We are still keeping busy, checking in with supporters- enjoying fellowship with them, growing our relationship with them and eating withb them...lots of desserts! We are not used to eating dessert, so it has been great in some respects and not so great in otheres...like the waistline! Audrey must be growing used to eating dessert so much so that last night we were at dinner and she kept asking "Is there gonna be dessert?" or "Mom, when is the dessert?" or "Mom, where is the dessert?" She was finally appeased when the angel food cake and mounds of strawberries came out! :)
All of the kids are getting a little tired of going from place to place, although they do love people and seeing old friends again. But we've had many late nights. So, you can pray for them, as they struggle in this way. We have grown accustomed to getting to bed super late, and then they sleep in super late. Which is ok, sincce they need their sleep, but it will be a tough adjustment I'm afraid back to reality once we get back to CR!
If you could please continue to pray for Ethan, as he is still having nightmares.
Please pray that we will not grow tired or discouraged as we continue on with the message God has given us to share with supporters and new churches of the importance of discipleship.
We thank God for the ways he is allowing us to grow deeper relationships with our church family and supporters here in Frankfort. This has been a wonderful time of learning more about each other.
You can pray for us as we travel to Ohio this weekend to visit with a new chruch there. Pray for our travel and then for our time spent with family on Memorial Day at the Creation Museum.
I'll try to get more pictures up soon!
Just a glimpse into our lives following JESUS as He leads us to serve Him in the nations. Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Home
I've written before about the struggle we face with this word. I've been open about the meaning of this word, how we struggle with it's definition. How in our lives, home has many meanings, each one with its own significance and meaning. Every time we are "home" in Frankfort, we are away from our "home" in Costa Rica. For most of the year, as we live our lives in our Costa Rican "home," we feel the longing for those who are back "home" in Frankfort.
And always, because of the Hope we have in Christ, a part of us always longs for our Home in eternity with Jesus in heaven.
Webster's defines 'home' as
1 a : one's place of residence : domicile b : house
2 : the social unit formed by a family living together
3 a : a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment; also : the focus of one's domestic attention b : habitat
4 a : a place of origin; also : one's own country b : headquarters 2
5 : an establishment providing residence and care for people with special needs
6 : the objective in various games; especially : home plate
— at home 1 : relaxed and comfortable : at ease
2 : in harmony with the surroundings
3 : on familiar ground : knowledgeable
So many of these are true for me for the many places that I long for: Costa Rica and Frankfort, and especially heaven.
Right now, our home, or our place of residence- our house- is a two story home with blue siding here in town. And a small concrete block home awaits us in Costa Rica.
Our family unit is together and in tact, the five of us, with all praise be to God. Thus wherever we go, we are always at home.
This past Sunday, we spent time with our good friends, Tim and Sue Wolfe, at their home, which was our temporary home while we were on furlough last summer. When I walked into the house Sunday afternoon I told Sue it sure was good to be home! It felt like I was back at home. And she said it felt like we were too. Their home is a place of comfort to our family because of its familiarity.
We visited with so many friends during our two weeks of travel and were guests in homes for the first time on many occasions. But each time, it is amazing how 'at home' we felt. We felt at home because our hosts were relaxed and comfortable with us being there and therefore we too felt relaxed and comfortable.
The definition that strikes me the most is that of "place of origin." Indiana is our (Brooke and Matt) place of origin. Our homeland. But God chose to move us to a land where we are aliens. In his mercy, we have become comfortable and relaxed their and have made our home there.
We've been in the states just about three weeks now. We have been loved on and blessed and are enjoying our time here. We cannot mistake the gift we've been given of time with our families. But just last night, Ethan told me in the quiet before bedtime, that he is ready to go home (Costa Rica). He just wants normal back. He wants to be in his place of origin, which amazingly, I discovered last night, is Costa Rica. Our kids, being who they are, missionaries themselves, are growing up in a culture not their own , yet learning to love it and live in it and are making it their own, as best they can. As they grow, I wonder...Will they grow less and less comfortable here (the States), as we have? Will they begin to look at things differently, as we do?
