My childhood was pretty normal. There were a few things that set me apart from other girls that always made me feel different. While most little girls loved to play with Barbies and read books and teen magazines, I was playing with my collection of dolls from different people groups around the world, and reading stories about missionaries throughout the centuries. My friends were playing Miss PacMan, and I was studying the life of Corrie Ten Boom. I had interests that were very differnt than others, and I am grateful that my parents encouraged this, and did things to help me grow in understanding of Jesus and the people he loves around the world.
I fell in love with Rob when I turned 16, and have been deeper in love with him every day since that day he asked me to be his girlfriend. God had been shaping his heart too, and we knew we were going to be serving in full time ministry somewhere, some day. Rob started working at Granger Community Church in June of 1992, and we got married on March 13, 1993.
Madeline Dawn was born Oct., 1998, Whitney Ruth-April 3, 2000, and Isabelle Joy December 30, 2003. Isabelle had some early delays that changed our world, and our view of parenting, but pretty much our house is filled with lots and lots of fun, joy, and peace.
Rob and I have a passion to take the light of Jesus to the darkest places. Where He leads, we follow. In January of 2011, we released the book Share The Well — stories of church planters on mission for Jesus in Southern India.
Maddie
Whitney
Isabelle
Hi!
I came across your blog, because, with your “India” posts, it was a related link on the bottom of my blog! We’re a non-profit dedicated to working with women in Mumbai’s slums, empowering them through social action and through the sales of beautiful, handmade products they create. You can take a look here: http://www.marketplaceindia.org.
And we’re located in Chicago! Maybe there is some way we could work together, knowing your passions. And here’s our blog:
http://marketplacehandworkofindia.wordpress.com/
I really love your blog – your writing is so beautiful and honest. You really write from the heart. Found my way to this blog via facebook, where I am a friend of your father’s – have heard so much about you through him. I have known your dad since we were small children – we lived next door to each other in Roseland. Know your Uncle Hank and also knew your grandfather and grandmother Lanting as well. Your grandmother Lanting and my mother were lifelong friends – they grew up in the same homes that your dad and I did. Also am friends with Ken and Marge Riley as well. Marge is my lifelong friend . Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog – I look forward to following it!!!
Hi Michelle,
I came across you blog, by using YouVersion Bible reader and looking at what you had wrote. I then went to your website and have been reading your blog.
Just wanted to let you know that I have been enjoying reading your website..
God bless you and your family,
Keith from the UK
Hi Michelle – You and I corresponded some last fall after I wrote about chronic pain for Christianity Today. I told you I had written a longer article that I hoped to submit somewhere. Well, that never happened for many reasons. But just today I posted that longer article on my own blog. I thought you might find it interesting. I’d be interested in knowing what you think. Hope you are well.
Ellen Dollar
Here’s the link:
http://thefivedollars.blogspot.com/2011/02/way-of-pain-part-1-narrative-of-shame.html
Found your blog doing a search for blogs with similar direction as the one I just created. I am not yet a mommy, but pray to be blessed with that role. I was told I can not have babies, but I think God & I have a different agreement than the doctor’s. He he. Anyway, when I do have a child, I know that I will be coming back here for some parenting advice! Until then, I love your writing and ideas. Also, amazing photographs! Are you also a photographer?
Thank you so much! Glad you found it encouraging. I’m not a photographer, just love taking photos!