I have to say that the old saying "There's no place like home" has a very special meaning to me, especially after being overseas for 5 weeks.  My time in Europe was a growing experience in many ways.  Firstly, I put on about 5-7 lbs. because of all the bread I ate -- urgh!  It's coming off though with the help of salads and stairmaster (and playing with my niece and nephews)!!  Hallelujah!  

Anyways, I grew other ways too -- Praise the Lord!  Being far from your familiar surroundings, friends and family brings a deeper appreciation for these same things which we take for granted.  Think about it.... when you become extremely familiar with your surroundings, friends and family, it is easy to just forget to see their beauty or importance in your life.  Well, try being completely removed from them for an extended period of time, and you will certainly discover a new appreciation for them.  

Although I had a wonderful host family, and met many incredible people, I found myself feeling lonely on several occasions.  These were the times that I felt God calling me closer to Him.... to lean on Him for the love and intimate fellowship I was missing.  Indeed I grew closer to Him during this time.

More importantly though, I was given the privilege to share Jesus with hundreds of people from many nations!  This is what I was there for... not for me to feel good, but for me to fulfill the calling God had placed on me.  I had to put all my selfish desires aside to serve Him in the way He desired... He opened the doors, and I walked through.  How could I be so self-absorbed to complain about my moments of loneliness when God had brought me so far and done so much for me?  No, I had to focus on the purpose for my being there and forge ahead with His wings surrounding me.  Serving Him is always a joy, but not always comfortable.  

So I made it back to Phoenix, Arizona safely as scheduled on July 19th only to face an enormous task -- I had 4 days to get packed and out of my house which sold prior to my departure to Europe.  I was very tired and weary, but with God's strength and help from many friends, I was able to succeed.  I went from a 3,000 square foot home to a 12 x 12 bedroom in an apartment in Scottsdale.  Quite a change... and a lot of purging took place.  I chose to sell my home in order to simplify my life and be more available to serve God in whatever way He sees fit.  I now live in a quaint apartment with my brother and his wife and 15 month old, (Travis, Ana Helena, and David).   It is cozy and full of love, so I am really enjoying it (when I'm there).

Just about when I got somewhat settled, it was time to head for the highway again.  This time, my mom flew out from Ohio to Phoenix, and we headed back to Ohio by auto.  Joyful Noise 2000 Christian Arts Festival is Labor Day weekend at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, and since I am participating in it, I wanted to have my vehicle with plenty of time to prepare and visit family and friends... thus, we drove!  

The trip to Ohio took us through Las Vegas where we spent a few days visiting with family and friends... and played a narley game of Laser Tag!  It was a riot... and I might add -- my team won both times!! Hehe.  So after some rollercoaster rides, laser tag, water dancing, and the free-fall ride 950 feet up on top of Stratosphere we headed east!  

You really get to know someone travelling cross-country together.  My mom and I had a blast getting to see much of God's creations.  How awesome He is... that's much of what we kept saying all throughout the trip in Utah and Colorado.... until....

We were traveling through Denver... then we were praying fervently outloud for His help!  We were in the midst of a terrible lightning storm heading on I-70 through Denver where we were experiencing flash floods.  Many vehicles had water halfway up their car doors... I was so glad to be in an SUV that rides higher.  My mom even took a shot of the traffic and captured lightning on film -- AMAZING!!  Were were a bit scared, but with the prayers and faith, we made it through.  Sadly, this same storm swept away a fireman who could not be found for hours... he drowned.  Lord bless His family.

We pulled into Mentor, Ohio (at mom's) on Sunday evening, August 20th and praised God for His care and guidance in our travels.  

The very next day I had a radio interview which gave me opportunity to share what happened in Europe and promote the Joyful Noise 2000 event (www.joyfulnoise2000.com).  It was a great time, and I have a couple more radio spots coming up Tuesday, August 29th (WELW) and again Saturday, September 1 (WHK, 98.1 FM & 1420 AM).  God is good, and I thank Him for Sheila Crawford of Shofar Ministries who has been a great support in this ministry. 

I am now preparing for the Joyful Noise 2000 event where I will have a booth allowing me to share my music and possibly schedule more engagements.  Also, I will be singing on the main stage in the Commercial Building on Sunday, September 3rd.  Your prayers for this event are greatly welcomed and appreciated. 

Until after this event when I share another journal, may you be blessed and encouraged!  Thanks for all your prayers for my safety and God's provisions!  I will be heading back to Phoenix sometime in mid-September.  It is awesome serving Him like this!!!

Oh, I still have some exciting news to share... but since details are not complete, it will have to wait a bit longer.  Sorry for the tease, but it's another awesome God thing guaranteed!!!

For His Glory alone -

Tammy