Today though, I also ponder our eternal home. As someone who understands that this worldly home (all of them, in our case) is not it. Our eternal home is heaven. The unsettled feeling that resides in my heart is knowing that all of this time on this earth is not really what it is all about. And so therefore, I live each and every day, homesick, for my true Home.
I asked for prayer for our church family in my last post. Today, I'd like to share with you a post from my friend, Mike Druley. He is battling cancer for the second time in his life. I have asked for prayer for him and his wife Sharon and their families before.
You may remember from previous posts that I despise this disease cancer. I want to be angry and yell and scream at God for this disease. And I have, truth be told, done all of those things in the past. But I know and understand that disease and death and all the things that makes us ask why are all a result of of man's sinful nature and the fallen world. God cries and mourns just as I do. His heart is broken when he looks at Mike and the suffering he endures. But God knows, and is far more wise than I, and understands the glory Mike's life has brought to Him, and the glory that Mike's battle with this disease is bringing to Him (God).
I want to, in the selfish desire of my flesh, be angry that this pillar of a man who has faithfully prayed for my family for years and faithfully written us each month since we came on the field, has been told that this time, the battle is merely about time and quality of life. Tears sting my eyes to think of life without him. Without those big bear hugs he is famous for.
But I can't bring myself to be that way. That attitude is actually the farthest thing from my heart today. The tears are there for sure, but I know that Mike longs to be with Jesus. I know that his heart is homesick for His Savior. I rejoice in His life here. It is not over yet. Praise be to God. But when that day comes, and He kneels at the feet of the Lord, oh the rejoicing that will be going on!
That is what fills my heart today, in the midst of tears, is the faithful promise of the hope that lies in Christ. The ability to rejoice amidst suffering only comes to one who understands the peace that comes from a relationship with Christ.
You can find Mike's latest post from his Caring Bridge site below.
As you read it, I urge you to consider your life today. Do you have peace in your life? Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Do you know who Jesus is?
If you'd like to know more, leave me a comment and I'll talk with you more.
Mike Druey's latest Caring Bridge update:
Sharon and I have spent the better part of the past six hours in infusing my second round of chemotherapy at Lafayette Cancer Center. We feel so privileged to have Dr. Ajita Narayan as our oncologist with so many competent support staff hugs all around! My kind of place!). We are being blessed by their positive attitudes and professional knowledge and skills. Today I learned that in addition to having cancer in my colon, liver, lymph nodes and a small area in my lung that the PET scan also showed some cancer in my bones. However, this will not change the chemotherapy regiment which I shall be receiving. The biggest change for us is that nine years ago, we knew that we were seeking a cure for my Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which was achieved, but in this newest cancer, we are seeking time and quality of life.
This morning as i was listening to our audio Bible which Sharon so kindly loaded into my IPod, I listened intently to the 23rd Psalm, one which so many of us have heard so often and memorized as children, David says "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil for Thou are with me." And this is how WE feel. Sharon and I have been falsely accused of being strong and courageous as we walk this journey. Nothing could be further from the truth. If there appear any signs of strength, it is due to our being lifted up daily by the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and further supported by the faithful prayers of so many of you warriors. The peace and even joy which has entered our lives is a testament to your faithfulness. Furthermore, we have the encouragement and prayers of our five wonderful children and three beautiful granddaughters who have already sacrificed their time, personal activities and money to be here with and for us. This sums up the fact that we are blessed beyond our wildest dreams. God is so good.
Sharon and I are indeed fighters, and we have great hope as we look down the road. I am personally so blessed to have Sharon by my side to lift me up with love and devotion which has been true for almost 43 years. She does believe, however, that after twelve surgeries and two bouts with cancer that she may deserve an honorary RN degree. I would heartily recommend that.
