Journaling Furlough

July 28-29, 2011-

Long day of driving!  We left about 5 am  Lockwood Time :-)...that translates to about 8:47 am real time.  It took Daniel until around 3 am to get everything ready the night before,  and so we thought it would be best if he got more than 2 hours of sleep before making such a long trip.  He is the driver.  And by God’s grace, He does very well! 

We drove all day finally pulling over about 1:00 am to sleep for the night.  The roads were torn up all over due to construction, so while we drove for over 15 hours, we only made it about 500 miles.   The older boys camped out in the trailer and the rest of us found a spot on the van seats or floor, pulled out our pillows and blankets, and slept until around 6:00 am.  We drove to the next town and I bought some juice and rolls for breakfast. Daniel slept for another hour while I fed everyone,  had everyone wash hands/faces, comb hair, and straighten up the van a bit.  While Daniel ate, we all had our quiet time in the van together and then took off to hopefully get to the border this afternoon. 

Daniel was witnessing to a young woman while he ate.  She is completely lost and nobody there is preaching God’s Word.  As we left, she said to Daniel, “How will I ever come to know the truth.  You are leaving and there is nobody here.”  So much need!

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10:00 am

Thanking the Lord for His protection once again.  We are about 5 1/2 hours south of the border….about 20 miles from the next town.  While passing a semi on  the highway, Daniel noticed a tire on the trailer was wobbling significantly.  The roads here have no shoulder and  often it is difficult to find a place to pull over.  Once off the road, he knelt down by the tire shocked at what he saw.  The lug nuts had all come loose., cutting through completely or into  the bolts and  we  had been within seconds of loosing the entire tire. 

With 2 bolts broken completely off and most all the nuts stripped, there is no way to  pull the trailer.  Daniel and the boys are disconnecting it right now so we can drive the van into town and see if they have parts there

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So much for which to be thankful!  Who knows how long those lug nuts had been loose like that.  Yet the Lord kept us safe all day yesterday even late into the night as well as this morning.  Daniel has just found the parts needed and is pounding away at the broken studs right now.  The children are getting fussy as we sit here in the van waiting, but I’m so thankful that these crying little ones are safe and sound.  We are near the Pacific coast and the weather is cool  Such a blessing as we wait!  The autoparts store just gave Daniel, Timothy, and Elijah free t-shirts. :-)  This is such good experience for them as they help/watch Daniel work. 

My computer battery is about dead.  Hopefully, we’ll be heading back to the trailer soon.

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What a trip!  We are only on day 2 and so much has happened!  We finally got to the US border around 7:30 pm or so.  The line was moving quickly and wasn’t too long.  We were almost to the front when several US border patrol agents began running  through the many lanes to one area.  They suddenly ordered everyone in the area out of their cars, drew their guns and one of them began yelling.  The border shut down and we watched as they continued shouting commands guns pointed in he direction of which they were shouting.  Finally, after several minutes, three people, one by one, came out with their hands up and were taken away.  The border re-opened, and we were back on our way.

As we crossed the border, the kiddos all cheered and then, we headed over to what is almost always our first and most requested food stop after arriving in the USA.  Are you ready for this?  Taco Bell!  Really :)  Of course, to us, it is a lot different than real Mexican food, but we just love it and mmmmmmm ...those bean burritos were sooo good!

After eating, we were looking forward to getting into our hotel after another very long day of driving.  We were in our same clothes from the day before, hadn’t showered, and everyone was looking forward to cleaning up , having Bible time/sing time with Daddy, and getting to bed at a decent hour.   But what we didn’t anticipate is that not only the hotel we usually stay in, but every hotel in the entire area had no vacancy!  As we wandered from hotel to hotel, I thought of how there was no room in the inn when Mary was to give birth to Jesus.  

 We decided we’d start heading towards Nevada where the church is where we’ll be Sunday.  After about 70 miles, we found a hotel with just one room, but it was a suite! Oh, the Lord takes such good care of us!   And it cost us less that our normal hotel charges us!  We were so thankful!  The older 3 boys helped Daddy bring in all the blankets/pillows, I pulled out the hide a bed and set up bedding around the room and everyone fell right to sleep.  We have a free breakfast and a late check out so we’ll sleep in, have everyone shower in the morning, and hopefully make a stop at Wal—mart before heading the rest of the way to Boulder City. 

