Vacation in the Dordogne
My parents will be in France until July 14th. To celebrate our brief time together, they arranged for us to spend three days together in the beautiful region of Dordogne in the vacation home of a Christian family from Paris.
On our way, we stopped for a brief visit with Matthieu & Jeanine Desilles in their home in Brive. Matthieu pastors a small church in that city.
On our way, we stopped for a brief visit with Matthieu & Jeanine Desilles in their home in Brive. Matthieu pastors a small church in that city.
Below are pictures taken at the house where we stayed. It was a beautiful and peaceful place to be! While we were there, we celebrated my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. I am so grateful for the parents that God has given me and for their faithfulness and love for each other.
We went out one morning and strolled through an open air market in one of the villages nearby. From fresh goat cheese to jewelry, they had it all.
We enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Dordogne (called the land of 1,001 chateaus). We toured one (dating from the 13th century on) which contained a slew of original medieval instruments of war. It was a very peaceful and enjoyable way to recuperate from the packing and traveling.
Comments
Trip to France: Completed!!
We have, by God's goodness, arrived safely in Bordeaux, France with all our luggage.
We left the parsonage in Spartanburg, South Carolina (our home for the last 1 1/2 years) on Wednesday morning about 9:30. Donna Bixby and Judy Hurst and Ruth's mom Judie Pahnke took us to the Charlotte airport.
Our first leg was from Charlotte to Chicago. We were within about 100 feet of the ground, the landing gear was out and we were about to land when the pilot picked up speed and we flew on past the airport. A storm was moving across the field just as we were about to land and it made it too rough to land. Because we didn't have enough fuel, we had to fly over to Midway Airport, land and refuel while we waited for the storm to pass. We then took off again and flew the 12-minute flight back to O'Hare. The unintended detour provided us with a beautiful view of Chicago. Bob, Jennie, Patience and Corban Bixby had come to the airport to see us. Because of the delayed arrival, we only had 15 minutes together! However, it was fun to see and hug them.
Our flight into London Heathrow, the bus trip across town to London Gatwick, and the flight into Bordeaux went well. It was good to see Papi and Grandma Bixby waiting for us at the airport. Below are some pictures of arriving at their home, unloading the car, and eating supper after we had all showered and were enjoying having the trip behind us.
All the emotions of permanently moving to another country and realizing that all the hoopla about getting to France is behind us and now the real thing lies in front of us is a bit overwhelming. We are so grateful for a wonderful network of friends to rely on back in the States and for my parents here in Bordeaux (for the next two weeks) to welcome us and help us get adjusted.
This afternoon, we went down to the university to try to enroll Ruth in the summer session of language school, but they were closed. Tonight at 8 p.m. we will be attending the church's prayer meeting. Thank you all for your prayers for us.
We left the parsonage in Spartanburg, South Carolina (our home for the last 1 1/2 years) on Wednesday morning about 9:30. Donna Bixby and Judy Hurst and Ruth's mom Judie Pahnke took us to the Charlotte airport.
Our first leg was from Charlotte to Chicago. We were within about 100 feet of the ground, the landing gear was out and we were about to land when the pilot picked up speed and we flew on past the airport. A storm was moving across the field just as we were about to land and it made it too rough to land. Because we didn't have enough fuel, we had to fly over to Midway Airport, land and refuel while we waited for the storm to pass. We then took off again and flew the 12-minute flight back to O'Hare. The unintended detour provided us with a beautiful view of Chicago. Bob, Jennie, Patience and Corban Bixby had come to the airport to see us. Because of the delayed arrival, we only had 15 minutes together! However, it was fun to see and hug them.
Our flight into London Heathrow, the bus trip across town to London Gatwick, and the flight into Bordeaux went well. It was good to see Papi and Grandma Bixby waiting for us at the airport. Below are some pictures of arriving at their home, unloading the car, and eating supper after we had all showered and were enjoying having the trip behind us.
