So, I had the coolest experience of a lifetime Saturday.
A few weeks ago, I heard that my favorite author EVER would be in Clayton, Ga., for a book signing. Living in North Ga. and having to drive half an hour just to get to work, if something is an hour away it’s “close”. I googled it and Rand McNally said “59 minutes”. YES! Practically next door!
I found the little town and the charming bookstore right where I thought it would be… and then my stomach dropped to my toes. For most people, this isn’t a big deal. But this wasn’t about me meeting someone “famous”. I love to read, yes… but even more… I love to write. Being able to meet my favorite author, have him sign my favorite book EVER (When Crickets Cry), in the very town/area the book is based on… was more than just a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
So I walk in and make sure I shut the door to keep the cat in… then, meet Beckster, the dog who also works there. I decide I really like the place and then move over to where the line is formed. A lady in front of me agreed to stick around after her turn and take a picture for me, since I was there alone.
I got to spend about ten minutes talking with him, and it was so neat! And now my favorite book of all time is signed by its author- something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Saturday afternoon was a gift… a reminder to me of a dream I’ve had since I was young. After all, I have a B.A. in English because I wanted to write books in addition to missions. It’s a perfect complement – and Saturday was a reminder to keep dreaming and working towards it!
Yesterday I drove down to the ATL airport and dropped off Connie, Don, and 3 participants with the rest of their team for the Freedom Project trip for Cambodia. In all the two youth groups were able to raise $20,000 for the girls center in Phnom Penh with the Hard Places Community. So cool! It was so neat dropping them off and seeing the culmination of something so good that’s been a year in the making. I can’t wait to hear the stories from the trip!
It’s summer in the office, which is a fun time of year to work at AIM! Besides the amazing weather (yeah, so there’s been a lot of rain, but I don’t remember it ever being this cool in Ga in the summer!), this is what the majority of the programs work for all year. While there are trips throughout the year, summer is traditionally the time when people take time off work for missions trips, students are out of school, youth group trips… etc. Last week, CEO and founder Seth Barnes sent this out in his weekly update to the staff:
This is an exciting time for Adventures. Walking down the hall today, I kept running people who were on their way to lead projects in places like Guatemala and Ireland. Meanwhile, although it’s raining outside, a new round of Ambassadors is coming through for camp. Life around here has the feel of an airport: Project Searchlight just finished, a WR launch is underway, and Passporters and Encounter groups are coming and going.
Every day, there’s another story.
I love that! Every day, there’s another story. What a great way to live – a great Story to live.
I’m getting excited about the India trip coming up, July 31- August 15. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I hugged those precious little ones! We heard a few weeks ago that AH has moved… it’s now in the same village as the team house! This means we won’t have the hour drive each way anymore. While it is so fun to see India during that drive, the thought of being so close to AH makes me even more excited!
Photos/Collage by Connie Rock.
Another great reason for excitement- Victor and Simini, two of the family members who run the orphanage, are expecting their first child the beginning of August. He or she is a miracle baby… and I’m hoping to meet him or her before returning to the States!
I want to leave you with more laughter… so I’m post the below video taken by Ana Kempner in 2011. The pure joy of Tabitha, who is now 5 years old- WOW!- is contagious! But before I go, I did want to update you on a current support need. Right now I need to raise money for the flight, which cost $2000. I have until August 15 to raise it.
To give financially, you can click “Support Me” for an online donation, or send a check to:
Adventures in Missions, INC.
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
Please make all checks out to AIM and write “Kristen Torres-Toro” in the Memo line.
Thank you!
