Only at Sand Creek . . .

I so wish I had something fun or exciting to tell you about our time at Sand Creek today (other than it was quite nippy!), but the best I can come up with is this:

We have a staff only trail up from platform three.  I climbed it four times today.  All summer, I've been stopping every twenty-five steps or so to get my bearings.  Today, I didn't stop once - in four times.  Let's hear it for the cortisone shot I got on Tuesday!  To God be the glory!

Only at Sand Creek . . .

Tim and I had only one group of zippers today at Sand Creek and they consisted of two separate parties.  

The first party had been at Sand Creek a few weeks back and had actually had Tim and I as their tour guides.  Sue and Michael had had so much fun zipping then that today they sprung their ninth grade grandson out of school to join them.

The other group consisted of four women - Rita who was the oldest, her cancer surviving daughter Angie, Diane who was dating Rita's son and Linda.  I'm not sure how Linda fit in.

We were gearing up and it hit me - I remembered Sue! I said out loud to her and everyone there, "I didn't recognize you with your clothes on!"  The laughter was endless!

The last time Sue had zipped was a lot warmer than today and she had been in shorts.  Sue is covered with tatoos all over her body - specifically from the knees to the ankles and both shoulders. 

Bless her husband Michael for pulling up her jeans and showing everyone her tatoos!

Thankful Thursday!

This may be the shortest "Thankful Thursday!" post ever when I tell you I was ever so thankful my car was OUT of the garage when the garage door ceased to go down.  Guess what Sam's going to be doing tomorrow!?!

Adama's Story -- My Mercy Ship Adventure #42

We met Carys Parker in 2005 in South Africa, our second summer aboard the Anastasis.  She was one of "our kids".  Thirteen years later, 2017-2018, she spent the school year serving in the Chaplain department aboard the Africa Mercy.  This was taken from her VLOG - "My Mercy Ship Adventure".  Enjoy!

 

A Half a Can of Soda . . .

I got my first cortisone injection in my right knee yesterday.  Prior to my injection, Dr. Tad drained my knee.  He was oh so funny when he inquired of me, "Would you like to see the fluid I drained out of your knee?  It's about the amount of half a  can of soda."

Gee, no THANKS!

Opps!!!

After walking Annie in the rain yesterday at lunch, I decided to use my pool towel to wipe her off.  I hung it up downstairs with the intention of washing it today.  

Fast forward to today - Sam let me sleep in and decided to take a shower downstairs so he wouldn't wake me.  He's a good man!  Unfortunately, he grabbed my pool towel for his shower - not that there weren't clean ones down there he could have used!

Let's just say he came out a lot hairier than when he went in!  After all, labs do shed . . . 

Bible Lens

My latest new fun app!

Though You Slay Me (feat. John Piper)- Shane

Though You Slay Me (feat. John Piper) Sermon Jam

When PMR rears it's ugly head . . .

Yesterday I wasn't quite sure if it was putting too many zippers on the line the day before that made my chest hurt or if it was PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica), but today I know without a doubt - PRM has reared it's ugly head!

I'm waiting to hear from my internist.  What should I do?  I see the rheumatologist next Wednesday.  He may have better ideas.

In the meantime, my dear friend Heidi sent me this back on June 28 and I FINALLY listened to it today.  I'm not sure that I agree with the thought that "He slays me . . . ", but I like the premise of what my response should be!  

I've enclosed the less then three minute version and the over six minute version - your choice, maybe both!  

^"11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, 
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11 (RSV)

Only at Sand Creek . . .

It was another amazing day at Sand Creek!  Let me hit the bullet points for you:

