(((Sigh)))

 That collective sigh is mine. Another Summer has come to an end. I've had a few meetings peppered here and there in the past couple of weeks, but tomorrow, I hit things full throttle as I begin my first full week of back-to-school. Monday and Tuesday are meeting/inservice/prep days, and then the kids arrive on Wednesday, ready or not! Please pray for the kiddos and teachers this year as they take on more than you can imagine. Thanks.

The summer of 2023 was different, to say the least. I had the opportunity to work a few camps and a fun VBS. I had a great group of kids at Boys & Girls Club. It was also during this past Summer that I felt called to take a mission trip to the Philippines, and it feels as though God is laying everything out for that to happen. It's a nervous excitement as I inch closer to the July 2024 date. On the flip side, I had to say "see you later" to some friends who were promoted to Heaven, one friend in particular who was like a brother to me. I'm thankful that these friends knew Jesus, and are whole on the other side, but there are still some empty, gaping holes that will definitely take time to heal. Grief and loss are difficult emotions, and everyone handles them in different ways. 

 We are 26 days out from the start of the fair. If you're new to the scene, this is the spot to watch for all info concerning the fair, September 8-17. I go every day, and then bring you a daily report of what I saw, and where the deals are. I can tell you where something is located, and when people see me at the fair, they know I can answer their questions. The only difference this year is that I'm not going to eat fair food like I have in the past. That pains me, but I have to save my money for my mission trip. Instead, I'll pick a few food places that I've had in the past, let you know my thoughts on that food, and give it a rating, depending on taste, cost, value, and customer service. 

Here's your first helpful hint: Use cash if at all possible. Some booths are cash-only. Also, think about how many people are using wi-fi at the fair. That makes for slow processing times for cards to be read. I've stood at windows for long periods of time while waiting for someone's card to go through. I use cash when I go, and I've had vendors thank me for using cash. I know that having the plastic can be handy, but at the fair, it might be more of a headache.

I'll be posting several more times during the next few weeks with helpful hints to help make your fair experience less stressful and more enjoyable. Keep it tuned here! Thanks so much for tuning in to read and hear my heart. I pray that God will bless you this week,