 Good Night

Family Camp, Farewells, Final Furlough Schedule

The time is here!  The time we've been anticipating and for which we've been preparing for  months. Yet what a funny feeling.  My heart feels torn between the joy of being able to see our family and friends up north and the sadness of leaving our "family"/friends here. :-( 

The plan was/is to leave early tomorrow morning, but we may not be able to leave until Thursday morning.  We were up well before dawn today working on our list of things to do before we can leave, and it just depends if we can get it all done today or not.  With camp being the end of last week, there wasn't much we could do for furlough as we had so much to do in preparing for camp.  We had our final service Sunday and then yesterday I washed and washed and washed and washed.   Camp=Lots of Laundry.  

Really, my part in getting ready is easy in comparison to what Daniel has to do.  But we both prayed this morning that the Lord would prosper our work today and so far, things have come together quickly and well! 

We had a sort of big thing come up which is why we might have to leave a day later.  As I was washing clothes, I picked up a pile that I had sorted on the floor to throw into the machine and they were HOT.  I soon realized the tile floor was hot...too hot to stand on.   A hot water line has broken under the foundation of the house and that has to be repaired before we leave.  That means a lot of pounding, breaking up cement, digging, and looking for that leak so it can be repaired.  We are praying the Lord allows us to find the leak quickly and that it will be an easy repair.

Family camp was WONDERFUL!  I did not want to leave. :(  How sweet it was to spend those days with our church...we played,  spent hours fellowshipping, met brother/sisters from other churches,  heard convicting/encouraging messages, sang together, and so much more. 

Our church came back so excited and blessed from the preaching and with even deeper friendships formed between so many.  It was just the PERFECT thing with which to end our time here.  When we first planned the dates for camp and then realized that we'd have furlough starting the next week, I was nervous and not too excited about all the work that would be involved with two big things like that back to back.  But I asked the Lord to help me to just trust Him and now I'm sooooooo glad that we had camp just at this time!!

I'll post a few pictures here.  Daniel posted many more on our ministry blog (www.lockwoodsministry.com).

Sunday night, I was prepared.  So I thought.  Being our last service here before we leave, I knew it would be an emotional service.  And I wanted to be able to tell everyone goodbye without being too much of a "cry baby", so I'd mustered all I could to keep myself together.   

It didn't work.

We all walked into church Sunday night together and there were tables and chairs and balloons and a big sign.  All month, our church had been planning a farewell service/party for us.  There were a lot of tears and hugs.  As I was sitting playing the piano for the service, I thought of something.  I don't even know exactly when it happened.  When we first came to Mexico, I left my family and friends in the states and came here to serve the people here along side my husband.  I saw the people as the ones to whom the Lord had called us to minister.  

And I don't know when it changed.  But now, they are not just the people that we've been called to serve.  They are my dear family and friends.  Their children are my children's best friends and are like my own children to me.  I love them all so very much.  And I honestly did not at all want to say good bye.  It was hard!

Oh, I do miss those in the states.  And so I can't wait to go and I can't wait to get back.  All at the same time!!

We long for your prayers as we begin our travels.  Pray for the Lord's protection, provision, and power as Daniel preaches.

We've had a few changes since we first posted our schedule, so here's an updated one for those who are interested.  I posted a map just so you can get an idea of where all we'll be at a glance.  Lots of miles!!!
The blue route/line isn't the exact route we'll take as we have many friends we'll be staying with/seeing as we travel from church to church, but this gives you an idea.
I listed the churches/dates below the map.

We'll update as often as we can!  

The Lord is so faithful and so good!!!

View Larger Map

July 31- Pioneer Baptist Church in Boulder City, NV

August 7- Regeneration Baptist Church in Fort Thomas, AZ

August 10- Bible Baptist Church in Victorville, CA

August 14- Western Avenue Baptist Church in Brawley, CA

August 21- Millville Baptist Church in Millville, CA (Our Sending Church!! :-) )
August 28- Intermountain Baptist Church in Burney, CA
September 4- Mid Valley Baptist Church in Durham, CA
September 11- Heritage Baptist Church in Goodyear, AZ
September 15- Visiting our mission agency Central Missionary Clearinghouse in Houston, TX
September 18- Fundamental Baptist Church in Irving, TX
September 25- Caney Baptist Church in Streetman, TX
October 2- Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Smith Mills, KY
October 5- Harris Chapel Baptist Church in Hudson, NC
October 9- First Baptist Church in Cincinnatus, NY
October 12- Harvest Baptist Church in Bath, NY
October 16- Faith Baptist Church in Mattawan, MI
October 23- Elmwood Baptist Church in Brighton, CO
Visiting Friends in Wyoming :)
October 30- Grace Community Bible Church in Burney, CA
November 6- Heritage Baptist Church in Anderson, CA
November 13- First Baptist Church in West Sacramento, CA

After that, Lord willing, we'll be heading back HOME!