• Every year Bethesda Church in Prior Lake has a mission's conference.  The owner of the land that Sand Creek sits on is a member of Bethesda so every fall we get to meet missionaries from around the world.  This year we had a couple who are missionaries in Puerto Rico and a woman who is a missionary in Cambodia.  They were quite fun - and talkative!
• Unfortunately, I didn't make it into platform two the first time I zipped today.  Tim was determined to come out and rescue me and I was equally determined to get in to the platform BEFORE he could rescue me.  All that swimming must be paying off because I won!
• Sadly, I didn't quite make it into platform three either.  I told Tim it must be the weight I've been losing!  And yes, I let Tim help me this time.
• We only had one " pseudo rescue" on the high ropes today.  The youngest of the three brothers, a third grader, went first.  His brothers all said he would be fine.  He got through the hardest part of the course and had a breakdown.  A very loud screaming and crying breakdown.  Mark climbed up and took care of him.  All ended well.
• We had a GD from St. Paul on the high ropes today.  That would be "Gangster Disciple".  I learned a lot about gangs and the GD's, explaining to him that I come from "Lilywhite Lakeville" and really knew very little.  I challenged him on one of the six key points of the GD's - love.  I told him I could not understand how "love" was one of their premises when they killed other gang members.  That wasn't love the way I understood it.  Sadly, it was love only for other GD's.  If you read this, pray that he would question his understanding of love, especially as he's hoping to get married in a Catholic Church sometime soon.  
• We had a group from Evergreen Church in Bloomington join our last zip.  Their pastor is married to our New Life social worker, Brita.  She'll be getting a hug and a greeting from me via them tomorrow!
• Mary drove in from Marshall by HERSELF to go zip lining for the first time in her life.  She liked it so much that she asked if she could go again when she got up the hill.  Of course she could, because we all were enjoying her enthusiasm!  Great way to end a great (albeit educational) day . . .

Mercy Ships History and Overview

Only at Sand Creek!

I had a group of six from Stakkers yesterday for a team build.  It turns out one of the things they do is print t-shirts.  So I asked their boss - he was the first to arrive - if they could do tank tops and sweatshirts with the Sand Creek logo on them.  I only had my own comfort in mind!  Tanks for the summer, sweatshirts for yesterday!  You'll be glad to know they can and our course manager will be calling for an estimate! 

They were an absolutely delightful group.  They were hard working, contemplative and insightful.  However, once we hit the zigzag all laughter broke loose.  One of the ladies had the most amazing/annoying/hilarious laughs any of us had ever heard - we're talking honking, braying and snorting all rolled into one - and it didn't stop!  We were all rolling!  And it kept going down the zip line!  Excellent day with a generous tip!  

Thankful Thursday - Two Days Late!

It was quite the "Thankful Thursday" just two days ago:

• I had my gastroenterologist appointment right after my first shift at they Y.  Sweet WOMAN - if I'm going to that end, I'm going to a woman!  She agreed with me - diarrhea is annoying, but mine is regular and not exactly bothersome.  So she tested me for celiac disease and I'm waiting for the results. Thankfully, I can live with it (diarrhea) and if it comes with a diagnosis, deal with it.
• From the doctor, I returned to the Y to deck manage for the evening session.  The first thing I was thankful for was Becky.  Veronica was ill and I didn't have to get in the water for her because Becky did!  
• The second thing I was thankful for was lessons ended early.  If there's a tornado warning, we clear the pool.  Since the warning lasted until 7:30 p.m. and lessons ended at 7:10 p.m. we were done for the night.
• Of course, that meant we all worked longer because we got to patrol the locker rooms and the pool until the "all clear" signal was given.  I found a young girl in tears.  Her mom had dropped her off for lessons and went home.  We talked it through.  Call your mom.  She did.  Take a shower.  She did.  Get dressed so that you're ready when your mom arrives.  She was.  And she was on her way home long before the rest of us.

Just another Thursday full of small, but significant thanks! 

Not at Sand Creek tomorrow . . .

Tomorrow's group has already checked the weather!  They cancelled their team build for tomorrow, leaving me with no other option than to clean the house.  Sadness . . .

Only at Sand Creek . . .

AccuWeather told me there would be no rain this afternoon before 4:00 p.m.  AccuWeather lied.  

At 1:30 a.m. we were in the middle of a team build down in the low ropes course when the skies suddenly went black.  The temperature dropped.  The winds rose.  The rains fell.  We were drenched before we got back across the bridge. 

Needless to say, by 2:00 p.m. our group had gone home.  Scott and I hung up our wet zip lining gear, called it day, and took off, too.

Let's hope that 90% chance of rain AccuWeather is giving me for Wednesday is as accurate as today's prediction!

