Take some risks! That was sage advice given to us in the last year from our soon-to-be supervisor who lives in France. He told us to enjoy our time in the good ol’ US of A and enjoy the family, but get out there and take some risks.

I must say, I am finally doing something(s) outside of my box. I usually stick to what is planned in my calendar. Trying a new restaurant, especially one that doesn’t have a decent looking facade, was a risk. PK and I like to call those times adventures (some adventures are good, some not so good, yuck!)

But upon considering risks, and trying something new…I have really been feeling it for our young people. There are so many depressing, negative, and downright scary things out there. I was reading an article that said most young people need 3 things. I may have them a tad bit off, let’s just say it’s author’s license…They need family, church, and peers. Family, members living and caring for each other, make up the foundation for a healthy life. Church builds on this and creates a wider network of supportive and guiding relationships. And then peers (and I might add, most young people put these closer to number 1, or at least it seems that way with the young people in our family) give feedback, relationships, fun, and hang out buddies. Boy, am I getting wordy on this one…The whole point is that young people love to hang out with friends, and the number one place to meet and greet seems to be coffee shops (yes, we live in the northwest – for now).

Put that coffeeshop meeting spot and wanting to connect with, get to know, and help young people, and you have a new thing I have been doing. PK and I have been talking about this idea for awhile, and both of us feel a concern for what young people face in today’s world. So one Wednesday night, after many conversations with some young people we know, I jumped from preschool teacher to Coffeeshop hanger-outer with the young people. We are meeting Wednesday nights at a nearby coffee shop. It’s great. We’ve been getting to know each other, playing games, discussing life questions, connecting with each other…and we are working on getting to encouraging and helping others. And yes, we drink coffee! Well, I usually have caffeine free, or low caffeine and calorie content (my age is showing).

Tonight, let’s just say, bandaids are involved. 🙂 Oh, it takes me back to my college years as a resident advisor, and earlier than that times working with youth groups.

Interested in other ideas for games and interaction starters…hint hint.

So, Coffeeshop is one risk and change. Maybe I will use change instead of risk. Change is harder for most of us, is it not? Who moved my cheese? (read that book if you have ‘issues’ with change)

Some other changes – hold your seatbelt – I am getting rid of responsibilities! Wow! I’m not there yet, but I am working on it. God has been helping me. Really, I used to be such a control freak. He is helping me to let go of that (ok, honestly, I have a few moments of regression, but still!). PK and I are seriously downsizing, sold the house, many belongings, giving away things, getting rid of stuff…That’s big change for me, pack rat that I am. But we can’t take it when we leave the country. 🙂

Oh, and we can’t discount leaving our children (and our parents) on their own! Talk about change – difficult change!

Yes, Big Change Number One – moving to another country! France ~ An adventure big time! The 3 of us – God (the Author of our change), Pk (my marvelously wonderful partner), and I (the goofy sidekick). What a team.

Tada! (mental picture of me with my arms thrown up, looking smashing in a gymnast outfit, and great trumpet music in the background). I am FINALLY trying (big time trying) to blog. My friends from Richmond have been trying to get me to start. I kept procrastinating and making excuses. And for good reason! I can’t even figure out how this thing works! I think it is for younger, more flexible brains…

Disclaimer: I choose to randomly throw in French words, since all things French are one of my love’s. 🙂 And it’s my blog, so I can do that. Maybe you will learn a little French (maybe some incorrect French, I should say) when you read it.

I should back track. My first love is Jesus Christ. There. Now I pray that all entries reflect that love and the growth and development in my life as I transform to be more like Him. That doesn’t mean I will be perfect, no siree. Just forgiven and loved. (That almost sounds like another disclaimer, doesn’t it?).

My second love is my honey. Kevin, Mr. Q., PK, pastor, Dad, Fajah (oh, you mean FATHER), Kev…the man of many names. He’s also my bestest friend (and I also warn of impending incorrect English errors, of which there will be many). We are high school sweethearts, and have been together since 10th grade (give or take one year off, which he will gladly tell you all about and how it was my fault). We celebrate our 23rd anniversary in June. This year we will spend it in Richmond, Virginia, at appointment week (more later on that subject – this is to introduce you to my immediate family, so you can break the code when I make jokes or comments).

With the love of my life, we have 2 wonderful, fantastic, probably brain damaged from us, children. I mean one son, 19 going on 20, who is in the Army training in mechanics, Tay-Man, and one daughter, 17 going on 35, who is just finishing up high school and her AA at the same time, Pee-pah. Now, their REAL names are Taylor and Chelsie. But we, like most of you, have a variety of nicknames, and these nicknames are used with certain tones of voice to imply what level of trouble each is in, (or what feelings we have, or what we need them to do, etc. etc.). We are almost all the time empty nesters. Sigh. They grow up so fast. Enjoy your babies. Sermon over.

Our third child, of whom you will be hearing, is Annabelle. She has weight issues, a saggy belly, an attitude most of the time, hogs the bed, demands fresh water and treats, sheds black hair on everything, and loves her mommy most. Nanna is our black and white tuxedo cat. Let it be said that she is a cat in every sense of the word…

Well, I think that is good for my first post. NOW, if I can figure out what to do next. I may accidently lose this (and then I will be mad and not do blogging for awhile) or send it to France or Australia or outer space…Help me out with some tips, please!

Bonjour (hello) Tout le monde (all the world)!