Spring has sprung, the grass has ris';

I wonder where the graduate is?

Well, we found him in Springfield, MO after a flight from Mexico City and a drive from Dallas.

Our stay in Springfield began with a parent's brunch and then a Baccalaureate service where Wesley and other honor students were recognized for outstanding achievement in their degree fields. Stuart and I are very proud of Wesley who graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Music Industry. 

As many of you know, Wesley is on to Spain this summer as a MAPS volunteer to intern with International Media Ministries. He's already bought the plane tickets, people! But he still needs some funding. If you would like to invest in Wesley's internship, he has a gofundme account that is quick and easy to use. If you'd prefer to mail an offering you can send it to:

Wesley M Brown
3320 South Meadowlark Ave
Springfield, MO 65807

Either way, all funds go directly to Wesley and his internship with IMM and you will receive a receipt.

Thanks everyone for your generosity and encouragement toward Wesley. We really appreciate it.

Hooray!

Our graduation week began at Fort Wayne First Assembly with a wonderful celebration and recognition of all who graduated this season.

This is it! 

Grandma Brown and Uncle Mike join us at the Memorial Coliseum for Leo High School's ceremony.

Sophia with the the Senior Vocal Ensemble sing the National Anthem and "Seasons of Love."

Bravo to John Neidich, the evening's Master of Ceremony, and to the senior speakers, Salutatorian Rebekah Miller and Valedictorian Bryce Beer, who challenged and encouraged their classmates with some great words of wisdom. If these young people are any indication of the talent and creativity of the class of 2014 then our future is in good hands!

It's been a couple of weeks . . .

Now for a little catching up!

Yay, Olivia and I graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU)!

No better way to celebrate than with friends and fellow missionaries, Nelson and Rennae de Freitas, their son Marcus, and SAGU Travel Coordinator, Joshua Evans at a Mexican restaurant.

The next day Stuart and I took in the sights and sounds of Waxahachie when we happened upon a Cinco de Mayo festival. How cool is that?!

Our busy weekend continued in Indianapolis for our district council. General Superintendent, Dr. George Wood prays over our fellowship.

Last Wednesday we joined Pastor Orlando Soler at Life Point Church in Hammond, IN for their missions convention. 

We are so thankful for their prayers and support over the last 10 years.

If you are ever in the area, visit Life Point Church and tell them we sent you :)

Yesterday we ventured out early to travel down to Lifeway Church in Indianapolis with Pastor Neil and Michelle Bell. So thankful Stuart and I had the opportunity to pray over so many women (of all ages) responding to the call of God on their lives. I'll give you the best advice I ever received: Go for God's best!

Thanks to all our supporting churches and individuals who partner with us in ministry. As we itinerate, your generous offerings help offset the cost of travel so we can raise the needed funds and return to Mexico faster. Every little bit helps! 

Things to do before I turn FIFTY

I long held the desire to continue my education and earn a master's degree, but ministry and family demands always seemed to take precedence. Finally a few years ago, I took the plunge and applied to Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Although my determination to graduate before I turned 50 seemed easy enough at the time - life happens! A change in ministry focus, language school and then adjustment to a new country left my studies on hold for a few years. But I am happy to say that this weekend I will graduate and meet my goal with a few days to spare :)

Yet this year is also special because all the women in our family will be graduating!

This is me back in 1986 as a senior at Southern Connecticut State University, where I earned my first under-grad degree. Soon after I moved to Florida and attended Southeastern University and studied for the ministry. Stuart and I graduated in 1990. Now in 2014, I get to walk the graduation line at Southwestern Assemblies of God University with my daughter Olivia to receive my master's in Bible and Theology.

#1 daughter, Olivia, graduated from Sojourn Academy in Costa Rica in 2010. This week she graduates with honors from SAGU with a counseling degree. 

Sophia rounds out our trio of  graduating seniors. On June 6, she will graduate from Leo High School and then she is onto Florida to complete the circle we began years ago to attend Southeastern University.

Hmm, now what should I do before I turn SIXTY?