Welcome to Sea World

Escape with us for a brief moment to the magical place called "Sea World"!

 Live performances with Orcas, Dolphins and other animals will amaze you. The beautiful garden and surroundings captures your attention and some thrilling rides make your heart beat faster (and gets you soaked, really soaked) 

 

Manatee Mam with two baby's

Turtles

Welcome to the North Pole

Dolphin's checking out Ben

All pictures are courtesy of Ben.

The Everglades

Florida's Everglades is an incredible divers bio topic. Wildlife and plants are transport you into a world of its own. Driving down the highway alligators caress the banks of the canals and "Panter crossing" signs along the highway remind you that you are in a world of its own. We are still in the United States, but far away from the south-western corner of PA. 

Ben and I had a wonderful day as we explored the Everglades. We saw alligators, too many to number, Manatees, snake, turtles, a diversity of birds and beautiful enchanting trees and plants. What a treat and a reflection of God's creative power. Here some pictures for you to enjoy!

Pay attention to the background

How about that for a road sign?

Warm and sunny Florida provides a perfect brake from the cold Pittsburgh weather. Benedikt and I have a great time here. We celebrated Christmas Eve with a delicious Turkey dinner and spend Christmas Day at the Universal Studios in Florida. Walking on the beach and relaxing was on our calendar today. Tomorrow we will explore the Everglades. Stay tuned for more pictures.

A whole section of the Universal Studios is a "Harry Potter" area. The attention to detail is incredible, so much fun just to walk through and observe .

Some very familiar characters showed up to say hello

Just one of the hundreds of Christmas Ornament on the Christmas Tree

The snow queen was part of the parade

For more pictures request a private showing! Greetings, Maria

Dear Friends
When I left Sunday morning Pittsburgh the temperature was 28 F today, two days later in St. Petersburg its 82F. These upside down numbers are very much to my liking.

Today I arrived safely in Florida. I drove through rain, hail, thunderstorms, fog and strong downpours and some beautiful sunshine. Two times I had a close call but God's hand was obviously on me and protecting me. Thank you so much for your prayers, they brought me safely here, just in time to watch the sunset. Right away I visited my favorite place the "Paradise Grill" and enjoyed a cool sun-downer. I am excited to spend some time here in the warmth of Florida.

Dear Friends
This is the last part of the "Year End Reflection and Celebration". I hope it has been helpful to you. May God's presence in your life refresh you as you celebrating His coming!

2014 – Reflection & Celebration

3. Hard but good
• What losses did I experience?

• Disappointments

4. Looking ahead
• What goals would I like to achieve?

• What new skills would I like to acquire?

• How would I like to experience change in myself over the next year?

• What spiritual gift do I want to focus on and grow in?

• Do I need to unlearn a habit or behavior?

 If you look closely you might recognize the little boy on Santa's lap! Yes, its Gil! As I was looking through my Christmas decorations I found this precious picture. Needless to say, I framed it and its my favorite item of decoration. He was always really cute! This year I miss him even more then the other years!

In the busyness of the Christmas Season its worthwhile to create space for contemplation and celebration. I was delighted to share a "Christmas Tea" our church hosted with two of my neighbors. The festive atmosphere and beautiful music combined with a great message was an experience that focused on celebrating the coming of our Lord Jesus.

Dear Friends
This week I went to a very inspirational Michael Card concert, benefiting Ebola relief work in Sierra Leone. Did you know that one of the most under reported aspects of the Ebola crisis is starvation?The decease is still raging on in West Africa.

I particular enjoyed the teaching moments between Micheal's songs. So much insight in scripture and wisdom, my heart was uplifted!

Dear Friends

This is the second part of the Year End Reflection exercise. My prayer is that you will be blessed as you reflect on the past year and see how faithful God has been. To know the Father's heart, His love and fondness for you are the greatest gifts to us. His longing for you is far greater then your longing for Him.

2. Learning
• What did I learn about God?

• What did I learn about myself?

• What steps forward did I take?

• What values did I live out?

2014 – Reflection & Celebration

Dear Friends!
As the year draws to an end people think about making improvements to their lives. Most of the “New Years Resolutions” are short lived. True changes don't come from will power but seeking God and the power He provides for us. The following exercise is helpful to me not only to focus on the future but also being grateful for the blessings God has given to me during the past year. A receiving heart is a grateful heart that quickly points to the graces God has extended to us. Join me in reflecting and celebrating! This is the first part of an exercise that I practice every year.
1. Reflect and Celebrate

Look through your calendar or journal. What are some of the highlights and accomplishments?

• Write down a highlight or a success for each month

• What breakthroughs did you experience?

Dear Friends!

We finally filed the the papers! The forms are on the way to the IRS for the tax exemption. We pray that we get a quick approval. This is another highlight of the year! The birth of

 "Reflecting God's Grace Ministries"

I couldn't have done it without the faithful support of friends. Right now we create a blog for the organization, I will let you know when we are ready to publish it. Of course I am very excited to see us move forward. So many reasons to be thankful! 

"Happy Thanksgiving"

Dear Friends!
Last weekend my nephew Bendkit came to visit me. It was a special treat to have him here in Pittsburgh. We went sightseeing on Saturday and Sunday. I  showed him the amazing view from Mt. Washington by night. We had a great time eating at "Hard Rock Cafe", touring Point State Park and do some shopping.

Dear Friends!
This weekend I am a foster mam for a little kitten!
 Its really cute and a handful of fun!

Being back in the States is refreshing to my heart. It is so nice to see my friends and connect  with them. There are many stories to tell about my time in Germany and Kenya. What a gift friendships are.

This weekend or church hosted the "praying life seminar"conducted by "http://www.seejesus.net/" The words  that come to mind to describe the weekend are refreshing and encouraging, I highly recommend  it. Bob Allums was the speaker. Here is a picture of him, Donna the main coordinator, Jodi and I as we say good bye to Bob.

Jambo Friends

The two days I spend in Germany gave me a chance to say "good-bye" so some of my family. On Monday I arrived safely in the States. It is good to be home! I recovered from being sick and settle into my life here. Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging notes! This was another amazing trip to Kenya.

 

 My sister-in-laws garden is always an inspiration to me

Jambo Friends
Here are some highlights from my last days in Diani Beach. I visited old friends and made some new one, taught classes and met with women one on one. The church send me off on Sunday with prayer. Now I am back in Nairobi, recovering from being sick.