Part of life is viewing our futures in a realistic manner. In my case, the average individual who has my type of cancers with my chemotherapy regiment lives an average of two years. That means some live longer and some live shorter, but to Sharon and me, our desire is not to count days, rather to live each day with Joy of knowing Christ as a personal friend. We have had some wonderful discussions, not only between the two of us but also with our children. We know that God is good, all the time even when we do not understand His plan. All we do know is that His plan is perfect.
So, as it says in one of our favorite songs, "...we press on knowing the prize is right before our eyes." We are both okay and have felt such an incredible peace just as we did nine years ago.
Our hearts continue to grieve for the family of Donn Walling, such a Christian man who in a few short years impacted my life in a positive way. Please join me in lifting this family up to our Heavenly Father.
And, so we do press on with great hope and assurance, with a desire to be more disciplined witnesses and prepared to stand in the gap just as Christ has done for each of us.
As for prayers, I would ask for physical strength as I am so weak and I yearn to play nine holes again with Marshall to show off my skills - as if I have any! And, I would pray for a lessening in the amount and severity of mouth sores. I would ask diligent prayers for Sharon as she carries the load of community volunteer, wife, mother and caregiver. It is still a mystery to me why she said yes so many years ago. God knew I needed a rock. Please pray for our children; Jeff, Heather, Brian, Becky and Kristen and for our three beautiful precious granddaughters, Katie, Meghan and Elizabeth. And, finally please pray that God will use Sharon and me as He continues to open doors of opportunity for Christian service.
I do wish each of you could feel the peace and strength afforded us through your offers of support and prayers. It is truly amazing as we could never get through this alone.
Our prayer is that God may bless each of you as only He can do, that you might not only feel His Peace, Grace and Love but also sense His presence in every step of every day.
May God bless you all in a mighty way.
Mike (for Sharon too)
Please continue to pray for our friends.
And always, because of the Hope we have in Christ, a part of us always longs for our Home in eternity with Jesus in heaven.
Webster's defines 'home' as
1 a : one's place of residence : domicile b : house
2 : the social unit formed by a family living together
3 a : a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment; also : the focus of one's domestic attention
4 a : a place of origin
5 : an establishment providing residence and care for people with special needs
6 : the objective in various games; especially : home plate
— at home 1 : relaxed and comfortable : at ease
2 : in harmony with the surroundings
3 : on familiar ground : knowledgeable
So many of these are true for me for the many places that I long for: Costa Rica and Frankfort, and especially heaven.
Right now, our home, or our place of residence- our house- is a two story home with blue siding here in town. And a small concrete block home awaits us in Costa Rica.
Our family unit is together and in tact, the five of us, with all praise be to God. Thus wherever we go, we are always at home.
This past Sunday, we spent time with our good friends, Tim and Sue Wolfe, at their home, which was our temporary home while we were on furlough last summer. When I walked into the house Sunday afternoon I told Sue it sure was good to be home! It felt like I was back at home. And she said it felt like we were too. Their home is a place of comfort to our family because of its familiarity.
We visited with so many friends during our two weeks of travel and were guests in homes for the first time on many occasions. But each time, it is amazing how 'at home' we felt. We felt at home because our hosts were relaxed and comfortable with us being there and therefore we too felt relaxed and comfortable.
The definition that strikes me the most is that of "place of origin." Indiana is our (Brooke and Matt) place of origin. Our homeland. But God chose to move us to a land where we are aliens. In his mercy, we have become comfortable and relaxed their and have made our home there.
We've been in the states just about three weeks now. We have been loved on and blessed and are enjoying our time here. We cannot mistake the gift we've been given of time with our families. But just last night, Ethan told me in the quiet before bedtime, that he is ready to go home (Costa Rica). He just wants normal back. He wants to be in his place of origin, which amazingly, I discovered last night, is Costa Rica. Our kids, being who they are, missionaries themselves, are growing up in a culture not their own , yet learning to love it and live in it and are making it their own, as best they can. As they grow, I wonder...Will they grow less and less comfortable here (the States), as we have? Will they begin to look at things differently, as we do?