All the emotions of permanently moving to another country and realizing that all the hoopla about getting to France is behind us and now the real thing lies in front of us is a bit overwhelming. We are so grateful for a wonderful network of friends to rely on back in the States and for my parents here in Bordeaux (for the next two weeks) to welcome us and help us get adjusted.
This afternoon, we went down to the university to try to enroll Ruth in the summer session of language school, but they were closed. Tonight at 8 p.m. we will be attending the church's prayer meeting. Thank you all for your prayers for us.
Comments (7)
Traveling to France
Tomorrow, June 24, is the big day! We will be departing Spartanburg around 9 a.m. and should arrive in Bordeaux around 10:30 a.m. EST on Thursday. We will fly from Charlotte to Chicago, then on to London Heathrow, switch airports there to London Gatwick, and then finally on to Bordeaux, France. Please pray for safety for us and the children. We'll let you know when we arrive.
Here's a picture of our moving crew that helped get our belongings to the warehouse where they will be loaded onto a container.
Ruth also enjoyed a goodbye lunch today with some ladies from our home church.
Here's a picture of our moving crew that helped get our belongings to the warehouse where they will be loaded onto a container.
Ruth also enjoyed a goodbye lunch today with some ladies from our home church.
Comments (2)
Travels in SC, IL, SC and NC
Tue, Apr 28 2009 11:52 | South Carolina, travel, Illinois, North Carolina, family, Spartanburg | Permalink
Our journeys in the last few weeks have taken us from South Carolina, up to Illinois, back to South Carolina and a little ways up into North Carolina. We now have more than 223,000 miles on our van! By God's grace, we have not had any mechanical problems so far.
On Wednesday, April 15, we had a meeting at Westgate Baptist Church, right here in Spartanburg. Pastor Bill Bethea and the people of WBC were very kind and generous to us. We were blessed to get to know more believers right in our own town.
Two days later we packed up and headed up to Illinois. We had scheduled this service nearly a year ago, hoping to schedule other churches in the area for the same trip, but in the end those plans never materialized. Our time with Harmony Baptist Church of Galesburg, Ill., was well worth the trip, however. Pastor and Mrs. Bob Eshleman hosted us for supper on Saturday night, and we enjoyed participating in all the Sunday services, including their "Snack 'N Yack" after the evening service.
After leaving Galesburg, we drove three hours north-east to visit with my brother and family, Bob, Jennie, Patience and Corban Bixby in Rockford, Ill. Though we weren't able to hang around for a service at their church, we did enjoy the family time. We are sad that we won't get to see them again before we leave for France.
We weren't there for long before we had to leave and head back to South Carolina for a service on Wednesday night, Aprill 22, at Heritage Bible Church in Greer, S.C. Following our presentation, Pastor Dan Brooks had the whole congregation divide up into pairs and pray specifically for our needs. What a blessing that was for us, especially with our present concern over our visas. Unfortunately, we forgot to take pictures, so I had to steal one off their website! We give thanks to God for this body of believers and for their generosity to us.
This past Sunday, April 26, we drove up to Ramseur, N.C., for a meeting at Faith Baptist Church. Here we remembered to take a picture of the building, but forgot to get one of Pastor and Mrs. Gary Moger! We enjoyed our time with the people of FBC as well as our time with Pastor and Mrs. Moger at Zaxby's following the evening service. Pastor Moger has nearly successfully convinced me that I need to buy the Logos Bible program! We drove home that night, getting back just after midnight.
We will be in our own church this Wednesday, then we pack up to leave again on Friday--this time headed for New York!
On Wednesday, April 15, we had a meeting at Westgate Baptist Church, right here in Spartanburg. Pastor Bill Bethea and the people of WBC were very kind and generous to us. We were blessed to get to know more believers right in our own town.