Nine Days

Nine days.  Three days of "normal" life, three days of family camp (yea!!!!), 1 last Sunday to be with our church here before we leave (I get a lump in my throat and watery eyes thinking about it), 2 days to wash the giant mountain of laundry that we'll have from camp and pack, pack, pack.  Before we leave, I'll post a final schedule here of our travels.  A few of our dates of changed, so I'll be sure to keep everyone updated.

My mind is overflowing with things that need to be done and I have lists all over my desk and am looking forward to checking a few more things off.  I have had to go to the Lord many times just asking Him to calm my heart and help me to work faithfully at getting done what we need to yet not worrying.  It is so easy for me to get so focused on a task that my words become short or I get irritated when I'm interrupted.  And I want to keep in my heart and mind what is truly important and am asking the Lord to constantly remind me of that!  And He is helping me!!!  Isn't He so good?

Last night at church, Brother Benito shared several verses in His message and I've been meditating on them ever since.  Primarily Romans chapter 8 and John 3:30.  He must increase, but I must decrease.  How often I seek my own pleasure or own glory.  The Lord has shown this to me so very much since He saved me.  In many ways, it is as if a veil has been lifted from my eyes and I see so many things differently and clearly.  Some of them are painful and make me feel so ashamed.  But then comes the grace and forgiveness of my Lord!  And it becomes all the more precious!

This morning, I had a most humbling moment.  In preparing for furlough, Daniel gave me the task of writing emails to those who have so graciously offered to open their homes to us in hospitality during our travels.

So with my calender open and notebook filled with names/emails/dates beside me, I've been taking time each day to contact each person.  A couple weeks ago, I wrote to my dear friend, Connie, whom I've never met other than through writing, and gave her the dates that we would be in her area hoping that we would be able to get together/meet.  She responded with such joy and enthusiasm readily opening her heart and home to our family.  Then this morning, I got an email from her asking when we would be arriving.  I thought it was a bit strange because we won't be there until late September and then as I looked back over my first email to her, a great wave of "Oh No!" fell upon me.  You know when you do something really absent minded or embarrassing and you feel that warm sensation from head to toe and you get a big pit in your stomach?  That's how I felt.  I had given her the dates but forgot to mention the MONTH!!!  It obviously sounded like we were going to be there this week.

Oh, I felt so badly thinking of the plans made and anticipation that always comes when expecting company.  I wrote my dear friend right away and then called her.  She was more than gracious and understanding and I'm looking forward more than ever to seeing her.  When I sat down at the breakfast table with my hands covering my face and Daniel asked me what was wrong, it took me a moment tell him what I'd done.  He and the children find amusement in these situations.  Of course, I'd be amused too if I hadn't been the one to make the blunder!

Well, I am not looking forward to saying good bye to our dear friends here...My only consolation is that my hubby has a big tender heart too, so I won't be crying alone.  Brother Benito and his wife have been such a blessing, getting to know the people, and serving all they can.  We are so thankful the Lord brought them here to carry on His work.  Daniel and Benito and a few of our boys drove for a couple of hours Saturday afternoon going rancho to rancho, town to town, just seeing the need.  So many need to hear!  Our desire is to get to all we can in our reach.  Everyone needs to hear that they are lost and in need of a Saviour before it is too late.

I am looking forward to seeing family, friends and so many of you while we are in the states!  Daniel and the boys are going to build a little display with pictures and different items from our area and Daniel's working on a slide show showing pictures of what the Lord has done these past 6 years and the areas for which we are so burdened.  I love to tell the story of Jesus and what He has done for me and what He wants to do for all!

A few tidbits from home life:

Eliseo comes to me about 2-3 times a day, throws his arms around my neck then looks me in the eyes and says, "Happy Birthday, Mommy!"  I've told him that it's no longer my birthday and he just keeps on telling me, so I just say, "Aw, thank you, Eliseo...I love you!"

We have a horned toad named Alexander living in Nehemiah's underwear drawer.  He's been there for over a week and I just jump out of my skin when I am putting away clothes and forget that he's there.  He eats 30 flies a day which are caught, killed and hand fed to him by the children.

Our little chicken disappeared last week. :-(  We don't know if some stray dogs got into the yard or what, but he's nowhere to be found.  Yesterday, Noah woke up and says, "Mommy, last night when I was sleeping, I heard the voice of the chicken."  ha!