Today though, I also ponder our eternal home. As someone who understands that this worldly home (all of them, in our case) is not it. Our eternal home is heaven. The unsettled feeling that resides in my heart is knowing that all of this time on this earth is not really what it is all about. And so therefore, I live each and every day, homesick, for my true Home.
I asked for prayer for our church family in my last post. Today, I'd like to share with you a post from my friend, Mike Druley. He is battling cancer for the second time in his life. I have asked for prayer for him and his wife Sharon and their families before.
You may remember from previous posts that I despise this disease cancer. I want to be angry and yell and scream at God for this disease. And I have, truth be told, done all of those things in the past. But I know and understand that disease and death and all the things that makes us ask why are all a result of of man's sinful nature and the fallen world. God cries and mourns just as I do. His heart is broken when he looks at Mike and the suffering he endures. But God knows, and is far more wise than I, and understands the glory Mike's life has brought to Him, and the glory that Mike's battle with this disease is bringing to Him (God).
I want to, in the selfish desire of my flesh, be angry that this pillar of a man who has faithfully prayed for my family for years and faithfully written us each month since we came on the field, has been told that this time, the battle is merely about time and quality of life. Tears sting my eyes to think of life without him. Without those big bear hugs he is famous for.
But I can't bring myself to be that way. That attitude is actually the farthest thing from my heart today. The tears are there for sure, but I know that Mike longs to be with Jesus. I know that his heart is homesick for His Savior. I rejoice in His life here. It is not over yet. Praise be to God. But when that day comes, and He kneels at the feet of the Lord, oh the rejoicing that will be going on!
That is what fills my heart today, in the midst of tears, is the faithful promise of the hope that lies in Christ. The ability to rejoice amidst suffering only comes to one who understands the peace that comes from a relationship with Christ.
You can find Mike's latest post from his Caring Bridge site below.
As you read it, I urge you to consider your life today. Do you have peace in your life? Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Do you know who Jesus is?
If you'd like to know more, leave me a comment and I'll talk with you more.
Mike Druey's latest Caring Bridge update:
Sharon and I have spent the better part of the past six hours in infusing my second round of chemotherapy at Lafayette Cancer Center. We feel so privileged to have Dr. Ajita Narayan as our oncologist with so many competent support staff hugs all around! My kind of place!). We are being blessed by their positive attitudes and professional knowledge and skills. Today I learned that in addition to having cancer in my colon, liver, lymph nodes and a small area in my lung that the PET scan also showed some cancer in my bones. However, this will not change the chemotherapy regiment which I shall be receiving. The biggest change for us is that nine years ago, we knew that we were seeking a cure for my Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which was achieved, but in this newest cancer, we are seeking time and quality of life.
This morning as i was listening to our audio Bible which Sharon so kindly loaded into my IPod, I listened intently to the 23rd Psalm, one which so many of us have heard so often and memorized as children, David says "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil for Thou are with me." And this is how WE feel. Sharon and I have been falsely accused of being strong and courageous as we walk this journey. Nothing could be further from the truth. If there appear any signs of strength, it is due to our being lifted up daily by the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and further supported by the faithful prayers of so many of you warriors. The peace and even joy which has entered our lives is a testament to your faithfulness. Furthermore, we have the encouragement and prayers of our five wonderful children and three beautiful granddaughters who have already sacrificed their time, personal activities and money to be here with and for us. This sums up the fact that we are blessed beyond our wildest dreams. God is so good.
Sharon and I are indeed fighters, and we have great hope as we look down the road. I am personally so blessed to have Sharon by my side to lift me up with love and devotion which has been true for almost 43 years. She does believe, however, that after twelve surgeries and two bouts with cancer that she may deserve an honorary RN degree. I would heartily recommend that.