The Melon Knee

Remember after swimming last Thursday, my right knee was twice the size of my left knee?  Rather a bit like a melon?  Well, today I know why.  

I met with the orthopedic surgeon after having x-rays taken.  Bits of my knee caps are rubbing on each other - it was as clear as day on the x-rays.

The game plan is for me to go in next Tuesday and have some of the fluid removed, then get a "cortisone"-like shot.  I get to lay low on Wednesday and it's back to reality on Thursday.

Here's hoping it works.  There is talk of a partial knee cap replacement down the road, but a long way down the road would be fine with me.

Meanwhile, I am grieving the loss of running.  I will probably never run again.  We are hoping I can walk - normally . . .

Guest Speakers . . .

Micah and I were speaking with the Director of Marketing for New Life Family Services this spring.  During our conversation, it came up that Matt and Micah had appeared in the NLFS  2000 Christmas card:

Fast forward to 2018 . . . New Life is celebrating 45 years of ministry.  In place of hiring a keynote speaker for their annual fundraising gala, they have decided to share stories from their history. The theme for the event is “The Faces of New Life: Stories of Hope.” They are in the process of piecing together stories showcasing the many faces of those who make up and sustain NLFS.

As part of this storytelling feature, they plan to have a “Where are they now?” segment in which they will show a few older photos of New Life kids along with an update on where each of them are.  You know where this is going . . . 

Micah (and hopefully Matt!) will be sharing a statement of the hope they have found in their adoption story.  In addition, this updated photo will be in a special 45th anniversary print piece coming out in October:

Interested in the gala?  You can join our family on 

Friday, October 12

Doubletree Inn, Bloomington

6:00 p.m. Silent Auction

7:00 p.m. Dinner and Program

Only at Sand Creek . . .

I didn't start work at Sand Creek until 2:30 p.m. today which meant I missed the marriage proposal on platform two by about fifteen minutes, but I got the details from the couple doing a six zip.  

The prospective groom zipped into platform two first.  He was nervous about asking her.  She was nervous about zipping.  When she arrived, he asked her two questions:

"How was your zip?"

"Will you marry me?"

That was asked on one knee and she said, "Yes!"

I didn't get to meet them because I was off zipping with the six zippers.  We followed them up with a group of high ropers.  A lovely Saturday without a single rescue.  Who could ask for more?  Then Tom and I took a couple zipping, we toured with a group of eleven and then another couple.  A warm, but wonderful day.

The Best Way to Teach CPR . . .

Friday morning, I had a private meeting with our aquatics director.  I told him I was tired of going into our CPR storage closet when I taught CPR and finding a disaster.  If that happened tomorrow (which is now today), I was going to quit.  I'd finish out this calendar year, but then I was done.  The Eagan Y promised me a clean closet (along with a chance to work with my friend, Melissa!) and I'd go there.

Fast forward to this morning.  My boss was there when I arrived cleaning the manikins I needed.  His exact words were, "Don't go in the closet.  I'll bring everything to you."  It turns out our equipment had been borrowed on Wednesday and returned in less than stellar shape.  Rather than have me quit - which I really was going to do! - he came in on overtime and brought the closet up to a standard I could live with.  Hmmm . . . wonder why?

The class went great - six fun people!  And I didn't have to clean a thing - he started cleaning manikins while I was teaching First Aid and had them all done by the time I got to Emergency Oxygen Administration! 

Thankful Thursday! (Running late . . . )

I can honestly tell you I was not feeling one bit thankful when I walked into the pool yesterday and saw that I would have to share the lap lane with Carla, who truly is the best!; "The Tank", who has that build, moves slow like one, and will let no one pass her; and "Slappy" - oh, how we all would like to correct her stroke!  Stop hitting the water!!!

I can't say I was extremely thankful when I got done swimming and noticed that my knee was twice the size it should be.  Nor was I happy that two lifeguards, the water ex instructor and the boss all noticed it, too.

But what I am thankful for was that when I stopped by Twin Cities Ortho to get some new modeling clay for my hand exercises (even though they gave me the wrong clay!), I was able to get in to see a knee doctor Monday morning.  When I hear stories of our dear patients aboard the good ship Mercy who wait years upon agonizing years to see a doctor, I am thankful that I only have to wait four days.  And that I have health insurance so that I can afford it.