Oh, a couple of the families in our church had gone out to the beach for a couple of weeks to kill clam.  Thursday after lunch, we rode out there to visit them.  Killing clam is fun!!  Timothy really got the hang of it.  I killed about as many clam in 15 minutes as they kill in 20 seconds, but I finally figured it out. Brother Juan and his family were able to earn enough money during there time there to pay their way to family camp!!  It's going to be so fun just to be with everyone and fellowship together one last time before we leave.

Friday, July 22, Daniel and I will have been married for 16 years.  We've known each other for 29 years, been best friends for 20 years, and why he ever chose to give me His heart, I'll don't think I'll ever know, but I'm sooooooooooooooo glad that he did! When the Lord brought us together, He gave me EXACTLY what I needed!  I am more proud today than ever to be called Daniel's wife and well, to be honest, it just keeps getting sweeter all the time!  

Do you see the picture at the top of this page?  We took that last night during church. This is the Insurgentes  City Baptist Church.  This was no special Sunday.  There were only a few people there who have not yet come to know Christ Jesus. And still a few families who arrived late or were unable to make it.   These are our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who we will spend eternity with!!! 

When I see what the Lord has done, every trial, every tear, every struggle...it is more than worth it all!  Praise the Lord for the GREAT things He has done!

Pox Free! :)

The chicken pox are gone ... with only a few little healing scars remaining.

While I only actually missed 2 Sunday services, it seemed like I'd been gone for a month, and it was so good to go to prayer meeting on Wednesday!  

So precious just to all sit together as a family.  Well, Daddy was preaching...and it was such a good message!

Thank you so much to those who prayed for our family these past few weeks.  One night, Samuel was so fussy.  It was after midnight, and he still hadn't gone to sleep.  He was itchy, achy and felt miserable. Some of his pox had gotten infected and he was on antibiotics.  I'd brought him into our bedroom and he'd settle down for a few minutes then wake up crying. 

Finally, I just got up and held him and walked around the room with him.  He calmed down a bit resting on my shoulder as I walked around.  As soon as I'd stop or try to put him down, he'd cry.  So I walked.  I thought of how nights like this use to get me so upset sometimes.  Being so tired, I'd feel like crying myself and ask the Lord to please just let the child sleep.  But as I walked, I thought that obviously the Lord wanted me to be awake that night.  I don't know why.  I thought maybe it was so I could pray.  So as I paced the room, I prayed for Samuel, for my husband and children, and then many family/friends came to my mind and I prayed for them.

Finally, a little after 3 am, Samuel fell asleep.  And so did I :)   

A midst the chicken pox, our church mission's conference, and all the preparations for our upcoming furlough (we leave in 18 days!),  our summer schedule hasn't gone exactly like I'd imagined.    I think we've had a total of about 5 days where we've been able to follow it.   But the Lord had different plans for us.  And knowing His ways are always best, I'm so thankful for all we have been able to do and learn these past few weeks!

The children and I started a little baking business and sold cookies and cinnamon rolls around town to save up money for furlough.  

We learned how to make donuts!  Yum!!

We can get in and out of the van without killing each other!!!

The children learned some new chores.

We housed 22 wonderful people at our home during our mission's conference.

We've learned some new songs in harmony.

We've read books on our own and out loud together.

We've got some areas organized/cleaned.  Of course, with 14 people living here, they haven't stayed completely cleaned/organized.  But it's always such a good feeling to accomplish the task anyways!

Samuel about to enjoy a homemade doughnut!

Beka helping the younger ones with some phonics/writing.

I taught Elijah how to iron a shirt.  

It wasn't his favorite thing I've ever taught him.

But I'm sure he'll appreciate it some day :)  

Samuel was our last one to get the chicken pox, so while everyone else was on the mend, he was feeling pretty crumby.  He loves to listen to someone read to him.

Fourth of July came and the Lord gave us a special treat...RAIN!  It only lasted about 20 minutes, but it's so rare here and the children get so excited watching it fall and then playing out in the puddles afterwards.

We had banana splits and played :)

Twelve days until our annual church family camp and only eighteen days until we leave!  So much to do!

We are getting so excited!  So many emotions!  

The joy of seeing family/friends that we haven't seen in so long.

The blessing of being able to share with and thank those people who have so faithfully prayed for us, our church, our town, and so generously given so we can do what the Lord has called us to do.

The excitement of seeing new places and meeting new friends.

Missing our friends/church family here already 

Looking forward to going and looking forward to coming back all at the same time!