Two days later we packed up and headed up to Illinois. We had scheduled this service nearly a year ago, hoping to schedule other churches in the area for the same trip, but in the end those plans never materialized. Our time with Harmony Baptist Church of Galesburg, Ill., was well worth the trip, however. Pastor and Mrs. Bob Eshleman hosted us for supper on Saturday night, and we enjoyed participating in all the Sunday services, including their "Snack 'N Yack" after the evening service.
After leaving Galesburg, we drove three hours north-east to visit with my brother and family, Bob, Jennie, Patience and Corban Bixby in Rockford, Ill. Though we weren't able to hang around for a service at their church, we did enjoy the family time. We are sad that we won't get to see them again before we leave for France.
We weren't there for long before we had to leave and head back to South Carolina for a service on Wednesday night, Aprill 22, at Heritage Bible Church in Greer, S.C. Following our presentation, Pastor Dan Brooks had the whole congregation divide up into pairs and pray specifically for our needs. What a blessing that was for us, especially with our present concern over our visas. Unfortunately, we forgot to take pictures, so I had to steal one off their website! We give thanks to God for this body of believers and for their generosity to us.
This past Sunday, April 26, we drove up to Ramseur, N.C., for a meeting at Faith Baptist Church. Here we remembered to take a picture of the building, but forgot to get one of Pastor and Mrs. Gary Moger! We enjoyed our time with the people of FBC as well as our time with Pastor and Mrs. Moger at Zaxby's following the evening service. Pastor Moger has nearly successfully convinced me that I need to buy the Logos Bible program! We drove home that night, getting back just after midnight.
We will be in our own church this Wednesday, then we pack up to leave again on Friday--this time headed for New York!
Visit to the Consulate
The Lord gave us a remarkably calm morning. Since all our paperwork was together and we didn't have to pack for a long trip, there wasn't much to do. We ate a big breakfast so that we wouldn't have to buy lunch, then headed out of Spartanburg about 10:15 a.m.
We arrived in Atlanta a couple hours early and sat in a Kroger Grocery's parking lot snacking on granola bars, using the store's free WiFi and watching two men dangle from ropes as they cleaned the windows on a skyscraper nearby. We arrived on the 18th floor of the Marsh Building (where the consulate office is located) at 2:30 p.m., 15 minutes early. It was a very small office with practically no ventilation. At one corner of the room was a solid glass window with a small slot through which to pass papers and a microphone/speaker with which to speak to the person on the other side.
There were two men waiting to be helped in front of us. I was called up at 3:10, and we finished up around 4 p.m. We were expecting to be ushered into a separate room for an "interview," but everything was done through the window. Since the website had said regarding the applications we were supposed to fill out "one per adult," we did not fill out visa applications for the children. When the man asked for the children's applications and we didn't have them, he said with a touch of curtness, "Well, they are human beings aren't they?" I wanted to respond that while they didn't all ways act the part, my children most certainly are human beings, and it was misleading information on his website that had caused this mistake! I didn't.
"There was a misunderstanding, and I'm really sorry."
He asked me if we had passport-sized pictures of the children, which we did. He then gave me two applications and told us to fill them out ,and he would attach the photos for us. By then we were so rattled that we made several mistakes on their applications and had to ask for new forms to start over! He gave us some whiteout instead, and we made the appropriate corrections. Then he made the needed photocopies of the forms for us even though there was a note on the wall that said the consulate could not make photocopies for any reason, but that you must go to the post office across the street. I pointed to it and said quietly to Ruth, "We've already been shown grace."
Our friend-behind-the-window then read in my documentation that I spoke French so he switched to that language to check me out. We stuck to French the rest of the time, and things seemed to go more smoothly after that. When he found out that Ruth spoke some French, he called her to the window so she could speak a sentence or two in French through the microphone as well.
