"Field Posts"

  Wow!  The Philles won the World Series last night.  And yes, I am a Cubs fan.  But  since I grew up in the Philly area, the Phillies have always had a special place in my heart.  I can't help but be a little sad today.  You see, my Dad was a huge Phillies fan.  He would have been so thrilled to see them finally win!  And I am thrilled because it reminds me so much of him. October 19th was the 2-year anniversary of his death and I'm especially missing him right now.  In Junior High, I decided I was going to be a Mets fan (I confess, it was because I had a crush on a boy, and when the crush was over, I was already hooked.  The Mets actually won in the mid to late 80's after all!)  He never once gave me a hard time about it.  In fact, he always made sure we got tickets to see the Phillies/Mets once a summer at the Vet.  I was pretty obnoxious about it too.  If you know anything about Phillies fans, you know th...

We are so excited... we are going to Chicago Nov 11 - 19.  We got our tickets for all 5 of us (4 tickets) round trip for just over $500.  Still expensive, but an unbelievably good price.  We wanted to stay another day or so, but the low prices made that decision for us. Our time will be spent with our personal donors, friends, and potential donors as much as possible.  We will of course be attending The Orchard EFC on Sunday morning. We have so many friends and supporters that we haven't seen in so long.  We can't wait.  I have no idea at this point how we will fit everything in to those 8 days (with 3 kids no less), but we are going to try. Over the next days, we are going to be trying to put some small group gatherings together.  We may also have opportunity to set up some meals with individuals and families as well.  I will also be joining RMI President Dan at an IMPACT Partners night at The Orchard EFC on Tuesday evening the 18th des...

... Wawa and cold weather!  In our area, it is "thank heaven for 7 Eleven".  But, for us Wawa regulars, we know what a professional (aka SJ Red Neck) mini convenience grocery/gas destination is supposed to be like.  Sorry, but 7 Eleven doesn't compare. Last week a friend of ours was in PA.  She brought us back a little piece of home, Wawa Coffee.  She was even late for her plane because of her stop.  Thanks Brandy! So, now I get to drink Wawa coffee in our downright frigid weather.  It has dipped down into frozen tundra temps, it is 59 degrees!  I know, I know, but this is a small reminder of "home". I miss you Wawa .  I miss you fleece. Rob

Becky is working, so I am being full time dad once again.  These days are a joy and a struggle for sure.  Braden has had trouble sleeping today, he is waking up every 5 minutes crying.  So, I thought I would try my iPhone...what a geek, I know. But, it is working!  My iPhone has a free app called "Easy Relax".  Basically, it plays nature sounds.  So, I am playing "Rainy Day", and he is sleeping like a champ.  Woohoo! Rob

We had a great time doing deputation yesterday!  We went to St. Petersburg, FL (2 hours North of us) to visit Stacy, Susan and their son Luke Tappeiner and George and Marge Baulig (Susan's parents).  Stacy and Susan are friends from our days at Linwood Community Church in Linwood, NJ.  Susan is currently on the LCC mission's team.  George was a LCC Trustee when I was there.  Now, George and Marge are living in St. Pete, and Stacy, Susan, and Luke were down visiting.  One of the highlights was taking a look at George's toy...a 44' sail boat.  Drew was in heaven.  So was I! We had such a good time.  Here are some pictures. Rob

I don't really want to ask, but I need to... RMI is immediately in need of 3 laptops.  One for our Hope for Kidz child sponsorship "department" to translate letters and administrate the program. One for a missionary child for schooling. One for our RMI Haitian staff to work on in our Haiti Office to help. I can't begin to describe your return on investment! If you would like to make a donation to cover one or all of these, please contact me immediately. Thank you. Rob

I have just emailed our latest version of the "theSlice".  If you didn't get it, you can see it here . If you would like to subscribe to future editions, click here . Rob

Today, I was working on my computer at Starbucks.  I had Chris Tomlin's latest piped through my head phones, negating the distractions of my fellow patrons.  For whatever reason, my attention was drawn to the title of a novel on the shelf next to me... The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein.  I have not read the book and really have no idea what it is about, but it got me thinking...  It got me praying, right there in Starbucks... Missionaries on the field are always "racing in the rain".  Everyday. You may have heard RMI missionary Billy Moses singing the song he wrote upon arriving on the field, "Everything is Broken"...  Same idea, "racing in the rain".  A perfect metaphor, at least in my mind. Their experience and existence necessitates our prayers.  They are truly on the battlefield, dealing with the stresses of life in a third world context that we in the comforts of our home simply cannot fathom....

I just completed this PowerPoint presentation of some Haiti Flood pictures.  Thought I would share it with you.  Dan is out at Trinity Bible Church in Lafayette Louisiana for their mission's conference.  He will also be doing some focused fund raising.  He will also be sharing this slide show. Rob

Ladies, I couldn't do what you do.  I have always thought that, but today proved it. It was not a good day.  I have had hard days as a parent, but this one was the worst.  Becky worked 2-10 today.  I had a day off of work, so we canceled the sitter that typically watches the kids from 1:30 until I get home from work around 5:30.  This is not the first time I had all 3 by myself. Well, it started like 10 seconds after Becky left.  Tessa started sobbing when she realized that Mommy was pulling out of the drive way.  It was no little cry.  Total inconsolable drama queen.  All while I was feeding Braden of course. Drew was his normal self.  He is a good kid.  Everyone is always telling us how good he is, and I am sure he is.  But, lately, he just can't play with Tessa.  Now, I realize that Tessa is constantly on top of him trying to play with big brother, but come on, he is older and more mature one who should be able t...

what companies are doing these days to make an extra buck?  I think they are hoping we will not notice.  Here is one example: You have to look hard to see it because the picture and wording is kind of small.  On the left is my old box of Arm and Hammer baking soda fridge pack-- it says change every 3 months.  The current one on the right says to change every 30 days.  I can guarantee you the formula for baking soda hasn't changed. Has anyone noticed Pepsi products are now 8 packs and 18 packs instead of 12 and 24 packs?  I don't care for Pepsi at all, but I do like root beer and am not picky about the brand, so I often buy whichever is the best deal.  So I look and see Mug root beer is 3 for $9 and I think, "that's not a bad price" until I pull it off the shelf and realize the pack has shrunk.  An 8 pack looks ridiculous.  I won't be buying that brand... Have any of you noticed this with other products? ~Becky

\ RMI is preparing to periodically send out email updates to the “RMI Family”.  Therefore, earlier today I sent an email out to everyone with an email address in our database. If you did not receive that email, or would like to subscribe with an alternate address or unsubscribe an address, you can do so by clicking here . Linking His Church, Rob