Weston's plans for this fall

Weston’s graduation and plan for this fall

I have finished my high school studies and used Switched On Schoolhouse which is a computer program that will automatically grade about 90% of my work and help me maintain a certain grade level. It runs on my mac so I can take it anywhere so as we travel I can stay caught up. I also studied the Wisdom books from ATI. These books cover a variety of topics and involve character, Biblical accounts and people, missionaries as well as law and medicine. 

I have also had some good experience with web building.  For about a year now I have been helping a ministry with their monthly newsletter and a little over two years ago I built the Joshua Experience website from scratch and since then I have been maintaining it. 

I also have a big interest in photography and last November I went to a two week course in San Antonio near the river walk for intensive photographic studies. I learned about how cameras work, how to compose photos, different lighting and composition rules, how to use an external flash, how to sort and edit and even about the business side of photography. This was with a group called IPS (Institute of Photographic Studies) which hosts classes across the US at various times and also leads expeditions to different countries. It was a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about professional photography. This June I got to go to London and Paris for 10 days with IPS. We went to the major historical places and took some awesome pictures and learned a lot.

Then this summer our whole family went to London again for 20 days during the Olympics with my grandparents big band and invited people to events, passed out tracks and also got to do some sight seeing. It was a great time for all bringing us closer together and closer to God, getting more experience with missions work and spending time navigating London when it was the busiest! 

This October/November I will be in New Zealand and Fiji for 26 days again with IPS once again only this is a mainly missions trip but of course we will get to do some sight seeing. We will be taking pictures and video and documenting professionally what some of the churches are doing. One thing that I am looking forward to is in Fiji.  We will be taking family pictures within some of the local tribes.  It is a really big deal for them because this will probably be the only family portrait they will ever have printed. It gives us a great opportunity to minister to them and pray for them. 

As far as business goes, I have started working with a company called Saladmaster. They have been around for over 65 years. They host healthy cooking classes in the US, Canada and the UK. Their main focus is food preparation and cooking. They developed their own cookware and my job is to demonstrate it and if someone is interested, I help them get a set. Even if no one buys, I still get paid to demonstrate it so its been good. I go in and show people the cookware, cook a full dinner and show them the whys and hows of saladmaster. Its really been a fun part time business. (If you’re interested in seeing what its all about, please email/call/FB me, I’d be more than happy to show you, its about 2.5 hours, I bring food for 6 and cook it while you watch and I clean everything up. Its a lot of fun:)

And of course, I work in our family business which is the Your Health Source co-op. I work at our base site, deliver food and also do some computer work. I really enjoy it as it is such a unique business and I really have a passion for health. 

I am always open to new business ideas but those are the two main things I’m doing for now. 

As for college, I do not feel called to go to college but I am considering College Plus which is fully accredited and I can do it at my own pace and with my own hours. I may continue studies in photography, graphic design or web building/design. 

I intend to further my education through a variety of means. I am also looking for a guitar teacher and would love to learn basic guitar skills. 

Between May 2011 and May 2012 I read my Bible straight through and I want to continue studying the entire Bible, memorizing scripture and journaling. The Bible and an active relationship with God is the most important thing that I can focus on. 

Theres a summary of what I have been up to in recent times :) 

Weston 

Tears This Summer - and No Regrets

Just wanted to post about how we were due with a new baby this fall. .. Our due date was Oct 29th.  On July 4th, a precious baby boy was born at home.  We learned a few weeks before that the baby had no heartbeat and though we hoped and prayed for a miracle, it was not to be this time.  We named the baby David (Davy).  We will save the name Joshua Isaac for a future child (God willing).  

No matter what, we have plenty to rejoice about and though the sorrow and pain run deep when we think of this child, we rejoice on a regular basis for the goodness we have seen in our lives thus far.  I have no regrets because I have always been open to having children and I am forever grateful to friends who encouraged me early on in my marriage to let God determine this area of my life.  If I controlled it, I would feel greater sorrow and definitely regret.  We were married 4 years before Weston came along and it was almost 7 years more before Joseph, then another 6 years went by and we adopted Tim, Christianna & Elaina, then Victoria came along and Alonna was our quickest surprise since the previous birth children were all 6 or more years apart.  

God has been so very good to us and in this season, we rest and hope and believe for future miracles.  We truly love children and are thankful for the opportunity to spend time with them each day.  

Specifically, I learned that not everyone is happy about a 40 + mom having children. ..and I am ok with that. . .I found being pregnant as a mom of 7 to be more emotionally challenging and if I find myself pregnant again, I will rejoice and not let myself be moved by the negative responses of others.

