Last Friday, the 13th, was anything but unlucky for me.  Sure, it was the last day of my marriage; but there were way too many other positives that day to be sad!

That afternoon, I learned that my daughter, Cambria, has been accepted into Michigan State University!  So proud of her!

That evening, people converged in my kitchen and living room for a wine and cheese fundraiser to help me with my personal mission trip to Pennsylvania.  It was a ton of fun.....we laughed, ate, tasted wine, listened to Jimmy's "Jeff's Cheesy Wine" playlist from his iPod, danced, and laughed some more.

20 or so people, from very diverse backgrounds and circumstances gathered out of love and community; and when all was said and done, $650 was donated.

I'm not sure anyone has ever felt so loved and cared about on the night of their divorce judgement ever!  THANK YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH!   You are family to me, because of your love, not your donations. I am here for you, too.  I love you all very much.

Since it's conception, the trip I have planned to Philadelphia has changed in scope.  Originally, it was a pilgrimage for me, to go and seek the God.

I've since become a believer.

The trip evolved into a quest for knowledge and experience.  They do so many things for others so well over there, that I need to see first hand how they are doing what they do.  Not only see, but participate, give.  Meet the poor and homeless. Make contact and show love and compassion.  A destination has been added: Hot Metal Bridge Church in Pittsburgh.

It turns out that the week of Thanksgiving isn't the best week to go.  We had thought that lots of amazing things would be happening on Thanksgiving day.  There is, but all volunteer opportunities are "filled".  A testament to their ministry, they have more volunteers than they need!

I spoke to Pastor Dave Selleck on Saturday night about my thoughts and hesitations about leaving on Friday the 20th.  I have many people behind me on this now, including those who have given money to support this experience.  To just run over there and do the best I can would not be enough.  I have expectations upon myself, and feel I owe it to those who support me to have the best, most knowledgeble and educational, experience possible.

Dave suggested I join him on a planned mission trip to Hot Metal Bridge in March.  I prayed about it, slept on it, and thought a lot about it, and I think it's the right thing to do.   His plan is a long weekend....Thursday through Sunday.  My plan will be to make the trip to Philadelphia up to a week prior to this, and meet Pastor Dave in Pittsburgh for the Hot Metal Bridge experience.

I hope that this doesn't disappoint anyone.  Please feel free to share your thoughts with me. I have charged Jimmy Epplet with holding on to the donated money until I leave in March.   I'm remain extremely excited for this journey; and look forward to sharing my experiences with you upon return!