We spent the past 2 days with the Hughes family. Connie and I have been friends for years as we have emailed, encouraged, and prayed for each other through pregnancies, illnesses, trials and uncertainties. Besides knowing that the Lord Himself is with you and ever loving/caring for you, there is nothing more comforting than to know that a friend is lifting you up in prayer.
So when we found out we would be traveling through the Hughes neck of the woods and being ever grateful for a place to rest/stay as we travel, I wrote Connie and we’ve been anticipating being together for months!
Just like when we stayed with Daniel’s brother, there were 20 children ages 14 and under at the Hughes home this week. This time, the ratio was in favor of the girls as the Hughes have 7 daughters and one son. So with our 3 girls and 9 boys, it was an even split at 10 and 10. :)
It was such a blessing to be with them! The children were thrilled to make new friends again and spent hours playing, Daniel was able to get caught up on some important paperwork, and Connie was so sweet to feed our crew and hers while I did my best to help, keep tabs on all the children and their shoes. :)
We ended each evening singing and reading God’s Word together and we even got to go to their oldest daughter’s school this morning to share a little bit of what the Lord has called us to do and sing some songs in English and Spanish for the children there. The director was so kind to invite us to share and even provided a pizza lunch for everyone. :)
Tonight we went to Worth Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. What a wonderful, loving church! We were so blessed! Daniel wasn’t scheduled to preach anywhere tonight, so it was so special to have Daddy sit with us in the pew. Of course, I love to hear him preach, but every now and then, when we do get to ALL sit together as a family, I just love it, too. :) A sweet lady came up to me and told me that she has read our blog and prayed for us for years (Hi, Damara!) .
We’ve got a busy next week ahead. We’ll be with another dear family for a couple days tomorrow, Daniel will be preaching in Streetman, TX for the church’s 150 year anniversary on Sunday morning, and on Sunday evening, he’ll be preaching in Houston.
We have had a couple changes in our schedule. Last week, a couple churches (in KY and NC) had to cancel having us come, but the Lord opened the door for us to be in two new churches. Sunday evening, we’ll be with Central Baptist Church in Houston (the church of our mission agency, Central Missionary Clearinghouse :) ) and then the end of October we will be part of a mission’s conference in Salinas, CA.
Furlough is over half way over. :) We pray the Lord’s continued direction, protection, provision, and grace each day.
Been reading your blog for a long time but haven't commented much. Praying for you while you are on furlough. I know this Connie. It's Connie from Smockity Frocks! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!
You had better stay with me while you are in Salinas. That is only 45 minutes from Morgan Hill!!! This is a very important message for you that you must not delete. :)
ReplyDeleteI recognize that face too:)
ReplyDeleteSo great to keep up with you all on your furlough! How fun that you were able to spend time together, I love both yours and Connie's blog. We have been blessed with 6 children, and I love to read about other large Christian families. I am so blessed by you both. God bless you and keep you safe and healthy in your travels.
ReplyDeleteLoved "meeting" you on Connie's blog! I will add you to my prayer list! I am a preacher's wife with 4 girls and I know just what you mean about enjoying sitting with your husband! :) I look forward to keeping up with you here. Blessings, Eva
ReplyDeleteHi Jaynee, It was a blessing to talk to you Wed. night but I sure wish it could have been longer. I thank you for writing your "Furlough Journal", I will continue to pray for you all. Oh, and I wish I had gotten your e-mail address. Have a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteDamara