The May Memoirs

Here is what I know

2011-10-25T18:22:00.003-05:00

Here is what know, lately we have been getting a lot done. Our week looks like this alot of times: Monday: School 8:00-12:30, 1:00-bedtime Family time Tuesday: 8:30-12:00 Kids & Chris do School, I go to PWOC (Prodestant Women of the Chapel) 12:00-1:30 Lunch with other missionaries and soldiers. Afternoons, Chris works. 4:30-8:00 David goes to youth group. Wednesday: 8:00-12:00 kids school 6:30-9:00 dinner & single soldier Bible study Thursday 8:00-11:00 school 12:00-3:30 homeschool co-op (which we all love) 4:30-8:30 Community Connection-this is at our post chapel. We have dinner and Bible studies. Friday: 8:00-12:00 school 12:30 - 3:30 Prepare for Bible Study 6:30-10:00 Dinner & Bible study Saturday: All kinds of fun things, right now we watch AuburnFootball. Sunday: 8:00 start preparing lunch. 10:30-12:30 church 1:00 Lunch served the rest of the day we play nd rest. This Sunday we hd 45 people at lunch, and it was Great. We had just a great time inthe Lord. Makes me look forward to this weekend!

I just thought you would like to know why getting on the blog is taking a little more time than it use to.

We love y'all

We are on the move!! Praise God.

2011-09-01T08:05:00.002-05:00

After 14 months of living on the road, we have a place to lay our heads. We have moved into the parsonage side of the Hospitality House. Talk about excited. The day we got the e-mail, the kids went screaming down the hallway. They had their beds moved and unpacked by lunch. I got emotional (of course), and my heart and mind were going faster than I could I process. I feel so blessed to be able to live here.

Even though we have not taken over as the House Directors yet, I feel very responsible for the cleaning, washing, and bed-making on the ministry side. I also feel very responsible for making sure everyone is tucked in at night that stays here.

Now we are preparing for the 5th Annual fund-raising banquet for the Hospitality House. It is schedule for Oct. 11th. If you are going to be in the Killeen area, or want to give money to help us, e-mail Chris at tophermay@yahoo.com. Last year we had 315 people come to banquet. It was spiritually exciting to hear from the soldiers, as well as exciting to see God's people get excited about loving these soldiers.

Please continue to pray for Chris, as he calls on people to support us. Pray for the banquet that it can be financially fruitful. Pray for our soldiers, those deployed are trying to be a light, those at home, are in training and trying to grow spiritually, and the spouses who are trying to stay strong until the homecoming. Pray for me as I begin to finally feel organized and in charge of a household (not a tent). Pray for our children as they have started a new school year, and are trying to make new friends as well.

We count it a privilege to be here at Fort Hood sharing not only our lives but the very gospel as well.

Cadence Kids

2011-08-16T00:20:00.001-05:00

If any of you want to see some of the Cadence Kids pictures or read more about the ministry of our fellow missionaries that I mentioned in the blog below, please read:

http://kennjoylowe.tumblr.com/

Where oh where has the time gone?

2011-08-16T00:02:00.006-05:00

I know you probably thought we got sun-stroke and haven't been able to update you all on our going-on's. Well, we have had 9 groups here working on the SHH. It is coming along quite wonderfully. The parsonage part is complete. There are a few minor things to do, and a few things that will need to be accomplished in time. In between, we have gotten to host various youth groups as they worked on post leading and helping with VBS through the Cadence Children's Minsters, Kenny & Joy Lowe. In the evening they have helped us here at the house with cleaning, painting, organizing, cleaning, painting, repairs, projects, etc. We have been blessed to have gotten to spend time with this next generation of young people. Our future looks good with these guys coming up. And we have really enjoyed getting to know Kenny & Joy better. They are not only becoming fast friends of ours, but we can see how our ministries will overlap one another and help grow the Kingdom. Exciting is all I can say. The parsonage side of the house is ready for us to move in, we just haven't been released yet. We still need about $1,500 more a month. Some of our folks have committed and haven't given yet, so we are praying for God's timing on all of this. We are not worried. He has led us to this point, and I know He has plan, He promised it.

I have also gotten to learn some valuable lessons. I have learned more about listening. Sometimes, my mind takes a little longer to process what people are saying so I have to concentrate on keeping my mouth shut. I am also trying to learn the balance of grace when I get overwhelmed. A hard skill, so any tips can be left in the comment section. I am now proficient in installing a toilet. My Daddy taught me good.

My Mom has been here during some of this time to help. I really wanted her to be here to help with the kids. I knew our attention would be needed and that there were going to be things that only Chris and I could answer. I didn't want my kids to feel neglected. Instead, Grandmama Jan came and spoiled them. It has been great. Mom has even kept up the laundry and dishes. I don't know how we could have done these weeks without her. Thanks Mom!

We now can catch our breath, relax a little and look to the next step. We'd love to hear from you! Love you all.

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Where we are

2011-06-16T17:34:00.002-05:00

Sorry all, We are in Fort Worth getting ready to transition to a "almost there" stage. Chris has been meeting people and doing lots of lunches to share the news of our mission. I have been finishing the kids school year (even though they will do some summer work), and helping our friends here with various projects. One of the families that hosts us a lot and has been on this journey with us from the beginning, is in a situation of their own. Mr. Steve and Mrs Gayle are wonderful Christians who truly love the Lord. Well, Mr. Steve went to work one day and came home having Chest pains at a level of 12. He has been hospitalized for almost 2 weeks and still no diagnosis. So in the meantime, I have been keeping their daughter Amy's Children. It just so happens that Amy is my Best friend, and our kids have grown up together. All the same, it has been hard to watch our friend suffering and yet it has been rewarding to watch Steve and his relationship with God. Please continue to pray for this family. We all could use your prayers.

