Virtual Missionaries

Missions in the Virtual World

Recently I have been hearing about Second Life (or for those who play call -- 2L). This phenomena has exploded into our pop culture. From magazines, to the newspaper, to game shows - I have heard 2L discussed.


Do you know what this is all about? People playing/creating avatars for a virtual world. So we are talking Joe Schmo gets online creates a "free" avatar of himself, someone he would like to be, or something not even human and begins living in the virtual world of Linden.



People are setting up new businesses right and left to offer avatars more "entertainment" in their virtual lives. Forms of entertainment are wide-open with the possibilities of bar hopping to coffee shop/bookstore browsing. Yes, that's right people are spending real money for the virtual Linden dollar.



So usually the next question I get from people is why? I know it seems like a pretty big investment with documented cases of people playing 2L for over six hours a day. It seems like the logical answer is that many are missing fulfillment in their real lives and are searching for it here.



As many of you know I (Kristi) work for World Gospel Mission and they have launched a new campaign I wanted you all to be aware of. It's called Ambassadors to LindenLand. It's a handbook challenging people share their faith in 2L. We believe that the people behind the avatars need to know the Lord just as much as your neighbor. I am placing a link below so you all can access the resource and you can send it on to others.



So, could 2L be our next generation mission field? Looks like a pretty good possibility. Whether you think that is scary or exciting - God is in control! Be Blessed.



http://www.virtualmissionary.org/

Fair Days!

It's State Fair time here in Indiana. Here are some of our favorite pictures from the day:


A picture with the World's Largest Boot.


Helping Noah plant a seed in the garden.

Madison and Noah "milk" the cow.

Picking eggs for his basket.




A chance to ride the tractor.



Noah gets to pick a cucumber.


Taking a ride on the slide with Papaw catching.

The kids get to "ride" the horse.


Fun with balloons!

Fun riding real ponies!



And the highlight of Madison's trip - the pigs! These babies were only 6 weeks old. They get big fast. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend too!

First Day of School

Starting Kindergarten!!!

Madison took the giant leap into Kindergarten earlier this week.
Noah woke her up for the first day of school!


She took it easy on him with smiles and hugs to go around!

With teeth brushed, breakfast in the belly, hair brushed, and clothes on - it was time to say goodbye to everyone and start the first day.

Madison in tears the night before her first day was beside herself proclaiming she wasn't ready to go to school yet. I asked her what she meant and she said she can't read well enough yet. After I assured her that they will teach her when she gets there the tears dried and the excitement set it.

Good Luck Madison - you'll be reading soon enough!

70th Celebration

Turning 70 is something worth celebrating!

And that's just what we did for my Grandma Avery's Birthday!

This is my Uncle James, family friend Harlen, and my Uncle Ron just hanging out.

This is my Aunt Brenda, my Grandma Lewis, and my Grandma Avery enjoying the conversation.

Aunt Chris, Abby, Madison, Mom and Ashley watch Grandma open presents.

Noah enjoyed tickling eveyone's toes during the Celebration.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

Madison's 5th Birthday

It's official - we have a 5 year old! Madison turned 5 in July which put her into the kindergarten age group.

She began planning her 5th birthday directly after her 4th so we knew way in advance that she wanted a pig party. Need-less-to-say our house has been invaded by pigs!

From piggy banks to snorting pigs we have the collection!

This was gift from her Daddy. He and Madison have an ongoing argument of who the greater rock star is in our house and we found a shirt for her with the phrase "My Dad's a Rock Star!"

This was Madison's very Pigalicious Bday cake!

Notice the cupcake with a bite out. Noah thought he would help Madison get the party started early with a sneak tasting!

HAPPY #5 MADISON!

Champions!

Congratulations to Lakeview Wesleyan on winning the Chapel Park softball tournament.
Way to go Scott and Dad!

Camping 101

Here are some pictures from our first camping outing for the summer.

It rained quite a bit while were camping so one day we made a trip into town and Madison picked out a new t-shirt.

Noah knows how to camp! Relaxing or taking up room so he doesn't have to share with sister? He wouldn't do that now would he?

He has dirty feet from playing in the mud puddles!

Madison spends some time with PaPaw Avery.

Makayla and Uncle Scott come to visit.
Notice Noah is peeking in to say hi to Makayla.

Noah has stolen Madison's flip flop and he is looking to Uncle Scott for protection.

Makayla is spending some time with Grandmom Avery.
Makayla is starring at the fire!

Big Transition

BIG BOY BED

Noah is making a big life transition these days.
We have moved out the crib and have begun using the toddler bed.
Yes, it has come with its own set of ups and downs as he first thought
this meant freedom instead of sleep.

This is a picture of how we found him the morning after his first night
in his new BIG BOY bed. Looks like he is getting enough rest.

Do you think he has had enough beauty rest?

Boy that hair is a masterpiece!