"Give thanks with a grateful heart . . . "  

Only at Sand Creek . . . on a Wednesday!

It was an interesting schedule at Sand Creek on Wednesday.  Tim and I had a six person zip at 2:00 p.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. zip with sister and (scared) little brother!  What were we going to do in between?

Going off the clock was an option, but we chose to clean platform three.  It's been under construction all summer and all the construction bits were still strewn around.  Check this out - our finished work:

 

Makes ya almost want to go zipping, eh?

 

To the man who asked . . .

, , , me if I saw his German shepherd the other morning, I said, "No."  But what I really wanted to say was "The last time I saw your German shepherd was when he chased me in front of Mrs. Porter's house!"

Have you considered a leash?

Just for you!

The principal aboard the Africa Mercy is a good friend of ours.  He enjoys photography.  This picture was taken on the ship.  As you look at the left, you can see the Mercy Ships logo on the smokestack.

Mercy Ships Screening Day

Mercy Ships had their screening Day on August 28.  Sadly, I just read the post.  Firmly believing in "better let than never", I've attached "Yes!", reblogged from "Morrisons on Mercy".  Enjoy!

Before we have our first surgery aboard the Africa Mercy, we need to select patients. In a country with 1 doctor per 10000 people and access to surgery being limited to only the most wealthy, the need is great indeed.

On Monday of this week, over 6000 people lined up to be seen by our pre-screening teams in our first of five screening events in Guinea. It was a challenging day for all of us, including those who supported from the ship. Crowds began to multiply long before sunrise in hope of being treated for tumors, deformed legs, cleft-lips, blindness, burns and many other conditions.  

By the end of the day, 1,135 people were offered follow-up appointments to return for a more in-depth health assessment over the next week. We are on our way to filling our operating rooms with patients who have no other access to timely, safe and affordable surgeries.

At the follow-up appointment, crew assess each potential patient to determine if 1) they were fit for surgery, and 2) if their condition was something we can treat. If the answer to both of those questions is “yes,” then they are given an appointment for their final screening with a surgeon.

I was able to assist with one of these days of follow-up appointments. (See picture of set-up.) As the patients lined-up once again, you could see the mixed looks of anticipation, anxiety and hope. Would their conditions be treatable? Would the screeners say “yes”?

My job was to guide people through check-in to the biometrics stations, where they determined if patients had adequate nutritional health and blood pressure for surgery. I also guided people toward the exit after they had either received their “yes” or been told that a surgery was not possible and guided to our chaplaincy team.

As each of them made their way to the exit, I had a realization. It was so very hard to see the disappoint of those who had been told “no.” However, without Mercy Ships and the surgeries we provide, all of those who come to us would have been a “no.” None of them would have otherwise had access to surgical intervention.

We are thankful for each person to which we were able to say “yes.” We rejoice with them as their hope is awakened.

Please pray for all of those our crew has encountered this week. Pray that regardless of what they heard from us, they would encounter God’s ultimate hope and healing.

Only at Sand Creek . . .

It was another first at Sand Creek today as I took on the position of manager all by myself!  In the past, while I've been in charge, there have been other manager's there - but not today!  

Fortunately, the group of eleven we were expecting on the high ropes became a group of eight and we were able to get them through by the time our 2:00 p.m. zipper were geared up.  Two more sets of zippers and we were done for the day!  

Unfortunately, I left knowing there are some things I still need to be trained in - first and foremost, the cash register!

Only at Sand Creek . . .

Yesterday was full of firsts at Sand Creek!

It was the first time Mark or I could ever remember all of the guests arriving before ANY of the staff!  It was a birthday party.  The guest side of the parking lot was two deep.  The staff side was empty.  And we weren't late . . . 

One of our guests was adament - she had a 1:15 zip and high ropes.  She had the e-mail to prove it.  We had never had a 1:15 high ropes before.  Usually, it's a 3:15, but we were gracious and told her we would look into it.  While we were looking, so was she.  Her e-mail confirmed her 3:15 zip time.

