So, as we've traveled along the east coast we've been enjoying some of God's amazing creation and time with amazing people. In Florida we went to the Everglades, met a blogging friend, drove around downtown Naples and walked along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. We were encouraged and challenged after a Thursday night chapel among veteran pioneer missionaries; enjoyed the cleanliness and beauty of a national park; even rented a movie and got some down time after the kids went to bed one night. After spending a nice, relaxed and encouraging moment with a godly couple still full of energy and wholeheartedly serving the Lord in "retirement", we almost went to Universal Studios but were spared the embarrassment of a block out date with our particular tickets right before we checked into our hotel (which ultimately resulted in more time with a good friend). Lord willing we will have the chance to use the tickets before the end of the year.
God has truly been good to us during our time on the road not just in Florida but as we spent time in Georgia, again in North/South Carolina and then Virginia. In Georgia we spent time with a good friend and were blessed by a challenging message. In North/South Carolina we had time as a family and dinner with other missionaries who welcomed us into their home and simply listened. In Virginia we got unexpected, extended time with dear, dear friends/family (we love you Thomas & Anna); shared our ministry and were blessed with the company of one who has been there and understands; got lost in the hills and enjoyed staying in one place for three nights in a row while participating in a weekend long missions conference where we were humbled and overwhelmingly blessed spiritually, emotionally and even materially; had a short but sweet dinner with my Aunt Bette (my Dad's youngest sister) and then weaved our way along the Skyline Drive and through the Luray Caverns.
As we got closer to home, we touched base in Pennsylvania with more friends and supporters. This was the first time I'd met and gotten to really know the Gehmans. We stayed with Grant and Mary Lou (thank you for your hospitality, the food was delicious!). Dan has known Jason from Camp Hickory Hill. I had a wonderful time talking and spending time with his wife Kate and Eli and Toby had a blast with their new friends Aiden and Annie. (Silas and Lauren just kind of stared at each other :) Kate welcomed me into her home and as we sat and drank coffee and shared our lives in her kitchen I couldn't help but be in awe of God and His thought and care for us in even the small things like a good conversation with a likeminded mom/wife.
The next day, right before crossing the state line back into New York, we spent a lovely few hours with Herb and Rene Ley, an amazing couple who have gone and are still going through the "fire" so to speak. If you know them, you understand and let me tell you, we felt nothing but warmth and love and appreciation and care for us, and we could have stayed for hours but soon it was time to leave. Before we could go though, they insisted on showing us this sweet little candy shop in town where they then proceeded to spoil us and I did notice that Herb conveniently led me to the chocolate aisle (I'm sure having four grown daughters had nothing to do with that!!). I was so busy talking and enjoying time with them that I totally forgot to get their picture, except for us with all our loot. Next time Rene!! Sorry Rene couldn't go with us to the candy shop! You were right...the kids had a blast! Thank you...for everything.
And that was the end. Four long weeks on the road and we finally headed back home to upstate New York. We got in late Thursday night and have since been enjoying some much needed down time of doing a whole lot of nothing except unpacking bags and laundry and organizing!!Read more in Dan's March ministry update here.
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