On the Road...

Last Wednesday we loaded up the CRV and hit the road for various hotspots around the great Midwest. Our first destination was a scant 6 1/2 hours away in Muren, Indiana. Located right along the edge of two different time zones, the First Church of God is one of our newest Living Link partners and a congregation full of love. We arrived just in time for a fantastic carry-in dinner, highlighted by fried chicken and Elliana's screams of joy as she ran back and forth to the church playroom.

After dinner and our presentation we were presented with awesome Muren Mugs and Embroidered pillowcases for the kids. It so humbling to feel so much love and support from a congregation. We are so excited to welcome them to our family and join in theirs.

That night we drove even farther East to West Frankfort, Illinois. After about 30 minutes of confusion over a misplaced hotel reservation we checked into our room at around 11 pm and crashed for the night. The next day we spent time with the fine folks at the Southern Illinois Campground, given the opportunity to share about our ministry and pictures in two different sessions. Another great day with more great people. On an unrelated note, there was a camouflaged drum-set. I'm not really sure what to say about that. I guess maybe if you were out hunting and got a hankering to play some percussion it makes sense.

That night we drove up to Indy, and headed towards our next campmeeting in Sprinfield, Ohio the next morning. After my first speeding ticket ever, and a quick skype meeting with the Global Missions Office, we arrived in Springfield and spent about 3 hours with some brothers and sisters there. I forced them to pose for the picture below, and asked that they pretend to enjoy themselves, so please don't make any assumptions about the quality of our presentation.

Finally, we had a free day to drive up to Rockford, Illinois, north of Chicago, and spent the night at the home of Pastor Clarence and Mary Lou Christiansen. It was great to be out of a hotel for a night, and they were wonderful to us. The next morning we were at the First United Church in Rockford, and apart from Ian screaming during the better part of the service, it was another awesome chance to meet new friends. Our family grew even more that day. They were scheduled to have a picnic right after service, but we had an 8 hour drive ahead of us, so unfortunately we had to hit the road after service. We felt so welcome and so loved in their fellowship.

It really was an awesome trip, and we are so thankful for all the new friends. We really feel blessed. Thanks to everyone who hosted us and showed us so much love. We love you very much. We made it home last night 1t 11, and the following picture of Ian speaks to our present condition.

Much Love,