It is my observation that in the American culture there is an inherent compulsion to make someone feel at ease. The exception might be when you're arrested (never been, by the way), but even in a governmental office, there is an effort to make some small talk and communicate on a friendly level. It may not be genuine, but some level of friendliness is typically to be expected in America. That same compulsion does not exist in many other cultures where the the difference between the one in authority and the one under authority is more pronounced. In those cultures, it is not a matter of being impolite or rude. It is simply a matter of being the one in authority. That's the way it was with our friend-behind-the-window. He wasn't rude or unkind. He was matter-of-fact. There was no "How are you?," no talk of the weather or how far we had to drive. Just, "Why do you want to go to France?" and "Your children are human beings aren't they?" To be more personal would have been inappropriate. Cultures are all different, and they don't all have to become American.
Our friend-behind-the-window didn't say anything about the rest of our paperwork, so we assume we had what was required. The biggest hurdle (yet to be overcome) came at the end. He pulled out a form and gave it to me, telling me that since we were going to France for religious purposes, there was a new requirement which demanded that we get an official (signed and stamped) invitation from the Protestant Federation of France. I know practically nothing about this federation except that I've heard they are a very liberal group. The churches of which I was a part in France were never associated with the Protestant Federation. All of a sudden, I'm told I have to be invited by a group which I doubt looks very kindly at the word "evangelical," much less "Baptist." But how do I explain that through the
microphone in French so that my friend-behind-the-window will understand? I decide not to try, but just to say OK. Once/if I get the needed signature and stamp, I have to mail it into the consulate. I was told I should expect it to take a month for the applications to be processed. We paid the non-refundable $132 fee for each visa application ($132 per human being that is), said good day and left. We enjoyed a nice supper in the Atlanta area with some of Ruth's relatives, Larry and Kristen Everson, before heading back to Spartanburg. We got home just after 11 p.m.
This morning (4/15) I filled out the required form and faxed it to the Protestant Federation office, along with additional letters explaining who I was and what I hope to do in France. Thank you so much for your prayers concerning yesterday's visit. Will you now please pray that God will give us favor with the Protestant office in Paris and that they will return the needed form with the crucial signature and stamp?
We arrived in Atlanta a couple hours early and sat in a Kroger Grocery's parking lot snacking on granola bars, using the store's free WiFi and watching two men dangle from ropes as they cleaned the windows on a skyscraper nearby. We arrived on the 18th floor of the Marsh Building (where the consulate office is located) at 2:30 p.m., 15 minutes early. It was a very small office with practically no ventilation. At one corner of the room was a solid glass window with a small slot through which to pass papers and a microphone/speaker with which to speak to the person on the other side.There were two men waiting to be helped in front of us. I was called up at 3:10, and we finished up around 4 p.m. We were expecting to be ushered into a separate room for an "interview," but everything was done through the window. Since the website had said regarding the applications we were supposed to fill out "one per adult," we did not fill out visa applications for the children. When the man asked for the children's applications and we didn't have them, he said with a touch of curtness, "Well, they are human beings aren't they?" I wanted to respond that while they didn't all ways act the part, my children most certainly are human beings, and it was misleading information on his website that had caused this mistake! I didn't.
"There was a misunderstanding, and I'm really sorry."
He asked me if we had passport-sized pictures of the children, which we did. He then gave me two applications and told us to fill them out ,and he would attach the photos for us. By then we were so rattled that we made several mistakes on their applications and had to ask for new forms to start over! He gave us some whiteout instead, and we made the appropriate corrections. Then he made the needed photocopies of the forms for us even though there was a note on the wall that said the consulate could not make photocopies for any reason, but that you must go to the post office across the street. I pointed to it and said quietly to Ruth, "We've already been shown grace."
Our friend-behind-the-window then read in my documentation that I spoke French so he switched to that language to check me out. We stuck to French the rest of the time, and things seemed to go more smoothly after that. When he found out that Ruth spoke some French, he called her to the window so she could speak a sentence or two in French through the microphone as well.
