Ahh... great weekend, though no matter how many extra days there are, I always feel like I need just one more. That's how it goes.

I've been painting all weekend, working on a piece for the Mercy Project Art Auction coming up in a week and a half. I decided it was time to get started! Let me just say, I had forgotten how much I love doing this. I'm working with mixed media collage: various images, textured paper, acrylic, magazine clippings, printed words and phrases, and lots and lots of Mod Podge. That stuff is amazing. I'm always a little anxious while sponging it on, as it looks like it will opaquely cover everything up, but then after some dry time... the amazing-ness is unleashed. I've mentioned this before, but I love, love, love the fact that I get to use my talents and skills to (hopefully) change the world for better. I know that's a bold statement to make, but in a way, it's sorta true. I hope someone will connect with this piece (as well as the other paintings) at the auction, that their heart would be touched and that they would be moved to help the sweet kids in Ghana. Not that they would just make a purchase to help the cause, but that they would hang it in their home and tell everyone who walks through the door about Ebenezer, Abraham, Tomas, and the other 7,000. What a blessing to be apart of that in such a small way!

Here's a little preview. This is just getting started, laying the ground work...


...and this is about halfway through.


...a few close-ups...




Check back to see the finished product!

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This week's verse:
... and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that man would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
Acts 17:26-27

Matt talked about this verse in one of his sermons a few weeks ago, and it really stuck with me. He made the point that God has placed us where we are, in the time we are in, and who we are with for a reason. I don't think that means that God dictates our every move, but it does make me more aware of my surroundings. It makes me 'live in the moment' more and 'wish for a different future' less. It's a good reminder to me this week to take every opportunity to herald the Truth to those I encounter. To be patient, gracious, and invested. To seek God where I'm at, right now.

In light of this week's crazy rain/wind/tornado/hail storm, I think this is an appropriate occasion to recount...

Pecos Wilderness. Nice relaxing trail ride in the mountains. Crazy storm. Awesome yellow rain slickers. Eating peanut butter crackers under a tree to 'wait it out'. Deciding to get out of the lightning instead. Slipping and sliding downhill on a muddy trail to get back to the truck. Fearing for my life (sorta). Cooking dinner inside the horse trailer. Epic.


Here's to a nice SUNNY holiday weekend!

Is it possible that I have been remiss in posting about the one thing that is currently consuming life? Well, I have. Blog audience, meet "An Evening of Artistry" (click to see large and then again to zoom):


If you're not in the BCS area, you're going to want to be on June 9th. Mercy Project is hosting a fabulous art benefit for the sweet kids in Ghana. This is the first time we've held a 'formal night out' (as opposed to athletic endeavors, etc.), and we are super excited to try catering to a different crowd. I've lined up several top-notch artists who are graciously donating a piece of work for the evening and am so excited to see everything come together. It's fun to put a lot of time and effort into something that you are passionate about and love. It's off-the-charts enjoyable when you can combine that with your personal skills and talents... though the jury is still out on that one! Nonetheless... art + fine dining + awesome venue + good company + talented people + precious children = don't miss it!*

*No artistic inclination, aptitude, or large bags of money needed (though that would be appreciated...!); $50 and a heart to learn more about our work is Ghana will get you in the door. You can register here!

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We also rolled out a new MP t-shirt design this week. Pre-orders will be taken for just a few more days, so comment or email me if you're interested. $20 each, $35 for 2, $45 for 3... in your choice of beige or black... all proceeds will go towards our group trip to Ghana in late June, when the first economic development project will commence. Woohoo!

Yet another Nickson family adventure... this time in Glen Rose, Texas, home to Dinosaur Valley State Park and lots of dino tracks. Did a little 'camping', trekked around the park, enjoyed a picnic, and ended our time with naps and a rain storm.

Well friends, it's been quite a week here, and not the easiest by any stretch of the imagination. But, here it is Friday and there is much to be grateful for. It's time to pack the tent and sleeping bag and get out of the city for a bit. The fam is headed to Glen Rose (which I'm assured is fantastic), where we will introduce camping to my two favorite kiddoes, search for dinosaur tracks, and no doubt find some adventure. Luckily, it's only an hour and a half drive for me; I feel like I've already put in my driving hour quota for the week in Dallas traffic.

How did I learn to navigate so well? Rocky Mountain roads...



Cue John Denver.

Sunday: dropped off at Awoujakope for church. Worshipped with some beautiful people and hung out with some sweet children.









Got stranded on the island for 4 hours after church, waiting for our boat; felt like a scene out of Lost.
Called home to wish our Moms a Happy Mother's Day... while sitting in plastic chairs on the 'beach'.
Watched a wrestling match; the kid in the Obama underwear clearly earned the top spot.



Late start leaving Yeji, but survived a 7 hour trek (this time by car) back down to Accra.
Air conditioned room at the Acacia Lodge. Small taste of heaven.
Monday: Best. Breakfast. Ever. Scrambled eggs and toast.
Spent the day at various places in Accra. Started the evening with a celebratory dinner of steak, potatoes, bread, and dessert at a French restaurant... ended the evening at the Accra airport, followed by a 10-hour flight back to the States.
Parted way with the boys in DC.
Tuesday: Home. Ate ice cream, turned off the AC to keep from getting cold, and counted days until the next trip.

Lots of pics...

Friday: spent the morning out on the lake meeting trafficked children.







Collected footprints for a canvas to be auctioned at our upcoming MP Art Auction.



Sweet Ebenezer.



Clint, our friend Gabriel, and I hopped in a taxi to Atebubu. Jammed out to "I Shot the Sheriff".
Went to the local hospital for 'black market' Amoxycillian, found an internet cafe, and toured a previously used shelter for rescued kids.


Saturday: joined up with some folks from another anti-trafficking organization.
Headed back to Beta Pu. Made it 2 minutes out from Yeji and spent a few hours trying to get the boat motor to work. No Beta Pu; whale watching instead.
Cruised 'Main Street' in Yeji and picked up some questionable packaged cookies for the next day and a Star Beer...