My Heart Overflows...

Crispy, Duckett and Stick serving in Guatemala at New Jerusalen Church.

KiKi and Stick at the seminary in Guatemala.

Madison and Hannah Brown at the seminary in Guatemala.

Jett playing at New Jerusalen.

KiKi and Paola in Guatemala.

When I think back to being 13 or 11 or 6, I don't recall having a passion for the lost people of the world. I was self-absorbed and caught up in my own world. I don't think I even realized that people actually LIVED around the world...outside of my small town in south Alabama. Well, I knew that there was a larger world but it never dawned on me that those were REAL people with names.

But my children have seen the world...well, some of it anyway. They have helped lead VBS in villages in the desert of Arizona. They have walked the dirt roads of Swaziland and fed hungry children. They have held children in an orphanage. They have walked into the dump of Guatemala City and given away food. They are learning at an early age what it means to truly give of themselves.

May God strengthen and sustain them for His service throughout their lives. May they be willing to go to the unreached people of the world for His name's sake. May they seek to bring glory to the Father in everything that they do. May I encourage and support them wherever God calls. May I go with them if that's what He beckons. May we all just seek to obey....

Latest Happenings....

Madison's birthday present...she was a little excited!

Madison's braces outside of Dr. Stephanie's office!

Christy and Jett were intertwined at the yogurt place and were feeding one another!

The kids sending an I Love You message to Christy while we were in Arizona!

It's been such a full summer with lots of travel going on! We've already been to Arizona for a week an a half and Guatemala for a week. Not to mention all the people staying in our home. Our hearts are overflowing with God's goodness!

Here are some of the latest happenings at the Turner home:

• Madison got her braces on her top teeth!
  
• Madison celebrated her 11th birthday early so that all of her family could be here! She had a sleepover with several great friends.
• Kaitlyn went to summer camp with the students from Brook Hills. She met several new friends and enjoyed time learning about God's Word!
• Jett has been asked to be in a wedding next summer, and he is practicing being a ring bearer....
• We have switched the playroom and schoolroom to allow for more space for more children in the schoolroom. God's grace has shown amazingly through this whole process.
• JT is in Uganda right now leading a team. As soon as he comes home, we have 1/2 day to get ready for the Guatemala trip.

We are planning for some rest time in August. My friend Shelly has helped us find a beach house where we can just relax for a few days. We are looking forward to uninterrupted time together as a family again!

A Crowded House...A Full Heart

God blessed us in 2005 with a new house (after a total fire that destroyed almost everything we owned) with lots more room. We are so grateful, and it is coming in handy these days.

Almost every day this week, there are at least 12 people spending the night and sometimes 14-16! It makes for a crowded house, and my admiration for large families like the Hobbs and Halls has grown exponentially! The washer and dryer are ALWAYS going, and the whole gang works together to finish clothes each day. The dishwasher runs after every meal, and many times we have to wash by hand in order to get it all done. There's someone in every room.... I can walk into any room of the house and find someone talking, singing, playing, working or praying. It's a good thing. My heart overflows.

This Thursday, a majority of my household will be leaving for Uganda. It will be awfully quiet. Crispy, Tiki, Madison, Jett and I will be here by ourselves. Just the five of us... we won't know what to do with such a quiet house. But, we will pray. Please join us in praying for our friends and family as they go minister in Kampala.