Day 123: Vols Basketball

By chance today, I got to enjoy the sights, sounds, and spirit of UT Basketball with my whole family! Nothing beats a Sunday afternoon in the Thompson Boling Arena...except a Sunday afternoon in the Thompson Boling arena with your family, a half-time appearance with a bird from the zoo, and a last minute victory over Florida. Go Vols!

Also today, I realized my numbering has gotten totally off. So, I skipped a couple days. I think I have lived here 123 days, as of today.

Photo Credit

Diversion: Walls

Thursday I headed to South Carolina for Walls: A Haiti Relief Concert. This event was put together by Rice Bowls' own Dodd, with help from several others. We raised funds, hearts, and voices for the cause of Haiti. Specifically, our heart is with Rescue Children (please see earlier blog post).
Worship was lead by 3 incredible bands.

Josh Ridings Band www.joshridingsband.com



David Walker www.davidwalkeronline.com



Lee McDermot www.newspring.cc

And yes, that's the same Josh Ridings who will be singing at our wedding!


I also got to spend the night with the WoCo girls. Fun on the futon! Then, way home included a drama of wintry weather, which seems to appear every time I travel over the mountains. Here's to life to the full!

Day 107: JLK Transfers

I joined the Junior League to impact my community. I transferred to the Knoxville League in order to get invovled in this area. Honestly, all along, I thought it would be a way to connect with other women. Well, no that I am back in Knoxville, I realize I could not be more correct. I've had fun reconnecting with Farragut and Converse friends. Plus, there is a great group of women who have also transferred into the Knoxville League. We have been learning about the city and getting to know each other. Last night, some of us got together for a fun girl dinner at Stir Fry.

Here's a toast to our fun transfer group!

Here's to Shana! Shana is California girl with Southern charm, balancing kids, volunteer work, and always looking perfect.

Here's to Lee! Lee is sassy and savvy about all things Knoxville. This interior decorator always brings life to the party...and always has on a cute top.

Here's to Mandy! Mandy and I might be living parallel lives. We both worked in higher ed. We are the same age. We were both raised in Tennessee. Our chruch search has taken us in similar directions. Her boyfriend Greg seems very similar to Brad, and they are enjoying a romance that spans a couple hours drive.

Here's to Melissa! Melissa is the newest of the new and also a newlywed. In a few weeks, she has already become one of my favorite people to chat with - wedding ideas, lots of laughing, and sharing Christ!

Here's to Nancy! Nancy is the working mom who gives great Christmas ornaments, who moved in a matter of weeks.

Here's to Megan! Megan is another mom with kids to keep her busy. Like the rest of us, she's trying to survive the cold winter, and I am looking for to getting to know her.

Here's to Annazette! Annazette is educating us all on how to survive the cold this winter. She came from Iowa, so she can handle this.

Here's to Abigail! Abigail and I hit it off right away. I have a feeling she hits it off with everyone. Sweet and fun, with great taste in restaurants, Abigail is the picture of Southern hospitality.

Here's to Mariann! Mariann was literally my first new friend in Knoxville. After meeting her at a general memebership meeting, she called me for lunch and the rest is history. Marriage moved her to Knoxville, so she's also been a fun resource on all things about getting married. Plus, she's from Texas, so she helps me understand Brad. Haha.

Now, I must toast our fearless leaders. Amelia is the ultimate connector. She actually transferred herself, as life moved her and her husband to the Virgin Islands a month ago. We're following their BVI adventures. Finally, there is Sarah. Through every change, Sarah's teaching us about he League and providing a fabulous Introduction to Knoxville. She always has an answer and introduces us to fun folks like Shazi. She's a convert to the south and my go-to for Knoxville info!

Here's to the JLK Transfers!

Day 106: Lunchbox

I finally found it! Best Chicken Salad in Knoxville. The secret is in the nuts, I think.
And, it's just minutes from work. Perfect place. The only thing that could make it better is enjoying it with Natalie - talking weddings, houses, and organizational strategies.
Next time, I am going to try their pimento cheese or a soup!
Photo Credit

Day 105: KidzServe

. . . And the King will answer and say to them, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”-Matthew 25:34-40

Sunday morning, we kicked off a Rice Bowls campaign at our church! I got to join Stacey, Heidi and the kids in "KidzServe" during both services. "The purpose of KidzServe is to give the children at Second Presbyterian a hands on look at mission. By using music, a message, offering, prayer and a project that will impact the community and/or world." This week, we talked about Rice Bowls! It was so fun to share the cause with my new congregation! Meanwhile, during both services, as the church discussed the response to the earthquake in Haiti during an impactful stewardship service, Rice Bowls orphanage partner, Rescue Children, was highlighted! There are so many exciting things at 2nd! So glad to be a part of what the Lord is doing!

Quote and Photo Credit

Day 104: Sullivan's

Friday night, Brad and I headed out for dinner with both of families. We had a great time introducing my parents to Sullivans, our most favorite place. Half the table ordered the meatloaf, Sam ate a huge hamburger, and I got my favorite - grill catfish! I don't know what they do to it, but it is consistently the most flavorful dish I have ever had. Their great sides rounded out our perfect dinner - sweet potato souffle, jallepeno cheese grits, baked cream spinach, and mashed potatoes with gravy. So good it prompted some food envy. The book ended of the meal where a great cheese dip appetizer and chocolate cake and key pie desserts. So, so good.
When Brad and I talk about where we want to live, houses close to this restaurant always rank high on the list.
Check out the menu->

The Rescue Children Blog

Here's a new blog from Rescue Children, Rice Bowls orphanage partner in Haiti. There is backdated information so you can read how things have developed. Also, regular updates will be posted.
http://rescuechildrenorphanage.blogspot.com/

* All children have been relocated to another home where they have adequate shelter and provisions for the time being.
* A clinic has been set up at the orphanage site, caring for 70 people per day, I think.
* Two relief teams from Life Church in PA (who supports Rescue Children) are there assisting.
* Please continue to pray.

You can also see information about Rice Bowls, the Walls benefit concert, and updates at ricebowls.org