Part of life is viewing our futures in a realistic manner. In my case, the average individual who has my type of cancers with my chemotherapy regiment lives an average of two years. That means some live longer and some live shorter, but to Sharon and me, our desire is not to count days, rather to live each day with Joy of knowing Christ as a personal friend. We have had some wonderful discussions, not only between the two of us but also with our children. We know that God is good, all the time even when we do not understand His plan. All we do know is that His plan is perfect.
So, as it says in one of our favorite songs, "...we press on knowing the prize is right before our eyes." We are both okay and have felt such an incredible peace just as we did nine years ago.
Our hearts continue to grieve for the family of Donn Walling, such a Christian man who in a few short years impacted my life in a positive way. Please join me in lifting this family up to our Heavenly Father.
And, so we do press on with great hope and assurance, with a desire to be more disciplined witnesses and prepared to stand in the gap just as Christ has done for each of us.
As for prayers, I would ask for physical strength as I am so weak and I yearn to play nine holes again with Marshall to show off my skills - as if I have any! And, I would pray for a lessening in the amount and severity of mouth sores. I would ask diligent prayers for Sharon as she carries the load of community volunteer, wife, mother and caregiver. It is still a mystery to me why she said yes so many years ago. God knew I needed a rock. Please pray for our children; Jeff, Heather, Brian, Becky and Kristen and for our three beautiful precious granddaughters, Katie, Meghan and Elizabeth. And, finally please pray that God will use Sharon and me as He continues to open doors of opportunity for Christian service.
I do wish each of you could feel the peace and strength afforded us through your offers of support and prayers. It is truly amazing as we could never get through this alone.
Our prayer is that God may bless each of you as only He can do, that you might not only feel His Peace, Grace and Love but also sense His presence in every step of every day.
May God bless you all in a mighty way.
Mike (for Sharon too)
Please continue to pray for our friends.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Still here...
Just a quick update to let you know we are still here in Frankfort, but just not able to get on the internet every day. The home we are staying in is not equipped with internet, but the library is close. We just have to remember to come and check things out! :)
We'd like to ask you to pray specifically for several things this week:
Please pray for our church family, First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Frankfort, as many members are suffering with sickness, death and terminal disease or illness. Pray that God will be glorified through their suffering and that they will reflect His glory. Pray that they will seek His face in the midst of the trial and pain.
Please pray for Ethan. He had been suffering from terrible nightmares during the past week. The past several nights however, he has slept peacefully and without nightmares. But, the fear of them returning is still present and he will not sleep alone. For all who know him well, you understand this is highly unlike him. Please pray for him. Matt and I believe it to be a direct attack from the enemy and prayed against it, against the enemy himself, and for protection over the house and our family and we would appreciate your prayers in this way as well.
Please pray for continued strength to share the message God has placed on our hearts to share with supporters and churches. It is a strong message of the importance of discipleship and our passion to make disciples.
Please pray for the two churches, First Baptist Church and Calvary Chapel church, both in Viallreal, Costa Rica. Although we are far away, our hearts are still connected. We have three weeks left in our time in the states, but our hearts we miss our home. Please pray for our the body of Christ in Villareal, Costa Rica.
Praise God for his continued blessing on our lives. Praise Him for wonderful time with family, our church and friends and supporters. Praise Him for the wonderful blessing of being in the states.
We'd like to ask you to pray specifically for several things this week:
Please pray for our church family, First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Frankfort, as many members are suffering with sickness, death and terminal disease or illness. Pray that God will be glorified through their suffering and that they will reflect His glory. Pray that they will seek His face in the midst of the trial and pain.
Please pray for Ethan. He had been suffering from terrible nightmares during the past week. The past several nights however, he has slept peacefully and without nightmares. But, the fear of them returning is still present and he will not sleep alone. For all who know him well, you understand this is highly unlike him. Please pray for him. Matt and I believe it to be a direct attack from the enemy and prayed against it, against the enemy himself, and for protection over the house and our family and we would appreciate your prayers in this way as well.