It is my observation that in the American culture there is an inherent compulsion to make someone feel at ease. The exception might be when you're arrested (never been, by the way), but even in a governmental office, there is an effort to make some small talk and communicate on a friendly level. It may not be genuine, but some level of friendliness is typically to be expected in America. That same compulsion does not exist in many other cultures where the the difference between the one in authority and the one under authority is more pronounced. In those cultures, it is not a matter of being impolite or rude. It is simply a matter of being the one in authority. That's the way it was with our friend-behind-the-window. He wasn't rude or unkind. He was matter-of-fact. There was no "How are you?," no talk of the weather or how far we had to drive. Just, "Why do you want to go to France?" and "Your children are human beings aren't they?" To be more personal would have been inappropriate. Cultures are all different, and they don't all have to become American.
Our friend-behind-the-window didn't say anything about the rest of our paperwork, so we assume we had what was required. The biggest hurdle (yet to be overcome) came at the end. He pulled out a form and gave it to me, telling me that since we were going to France for religious purposes, there was a new requirement which demanded that we get an official (signed and stamped) invitation from the Protestant Federation of France. I know practically nothing about this federation except that I've heard they are a very liberal group. The churches of which I was a part in France were never associated with the Protestant Federation. All of a sudden, I'm told I have to be invited by a group which I doubt looks very kindly at the word "evangelical," much less "Baptist." But how do I explain that through the
microphone in French so that my friend-behind-the-window will understand? I decide not to try, but just to say OK. Once/if I get the needed signature and stamp, I have to mail it into the consulate. I was told I should expect it to take a month for the applications to be processed. We paid the non-refundable $132 fee for each visa application ($132 per human being that is), said good day and left. We enjoyed a nice supper in the Atlanta area with some of Ruth's relatives, Larry and Kristen Everson, before heading back to Spartanburg. We got home just after 11 p.m.This morning (4/15) I filled out the required form and faxed it to the Protestant Federation office, along with additional letters explaining who I was and what I hope to do in France. Thank you so much for your prayers concerning yesterday's visit. Will you now please pray that God will give us favor with the Protestant office in Paris and that they will return the needed form with the crucial signature and stamp?
Comments (1)
Trip to Ohio, Spring 2009
God blessed us with a very enjoyable and safe two-week trip to Ohio. We were primarily in the northeastern corner near Cleveland and then down near Columbus. We were shown much kindness and love. We are thankful for the friends that we have made. Here is a brief pictorial summary.
Click here to view in larger format.
Click here to view in larger format.
Family Time at the Park
Yesterday the kids were needing some outdoor time, and the weather was just perfect for it! Our hosts here in Mentor, Ohio, recommended Penitentiary Glen Reservation to us, and we made the most of it. We had a wonderful, relaxing time making memories together as a family, and thought we'd share a few of our pictures with you.
Comments (1)
Trip to Alabama
The contrast between Maine and Alabama is pretty striking! And it is not just due to the fact that we had to use our heater in one place and the air-conditioner in the other. However, among believers, there is a common warmth and fellowship wherever we go.
We had a really nice visit with the people of Faith Baptist Church in Decatur, AL. We enjoyed the privilege of joining them for a church picnic on Saturday and then the services on Sunday. A special treat was the time we were able to spend with Pastor Jeremy and Ruth Nason, friends from college days. The Nasons treated us to real Southern barbecue at Big Bob Gibson's for lunch. We also visited with them in their home following the evening service, where I'm afraid that we were enjoying the fellowship so much that we kept them up rather late.
Tomorrow (3/28) we leave for Ohio. Snow is predicted for Sunday there! Pull out the coats again and turn that heater back on!
We had a really nice visit with the people of Faith Baptist Church in Decatur, AL. We enjoyed the privilege of joining them for a church picnic on Saturday and then the services on Sunday. A special treat was the time we were able to spend with Pastor Jeremy and Ruth Nason, friends from college days. The Nasons treated us to real Southern barbecue at Big Bob Gibson's for lunch. We also visited with them in their home following the evening service, where I'm afraid that we were enjoying the fellowship so much that we kept them up rather late.