Next week, we head Down to Fort Hood, TX to start our transition period. The family there will be transitioning out slowly and we will be working with them until we have the last of our money raised. We are excited to be this close to going on the mission field. If you have not gotten your latest newsletter, let us know and we will mail you one.

Blessings to each of you.

The commercial

2011-05-17T22:06:00.003-05:00

VERA BRADLEY COMMERCIAL

2011-05-17T21:53:00.004-05:00

I took the girls along with their friends (and moms) to Vera Bradley's Ultimate Fan Day. We got to be in a commercial. For our trouble we got to choose a Vera coin purse and Vera water bottle. I will admit I did the commercial just for the coin purse!

Picking our coin purse

Julia in the screen

All 4 girls (and dolls) ready to roll.

Bloggers Been Down

2011-05-17T21:53:00.001-05:00

Should have some new posts up and running soon!

POSTINGS

2011-04-06T15:58:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to click OLDER POSTS to see more stories!

Meet the Smith Family

2011-04-06T14:48:00.002-05:00

We had the joy of meeting Ingrid and her daughter Catherine at the Hospitality House. Jerry is deployed to Afghanistan. Catherine just had recent double foot surgery and is on crutches and having to move very slowly. Please pray for Ingrid that she can be an encouragement to her daughter, as well as get the rest she needs. Catherine is in the process of getting ready for College as she graduates from High School in May. When Jerry returns this summer, he and Ingrid will be moving to Ft Bliss, Texas. As a Mom this is going to be a hard change..Only daughter going to college and you moving further away to a new location. Pray that this family will have peace as they make these transitions. They are a close and strong Christian family, and they do know that God will sustain them as they go.

Meet Me on a Frustrated Day.

2011-04-04T23:55:00.002-05:00

So for all of you who wonder if I always see life as Sunshine, most of the time I do, today was one of those Storm cloud kind of days.

I am Frustrated. I want to be in Fort hood.

I want to tell my children yes.

I am tired of saying:

"When we raise our support"

"It's in the storage unit"

"When we have our own house"

"It's in the suitcase"

"Please go re-pack your suitcase"

"It's in the storage unit"

"This isn't our house"

"When we have our own house"

"It's in the storage unit"

I am now longing for this time of fund-raising to be over. I am ready to be about my Father's work. And I long to be back in the midst of running my home, cooking meals, washing clothes, sweeping floors, and sleeping in my own bed (even if I can't remember what that feels like anymore).

I know that this is what God has called us to do, and I am content in following Him. I just wanted you to get a glimpse into my heart. And I know that in a few months we will be in our new jobs at our Hospitality House. I also know that even if I don't love washing clothes then, I will be thankful for it.

Meet Christina & Alvin

2011-04-01T12:58:00.004-05:00

I had the opportunity to meet Christina when we were at the Hospitality House in September. She and Alvin had been married for a few weeks and he was getting ready to deploy for Iraq. We talked together and prayed together about not only her being a new wife, but a new military wife. After we left Ft Hood in November she and I stayed in touch on Facebook. When we arrived at the Hospitality House a few weeks ago, she met me at the door with huge hugs. Christina is smart, funny, brave, and sometimes scared. She struggles with the fear that she could lose the husband that she hasn't even gotten to enjoy yet. He left after they had been married for 7 weeks. Christina is also looking for a job and wants to find a job working with children. Christina has a heart for the Lord, and is growing and maturing in her walk with Him. Pray that she will stay encouraged and not let discouragement creep in on her heart.She does get to send Alvin care packages, and gets to talk to him often, which is a huge blessing. Pray that their conversations will be fruitful as they discuss plans for their future, finances, safety, and spiritual issues. Pray that Christina can be a continued encouragement to her husband, and that her job hunting will be successful.

Here is our latest story, posted on the Cadence Website

2011-03-30T15:29:00.000-05:00

Going Out on a Limb: A Missionary Partnership Development Journey

Thursday, March 10, 2011

written by Elizabeth May

“Go out on a limb—that is where the fruit is.”

This was a quote that went over and over in my mind as our family knew we had to take a huge step of faith. We were appointed as Alpha missionaries with Cadence in June of 2008. Our partnership development was coming along, but not as nicely as we needed it to. So in May of 2010 my husband resigned from his job and we decided to travel the country preaching and sharing about Cadence. We put all of our belongings in a storage unit in north Alabama, loaded our mini-van with our suitcases, tent, and everything else we thought we might need for 6 months…6 months is now turning into 1 year.

We have traveled to Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. We stayed with individuals along the way, meeting and spending time with our brothers and sisters in Christ and camping in various campgrounds. While camping, we learned a lot about ourselves and those who lived a pioneer life. Gathering firewood for 3 meals a day, washing the same dishes 3 times a day, keeping mud out of our tent, not always having flush toilets, and trying to stay cool made us appreciate everyday amenities. Along the way we visited some great tourist stops: The Tennessee State Museum, Pony Express Museum, Precious Moments Chapel, Abraham Lincoln’s home, Wal-Mart museum, and many more. We have tried to eat food that was a local treat: Cheese curds, roasted corn, deep dish pizza, and tex-mex.

Throughout this time God has been with us. Anywhere there was rain this summer, you can guarantee, our tent was under it. We survived a damaging storm with 80 mile an hour winds that forced us out of our tent in the dead of night. Our tent sustained only minor damage, and we were provided with a cabin to stay in for the night where we hung out all our clothes to dry. Our turtle shell opened causing us to lose some bedding; God used His people to replace some of it, and some of it is still lost.

