Way to go Dad! WALKER HIGH SCHOOL IS NAMED A BANNER SCHOOL IN ALABAMA
June 26, 2008
June 25, 2008
Day with Ukrainian Orphans
The Rec staff at Dawson has been praying about a service project to do together as a staff for the last few months. Mandy found out about an organization called Reach Orphans with Hope. Reach Orphans with Hope is a non-profit organization established by Valerie Hall, wife of Randy Hall of Student Life. Each summer, Valerie and Randy open up their home to orphans from Ukraine. While they are here, the orphans get dental and medical attention, meet all kinds of people, go on amazing trips, and most importantly, they get to experience unconditional love.
Our rec staff hosted these Ukrainian orphans yesterday (Tuesday). The orphans, translators, and some awesome volunteers met us at the Birmingham Zoo. The kids had a great time. Within 5 minutes, I had fallen in love with them…especially a little 9 year old girl named Vika (pictured above).
After the zoo trip, we came back to the Family Rec Center for lunch prepared by Mandy and Nancey and a few other volunteers. We ate sandwiches (with lots of ketchup) and other goodies. When lunch was over, we watched the movie, Spirit, which was recommended to us by Valerie. Even though there was a language barrier, the kids seemed to really enjoy the movie. I can’t imagine American kids being that still and attentive to a movie. They hardly moved.
After a short nap, we had free time in the gym and then we departed for the Legg’s house for a hamburger and hotdog cookout. We said our goodbyes after dinner. I tried to convince Jaime to hide Vika in the car but she convinced me that I would probably get in trouble. It was an awesome day. I have posted several pictures from the day to my Facebook page. Check ’em out.
The orphans’ schedule and itinerary for their trip to the States can be found here. If you live in the Birmingham area, I would encourage you to check out the itinerary and pay these special kids a visit. The Hall’s have a very cool thing going on with this ministry. My eyes have been opened to the many needs of the orphans in Ukraine. God has placed a burden for them on my heart. I would ask you to pray for them as well.
June 23, 2008
Olympics in Birmingham?
Dream on Larry Langford. Maybe if NASCAR or College Football is added as an Olympic game we’ll have a shot. Who elected this nut anyway? Check out this article on SportsByBrooks.com. Mayor Langford is making our great city the laughing stock of the national media.
June 22, 2008
Lake Trip
Jaime and I just returned from a nice weekend on Lake Mitchell with Caleb and Maria Hopkins. We left Friday after work and came back late Saturday afternoon. It was a great, relaxing weekend filled with good food, good books, Xbox 360, and lots of sun! Maria is also pregnant and due just a few weeks after Jaime. Needless to say, there was a lot of baby talk going on this weekend.
June 20, 2008
June 18, 2008
Carrie Underwood Concert
I went to the Carrie Underwood concert last night at the BJCC. I bought tickets for Jaime and myself but Jaime backed out because of a test that she had to study for. Michael O’Neal bought Jaime’s ticket and went with me. The concert was awesome and we had very good seats! Carrie sounds amazing live. Here is the set list from the concert:
Flat on the Floor
Wasted
Get Out of This Town
The More Boys I Meet
Just a Dream
Jesus Take the Wheel
I Know You Won’t
I Ain’t in Checotah Anymore
I Told You So
Crazy Dreams
Lessons Learned, That’s Where It Is, Young & Beautiful, Some Hearts medely
Last Name
Don’t Forget to Remember Me
Twisted
All-American Girl
So Small
Paradise City by G&R
Before He Cheats
Here is a video that took of Carrie’s concert entrance:
Here is a video that I took of Carrie singing, Just A Dream:
June 14, 2008
The Happening
Last night, Jaime and I went with Caleb and Maria to watch the movie, The Happening. I am a big M. Night Shyamalan fan but I have to say that this movie was a big disappointment. When the movie ended and the credits started rolling, I felt like I had been cheated out of $20.00. Caleb said, “I’m done with him.” It seems that Shyamalan has been reading too many Al Gore books. This review sums up my thoughts on the movie.
Homesick 