Tomorrow (3/28) we leave for Ohio. Snow is predicted for Sunday there! Pull out the coats again and turn that heater back on!
Travels in New England, Part 3
Tue, Mar 17 2009 11:54 | Massachusetts, New England, travel, North Carolina, slideshow, Maine | Permalink
We are now back in Spartanburg, SC, with the windows open, enjoying 70+ degree weather. It is hard to believe that less than a week ago we were up in Madawaska, Maine experiencing windchills of -19!
This was truly a wonderful trip. We traveled through two Canadian provinces, 15 states and the District of Columbia, putting more than 7,000 miles on our van. (By God's grace, with more than 217,000 miles, our Dodge Caravan is still running strong!) This trip was special in that we not only met many new friends, but got to reunite with many friends that had been made on our previous trips to New England.
Here is the final segment of pictures from this trip. As you will see, the trip ended with a very enjoyable stop in Wilmington, NC, and a trip to Papa and MeMa Pahnke's in Wake Forest, NC.
(To view slide show in a larger format, click here.)
This was truly a wonderful trip. We traveled through two Canadian provinces, 15 states and the District of Columbia, putting more than 7,000 miles on our van. (By God's grace, with more than 217,000 miles, our Dodge Caravan is still running strong!) This trip was special in that we not only met many new friends, but got to reunite with many friends that had been made on our previous trips to New England.
Here is the final segment of pictures from this trip. As you will see, the trip ended with a very enjoyable stop in Wilmington, NC, and a trip to Papa and MeMa Pahnke's in Wake Forest, NC.
(To view slide show in a larger format, click here.)
Comments (1)
More travels in New England
Mon, Mar 2 2009 08:07 | Massachusetts, New England, travel, slideshow, friends, Maine | Permalink
Here are some more slides that take up where the others left off. We have weathered at least three significant snow storms. However, we are thankful to God that not one service has been canceled. Ironically, our home church in Spartanburg, S.C., did have to cancel their Sunday night services yesterday due to snow!
One of the true blessings of these travels are the friends that we have made. It is hard to express how enjoyable, encouraging and endearing some of these friendships have become to us.
Click here to view in a larger format.One of the true blessings of these travels are the friends that we have made. It is hard to express how enjoyable, encouraging and endearing some of these friendships have become to us.
Travels in PA, OH, MI, ON, NY, MA, RI, and NH
Tue, Feb 17 2009 07:31 | Massachusetts, New England, travel, Pennsylvania, slideshow, friends, Ohio | Permalink
OK. We have been so many different places already on this trip that it would be a bit much to make an individual post of each place. So we have assembled a slideshow giving you the highlights of where we've been and who we have seen. We are grateful that God has kept our van running well (we're at 213,000+) and provided for all our needs. We have made many good memories and shared many good hours of fellowship with friends. We wish you could have joined us!
Go here to view slides in larger format.
Go here to view slides in larger format.
Visiting Southeastern PA
Wed, Feb 4 2009 10:55 | travel, Pennsylvania | Permalink
We are in the last day of a missions conference here at Bible Baptist Church of West Chester, PA. Today school was canceled due to the weather. However, the ladies' luncheon at noon was able to proceed as planned and the final service tonight is still on. Here are some pictures taken on Monday in this beautiful area of the country.
Travels in early January
Tue, Jan 13 2009 07:17 | travel, North Carolina | Permalink
The purpose of this post is to update you on some of the places we have visited in early January.
On the first Sunday of January, we spent the day in Brevard, NC, with the people of Bethany Baptist Church. I (Tim) was privileged to teach an adult Sunday School class and share our ministry during the evening service. In between those two responsibilities, we enjoyed attending the morning worship service and hearing Pastor Matt Collier preach from the Gospel of Mark. We then had a good time with the Colliers over lunch and a restful afternoon at the McKendrees before heading back to church for the evening service.