It is currently March, we have been assigned to the Fort Hood Hospitality House and we are at 70% of our financial goal. We know God will provide the remainder in time for us to start our work on September 1, 2011. We are putting our belongings in a storage unit in Fort Hood and traveling around Texas raising the last of our support.

This adventure has not always been easy; we have felt discouraged, frustrated, scared, and sometimes very lonely. But along the way, we have held onto the truth that we knew God wanted us to trust Him enough to truly follow Him. I feel God is changing our course for a home now. Our children are ready to see their toys, we all long for school days that take place at a desk versus a picnic table, and we are ready to be ministering to our soldiers. There is a quickening in our spirit that lets us know this part of our journey is coming to a close. The question is how will the chapter end? One thing I know for sure, my family will follow God anywhere He asks…besides the tent is packed!

Find out more about the Mays and pledge to help them with their last 30% of financial support.

Meet Teaven & Sarah

2011-03-30T15:06:00.009-05:00

It has taken me a few days to write this blog as it is such a great God story. And yet, hard for me to look at all the emotion behind it. We met Teaven when we were at the Hospitality House in October of 2010. Teaven lived in the room upstairs next to ours. He is engaged to Sarah, Sarah is Ken & Judi Wooten's daughter. Ken & Judi currently are the House Directors for the Hospitality House.

One day, Teaven came in from work and he & I were chatting as he gathered his mail. I saw that he had a letter from YoungLife. I asked him if he worked for YoungLife. He told me that he did work for them doing military youth ministry work on Fort Hood. I asked him if he might have known a friend of ours who use to work with YoungLife before he was killed in Iraq. As soon as I said Leif Nott, he got misty-eyed, and I got teary too. Teaven explained that Leif had been his youth leader when he was a teenager. He told me how Leif had shared Christ with him, but that he had not been willing to accept Christ at the time. While Leif was deployed, Teaven received encouraging notes from Iraq. Leif, having been killed in July of 2003, never got to know that he would be instrumental in Teaven accepting Christ as his Savior. It was then that I told Teaven that Chris was the one who had led Leif to the Lord. Talk about emotional. When Chris came home a little later, Teaven and Chris shared with each good memories of Leif. It was a joy for me to witness the look on their faces. The assurance they had that their friend was with Christ, but at the same time longing for one more conversation with him.

Teaven then told us that Leif was not only his leader, but had also been in his Father's unit. It was through Leif's example and Teaven's words that Teaven's father came to be a believer as well.

Teaven and Sarah are getting married in a few weeks. As Teaven's Spiritual Grand-father, Chris & I will be at the wedding. To us this was another Ebenezer Stone that God had selected Fort Hood for us. Pray for Teaven & Sarah. Pray for their new marriage to go smoothly. Pray for them as they prepare to be ESL teachers in a foreign country, hoping to share the Good News of Jesus where they go, (Korea or Russia is in the works). Pray that as they say good-byes to their families they will hold to the hope that they are living for something bigger than themselves.

Meet Ellie and Julia

2011-03-24T00:24:00.002-05:00

This is Ellie and her daughter Julia. Ellie is a recent Single Mom. She is preparing for her deployment in June. Julia is a delight to be around, and of course, our Julia loves her. I just recently met these two. My heart breaks for Ellie. Julia will be going to stay with Ellie's sister while her Mom goes off to war. As a Mom, I am hurting for Ellie. Can you imagine missing one year from your childs life? Not seeing her learn to swim, not watching her go to her first day of preschool, seeing her perform in her first ballet recital. These are real people, real sacrifices, real honor, real COURAGE. Join me in praying for Ellie and Julia as June's deployment is not far away. I promise when we tell them good-bye on Friday, I will give them both lots of hugs!!

Meet Luke and Noelle Rau

2011-03-22T11:44:00.002-05:00

Luke came to the Hospitality House when he was a single gentleman. Once he arrived in Afghanistan, he met Noelle. They began spending time together, feel in love, and were married when they both returned to the states. Luke brought Noelle to the Hospitality House, and they became plugged in to the ministry as a married couple. Noelle has 3 children and even though Luke might not be their Father, he is their Dad. It has been a real joy for us to get to know this family. They love the Lord and strive to know Him more. In the past few months, Noelle has gotten out of the Army and has become a stay at home Mom. Luke will be deploying in June. Please pray for this family. The children are going to have a hard time not having their Dad around. Noelle will not have the relief of a husband coming home at the end of the day to help her. This family is taking on some changes. Pray for them.

Kyndra

2011-03-21T13:26:00.002-05:00

I keep sharing these stories so you will begin to see how God has put us here for a reason. Many of you know that our good friends, Rick and Becky Aderhold (Phenix City, AL) have a granddaughter named Kyndra. What you might not know is that Kyndra, her husband Alex, and her daughter Gabriella (7 months) are stationed here at Fort Hood, TX. So as soon as we got here, I called her to come over. We had a great afternoon together and I learned that Alex is at NTC getting ready to deploy in June. Please pray for them. Pray that God will use me to encourage Kyndra.

