Countdown: One Wk to Poland...

Next Friday afternoon, I'll be flying out to Poland to take part in a mega-evangelistic crusade called ProChrist. Current status of Amy: really really stressed. I'm starting to lose sleep over this. It's crazy trying to prepare for this huge event in Poland while still being a Covenant Player in France. And while Russ and Alison have been really supportive and sensitive to my needs, it's still really hard. Not because of them but because of trying to live in two worlds this week. Preparing for the five evenings of performing I'll be doing in Poland (in Polish) while not wanting to shirk off any responsibilities here. Plus, reality is starting to kick in and finding out little by little just how huge this event is. And i do feel the weight of expectations on me -- not just from others, but also, myself. And yes, i want to do a good job. And yes, knowing tens of thousands of eyes will be watching does put the fear of God-- and man -- in you.

Prayer. I need prayer big time. And I need the Lord's peace that surpasseth all understanding. No way I'm doing this on my own.

Running the Race: Paris Marathon 2008...

Hi everyone! On Sunday, April 6th, my team leader, Russ will be running in the Paris marathon! This is an act of service to the ministry of Covenant Players. All moneys raised will go towards our annual Covenant Players retreat which takes place this summer at the end of our training time.

Would you consider supporting Russ and the ministry of Covenant Players as he prepares to run this marathon? Prayers for him are greatly appreciated and needed as well. As we keep an extremely busy performance schedule as well as juggling various responsibilities, constant change in housing, and a myriad of unpredictable factors inherent in our full-time touring lifestyle, preparation for the marathon has faced a number of challenges. Please lift him up in your prayers. And if you are in a position to be able to give financially* (--even if it's just a few dollars), this would be a great gift and encouragement to us all -- but especially him.

Please pray also that there will be people physically there at the marathon to cheer him on. I will not be present as I will be performing in Poland at that time and because it is a Sunday morning, his wife, Alison will also miss the marathon because of ministry obligations.

*Checks can be sent to:
Covenant Players, P.O. Box 2900, Oxnard, CA 93034-2900.
They should be payable to "Covenant Players" and have "Paris Marathon-- Russ Whismore" noted on the memo line.
Donations can also be made via credit card (Mastercard or Visa) by clicking on "Donations" at www.covenantplayers.org

Also, thanks to all of you who have been praying for me. It means a lot to me.

Grieving...

It's been a week and a half since my dog was put to sleep. (I didn't find out until a few days later.) It's been a difficult week emotionally for me. It's not easy to grieve/mourn when you're on the road. You had to put an emotional lid on things and that's not exactly the easiest thing for me to do. I've never really been one to repress emotions. The only thing I could do was to make sure I was immersed in what I was doing -- whether that was performing in front of audiences or socializing with hosts, learning lines and rehearsing, or doing paperwork and admin stuff. But the in-between times-- the van rides alone as a unit and night time as I lay in bed -- those were the hardest. I couldn't put a lid on it then -- nor did I think I necessarily should-- so I didn't. I realize very well the importance/need to grieve and mourn losses. Though I'm blessed to still have both my parents and no one in my immediate family or closest circle of friends have passed away, I'm no stranger to deep heartache and loss. Every time a dream died or a deep relationship ended or my mission area closed down, there was mourning and grieving -- a hole in the heart left by someone or something that couldn't be replaced.

In remembrance of Baby/Bobo* ...
I know many people will not understand this. Most people will think I'm crazy for making such a big deal out of a little dog. But he wasn't just a little dog to me. He was a huge joy to the whole family. He brought a lot of laughter and life to us all. He was a special companion and friend -- especially to my dad, I think, in these last few years since he's been retired. And he had so much character -- definitely one-of-a-kind. My CP friend, Josie, who doesn't normally like dogs got a kick out of Baby/Bobo* because he was so quirky.

I know some people will think it's stupid, but we all really loved him. I fell in love with this little dog right away-- the day I found him on the street, abandoned and pretty scrappy looking, but very trusting. It's like we had a bond right away and he came right into my car never doubting that I would not hurt or abandon him. And although there was great objection to my adopting him, he found a place in my family's heart very soon after as well. Mom said he was a reminder of my compassion so he soon grew on her. Bonnie's always found him really funny and entertaining. And dad has always like animals, anyway, and he seemed to enjoy playing with him as well. I'm really grateful for my family for taking good care of him these past 8 years since I've been away. I know it broke their hearts as well to have to say good bye to him.

We had a day off this past Wednesday at The Howell's place -- a place that's become a second home for me while here in France. So, I finally had the time and a place to allow myself to mourn more freely. My unit leaders were very gracious in letting my use the unit's printer to print out pictures of my dog, and I put together a collage in my journal. It's nothing fancy, but it was just way of remembering some very special times with a very special friend.

Rest in peace, Bobo.

(*"Baby" was what I originally named him but my family thought that was just too weird -- especially if you were out in public and needed to call his name. Daddy soon named him "Boldie" because he was so bold even though he was little. Plus, he was inspired by the name of Marvin and Lisa's dog, Bodie. Soon after, he shortened it to "Bobo" and that really stuck with us. It seemed to fit this quirky little dog.)