And most glorious of all, for the first time in weeks, we did NOT have a single rescue on the high ropes!  Eleven people made it through successfully - and we all did the dance of joy! 

Now I'm off to see what today will bring . . . 

Not At Sand Creek . . .

Instead of working at Sand Creek today, we brought three Sand Creek staff (including me!) to Sam's school for some team building with the fifth graders.  I truly volunteered, the guys got gift cards, and we all had fun!  And none of us were in uniform . . .

Thankful Thursday . . .

. . . was actually yesterday at my house!

I started my morning off with a swim at the Y.  For eighty-three laps, I had the entire lane to my self.  Oh, what fun it was!  

 

Just before I left for my annual gyno appointment, I checked my e-mails.  There was one from my internal meds doctor.  He wanted me to see a rheumatologist.  Things aren't going well with the PMR.  He also wanted me to see a gastroenterologist.  That's where the biggest problems are happening.

So I fumed as I drove.  Two more doctor appointments to schedule.  Two new doctors to see.  Crab, crab, crab, crab, crab.  My gyno asked me how I was doing.  You know what she got - crab, crab, crab, crab, crab.

"But you're seeing a rheumatologist, right?  And eating your berries and your greens, right?"  Gotta love her - and thank God for the confirmation that I was going to spend today making appointments.

Next stop - lunch with a friend who has her leg in a cam boot (it was severely broken this summer), two small children and is getting a divorce - not her choice.  I'm thankful I could spend the time with her, encouraging, and let her know she has a friend.

Last stop - a Holiday Stampin' Up Open House where the husband was home.  I've known him the longest as he was my first Bible study leader in college!  Thankful that I got to connect with him, make some great cards and buy supplies; not to mention, he caught me up on some friends I hadn't seen or heard about in years.  It was an excellent day with much to be thankful for! 

Only at Sand Creek . . .

. . . Can it be pouring rain and can you still have fun!

I had a group of eighteen Home Depot managers from the Midwest region down on the low ropes today.  It was a hoot and a half - only because they seemed to be mainly of the "extra large" size, and yet they worked to hard to "fit" as a team into small spaces.  It was excellent!  Some of the best work I've seen in a long time!  Even though it was pouring! 

Double bonus - they were given the option of doing a three zip and getting wet bums on the slide or doing a two zip twice for a total of four zips and never getting their bottoms wet!  They went for the four zips and had a great time!  

My only tip?  How to get a new front door!

I-DON'T-WANT-TO-TALK-TO-YOU!!!

During yesterday's fiasco in the high ropes (four rescues!), I was left to "babysit" the clients up on top until another staff could come and zip with me.  I made small talk with a second-grader, his dad and his grandma.  I apologized to four clients who had successfully made it through the high ropes and were now stuck waiting.  I explained to the 5:30 p.m. group their need to sign waivers and that we would wait for everyone in their group to arrive before we geared them up.  After thirty plus minutes of that, I talked to everyone again as I sent them down the zip line - all twenty-one people - on platforms one, two and three!  By the time I got home last night, I did NOT want to talk to anyone!

Naturally, this morning found me at children's check-in at church, feeling EXACTLY the same as I did last night - "I don't want to talk to you!"  So I added, "Jesus, help!"  And He did!

To the dad I talked with about hunting elk, bear and moose.  To the mom who was concerned about her son's school experience.  To my new co-worker and why she chose this church.  To the pharmacist who was visiting from Mankato, and the grandma visiting from IOWA!  Talked I did to even more . . .

". . . Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts."
  Zechariah 4:6 b

The new dryer . . .

. . . is installed!  We purchased it this morning and rather than trying it out, I went to work.  Maybe tomorrow . . . or maybe not!

Only at Sand Creek . . . on a Saturday!

I came to the conclusion today that we have two types of people who come to zip at Sand Creek - those who can easily afford it and potentially leave us great tips.  Then there are those who save for this opportunity and their tips are most likely not monetary.  Instead, we receive a genuine appreciation for our investment in their lives and for sharing this experience with them.  Today we were blessed with appreciation and it was so fun!

We were also blessed with four rescues on the high ropes which put us about an hour behind, but everyone was so gracious that it didn't matter.  Zip on!