Cousin Brandon

2011-03-21T13:11:00.003-05:00

Now here is a great story. My Dad had taken the girls with him to visit at Fairview school in Cullman, Al. While there, Dad ran into a distant cousin of his, Cindy Miller. Dad told Cindy how we were heading out to Fort Hood to the Hospitality House. Cindy was so excited, her son is a chaplain assistant at Fort Hood. They wanted us to look each other up. So the day after we got to town, I called my new to me cousin SPC Brandon Miller. We had a great conversation on the phone and made plans to meet each other at chapel services the next morning. We did meet at chapel and he followed us back to house for lunch. We spent the rest of the afternoon on the front porch getting to know each other and laughing at how God brought us together. I think for both of us this cured the homesickness blues. It also confirmed to me that God is getting ready to do something very Big here. Already my family has gravitated towards him and his fun personality. Julia likes that she and Brandon have the same dimples. And the boys are trying to be kind to the Alabama fan, even though they really want to tell him Auburn is better.

We were also blessed this past week to be with Brandon and a youth group from First Baptist Carthage, TX. The youth group was hear volunteering with Cadence missionaries. We got to see the true heart of this cousin of mine. He has a heart for the Lord and a heart for young people. Not many missionaries have this gift and we are thankful for it!

MOVING ON IN FAITH

2011-03-21T13:02:00.002-05:00

We are trusting God with this move to Fort Hood, TX. Even though we have not raised the last bit of our support, we went ahead and moved all of our stuff into a storage unit in Fort hood. We have been learning about faith. Faith is believing, going, and doing when you have no hand written word from the Lord. We are going on faith. And for affirmation, we gained 2 new supporters following the move. We are filling in at the Hospitality House for 2 weeks while the directors take some R&R. Just being here with these people make our hearts heavy and light. Light because we are excited to be coming here, Heavy because of the world "our" soldiers see.

Our Girls Turn 7!

2011-03-21T12:39:00.003-05:00

Hanging with the Helgrens

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It has been over 3 years since we have seen these precious friends. We went to seminary together, and watched God show him his plan for their life. They are missionaries with the IMB serving in Zambia, Africa. We drove to Stone Mountain, Ga to visit with them for a long weekend. We ALL had a great time together. Please continue to pray for them as they prepare to go back to Zambia. they are doing a great work there, and lives and hearts are transforming.

The Banquet

2011-02-25T22:52:00.002-06:00

The Banquet was a huge success. We had 60 people come out to learn more about ministry. This was a great avenue for us to meet new people and share our vision with them. We were blessed to have so many wonderful table hosts and their yummy desserts too. We added 8 new monthly partners to our team and many people gave us one time gifts to go towards our ministry. We were blessed by a collection of the Alabama Singing Women who shared a patriotic medley, testimonies that were shared, and the encouraging words from others. I will try to find a way to post some of the video on here soon. Thanks to all our friends and family who helped make this event so successful! If you couldn't make it, and still want to support us, there is still time, just let us know.

Phenix City, AL

2011-02-22T09:31:00.002-06:00

WE are currently in Phenix City, Al. This is our last scheduled trip here for a year or so. We are excited to be going to Texas and see all that God has in store for us there. As I ponder sometimes, I wonder just what the next step in time will look like. And I don't know all of it, but I know some of it. And that is encouraging to our hearts.

I want to encourage you to examine your heart. Ask God are you living this adventure of life with Him. I know to many people it looks like we are crazy doing this year long trip of faith and trusting God for a place to stay and where to eat. But our desire to be right where God wants us, ministering to His people, far outweighs any "normal" right now. We can feel the time winding down, but what an adventure this has been. Our kids love being in one room, they love having us all to themselves, and we have laughed, learned, explored, cried, become angry, packed, repacked, napped, giggled, and enjoyed together. You really have to try this kind of faith. If we can do it, you can!!

Saying "good-bye's" that will have to sustain us for a while is hard, but disciples left their families to follow Him. And so do we. Pray for God to be with us in the next few days.

The Joy

2011-01-26T22:44:00.003-06:00

What a treat that Mom & Dad plus us went together and got the girls their American Girl Historical Dolls. I was so excited to give them their dolls. From the moment they had the box in front of them I felt like I was on the verge of tears. I think as their Mom I had made certain milestones up in my mind they would reach when they were growing up, and they had hit the "big girl doll" phase. They were so happy! Instant friends!

The Wonder

2011-01-26T22:30:00.002-06:00

A family friend gave us their old pink ipod nano to give Caleb. We ordered him an Auburn skin, covered the pink, and got him some headphones. Caleb saw the cord first, and then saw his ipod. He loved it!

The Shock

2011-01-26T22:07:00.002-06:00

For those who haven't heard the story: David had asked for 2 things for Christmas a laptop and an ipod. So I sat David down and explained that we would not be able to get him either one of these gifts as they cost too much. He replied " I know, but why do you have to take my hope? Jesus came to be the Hope of the world and you you just crushed my hope." Needless to say, I felt bad. As a Mom I want to give my kids what they want, and David hardly asks for anything. Little did I know that God had a plan. One of our house mates in Fort Hood had upgraded his ipod to the ipod touch and wanted to sell his ipod. The price he offered was well within the hope range!!

Christmas in Kentucky

2011-01-26T21:46:00.003-06:00

We had a new little trip to Kentucky to visit Chris' folks. Enjoyed the cold weather, seeing Christmas lights, eating yummy food, and celebrating Christmas!

Holiday Break

2011-01-11T19:41:00.002-06:00

Well, I took a break from blogging to enjoy the holidays. And now, we are back in session. I will try to give you a quick re-cap! Before then, I will let you know that we our current location is Cullman, Alabama where we staying with my parents. We will be here until the end of February. We will be hosting a Cadence Banquet at the end of February in Phenix City, AL. Then we head to Atlanta, Georgia to meet up with our missionary friends Joy & Kendall Helgren. The Helgren's are missionaries with the IMB in Zambia, Africa. We haven't seen them in 3 years and are itching to put our hands on them while they are on furlough. After that, we are back on the road to Texas. In texas we will be speaking at more churches, meeting more people, raising support, helping at the Hospitality House, and hosting a banquet in Fort Worth. We have a lot going on.

