Journaling Furlough- August 12-14

Family Picture 2011

August 12-

Daniel was finally able to replace the bearings in the trailer wheel.  They kept giving him the wrong part, so it took a few extra trips to the auto parts store.  The older boys worked with Daniel while the girls and younger ones stayed in the hotel until check out time.  Then we all got into the van and shared some cold water and a soda while waiting.  Finally, we were on our way.

About 3 months ago, a dear lady who reads our blog emailed me offering to open her home to us as a place to stay during our travels.  We did need a place to stay between our Wednesday and Sunday appointments, and were so appreciative of this family’s offer.  We had never met before, but after spending two days together, we didn’t want to leave.  How wonderful it is to meet new friends! 

Our family is more loud, and theirs more quiet.  We have 9 boys and 3 girls.  They have 6 girls and 2 boys.  It was quite the mix! :)  But, soooo much fun!  The first night, they treated our entire family to a play at their local Lifehouse Christian Theater where their two oldest daughters were preforming.  We’ve never been to a play before, so had no idea what to expect, but it was excellent!  The redemptive message of the gospel was the highlight of it all, and we not only enjoyed it thoroughly, but our hearts were touched as well. 

We enjoyed such delicious meals together and I told Mrs. Manson that I think we’re going to get worse gas mileage now since I think we all gained about 20 lbs. :-)  We enjoyed participating in their families hymn learning time, Bible time, and spent hours visiting, playing games together, and the children swam.  Daniel and Timothy pulled out the guitar a couple times and we all sang together, too. 

Mr. Manson offered to take our family picture before we left!  The last picture we had taken, Samuel had just gotten out of the NICU and now he’s a healthy, happy, active, determined little boy. 

August 14-

We arrived at Western Avenue Baptist church about 6:00 pm Saturday evening.  The church had bathrooms, showers, and plenty of space, and we had a wonderful night’s rest.  Before each service, Daniel spends time alone with the Lord with an open heart as to what the Lord would have Him to share.  The plan was for the family to sing and then for Daniel to share our slides and preach a message during the Sunday school hour and then share another song or two and give a quick report during the main church service before Pastor Ted gave the message.

As Pastor Ted put it, he had plan A, B, and C for that morning, and the Lord chose plan D.  At the end of Sunday School, Pastor asked Daniel and I to both briefly share our testimonies of how we came to Christ.  He asked if we’d be willing to share our testimonies in the main church service.  Neither one of us can share what Christ did for us without tears and what a precious service it was!  Three people accepted Christ that morning!! 

What is most beautiful to me is how the Lord can take the sin, hurts, “garbage” of our lives and not only clean us and make us new, but use it all to bring honor and glory to His name!  He uses all the things that we have to offer Him...broken pieces of our lives...and then uses it all where He calls us!

We visited Iglesia Bautista Fundamental “Getsemani” in Escondido, CA in the evening.  As poor as my Spanish may be, I miss speaking it and more than anything, miss our church family back home.  So it was a joy to spend an evening with this church.

We are heading to my sister’s home for a couple days in Morgan Hill, CA.  Can’t wait to see our families!! :)

Noah's great smile :)

Drying off a bit with Daddy

Samuel loved this little slide

Listening to/Reading the Bible on DVD after breakfast

Getting ready to go on a walk around the neighborhood

New toys are always so fun! 

New Friends
(Left to Right) Back Row:  Brooke holding Dunlin, Autumn, Rebekah, Ivy
Front Row:  Susannah, Sage, Abigail

Eating Brunch at Denny's

Samuel was far too interested in those pancakes to smile for a picture :)