Update #3 from 2012 Business Vision Discovery Mission

(sent on 2/15/12)

Dear Family and Friends,

Bonjour. It’s 11:40 pm here in Niamey and we have a lot to report. Since leaving the USA yesterday, our group has experienced many awesome things, bonding us in ways we could not have imagined, as we pursue the purpose He has for us in this nation and the world. Today was a busy and rewarding day. We visited four schools, an orphanage, a sewing school, a beautiful garden filled with loads of fruits and vegetables, heard fascinating testimonies from various Christian leaders, and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with General Wright and his wife.

The schools we visited have expanded tremendously in both physical size and student enrollment due to the support of The LINK™, LiveTen24, Schools for Niger, Africa (SFNA) and God’s will. These schools are thriving as a result of the faithful support of both individual and corporate partnerships which have generously given their time and financial resources. Through the ongoing commitment to the continued growth of these schools, where children are learning and receiving the word of God, the future of Niger can effectively be changed.

The children at the orphanage were delightful. Parentless and potentially hopeless, they exuded more resilience than many of us might display in a lifetime. They were smiling, laughing, and filled with pure joy. It seemed all they wanted was to be with us and feel our touch; truly an amazing experience. They are the future of Niger and are already learning that regardless of what society has planned for them as orphans, they have a Father in God and He has a plan for their lives. We are so moved by what God is doing in this country through people dedicating their lives to the Lord and to caring for the many children of Niger. We look forward to what tomorrow and the rest of this week holds and we can’t wait to share our experiences with you.

Bonne Nuit.

The 2012 LINK™ Business Vision Discovery Mission
The LINK™/Effective Ministries, Inc. Staff

Update # 2 from LINK Business Vision Discovery Mission

(received at 12pm ET)

We just heard from the team and they landed in Niger ten minutes ahead of schedule. Upon arrival, they were greeted by Rodrigo, our LINK™ Field Director, and General Wright, a longtime friend of this ministry, who escorted them out of the airport with all their luggage and tubs intact. They are now on their way to check into The LOC (LINK™ Outreach Center) and settle in for the evening. After enjoying a meal together, they will have their first in-country team meeting then off to bed for a good night's rest. Please continue to pray for this mission. We look forward to hearing all the great things God has in store for them.

The 2012 LINK™ Business Vision Discovery Mission
The LINK™/Effective Ministries, Inc. Staff

Update #1 from The LINK Business Vision Discovery Mission

Please keep this team in your thoughts and prayers as they make their way to Niger, Africa today and tomorrow. We heard from the team after they boarded the plane and according to Air France, their flight has left Dulles. They will arrive in Paris @ 5:57 a.m. tomorrow (France time) and are expected to arrive in Niamey, Niger at 4:15 p.m. tomorrow (Niger time). If you wish to track their flight progress, please visit Air France Website (Washington Dulles to Paris, France: Air France Flight 039 and Paris, France to Niamey, Niger: Air France Flight 548). We'll update you again once they arrive in Niger. We look forward to keeping you apprised of their journey for the duration of their mission.

The 2012 LINK™ Business Vision Discovery Mission
The LINK™/Effective Ministries, Inc. Staff

And He's Off

Today we said goodbye to Daddy as he left on his God-adventure to Niger, Africa. Thanks to so many of our generous family and friends he was able to raise enough money to completely fund his trip and expenses (i.e. shots, medicines, etc.). Wow - what a blessing!

We won't talk to him for the 8 days he is gone, but we will get updates from the field through the ministry he's going with, so I'll be sure and post them here. Please keep him and the team in prayer - we know God is going to do some amazing things that will change him and those he encounters. We have heard that God is really moving in Africa because often where there is such physical need people tend to rely much more on the great big God we serve - in a way that we just can't comprehend here in America where you can hardly compare American poverty to African poverty. Though we have seen pictures and heard stories, I know seeing it in person will be incredibly impactful.

Other than a date night, a small birthday gathering for a friend, and church on Sunday we spent the weekend relaxing and enjoying each other's company before this time of separation (I don't know how military families do it!). Below are some pictures from the weekend and seeing him off this morning.

Oh, and did I mention how awesome so many of our friends and family have already been to us here on the homefront? We have had so many offers of help, meals and just opportunities to stay busy while Geoff is gone. Y'all are awesome.


You know who we are!


Daddy's girl as she fondly calls herself.


Making (ahem...eating in M&M's case) Valentine's cookies.


Talking and smiling with Daddy.


Sleeping with Daddy.


Frazier and Aunt Lem at Charlotte's birthday party.


Charlotte/Hoppy and Sherry Lee/Geoff enjoying some fine children's literature. :)

Just to See You Smile

Runway Debut

Mary-Michael's post-shower activity - tear up Momma's closet and try on any shoe with a heel! She sure is cute.

Our House Lately

With this unseasonably warm weather we've been doing our best to get outside, and there's no place our baby girl would rather be than running around the yard with the chickens and dogs!


Jumping on the trampoline with Uncle Kam. One of Geoff's clients was getting rid of this, and we were happy to take it off their hands!


Despite the warm weather our son is still dressed like an Eskimo.


Frazier and Momma.


Frazier and Grandma.


Our little country girl on the tractor.


Every night Mary-Michael gets a ride from her Daddy before bed, and if she's lucky, on her way up to bed, too.