The Cost of Declaring His Glory

Today we learned that Colonel Bo Brekke was shot and killed in Pakistan. (www1.salvationarmy.org) All of the other things I had thought about writing seem petty and insignificant, compared to this...in other words, all about me. Then I read this article on the Urbana website. (click on title for link) It's long but worth the read.

So many lessons God wants us to learn. But, first pray for the Brekke family and friends. I cannot imagine their pain and sorrow at this time.

Remember Rich Mullins - the "Awesome God" guy

click title

New Liepaja Corps

Here are some great photos from the dedication of the new corps building in Liepaja. (go to page 4 of the gallery and click on Liepājas korpuss. Check out those 2 beautiful corps leaders and their new hair dos! Velta and Ilona - I'm so proud of you!

http://ieva.class8.be/main.php?g2_page=2 photos by Ieva

So much to say

and so little time because I'm sitting at Panera since I still have no internet at home. Anyway, I'm quickly writing to ask for some prayer support:

• Our divisional officers are meeting for the next 3 days for a spiritual retreat - pray for our relationships with each other to be developed and for unity in vision for the division
• 3 officer friends in this division with serious health concerns - they are each trusting the Lord and have great faith, but need to really feel His presence during hard days
• Just came from a Kroc center meeting for the Quincy community. I have a strong feeling that we need to surround this place and the leadership/steering team with prayer.
• Steve and Ketsia can use your prayer support (www.xanga.com/haitisteve)
• Me - starting well and figuring out what the priorities are and what can wait (much more to write about that, but later)

Now for some fun - here are some crazy family pics (and videos) from my vacation:

family

Yes, I'm still here and every day my intention is to update. I could tell you all of my excuses, which would also serve as reason for not writing any personal notes. But, you would probably just say 'blah, blah, blah' - just write! So, here goes.I've been in St. Louis for just under 2 weeks. It's been a whirlwind which included:

• my sister and family were wonderful and came for the first weekend to help me get settled. The boys and Steve moved a lot of boxes and furniture and made sure the cable was working. Abbie, Chris and I unpacked boxes and decided what should go where. I could use them for a few more days. I'm so grateful that they found time to come.
• Chris and I attended a family wedding in St. Louis. That was a special treat, because we hardly ever see my mom's side of our family. Some of them live just minutes from me now. My oldest cousin, Pat, was close to my mother and was moved to tears when he saw me. Not because he was so glad to see me but because I look just like my mother!
• neither my phone or internet work in the house so for the first few days before I went to the office I felt like I was without my life line. Of course, I can survive without those things and that time let me get some good rest and do more unpacking. The house is beautiful and has lots of room for company. (yes, that's an invitation)
• I do have some friends down here and have been able to meet up with a few and get some tasty meals already. Thanks to Polsleys and Davises for welcoming me into your homes.
• Friday was my first day in the office and well, that's going to be a good challenge. I think the divisional team is going to be great to work with. There is a lot that falls on my desk and right now the learning curve is more like the upward ride on a very steep roller coaster. I just hope there will be some leveling before any downward action. I keep reminding myself this is only my 4th day in the office. I am not an expert in anything and I still can't even find my way around the building! This task(s) will require lots of prayer and dependence on the Lord for wisdom and strength. On the other hand, there are lots of exciting possibilities and good people who are here to support me and the work from this department. I've met with several of the staff who are within the divisional secretary's responsibility. They know their jobs, are happy to be in them and I'm looking forward to seeing them in action. (I get to go to Men's Ministry camp next weekend!)
• Finally, here are a couple of pictures from the Missionary Debriefing and Renewal conference. The whole group and our amazing leaders, Bob and Linda in our daily setting. This was one of the best gifts I could have been given on my return to the States. I'm so grateful to the Army and especially, to the Lord for working it all out in such a meaningful and helpful way.