The kids are doing great in school. Lately, we have been having snow days and have enjoyed playing some good games together and building snow sculptures!

OUR LOCATION

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We have our assignment:

WE ARE GOING TO FORT HOOD, TEXAS

We are so happy. We will be taking over the ministry from a wonderful couple who have spent more than 16 years doing house ministry. For the last 10 years they have been doing the ministry in this house. It has two sections: The front half is ministry based, and the back half is the private residence. The house sits on more than 17 acres. There is a basketball court, above ground pool, a volleyball area, a huge front porch and room for our kids (and plenty others) to roam. In the last two weeks we have gotten to experience ministry, feel the love and heartbeat of our military, and we have a better understanding of our chaplains. We are so ready to be here. As soon as we raise the rest of our support we will be back to get to work!!

Outside of our new ministry!

Serving Food in the Big Room

More of the Big Room

The front of the house

From the back of the property

Welcome Home III Corp

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Jennifer has been staying at the Hospitality House waiting on two things:

1. Her husband to return from Iraq

2. Her housing to become available

During the time she has been here, we have gotten to be friends, and we have prayed for her hubbies safe return. So today, we got to go welcome Sam home.

WELCOME HOME SAM!

My cute costumed kids

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What Cracks me up in this picture: Abigail is practicing stinging

Fall Festival

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My Friend's Response to the post below

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"I love when those breakthroughs come! On the back side of them we can see how heavy our hearts were before we gave it to God - and we were clueless that we were being weighted down!"

Aimee Hart

Isn't it good to know that even when you feel like you can't put into words how you feel, God knows, and sometimes he sends a friend to help you too!

Convictions

2010-10-26T16:41:00.002-05:00

Sometimes when we ask the Lord to do something for us, he reveals something we are suppose to be doing for him. As my children have the learned: The Bible tells us what man must believe about God and what God requires of man.

So for a few weeks now God had been convicting me about my time with him. I tried so hard to be in the word everyday and yet I felt this struggle to beat the clock. I would find my quiet time haphazard. But I knew when Chris taught Bible study Friday night that it was for me. It was on taking up our Bible daily and setting time apart for God as a priority. In that moment I knew I had been sinning. I prayed and asked the Lord to forgive me. Saturday morning and everyday since, I have gotten up and read from his word. I have enjoyed it again.

I have held somethings from God without realizing it. But the more I pondered it, the more I knew I was keeping just a few things for myself. And do you know they all had to do with the location in which we are going to be assigned. I have let go and told God that I want to be where he wants me and I truly mean it. Most of it came from accepting the fact that I might have to live very far from my parents and friends. I mean we are talking outside the 16 hour driving zone I thought would be good. I really want to be able to say "here I am Lord send me" and be willing to go.

I have crossed that place, thanks to my missionary friend Becky. And I realized that if I was asked to go overseas today I could have my passport in 48 hours and go. I mean we already live out of our suitcases! And I knew then that I had fought and won the battle.

So I pray that whatever you convictions are, that you listen to the Holy Spirit and allow God to work on you. You might even need to physically get down on your knees and pray. But there will be that peace that the Lord uses like a balm on our weary souls. And we will wonder why we ever chose to hold on, inside of letting go.

I am praying for you and pray that you feel His peace.

Mission Field

2010-10-22T14:38:00.002-05:00

After being in the Soldier's Hospitality House for the last 3 weeks, we are ready to go. I think before I might have thought I was ready in some dream like way. But now, we are ready to work in our house. Ready to come along and disciple soldiers, to encourage them, to cheer with them, cook for them, and befriend them. It has been great getting to know the soldiers we have met here. One thing I know that I like about the military is this: They make friends easy too. I guess they are always on the move and are use to being together. It reminds a lot of our seminary days.

I know that all of us feel ready to get to work from this little moment with David today:

We took the kids to McDonald's to play on the playground. They are having the Monopoly game going and you could win 1 Million dollars. Well, David saw this, and said "If we win this, we could go straight to the mission field and get to work." I was so humbled and blown away that my 10 year old gets it. He didn't say anything about an XBOX 360, Netbook, MP3 player, toys, movies, etc. This boy wants to get on with the Lord's work. I was so thankful that God let me see his heart in this ministry too.

With that said, we grow closer and closer each day to going on the field, can you join us??

Fort Hood Hospitality House- Banquet

2010-10-18T19:09:00.003-05:00

Our Family getting ready to greet people.

Soldier "T". Sweet guy, loves the Lord and has been blessed by the house.

Praying over "J" who left on Thursday for Afghanistan

Spouse wife "I" who encouraged everyone to remember the spouses. She shared how the house had helper her and her daughter while her husband has been in Afghanistan.

Officer "J" who loves the Bible studies and spiritual growth he gets at the house.

Soldier "L" who came to the house before he went to Iraq. He became a Christian and grew before he left. While in Iraq he meets his wife Soldier "N". After returning from deployment they have made the Hospitality House their other home and grow here, as well as volunteer here. Precious family.

Soldier "J" - chatting before the banquet.

Mr. & Mrs. Hyde who are the other Cadence missionaries here at Ft. Hood.

My Parents can still make me laugh!

2010-10-18T18:56:00.003-05:00

My Mom loves the Backyardigans!

Can you tell someone like being retired from the railroad?

