We have been on deputation for 13 months now. Here is a compilation of some of my favorite lessons learned this deputation:

• Tonight we asked the kids, “where do you think a missionary might live?” One answer from the 4-5 year olds was “the zoo.” Thank you.

• A packed car for a week at camp is like a tube of toothpaste. Once the stuff is out, there is no way you are getting it all back in.

• Even if I keep smiling a fake smile, Crystal knows when we come inches from a car accident on wet highways…mostly because of my screaming.

• Apparently Iowa has no cell reception…anywhere. 

• While people may think your tears mean that you are emotionally moved by your own missions presentation, it is generally best not to get a mosquito in the eye right before you speak.

• A gentleman came up to me yesterday afternoon, smiled, quoted the points of the other speaker at the event, and then said, “I only remember the good ones!” Ummm, thanks?

• When you promise people candy for answering questions correctly during your presentation, some will demand it as their pound of flesh.

• Sometimes it seems like the whole world is out to get you during a meal with church members who wanted to eat with you. At that point, we have to just laugh at the foibles.

• The best way to finish off a missions conference is not by having your toddler throwing up in the middle of the night, and then screaming when you have to give her a shower while your hosts are trying to sleep. I think there are better ways.

• Missionary display tables, specifically bright colored flags draped across it, make excellent napkins for cleaning up chocolate cake.

• You never know who you will meet when you walk down to breakfast in a hotel. Make sure you are fit to converse.

• Toddlers possess the superpower of being able to extract cookies and candy from any grandparent in the room.

• Mondays are bad days to make big decisions.

• It is so refreshing to be in a church that knows you well, and still likes you.

• People want to give to God and his work more than I could have guessed.

• Contentment is not found in circumstances, but in Christ.