If it's not in..it's not going!!!

I've decided that whatever is NOT in the suitcase simply isn't going. I keep having to repeat to myself.."Brooke, it's camp!!!" No need to have too many options right?!? This is not going to be a contest for fashion or who has shiny silver accesories! HA! although I will say I do have several pairs of earings packed..shhh don't tell! So I'm a few short hours from departure and feeling calm and confidant.

I have to tell you I'm pretty excited as I will be adding a new airport to the list of airports I've been in. Insert Salt Lake City, Utah. I know it's rather quirky but when you've spent a great part of your life travelling one can't help but keep track of these things. So the adventure begins with adding a new airport & the anticipation of the individuals I will be sitting by and interacting with. All of this creates great anticipation inside of me and I can't help but be excited.

So, farewell Kansas City...Hellow Juneau!

48 hours

The adventure begins in less than 48 hours and there is much to be done. The laundry is done so now I can begin the actual packing. In all my travelling experiences, I have found it best to pack only 1 day in advance...otherwise I end up wearing packed clothes out of my suitcase before I even leave on my trip. Sad but true...
Today I headed over to Cabella's in search of a "reasonably priced" rain jacket...surely a sporting goods store would stock rain jackets this time of year?? I scored a sweet black one for the bargan price of $29.99....I tried one on that was well over $100 so I felt pretty good with my $30 dollar jacket! It's all about a good bargain. Now we'll have to see if it lives up to its waterproof label...stay tuned.
I'll try and update periodically on my trip..this will depend on internet connectivity out at camp..it's rather primitive....after all the road literally ends. I've included a few pictures from last summers Alaska adventure so you know what I'm in for....I CAN'T WAIT!

Girls Night plus One....

Monday night I had 3 of my favorite girls over for dinner. Heather brought the kids up and we had some good "girl time". We watched The Princess and the Frog. After all, what girl doesn't love the notion of being rescued by a prince and falling in love?? While the little girls had already seen the movie they did enjoy watching it. Heather and I put the finishing touches on our Papa Murphy's dinner and then we all sat down to eat together. I have to admit it's kind of nice to have company over so I can have someone else at the table with me. I always eat my meals at the table but it was a nice addition to have 3 people sitting there with me. After dinner we finished the movie and then spent some time coloring our paper doll type craft on the kitching floor. Since I didn't have newspapers to put down I figured the tile floor was the "safest" place for marker to go. I think it's safe the say that the girls had fun.

Heather and I had a few moments to talk so that was fun too. "Buddy" was here with us too. He was fascinated with turning the t.v. off while the girlies were watching their movie so they weren't exactly his biggest fans throughout the evening. :) He kept busy and was all smiles. I'd say...the night was a smashing success!

Little Man....

Pre surgery in 2008...
2 years later...

On Wednesday afternoon I picked up Boi, otherwise known as "little man", and brought him up north to my parents house. We had an afternoon of swimming, playing at the park & eating peanut butter gravy & rice. I couldn't help but look at Boi and notice how big he's gotten, how grown up he acted, and how much English he spoke. In fact, only once during our whole 6 hours together did he speak any Bambara to me. I never get over what a walking miracle he is. As we splashed in the water, laughed and tried to "Surf" on the noodles that we had banded together, which I might add was rather unsucessful, I kept thinking about the drastic difference between his life in Danganbougou and Kansas City.

This kid comes from a village that has no swimming pool...let alone running water, no electricity and certainly no theater, target or park. But because a medical team randomly went to Mali and came across his case, his life was changed forever. It is no coincidence that my family became involved in this case as translators. It was no coicidence that we just happened to speak his language....

No, this friendship that has been born is one that is bigger than our human efforts. It's a God thing. Every time I'm with the Boi I come away so grateful to be able to be used in such a way. Who would've thought that an American girl having spent 18 years in Mali, West Africa would befriend an 8 year old boy in 2008, in the heart of the United States, and be a part of changing his life. I know Boi's life was saved by a team of extraordinary doctors and nurses but my life has also been changed!!!

Family Reunion 2010

Our family reunion started with a quick visit to Grandma Wiens in Anoka, Minnesota. It was so fun to spend the evening with her, laugh and reminisce about our Africa days together. How fortunate was I that my grandma lived in Africa with me??!! While grandma's body is aging and she has slowed down alot, her gentle spirit, kind and serving heart, and bubbly happy self remains intact.


Family reunion was a BLAST! It was so nice to get away from the "mundane", humidity & heat. Bemidji was a beautiful 75 to 80 degrees with low humidity. Cannoeing on the lake each day, tubing, fishing and walking in the forest was refreshing to say the least! Add to beautiful weather, 50+ people that are bound together by family ties and faith... It was memorable.


One of my favorite memories was the night of sharing that we had. Each family took a few minutes (which is tough with a Wiens background) to update the rest of the family on events that have taken place in the past 3 years and how we could pray for each other. It was so evident that our God continues to be faithful in the midst of difficult times. One cousin lost her home in Ventura because of a wild fire, others have children who are struggling with their faith, some lost family members. We take comfort knowing that God hears and listens to our pleas for help as we walk these paths.

The other favorite time was competing in the Wiens Olympics & spending the day at Peter and KaySue's lake house. Both events allowed us to play, be in the sun, build stronger friendships, and laugh. For the record, My dad got Gold in the bean bag toss and I won Silver. Rest assured I will be there with my "gold" game face for 2013!!!!!

I am blessed beyond belief. My heritage is rich. Grandmpa Wiens followed God's call on his life and settled in Northern Minnesota, started Mildred Bible Chapel, and raised his children to be deeply committed followers of Christ. While only a few of my great aunts and uncles remain, their legacy is being carried on through their children and grandchildren. I sat in our Sunday morning family worship time and was deeply moved at what was represented in that room...wealth beyond measure, dedication, perseverance, and deep faith. This is what it means to truly be rich. I pray I will be able to continue my journey with as much grace and intentionality as those who have gone before me and set such an exceptional example.