Glad Abigail got this guy locked-up

Mom watching the kids

Caleb Celebrates His Birthday

2010-10-18T12:08:00.008-05:00

Fall - Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-18T10:58:00.011-05:00

With Mom and Dad in for a visit, we have enjoyed some fun activities together. A visit to the Pumpkin Patch turned into a great photo opportunity too. Enjoy.

My brother Nate, and his girlfriend Megan

Family

Uncle Time

GranDaddy Barron and Grandma Jan

I love how Woody is patting him on the back

My Silly boys

We are Huge Charlie Brown fans, as you can see from the boys shirts.

I use to love Strawberry shortcake, and now my girls do too.

101 Dalmations

Cute Pictures of the kids

2010-09-29T01:03:00.002-05:00

Just chillin with Mom (Abigail)

Looking at stuff for the Christmas List

Designing our own fashion

Trying out Halloween ideas

Snoozing..in my eye mask!

In Other Exciting News...

2010-09-29T00:54:00.002-05:00

We are having a mad loss of teeth. I think the last count as of tonight was 5. Caleb will be learning "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" this year. And by next week, the girls may be learning it with him.

Where are we going next???

2010-09-29T00:49:00.003-05:00

We will be leaving the Fort Worth area on October 6th. We are going to Fort Hood, Texas. We will be spending time at the Soldier's Hospitality House. We are so excited to have been invited to come and visit. We will get to train and observe some godly people doing the job we plan to be doing soon.

We are getting close to our goal. Some of you have been waiting to support us, well now is the time. We need your support to go on the field!! We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and it is thrilling.

We don't have more details outside of that right now. We will let you know more, as we know it!

YOO-HOO, Where Are You??

2010-09-29T00:24:00.003-05:00

Here we are. We have been busy the last 3 weeks resting and recharging. We have been sleeping in beds and cooking on an indoor stove. We have been staying with some of our best friends during our time here in Fort Worth. Nice Blessings for sure!!

We have been traveling, speaking, resting, staying up late, having friend time, starting school, visiting with friends, and really being with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

No matter which house we stay at, which church we speak at, we are loving seeing our Christian siblings. We enjoy seeing all the different landscapes, and how God makes each person and place different. It is a miracle to sit back and view.

Here are a couple of photos from our time. Somehow, I didn't make enough pictures!!

Getting new family pictures made

Enjoying our Friends the Hall's in Seymor, TX

Enjoying our friends the Harrison's - being with Tyler at his baptism.

Meeting up with The Groves Family - another Cadence missionary family from Spain

Visiting the Steffan's in Aquilla, TX

Packing confession

2010-09-05T21:25:00.002-05:00

I thought I would confess that sometimes this moving from campsite to campsite, house to house, can be trying on me. The funny thing is it is only on the day we have to pack the suitcases. It has gotten much better, and in fact we were just laughing about it with the Hall family the other night. Come to find out, Chris doesn't enjoy putting all the luggage in the car. It kinda makes him cranky too. So this is who we are. A Mom and a Dad, Husband & Wife duo who really don't like pack up day. How about you? Does packing day stress you and your family out?

Drinking from my Saucer

2010-08-18T23:28:00.003-05:00

The funds for the car repair came in. The wonderful mission organization that we work for graciously stepped in and helped us. In addition to that the girls are being allowed a special treat with friends. And we have the opportunity to go visit and see the Hospitality House in Fort Hood. God is alive, well, and still moving in the hearts and lives of his people!!

Lake Weatherford - Boating Fun

2010-08-17T10:09:00.004-05:00

This week we are staying at our friends Lake House. We have enjoyed the rest and beauty of the Lake. In the meantime our van is in the shop and we are waiting to hear how much the Air Conditioning is going to cost us. We have been thankful for our new cell phone that doubles as a WiFi hotspot as we have been able to stay connected to our emails and facebook. We use those two along with our blog as a means to stay in touch with our friends and supporters. We will be staying with friends who live on campus the rest of the week, and will be meeting with people on that side of Fort Worth. Plan to see my brother every day as he works 5 minutes from my friends house. Pray that God will keep the contacts coming in for us as we get closer to our goal.

Being Patient When you feel Antsy

2010-08-13T21:08:00.002-05:00

I have wondered how I can have such patience when I am antsy to get our Hospitality House. I know that there are some days when I am a little more anxious to go than other days. And I would certainly like a well laid out schedule and plan for our life. But God has yet to reveal all the details that are coming for us. And do you want to know why I am not anxious? I have Peace. The peace of the Holy Spirit that we are exactly where we need to be doing exactly what we are suppose to be doing. I pray that no matter where you are in life, no matter if you are out on the road support raising or not, that you are seeking to be where the Holy Spirit wants you. Cause this is a great place to be!

Strawberry Shortcake - Camp Cupcake day 2

2010-08-08T22:26:00.002-05:00

For Day 2 we went to the $2 movie to see the new SS movie. The girls loved it! And we had a fun afternoon of playing too.

American Girl

2010-08-08T16:52:00.005-05:00

Camp Cupcake- day 1

While Chris and the boys, along with Jeremy and Grant have been at Children's Camp, we have had fun activities lined up for the girls. I am mostly posting these pictures because my mom was with us the last time we went and she really missed us. So this is for you Grandma Jan!

AIR CONDITIONING

2010-08-08T15:12:00.003-05:00

We need air conditioning in our van. We believe God is going to provide the air in one of three ways:

1. God is going to "heal' the AC

2. God is going to provide the finances for our AC to be repaired

3. God is going to provide us a brand new, paid-off, Suburban.

Will you pray with us, believing that God wants us to have AC?

Chris will be home on Tuesday night to take it to the garage.

