A Day in the Life

People ask what a normal day is in the field. Thankfully,
there is no normal!

Last week, I travelled and stayed with four different families.

Mostly, I stay with a wonderful family here in Cecil County.
They let me live in the in-law apartment that they built to
care for Grandma... and they've let many others stay here, too.

Giving and receiving hospitality, I'm finding, is the best way
to really get to know each other.

And that's the primary goal of a new mission!

I love plans.
Churches love programs, but
God wants us to love people.

Build relationships and all the other things fall into place.

So, when I'm not 'sleeping around' : ) what does a new pastor do?

Opening the little red calendar book...

Sunday
8:30am - out the door!
attend 9 & 11 am services with nearby Lutherans
- enjoyed worship, met people and made contacts
lunch (exploring new area!)
- on phone with potential staff person
- worked on marketing (name and pens)
visit
- Korean pastor's home
- Episcopal pastor's home
Homeless Shelter with our scaffolding Band Leader
- heard her band and met her friends
- (preacher was Amazing!... made appt for coffee)
- witnessed several people accept Jesus as Lord
- prayed together
- we were ALL richly blessed by each other!
Restaurant with Band and friends
- couple with TOO COOL story bought me dinner : )
- talked for hours!
Home by midnight
Talked with Nat
- we chose a web name and secured the addresses
- we whispered sweet nothings
2:30 am - Crashed!

Monday
Army Post (Aberdeen Proving Ground)
- guest of a man I met at the Lutheran church Sunday
- saw his work, heard wise counsel, met his wife and friends
Base Chapel
- met command chaplain (an ELCA pastor!)
- set appointment in July to talk
Drove around to see different areas and an 'old' new mission start
2 appts re-scheduled
Lunch at home (salad and left-overs from last night's dinner : )
Phone calls to schedule appts/check-in with potential partners
Paperwork for ELCA home office
- they changed my flight so I can surprise Nat and the kids!
(hope they don't read this : )
Meet area Lutheran pastor
Help with a local VBS (Bible School)
Home and bed by 10?

You get the drift.

Just floating around learning, listening and loving every minute of it!
(except the paperwork for churchwide : )