I just got back from my first mission trip to Ghana. This trip was amazing in so many ways. When I left, I was really craving to see God alive and moving in the world. I was able to see this on so many levels in Africa. A large part of what we did, was to travel to villages out in "the bush", villages so desolated that there weren't even roads leading there, they lived in mud huts with thatch roofs... and they had never before heard the name of Jesus Christ. We would have to get permission from the village chief to talk to his tribe and then, we would walk out and gather all the people together and after they had all gathered, we would (through translators) share God's love with them and His plan of salvation.
Here is America, people might roll their eyes at this because they had heard it a million times before... there, they were captivated. They heard this news as God had intended.. it was GREAT NEWS! When asked who wanted to accept Christ as
their Lord and Savior, they would raise BOTH hands!
AmAZinG!
Here we are at the river, baptizing new believers in Christ. This was awesome in itself because we had not intended to plant a church there, but so many people from neighboring villages stood and watched and when one of the guys explained to them what was taking place, they decided they wanted to know this "Jesus" too... and so right then, they chose a leader and a place to build
their church! Wow...
We also held Vacation Bible School. We were told to expect 300-500 children that were going to be bused in from surrounding villages. We came prepared with games, crafts, puppets, snacks... or so we thought. Guess how many children showed up? 1000-1500!!!! Yet another "God Thing". We didn't plan on that, but He did.
It was absolutely amazing what happened there. At first, I wondered if the people really understood what they were committing to. I wondered if they just raised their hands because everyone else was... but then when you see them deciding where they want their church and who will lead them and that leader will have to bike many, many miles to be have discipleship training... you can see that the Holy Spirit was absolutely present in their hearts.
Tailgating before the game... Steelers fans outnumbered Bucs fans 10:1. We got there early, had some burgers, threw a ball around and made it in to watch warm-ups.
Dave, Mom, Con and Kurt before the game (note Dave and Mom are still smiling... those smiles had long faded by the third quarter!)
The only two Bucs fans at the game? ;) Just about... it looked like it was a Steelers home game, there were so many Steelers fans!
Troy Polamalu during warm- ups!
Kurt and Con enjoying the game. It was a little warm out but well worth it!
The little fan in front of us... she even had a "Terrible Toddler Towel"... cute!
Hines Ward!
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
James Harrison!
Yum, yum... we did NOT go hungry on this cruise. There was food everywhere, all the time...
The water was so BLUE! It was beautiful!
Kurt and I at dinner. We were seated with a couple that was on their honeymoon and the four of us had a blast together! 
Our next stop was in Cozumel, Mexico. 
We went to a private beach and had access to their kayaks, wall climbing/inflatable water slides, hammocks, volleyball, etc. It was great!
Isla Roatan, Honduras:
They had professional portraits on the ship so we went ahead and had a couple photos taken one night.
Enjoying an evening on the deck, and ready for some amazing food :) 
Here we are in Belize, where we visited the Mayan Ruins. We climbed to the top and could see Guatemala, which was just about a mile away. 
Geoff and Connie with his new diploma! :D
Congratulations Geoff, we are all very proud of you and your accomplishments!!! Yey!!!
Geoff and I spent a day cooking up a storm! Here we are with our final masterpieces - his freezer should be stocked for a little while :)
Ashley and Connie at Moose Winooski's!
Geoff, I had a great time and I know I speak for the whole family when I say "we are so proud of you!" Congratulations sweetie and I can't wait to see you again soon in Florida :)