Some of you know that we recently made contact with my eldest daughter's father, and that she was going to be meeting him soon thereafter. The first meeting took place, and was just a bit awkward- certainly not a "Hallmark moment" that you see on TV when long lost parents meet their children- but not because of any lack of desire to reunite on either of their parts. It was just plain weird. No one knew what to talk about really- though Mercedes and he had spoken on the phone a number of times before the meeting took place- and well, what adult man really knows what to say to a teenage girl- especially one that is essentially a stranger, unless they are of an educator or youth leader persuasion? But other than that, it was fine. We have all been in contact again since then, in a carnival setting, and that went better than the first meeting. Mercedes got to spend the majority of the day getting to know her little half-brother, and she thinks he's "the coolest 8 year old" she's "ever met." We won't tell her other brother she said that, since he isn't 8 anymore... :) She will soon be meeting her aunt, cousins, and her grandmother as well, at a graduation ceremony. I'll fill you in on the details of that situation, after it takes place. :) All in all, I think we're all adjusting well to the changes that have taken place, and we're continuing to learn how to adjust to the ones to come. To that end, I'd like to thank all of you that have kept us in your prayers, and ask that you continue to lift us up, as you feel led. Your caring has been greatly appreciated.
In addition to that, there have been other exciting things happening as well. About six months ago, the pastor of Worship and Arts of our church notified me (and some others, on the drama team) that my name and headshot had been given to the California Southern Baptist Convention's media production team, and that I may be contacted about playing a part in a video series that they were doing. I was also told, however, that just because our information was given, that it did not necessarily mean that we would be chosen,; so not to be upset, if we didn't receive any communication from them. Well a month or so passed, and I didn't hear anything, so I naturally assumed that I had not been chosen, and I was ok with that- though the prospect had seemed exciting to me. Fast forward to about 3-4 weeks ago. The media production director for the CSBC emailed me, asking me to play the lead female character! So, to make a long story short, I have been busy shooting scenes, crying on cue (the character has some issues in her life, that are good cause for crying), and just having fun in general. If you'd like to see some pictures from the promotional photo shoot, you can find them on his blog, at this address: Avant Garde Faith At some point in the future, the video will be available online, and when it is, I'll be sure to share it. (If you are interested in seeing some of his other work, they can be found here: The Seeker, Pray for America, and Grace.) The purpose of this video, from what I understand, is to raise awareness of missions and outreach needs, especially in California, though the video does not have any dialogue that would preclude it being used in other locales. I feel so blessed, that the Lord saw fit to bless me with a talent that I am so passionate about, and that that talent can be used in such a way, to bring glory to Him. Thank you, Jesus!
Though there's plenty of other stuff that has kept me from blogging, I'll just share one last thing, and then I'll be off again (I don't know for how long.) My six year old daughter Aniston, decided that she wanted to get her haircut, because she has so much of it, and it is so curly, that it hurts her for me to brush it, and it's difficult for her to care for herself. So...she decided that she wanted to do something with her hair to help other little girls that don't hav hair of there own. That's right, she donated her hair to Locks of Love, today, and I couldn't be more proud of her. You can see the before, during and after shots below. For the past week, until I could find where to take her to have it done, she has prayed for the little girl that will use "her wig" (she thinks her hair will be enough to make up one wig, and I haven't corrected her) and that it will be enjoyed, and will make the other little girl happy. Does anyone else see how blessed I am?!?!
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These above are "Before" shots
And here we are "during" (that is 10 inches of hair, people!)
And...an "after" shot. Isn't she too cute for words?
I hope to have the time to write again soon, and not be gone so long this time (since summer is coming, perhaps I'll have a little more time--No School, YEAH!!!) However, if you find that I've been gone awhile, rest assured, that if the Lord sees fit for me to remain here on earth, that at some point, I will be back again. Thanks for continuing to visit, and I'll "talk" to you soon. Blessings to you all!
