interesting and revealing about life for the Baum's, the energy that goes into writing has been increasingly consumed by other things and other responsibilities.

Anyways . . . our family spent the Christmas holidays in New Smyrna Beach, FL where Mike's family currently lives. We were able to share the time with not only his Mom, Dad and brother, but several other members of his extended family. To paint a better pictures of things, though, I should probably add that they are like the family in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," minus the Windex. Visits home typically include interesting discussions about politics, large amounts of food prepared for large amounts of people, and the occasional visit to the beach. Needless to say, we always return with stories and memories a-plenty!

Holiday Rush

Once turkey day passed us by, it's almost as though the pace of life sped up. As a child I greatly anticipated the holiday season, especially the one affectionately referred to as Christmas. What can I say . . . I was a normal kid who loved getting gifts. I still love getting gifts but have become more anxious than anticipatory about December 25th. Reason? Because as of today, that means I only have 15 more days to complete all my holiday "requirements," i.e., write/send our annual Christmas letter, make lemon bread for friends/family, make last-minute gift purchases, etc... Anyways, the list goes on and on, though I'm sure the details are not of concern to you. At least not those of you who don't have to deal with me in a high state of stress because of all the pressure I place on myself to get these things done.

Why is that anyways? Why do I--and so many others--place so many expectations on ourselves around this time? Why is it that we HAVE to bake & ice Christmas cookies shaped like Santa Claus or make sure we get Christmas cards/letters to all the right people on our list? I pray that my motivation in doing these things will not stray from my desire to stay connected and show my gratefulness for past and present relationships. I pray that the things I do or accomplish will speak love and not task completion. Christ and not myself.

Moving to Africa!!!

We Baums' headed out to Tulsa yesterday afternoon to catch the evening session of the Nat'l Missionary Convention. We made sure we got there in plenty of time, too, to peruse the hundred or more exhibits of missionaries all over the world. I had shared with Mike earlier that I was looking for a mission that I could support with tithe money over the next few months/year. Little did I know that I would find an African mission that would not only capture my pocketbook, but my heart. My mind continues to ponder on a place in Africa with the highest % AIDS rate in the world (approx. 46-47%), with the only monarchy left on the continent, and with a unique plan for restoring human life and purpose. The name of this place is BULEMBU.

According to the Partners in Action website:

"Bulembu, a town in Swaziland with heart and vision, is redefining and rebuilding itself. Abandoned by the mining industry, the future looked bleak. The inhabitants deserted the town and left with nothing. In a country further ravaged by AIDS - orphans and babies were impacted daily. But a team of entrepreneurs and social developers see potential in Bulembu and the spirit of the Swazi people. Today Bulembu has a vision to create a totally self-sustaining community, restoring health, education, commerce and providing care for the children."

As we visited with the mission representative last night he shared that the mission is always looking for medical professionals, childcare workers for the orphans, and social workers. I was intrigued with the mission from my first understanding of its purpose; but upon hearing of a specific need for social workers I became almost fearful of what God might be asking of me/us. I can honestly say that I haven't felt conviction like that for a LONG time. The representative also informed us that there are alot of young couples participating in the mission work there in Bulembu. So . . . grandparents to McKenna, you better start praying.

If anything, I hope to learn more and more about the mission and see about ways that I/we can partner with them in a way that doesn't require a permanant physical relocation. Perhaps someday you'll get a fundraising letter to help send us there for a mission trip! In the meantime, check out the mission yourself by visiting http://www.bulembu.com/ and consider supporting them in your own way.