Please pray for continued strength to share the message God has placed on our hearts to share with supporters and churches. It is a strong message of the importance of discipleship and our passion to make disciples.
Please pray for the two churches, First Baptist Church and Calvary Chapel church, both in Viallreal, Costa Rica. Although we are far away, our hearts are still connected. We have three weeks left in our time in the states, but our hearts we miss our home. Please pray for our the body of Christ in Villareal, Costa Rica.
Praise God for his continued blessing on our lives. Praise Him for wonderful time with family, our church and friends and supporters. Praise Him for the wonderful blessing of being in the states.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Much anticipated pictures (Costa Rica to Mississippi)
We stopped to stretch our legs and let off some steam on our way to San Jose on April 22, before our flight left on the 23rd. This was a fun little place for the kids.
Orlando Airport- welcome from Mickey!!! :)
McLain's Steakhouse on the way to Pensacola
Ethan speaking at East Hill Christian School, Mrs. Dyster's 6th grade class
Brooke and Janene
Brooke and Janene and the kids
McClain's on the beach, Pensacola, FL
Beautiful sunset on the way to Biloxi, Mississippi
Izzy reeling in a sting ray while fishing in a bay of the Gulf of Mexico!
Catch of the day- Izzy's stingray
My catch
Bill and Becky Lee and the kids
The Lee's and the McClain's
CHICK-FIL-A (First tiime in three years!!!)
Orlando Airport- welcome from Mickey!!! :)
McLain's Steakhouse on the way to Pensacola
Ethan speaking at East Hill Christian School, Mrs. Dyster's 6th grade class
Brooke and Janene
Brooke and Janene and the kids
McClain's on the beach, Pensacola, FL
Beautiful sunset on the way to Biloxi, Mississippi
Izzy reeling in a sting ray while fishing in a bay of the Gulf of Mexico!
Catch of the day- Izzy's stingray
My catch
Bill and Becky Lee and the kids
The Lee's and the McClain's
CHICK-FIL-A (First tiime in three years!!!)
Sunday, May 9, 2010
This is the day...
Ten years ago today, my baby boy was born. Our first child, a perfect little boy; so sweet, so perfect.
Today, he turns 10 years old.
The years have flown by. I look at him today and wonder where they have gone.
I remember his first days, his first smiles, his laugh, his carefree attitude about life. I look at him now in wonder at this little man God gave to us.
I remember our first Mother's Day that year he was born. And today, we celebrate both Mother's Day and Ethan's birthday.
What a gift today is.
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
A wonderful visit this morning Rossville Presbyterian church family, seeing old familiar faces, receiving hugs, prayers and the love of Christ. Being in church with old friends and my mom.
Lunch at my favorite Frankfort restaurant, El Jaripeo, and a wonderful encounter with several, faithful prayer partners and church family members.
Back to our "home sweet home" for the nest month, a wonderful blessing given to us by wonderful friends.
Preparing for the birthday party, making the cake, talking with my mom and mother-in-law, brother, and niece. Finding out special things I thought were long gone, long ago lost, were actually right where they were when I left them...happy smiles!
Then a fantastic visit with an old friend from way back.
Sweet family time...singing Happy Birthday...eating cake and ice cream...
Now, absolute quiet as I recap the day.
Thank you Jesus for a sweet, sweet day. Thank you for a family that loves well, laughs often, and lives life for You.
Today, he turns 10 years old.
The years have flown by. I look at him today and wonder where they have gone.
I remember his first days, his first smiles, his laugh, his carefree attitude about life. I look at him now in wonder at this little man God gave to us.
I remember our first Mother's Day that year he was born. And today, we celebrate both Mother's Day and Ethan's birthday.
What a gift today is.
