As I went around to the different exhibits....I noticed a man selling director's batons. I had lost my batons on one of the trips from Germany to the US. One of them had been VERY special to me - my students from Heritage had given it to me and it had been engraved with the reference of 1Timothy 4:12 - which I challenged them with and an acknowledgement that it was from them. Since I lost mine, I have not used one or bought a new one. How do you replace something like that? You know?

   Well....God gave me a new one. As I looked at this booth, I asked the man, if I wanted to buy a baton like the one I had in my hand....how I would describe it to him, in an e-mail in the future. (There was a particular cut to the handle, length, etc.) He said that he could put my name on it and put it on hold for me - asked how long it would be until I'd pay for it. I said that I did not want him to do that and I didn't know how long it would be. He asked what I did...I told him I was a missionary who taught music at Black Forest Academy in Germany. He said....you know....that baton is my contribution to your mission. Tears came to my eyes (and are again as I type this). Thankfully they did not come down my cheek, but....he said, since that is the case, is the one in your hand the one you would pick? I said no, that I hadn't been looking that way. He said...well, you better look again. :) WOW!!!!

   I did pick out a baton. I traded him for a packet of information about BFA, Teach Beyond, etc. and said THANK YOU!!! God gave me a baton through him. Cool!

   I went back by the booth and said thank you again and asked about his faith. He said that he was from Pennsylvania and attended a church there. I told him that I would think of him and his gift every time I used it. He said, may God's love pour out of you as you direct. WOW!!!

   I.....thank you Lord!!! Thank you for loving me through this man and for supplying another baton - something I wanted/needed, but....thank you for that gift. Love, Katie