Books, ice cream, and packing

Well, it's Tuesday already. This time next week, I'll be in Romania probably not sleeping a wink in anticipation of the shopping trips for Ikea and setting up my apartment.

But before we get to all that, there was and is still a lot to do here in the States before I depart with Ginger and Zach in tow. This past Sunday my Sunday school class spent the morning in fellowship over breakfast at the local Tastee Freeze. And yes, I did have an ice cream sundae for breakfast because my mother wasn't there to scold me and I feel like I might have to start being a grown-up next week.

After ice cream breakfast fellowship and church, I went to Louisa to meet up with my old fifth grade teacher and dear family friend, Maxine Ryan. Ms. Ryan had been collected some well loved but still readable children's books in English for the Ruth School library's English section. After chatting for a bit, we went out for ice cream cones. Those of you who love ice cream as much as I do realize that sundaes and cones are completely different food groups therefore completely acceptable for the same day. Plus, I have never managed to find cookie dough ice cream in Romania so I shouldn't pass up an opportunity to have my fill of it now.

Memorial day is typically a day of family time outside around the grill. The Garton family had family time but it was around suitcases and the scale. My dad took me for a last minute Wal-Mart trip for items like Pam cooking spray, cupcake tins, Cheez-Wiz, chocolate chips and variety of other things that are either not in Romania or easily accessible for me. After this trip, we continued the careful art of packing suitcases.These suitcases are jam packed full of things like my sewing machine, pressure cooker, 5 dozen canning jars, cupcake tins, Pyrex dishes, etc. After about three hours, everything was mostly packed and all bags weigh 48 pounds (50 is the limit). In order to make this weight goal, my mom currently has place settings for four of Corelleware in her carry on. Yes, there are plates in Romania but almost everyone in my family has a set of these dishes and they were on clearance at an outlet at the beach last summer so in the suitcase they go. What will be interesting is seeing Mom pass what we call the BA(British Airways) test which is lifting the bag in to the overhead bin without assistance. I think, Zachary might end up have to be Ginger when comes to that test :)

Commissioning Service at Gordonsville Baptist Church

Yesterday, May 22, was my commissioning service in Gordonsville. This church has been my home my entire life. I have fond memories of being at church at least three nights a week through-out much of grade school. It has always been a place of comfort, love and family. Having my church family pray over me and send me out with their love and support meant more than I can even begin to express.

This service took place two weeks prior to my departure so that I would not be an emotional wreck and be able to enjoy seeing close friends and family for potential the last time before I leave. After the service in which I shared my testimony, the hospitality committee provided a light lunch for all in attendance so that we could fellowship together.

My family that was able to come :)

GBC Hospitality Committee!

Thank you all for your support, attendance and gifts that have served as a way of encouragement as I seek to serve our heavenly Father in Romania.


I had several people asked for my contact information so here it is:

E-mail: Garton.Brittany@gmail.com

Home Address: 129 Jackson Street
                            Gordonsville, Virginia 22942

Church Address: P.O. Box 926
                              Gordonsville, Virginia 22942

Skype Account: Brittany_Garton

Graduation and Packing!

On Saturday, I graduated from Bluefield College. The day was filled with emotions. Excitement. Sadness. Newness. Despite my efforts to not think about it, I told my college days goodbye on Saturday. Yet I refused and still refuse to tell my friends and professors goodbye that I will always hold close in my heart even as I venture across the sea.

We finally made it!

After arriving back in good ole' Gordonsville on Saturday evening, my wonderful parents and I promptly unpacked my college things from our cars. Even though, I thought I had given a lot of stuff away, there was still a ton to unload. For Mother's Day, my mother said she wanted her living room back so I set to work. As of now, I have almost four suitcases packed for Romania and all my college things are semi-unpacked. Mom, it may be a late Mother's Day present :)

My packing crew :)