This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
A wonderful visit this morning Rossville Presbyterian church family, seeing old familiar faces, receiving hugs, prayers and the love of Christ. Being in church with old friends and my mom.
Lunch at my favorite Frankfort restaurant, El Jaripeo, and a wonderful encounter with several, faithful prayer partners and church family members.
Back to our "home sweet home" for the nest month, a wonderful blessing given to us by wonderful friends.
Preparing for the birthday party, making the cake, talking with my mom and mother-in-law, brother, and niece. Finding out special things I thought were long gone, long ago lost, were actually right where they were when I left them...happy smiles!
Then a fantastic visit with an old friend from way back.
Sweet family time...singing Happy Birthday...eating cake and ice cream...
Now, absolute quiet as I recap the day.
Thank you Jesus for a sweet, sweet day. Thank you for a family that loves well, laughs often, and lives life for You.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
1200 miles...
Well, i must first apologize for letting so many days pass by without blogging...I've thought so much about getting on here, but time is clicking by with the miles on the speedometer. Lat I looked, we'd racked up 1200 miles, and we're still going! :)
Thursday, April 22 we left Villareal and drove to San Francisco de dos Rios, a suburb of San Jose and spent the night with our friends from Language school, Bob and B. Friday morning about 9:30, Mark and Meg came and picked us up for the airport and drove us there. It was so nice to have that hour with them in the car...you have to take what little you can get! :)
We got to the airport early and got checked in and all that and waited for our 1:00 pm flight. Boarded the plane, waited patiently for all the procedures of readying the plane...only to have the captain come on and say there was a computer problem...
Three hours later the computer finally was replaced, and we were ready to take off. Yep, we sat for three hours just off of the runway on the plane...great start to the trip...but it was not all bad. We met a mother and son from Germany and were able to get to know them and witness to them...God is good!
Due to the delay, we arrived in Orlando much later than expected and therefore did not set out on our trip to Pensacola as planned. We were pulling into a Waffle House to eat supper at midnight Friday night, and getting into bed about 1:30 am Saturday morning. We slept in Saturday, enjoyed the yummy breakfast at the Best Western (The Best Western at Orlando is AWESOME by the way if you are ever that way!) and then took off for Pensacola. We finally made it to Pensacola about 8:00 PM Saturday night. We missed lunch of arroz con pollo with Cristina and her family, and were so bummed about that not to mention the day of fellowship with Janene and David, but God knew. There had been a huge storm and tornado that went through that area and had we been on our "schedule" we'd of hit the storm area just as the worst of it was passing through. God knew.
Sunday we spent a wonderful day in God's house at Olive Baptist church in Pensacola. We love you, Olive Baptist and the Route 66 class!!! We also were able to worship in Spanish with Luz para las Naciones church, a Spanish church plant of Olive. God is faithful and HE provides! We so enjoyed our time with los hermanos of this church! We were able to connect with some awesome people in service at Olive- thank you for your encouragement and hospitality!!!
Monday we had the awesome privilege to speak to the great kids at East Hill Christian School. Those kids blew us away- it was awesome opportunity and we thank God for allowing us to be there.
Thank you so much, Janene and David for everything! We love you both!!!
We enjoyed a quick stop at the beach- just enough to feel the sand and stick our toes in...before we took off for Biloxi...we hated to say goodbye to our friends, Janene and David and their little dog Lucky, but we were excited to see the Lee's in Mississippi. We enjoyed a nice couple of days with them and getting caught up on life in Biloxi. We went fishing in a bay of the Gulf of Mexico and Isabelle caught a sting ray right off the bat!
We were blessed to visit Thomasville, GA next...thank you David and Latrelle for fixin' us up real nice! (I've learned that it only takes bout a week a living in the south til ya'll starta talk like ya live there...) We LOVE Conehaven and hope to visit there again soon! Thomasville First Baptist and Pastor Dan- you are awesome!!! We had a great time meeting so many of the fine folks in Thomasville Saturday night and enjoyed the fellowship and encouragement! THANK YOU!!!