Mission Trip in a Nutshell:

Where: London, England,  we stayed in Sydenham Girls High School in classrooms converted into bedrooms (we slept on air mattresses) with two meals per day in the school cafeteria.  Lunch was often a snack or eating at a local restaurant

When: Summer 2012, 20 days 

Who: Our family:  Jim, Monica, Weston (18), Joseph (11), Timothy (7), Christianna (6), Elaina (6), Victoria (4), Alonna (2 1/2), our dear friend, Ashley Krogstad (18), Monica's parents, Larry & Orlano Randall and their Christian Jazz Band, Joshua Experience and Monica's sister, Jennifer Allard

Why: To increase skill in reaching out to strangers, to follow the Great Commission, to expand our mind and the minds of our children, and join the mission of the Joshua Experience Band

How: First, we practiced at Bedford Boys Ranch (a park near our home) by taking walks and exercising each week.  In London, we invited people to evening events associated with the Olympics.  We participated in park outreaches and tagged along with other more experienced people and assisted where needed.  We handed out a variety of gifts and cd's (of the Joshua Band) to people on the streets of London, in restaurants, on the trains,  and buses and on the airplane ride over.  We invited people to events and the children sang songs and shared scripture at some of the events

London 2012 (Part 1)

This year, we went to London during the 2012 Olympics.  We flew with my parents (Monica's parents) and our seven children, ages 2 1/2 to 18 years old.  

Here is our story: 

For many years, Jim and I have talked about how we would like to grow in our ability to reach out to others.  We have a strong desire to continue to train up our children in the way they should go and at the same time, reach out to people who do not know Jesus Christ.   Up to this point in our lives, we have encouraged Christian families in the following areas:  finances, marriage, health and parenting.  Our desire from the beginning of our marriage was to live out the scriptures and to share with those who want to know more about the joy we have and the hope we have for the future.  We want to live a lifestyle of reaching out to others in hopes that it will become a natural part of our children's lives.   Our greatest hope is that each child will grow in leadership skills and hear the voice of God themselves and following Him closely.  We hope that each one will learn to reach out to others and put their focus on what is important to God.

On the plane!

They were great travelers! 

The Joshua Experience in their Olympic suits 

We went with an organization that reaches out to athletes.  We did not go to London to attend the games, but to invite people to programs in the evenings.  We and over 100 other volunteers went out into the streets of London and used a variety of methods.  We traveled with a Christian Jazz Band. (see www.JoshuaExperience.com)  The band is led by Monica’s dad and mom, Larry and Orlano Randall.  Over 1,000 CD's of their music was given as gifts to people on buses, trains and on the streets of London.  We had other gifts to give away as well and we found that giving gifts was meaningful to people.  For the most part, we found people to be receptive and open. 

Waiting on the train

The band played in churches in London and our youngest children were allowed to share scripture and sing a few times.  We learned a lot about hands on witnessing and came back with ideas on how to creatively meet others and open the way for us to speak about Christ.  We know the scripture says "he who wins souls is wise."  To us, that means that there is a certain amount of wisdom involved in encouraging others to follow Christ.  We have been studying the teachings of Ray Comfort and Mark Cahill.  (both can be found easily on the internet)

Part 2 coming soon!

The 9 Browns

London 2012 (Part 2)

Some of the people who impacted us the most through their example were:  first, my parents. . .they TIRELESSLY walked the streets of London and road all the various modes of transportation, reaching out to people and praying with anyone who desired prayer.  They led their big band across the ocean and our family into a life changing opportunity.  

Gaumi and Poppa! 

The band members impacted us by their sweet spirits and efforts to be used each day.  One husband and wife left one evening to travel to Paris and while they were there, they became lost in the night and could not find their way.  A cyclist found them and he lead them to safety and they led him to Christ!  Ashley Krogstad (daughter of our dear friends, Mike and Jody Krogstad) at age 18 worked to earn money so she could go on a mission trip.  When she found out we were going, she asked if she might help us with our children as well as join in on the mission work.  Ashley thrilled us with her initiative and energy and heart for God.  Ashely has traveled with her family on several missions trips and her sweet, joyful, serving spirit spirit was a great encouragement to all of us.

Victoria, Ashley, Alonna and Monica

Maricela (https://www.facebook.com/maricela.carelock)  (mother of 8 children) came to share with anyone who would listen.  Maricela is a ventriloquist and she invested in our children and sparked a desire in some of them to learn ventriloquism as one means of sharing God's message with a hurting world.  Maricela taught us songs and was one of the most active examples, full of energy and love for others.  As it turns out, she lives near us and we are looking forward to getting to know her now that we are all home. 

Maricela and the kids

A father came from South Dakota with 3 of his 12 children to invite people to programs.  Bruce Crevier and his three children became fast friends with us as we all went out together.  Bruce is a master ball spinner and can do amazing things with basketballs.  He and his children ride unicycles and have been in full time ministry for over 20 years.  Bruce encouraged us to continue in our efforts to eat healthy and stay trim and ready for service.  He and his children do half time programs at basketball games all year long.  See his website for more details (http://www.champions-forever.com) You'll be amazed as you watch what he does.  He performed in churches and parks with his 3 middle children and impacted lives for eternity.  We saw people come to Christ when Bruce talked with them.  Bruce and his children were easy to relate to and they never saw a stranger.  They gave out small cards that had a picture of their family on it and a Christian challenge on the back.  Josiah, Holly and Ben Crevier were bright lights to our family as they had many tricks they could perform and make balloon creatures to entertain children.  