The second Sunday in January was divided between two different churches in North Carolina, one in Conover and one in Ramseur.
The morning and early afternoon were spent with Pastor and Mrs. Browning (bottom right in the collage below) and the congregation of Bethesda Baptist Church. Their regular Sunday schedule includes a morning Sunday school hour and worship service followed by a fellowship meal and an 1:30 afternoon service. We found the schedule to be very restful and conducive to fellowship and interaction. I was able to speak during the afternoon service. Ruth was surprised by running into some old friends she had known during two summers spent at Forest Glen Bible Camp in Brookfield, Nova Scotia. It was a special treat for her to visit with the Berkeys (bottom middle).
The morning and early afternoon were spent with Pastor and Mrs. Browning (bottom right in the collage below) and the congregation of Bethesda Baptist Church. Their regular Sunday schedule includes a morning Sunday school hour and worship service followed by a fellowship meal and an 1:30 afternoon service. We found the schedule to be very restful and conducive to fellowship and interaction. I was able to speak during the afternoon service. Ruth was surprised by running into some old friends she had known during two summers spent at Forest Glen Bible Camp in Brookfield, Nova Scotia. It was a special treat for her to visit with the Berkeys (bottom middle).
Sunday afternoon we drove two hours through beautiful North Carolinian countryside to Ramseur and Shiloh Baptist Church (founded in 1843!). Pastor Bruce and Leslie McClananan were very gracious to us, as were many others in the well-attended service. We also enjoyed visiting and discovering connections with the senior McClanahans who have served in mission work for many years. 
Aound the World in 80 Days
Sat, Nov 22 2008 12:50 | South Carolina, travel, Georgia, West, Cleveland Park Bible Church, Texas, Spartanburg, arizona, Florida | Permalink
Well, it wasn’t exactly around the world in 80 days, but we did travel through 13 states and drove 8,353.2 miles over the past 8 weeks. Our van, which now has more than 205,000 miles in its history, did not give us a bit of trouble (except for running out of gas in El Paso, Texas). We are very grateful for God’s protection which He gave to us and for the way He provided for us along the way. It was truly a memorable trip.
We have one family in Florida that has already begun supporting us on a monthly basis and several more churches or individuals who mentioned that they will be prayerfully considering partnering with us. Please pray that God will give us the partners we need in order to move to France.
We are excited to be home for five whole days before heading back out again! We are especially grateful to be able to spend the Lord’s Day with our home church family. Our travels between now and the New Year should be much lighter, though we do have three more Sundays away and trips to North Carolina and Pennsylvania on the schedule.
Thank you to each individual and church family who made this last trip such an enjoyable and memorable experience.
We have one family in Florida that has already begun supporting us on a monthly basis and several more churches or individuals who mentioned that they will be prayerfully considering partnering with us. Please pray that God will give us the partners we need in order to move to France.
We are excited to be home for five whole days before heading back out again! We are especially grateful to be able to spend the Lord’s Day with our home church family. Our travels between now and the New Year should be much lighter, though we do have three more Sundays away and trips to North Carolina and Pennsylvania on the schedule.
Thank you to each individual and church family who made this last trip such an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Trekking back East
Tomorrow (November 20) we leave Albuquerque, NM, and begin our 1,575-mile, 23-hours-and-30-minutes (according to Google Maps, that is) drive back to South Carolina. Our 56-day-trip to Florida, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico is coming to a close. Please pray that God would grant us safety and allow us to make good time. Please pray that the van would run well and that God would give grace and sanctification to those in the van. This has been a trip like none other. We have seen so many places that we had only dreamed of up to this point. However, with our sights set on home, we feel like a cow on its way back to the barn--nobody better get in our way! We're excited to be homeward bound!
Comments (2)