Now we are enjoying catching up with good friends that live just a little north in GA. We are praying for good weather and safety as we travel. There have been many thunderstorms recently and flash flooding. Please pray for safety and wisdom as we travel. We've cancelled plans to travel into the city tomorrow because of the weather.
We thank God for this time as a family and to meet new families, and visit with new churches and to catch up with supporters and friends. God PROVIDES!!! :)
Pictures to come...sometime soon! :)
Thursday, April 22 we left Villareal and drove to San Francisco de dos Rios, a suburb of San Jose and spent the night with our friends from Language school, Bob and B. Friday morning about 9:30, Mark and Meg came and picked us up for the airport and drove us there. It was so nice to have that hour with them in the car...you have to take what little you can get! :)
We got to the airport early and got checked in and all that and waited for our 1:00 pm flight. Boarded the plane, waited patiently for all the procedures of readying the plane...only to have the captain come on and say there was a computer problem...
Three hours later the computer finally was replaced, and we were ready to take off. Yep, we sat for three hours just off of the runway on the plane...great start to the trip...but it was not all bad. We met a mother and son from Germany and were able to get to know them and witness to them...God is good!
Due to the delay, we arrived in Orlando much later than expected and therefore did not set out on our trip to Pensacola as planned. We were pulling into a Waffle House to eat supper at midnight Friday night, and getting into bed about 1:30 am Saturday morning. We slept in Saturday, enjoyed the yummy breakfast at the Best Western (The Best Western at Orlando is AWESOME by the way if you are ever that way!) and then took off for Pensacola. We finally made it to Pensacola about 8:00 PM Saturday night. We missed lunch of arroz con pollo with Cristina and her family, and were so bummed about that not to mention the day of fellowship with Janene and David, but God knew. There had been a huge storm and tornado that went through that area and had we been on our "schedule" we'd of hit the storm area just as the worst of it was passing through. God knew.
Sunday we spent a wonderful day in God's house at Olive Baptist church in Pensacola. We love you, Olive Baptist and the Route 66 class!!! We also were able to worship in Spanish with Luz para las Naciones church, a Spanish church plant of Olive. God is faithful and HE provides! We so enjoyed our time with los hermanos of this church! We were able to connect with some awesome people in service at Olive- thank you for your encouragement and hospitality!!!
Monday we had the awesome privilege to speak to the great kids at East Hill Christian School. Those kids blew us away- it was awesome opportunity and we thank God for allowing us to be there.
Thank you so much, Janene and David for everything! We love you both!!!
We enjoyed a quick stop at the beach- just enough to feel the sand and stick our toes in...before we took off for Biloxi...we hated to say goodbye to our friends, Janene and David and their little dog Lucky, but we were excited to see the Lee's in Mississippi. We enjoyed a nice couple of days with them and getting caught up on life in Biloxi. We went fishing in a bay of the Gulf of Mexico and Isabelle caught a sting ray right off the bat!
We were blessed to visit Thomasville, GA next...thank you David and Latrelle for fixin' us up real nice! (I've learned that it only takes bout a week a living in the south til ya'll starta talk like ya live there...) We LOVE Conehaven and hope to visit there again soon! Thomasville First Baptist and Pastor Dan- you are awesome!!! We had a great time meeting so many of the fine folks in Thomasville Saturday night and enjoyed the fellowship and encouragement! THANK YOU!!!
Now we are enjoying catching up with good friends that live just a little north in GA. We are praying for good weather and safety as we travel. There have been many thunderstorms recently and flash flooding. Please pray for safety and wisdom as we travel. We've cancelled plans to travel into the city tomorrow because of the weather.
We thank God for this time as a family and to meet new families, and visit with new churches and to catch up with supporters and friends. God PROVIDES!!! :)
Pictures to come...sometime soon! :)
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