Fort Worth-Grant's Birthday Party

2010-08-07T21:47:00.004-05:00

As you can tell from all these pictures we had a great time celebrating Grant's Birthday.

I have to admit, I liked playing Extreme Family Dodgeball. And I think you can tell everyone else liked it too. I got tickled at Jeremy's Dad trying to tag him. I think all the parents were trying to dominate their kids..no matter their kids age!

GIRLS

2010-08-01T19:27:00.002-05:00

I love being with girls. Older girls, younger girls, bitty girls, and girlfriends. I am enjoying my time with all these girls. I have LOVED playing with a 1 year old. I have enjoyed listening to 3 little girls giggle, talk, share, argue, cry, and be together. I truly liked my time away with my girlfriends shopping, eating, laughing, crying, and sharing. I had a great time sharing my heart with MOPs mommies and having my best friend introduce me to the group was priceless. I marveled at the full circle we have made as friends, the growth of our MOPs group, the excitement felt when friends who couldn't conceive celebrate another pregnancy. This is the warmth that feels your heart and makes your throat get all tingly when you look and realize that you are surrounded by some of the most precious godly women. The women who you know that if something ever happened and you needed them they would fall on their knees and take you to the Savior. What a joy for me to be with these girls at this point in life.

Fort Worth- Hudson House

2010-07-25T18:10:00.002-05:00

This week we are staying with our dearest friends the Hudson's. Already we have had Wing Stop, stayed up late talking, listened to the children lay in their beds and giggle til they fell asleep, had a birthday party, planned a MOPS event, scheduled lunch dates, hugged my (newly skinny) brother, attended our other home church, and eaten Chipotle, and taken a long nap.

It is a joy to be together with the other side of our family. I love to see our children playing together, working through conflict together, and encouraging each other. This morning Grant took his first communion since becoming a Christian. It would have been special had we not been here, but it was very nice to be here. We are forever connected to these children. Our children have shared have more birthdays together than apart. We have prayed over these children and their friendships, their spouses, and their future children.

I pray that you have good friends who love you and your children. Even through all those little crazy quirks you have!!

Twin Talk

2010-07-20T14:29:00.002-05:00

Abigail & Julia asked me: When we were tiny in your womb, were we one baby that broke into two babies?

I had never really thought much about explaining this, or biblically how to answer this. So I just said "SORTA".

And that seemed to satisfy them for a whole minute until Abigail said "So how are babies made?"

We had some nice time talking together, and I struggled to give them just enough information and not to much.

I just had to share a bit of one of our chats!

REST

2010-07-19T18:20:00.002-05:00

Is not over-rated. God made it, use it, enjoy it. We are staying at Sue O'Dell's house. She is giving us the royal treatment. Comfy bed, nice hot showers, yummy food, space, and laundry.

Some of you don't know Sue. Many years ago when my Dad took a Builders For Christ group to Alaska, he was pairing people up with their host families. My parents and Grand-Parents were paired up with Sue and Clint O'Dell. Over the years, Sue and Clint have fallen in love with the Builders and its ministry, and the builders have fallen in love with them. They have gone on every trip since BFC came to them. Clint passed away from cancer 6 years ago. Sue is still active in the Builders, and still lives her life glorifying God.

We are speaking at Sue's church on Wednesday night. We are excited about going to this church. It already supports a Cadence missionary. How cool is that???

We picked up a new supporter yesterday at Webb City Baptist Church in Ozark, AR. So we are getting closer and closer!

Goal Update!!!

2010-07-15T21:22:00.002-05:00

To get on the mission field we need to raise:

$5.690 a month

We currently have

$2,200 committed support coming in

UPDATE: Some of you are already contacting Cadence! Thank you! Keep it coming folks. Way to support us and our Military!!!!

We need only 34 more people to give $100 a month.

Would you prayerfully consider supporting us for one year? We are desperately needing to get on the mission field. We have a passion to get to our servicemen and servicewomen.

Will you please help us?

Click below to start supporting us!

http://cadence.org/donate/missionary

You can give by Credit Card, Automatic Draft from your checking account, or you can send in money. Just give Chris May as the missionary name.

Thank you for supporting our military!

You Should Hear MY Voice The Loudest

2010-07-15T10:01:00.002-05:00

I am going to try and paint a picture of what happened yesterday. We were in a Christian book outlet. The kids were in the childrens section watching the new Veggie-Tale. I was looking at children's Bibles. Abigail has been wanting a Bible she can read from. I found one she can get in a few years. So, I called her name several times. Each time I walked closer to her and said her name a little louder. Chris ccalled her name and told her that I needed her. When she came over she said "Sorry Mom, I didn't hear you call my name." And I actually said this back "You should hear my name the loudest." And as the words were escaping my mouth, they penetrated mmy heart. O Lord, when have I been so focused on other things that I have not listened to your voice? Please forgive my child-like ways. Amen.

What lesson is God teaching you?

Precious Moments Chapel - Cartedge, MO

2010-07-14T23:25:00.005-05:00

Matt 13:45,46 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

Crucifixion

Joshua - before the battle of Jericho

1 of 4 pictures representing ways we worship - Prayer

For those who know our girl loves Giraffes and she is 6.

Fountain of Angels outside the Chapel

Heavenly picture that left us speechless and excited about heaven!

Click on this picture twice for the enlarged version..Can you find Jesus? How about the angel keeping his eyes on Jesus? Do you see our military? How about the little girl who can walk? And the angel pointing to the rainbow?

Beautiful stained glass

Mom got the girls a new movie for this trip and they had the bracelets and charms for it at the store. The girls wanted their picture made with their Christmas list!