Some of the Crevier family at Tower Bridge 

There were other ministry teams present in London and all were trying to impact our world to make it a brighter, better place.  There were street preachers, singers, musicians, both young and old.  We spent time with grandparents from Australia. . Jon and Jenny. . .they loved on us and we loved on them!  Jon volunteers in the school system near where he lives and tells children stories and helps them understand the bigger picture of life.  We hope Jon and Jenny visit us in the USA one day.  There were people whose main job was to feed the rest of us, twice each day and a Chaplain on site to lead us in prayer and worship each morning.  We learned from Precious Jade how she has a passion to take old songs and turn them into new songs that glorify God.  Precious Jade loved on our children and spent time teaching them some very sweet songs that she wrote specifically for children. Latrelle Lindon and her husband came and shared a beautiful testimony about heaven and an experience their family went through.  Latrelle has written character songs for children and impacts schools in her area through creative music.  There were many others who had a variety of talents and ways to reach out.  Our main way was to simply give gifts.  People loved that and we enjoyed it, too!  We did park outreaches and saw souls saved.

The Browns, Randalls and Ashley at Tower Bridge! 

Part 3 coming soon!

The 9 Browns

London 2012 (Part 3)

Our children would sing for anyone who paid attention to them and people were blessed.  We attended an older style Church of England one Sunday and Victoria (age 4) sang Amazing Grace and then she and her siblings quoted a large portion of 1 Corinthians 13.  We attended Sunday services 4 times while we were in London.  We attended church many nights and often the services lasted several hours.  Our travel to and from the churches was always at least 45 minutes to an hour and a half.  The children get a prize for ENDURANCE and PATIENCE.  From the 2 year old all the way up to the oldest, we were blessed and amazed at the self control and sweet spirit of the children.  We recognize that their behavior had an impact on people from the moment we were on the first plane until we landed again in Dallas.  

Victoria singing Amazing in the fellowship hall of a Church of England

For us, this trip was a way to totally turn our attention to the Great Commission.  We had 20 days to think about what God calls each Christian to do and how we could fulfill that call with our lives.  We hope to continue to move forward in our efforts to impact our world for the name and cause of Jesus Christ.  We are Bible believers and we are not ashamed.  We came home and feel that America is our place and our mission field. We pray that God will use us to encourage other Christians to reach out and to fully embrace the Bible and the truth found there.  Scripture teaches "the truth shall set you free"  John 8:32

Waiting for the bus

One day, we led some friends to a McDonald's.  They asked us to help them get there because they were meeting up with others.  We went into the McDonalds, with no intention of eating there.  We haven't eaten in a McDonald's since we were in Russia, adopting 3 of our children!  Our 6 younger children have never had a "happy meal" in their lives.  We are "into" health and our business is helping others transition to a healthier diet.  (www.yourhealthsource.org)  We thought we would drop off our friends and then go on to eat at a local to London restaurant.  Instead, we stayed and visited and then ended up meeting the manager of McDonalds.  He is a Muslim man and he was completely taken with our family.  He spent over an hour talking with us and received all the gifts we had to give him and some of his staff.  Before we knew it, he was passing out free happy meals to our littlest children and showering us back with gifts ( :  Time with him was one of the best times we had in London and with his staff.  We were blessed to be there and felt that God allowed us to encourage him that day.  The children sang "make me a servant" to him and his staff.

Part 4 coming soon!

The 9 Browns

London 2012 (Part 4)

On our last day in London, we had an hour red bus ride to the area where the church would be.  We stopped at a sandwich shop to get some food and then went on to a Starbucks to order some things and to sit down. Starbucks was the only place in that particular location that had inside seating.  There, we enjoyed our meal and reached out to several people in the restaurant.  Throughout the trip when the children would make eye contact with someone and felt a receptive spirit, they would nudge one of us to see if we could give a CD or other gift to that person.  Then one of the older people would go and ask the person if it was ok for the child to share.  This happened many times.  After giving out several gifts and encouraging people, Monica began talking with a young mother.  The mother was in the restaurant with her twin 4 year olds.  As it turned out, the young mother lives in London and is named Monica as well!  She is in the process of deciding what to do with her children and their coming education.  She is feeling pressure to put them in school.  She wanted to know about what we have done with our children and hopefully, we were a good encouragement to her.  She was lovely and she asked for contact information from us and we hope to hear from her soon.

We also wanted to thank Grandma Judy, she had such a sweet spirit and was very gracious and transported us all over London and made sure we got where we needed to go.

We love you Grandma Judy! 

Thank you to the people who looked after our home while we were away.  Our dear neighbors who have always looked after us, especially while we are away and our friends who have just returned from mission work in Istanbul.

Thank you to our bookkeeper who looked after the business and to Celeste Tenpenny, Ellen Davis, Phillip Fuester, Randy Delacruz, co-op host/hostesses and all base site workers who carried on well without us.

The 9 Browns