This Spring(?)

                                                                                     Greetings To All:

"In like a lion, and out like a lamb", huh?  March certainly came in somewhat harsh here.  The rain was constant, and groups were coming on the course right from the start.  But, the month finished with a few consecutive days of sun, and some interesting groups.  Also, the month of March in this household could be labeled "the coughing month."  It started with me, and ended with Desi, who, thankfully had the least severe of us all.  Dakota ended up having the worst and longest-lasting cough of us all.  Kathy took her to the doctor twice.  The first time Dakota was diagnosed with a sinus infection and completed the prescribed antibiotic.  However, the cough didn't go away.  So, the second doctor's visit let us know that she had walking pneumonia.  Now she is taking that antibiotic.  She has been such a trooper through it all. 

One of the factors contributing to her cough was mold starting to grow in her room.  Before you panic, know that we are trying to stay on top of it now that we know.  This trailer did have a history of mold, mainly in the addition that is Dakota's room.  Please pray with us that this situation will become better and that our home will become and remain mold-free.
What else have we been up to?  I have been working with groups on the course and doing scheduling in the office.  So far we have worked with a wide variety of groups from girl scouts to employees of a lumber mill a couple of hours from here.  Each group presents different opportunities to share principles of Truth, which we know as Jesus' life and God's goodness and love.  Our team handles the challenges well.  We each have a broad talent that allows us to connect with every group, but we each connect on a deeper level with different groups.  I learn so much on how to connect and relate to middle schoolers and younger while observing Fred interact with them.  Ryan enjoys bringing meaningful and inspiring words to youth groups.  Jeff connects well with the corporate clients.  Me, I feel a deeper bond with the college groups that spend time on our course.  That being said, I want to stress that we all connect on some level with every group we work with.  My point is: we all have groups that we naturally identify with on a more personal level for whatever reason. 
And as I'm writing this I'm reminded of Paul's writing in 1 Corinthians 9: 22, "When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ.  Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some."  Having lived in this world, doing various things in different siutations with diverse people we are all able to relate to the trials and struggles that other people are facing.  As Christians, having overcome one of the biggest struggles in life: finding and receiving true love in Jesus, we can offer that to those who are in need.  Where is the common ground?  The desire to be loved, to love, to be understood, the longing for fulfillment and purpose; that is where the common ground is.  As the Christian has found the source of all those desires,  they can point others in that direction.  And our own personal experiences are what allow us to be effective in relating to others. 
Shifting gears.  . . .  This week we have Kathy's mom and niece visiting us.  Already I think niece Bridget has read half of Dakota's books to her.  And Grandma has probably read the other half to her.  Desi doesn't know what to do with new people except commit random acts of cuteness enticing them to pick her up.  It usually works.  Dakota had fun at a birthday for another base child because they did the flying squirrel.  She is all class in her boots, skirt, jean jacket, and harness.  Kathy has been helping new a couple of new women on staff and volunteering get adjusted to life at YWAM Salem.  We had the privilege of our Indian friend, Chops, cook us an authentic, from absolute scratch Indian meal.  YUMM! At the beginning of March Desi turned 1 year old!  Yes, I'll sound like the average parent because I believe it to be true,"Where does the time go?"
A couple of prayer requests for our life right now are for the mold situation in our place, Dakota to be completely healed from any kind of sickness, and continued grace and wisdom in balancing a leadership positon in a ministry with family time.  We thank you for all of your support in prayer.  We also thank you all for supporting us financially.  That is a blessing for which we are daily thankful.  Well, until next time. . . .
Blessings To You,
Carson, Kathleen, Dakota, Desislava