Prairie Creek - Rogers, AR

2010-07-14T23:20:00.002-05:00

Julia's toe..Chris was the doctor, I gave the kisses

I did not make the picture for the blog, I made it so I could zoom in on the guy and make sure we had gotten all of him out. We did!...ok, Chris did!

View from the top!

St Joseph, MO - Home of the PONY EXPRESS

2010-07-14T23:00:00.003-05:00

In the kids room...making veggie soup

Caleb getting ready to take the mail

Abigail in her at home clothes

We want a room like this in our next house

Taking the mail...see the special saddle with the mail pouches?

Pumping water for the riders and their horses

Caleb looking down to see how far the real well goes...very deep

David being a rider moving the empty mail saddle from one horse to another.

It was pretty heavy without the mail in it.

And so it began!

There are many stories about the men who carried mail across America by the Pony Express, but the Pony Express really didn’t last very long. It began in 1860, carrying mail between Missouri and California by horseback.

Stations were set up along the route, about 15 miles apart, where fresh horses were kept for the riders. Each rider rode three horses before handing over his mail to the next rider. It took about eight or nine days for the riders to carry a mail pouch from one end of the route to the other.

But the service ended only 18 months after it began! For that’s when the first cross-country telegraph lines began to carry messages instead.

The shortest trip on the Pony Express announced the news of Abraham Lincoln’s election, only six days!

Our Goal:

2010-07-13T19:42:00.003-05:00

To get on the mission field we need to raise:

$5.690 a month

We currently have

$2,200 committed support coming in

We need only 34 more people to give $100 a month.

Would you prayerfully consider supporting us for one year? We are desperately needing to get on the mission field. We have a passion to get to our servicemen and servicewomen.

Will you please help us?

Click below to start supporting us!

http://cadence.org/donate/missionary

You can give by Credit Card, Automatic Draft from your checking account, or you can send in money. Just give Chris May as the missionary name.

Thank you for supporting our military!

Camping- The Dirty Truth

2010-07-13T19:33:00.002-05:00

Camping can be fun. It can be interesting, it can build character in grown adults. It can push you to the edge of tears. Why you might ask? oh let's see:

1. Your tent is larger than the site you reserved.

2. The area around the campground is all rocks.

3. It rains..again.

4. The shower does not have a toilet, sink, or mirror.

5. The bathroom doesn't flush..it's a pit toilet. You can imagine.

6. The flush toilet that is far away, does not have a sink, mirror, or power.

7. We will look like Alabama hill billies when we go out.

8. the Air Mattress gets a hole..again!

9. We will try to remember Jesus didn't curl his bangs, or always have clean toes.

10. The adults will learn patience.

11. Maybe, just maybe, the kids will see their parents and know we didn't get all of this life stuff right. And maybe, just maybe, they will see that we love Jesus enough to walk in this life with faith!

new photo

2010-07-11T23:09:00.001-05:00

Maysville, MO

2010-07-11T17:08:00.002-05:00

What a joy. Today Chris not only got to share about Cadence, but also he got to preach. Chris shared a sermon about the Sake of the Name. This had been our them at our Cadence Conference too. He did a fantastic job and I heard people saying Amen and found myself agreeing with them. So many people came up to us afterward and said that God had really spoken to them. It is funny that how when we started this trip I wanted to find our partners in ministry, then at the first campground, I wanted to share Jesus and be a Cadence ambassador, and now, I just want to truly be the kind of Jesus that the people we encounter need. And we might not receive any financial gain from this, but the heavenly gain far outweighs any thing this world has to offer. I believe all that we are learning and gaining during this trip is preparing us for ministry.

After church, the body hosted us for a luncheon. Unfortunately, The kids were not only exhausted from arriving at our hotel really late last night, but we have also passed a stomach bug around. So needless to say Abigail threw up on the way to church, Caleb and Chris got sick at church. I hate we were not all feeling well enough to enjoy such a fine spread of food.

How did we find this First Baptist Church Maysville? My Dad took a group here with the Builders For Christ several years ago. Builders, that Church is beautiful!

Tea Time

2010-07-09T13:28:00.003-05:00

While the Girls went to eat at the Tea Room, the boys went to

the bank for their FREE lunch. The bank was celebrating its 100th Anniversary!

Rachael, Esther, and us

Rachael & Esther

Me and my Girls!!

Iowa

2010-07-09T11:14:00.002-05:00

We are really having fun in Iowa. We have had some late night game fun with our friends Michael & Rachael. They will be leaving in 3 weeks to go to Brazil. They will be teaching school to missionary kids. We are so happy for them. You can follow along with them in their journey at www.internationalkochhouse.blogspot.com

While here we have been staying in Rachael's parents hunting cabin. It is peaceful and restful. We have seen so many deer and groundhogs. Yesterday we saw a mother and her fawn. The fawn was so young it was still suckling and it kept falling down when it walked. It was really neat to see this little part of the world we never get to see. this was our little miracle for the day. Isn't God's creation just AMAZING.

We leave for Missouri tomorrow. We will be speaking at First Baptist Church Maysville on Sunday if you want to come hear Chris.

Iowa

2010-07-07T16:43:00.004-05:00

Sightings in Route to Iowa

The house on The Rock by Frank Lloyd Wright

"The only infinity room in the world- jutting out an unsupported 218 feet, with 3,264 windows for walls"

The deer from our bedroom window

Funny frog Caleb found.

One of many farms we passed

Crossing from Wisconsin into Iowa. In Debuke

4th of July

2010-07-04T23:22:00.006-05:00

After 10 years of Fireworks..my baby boy still doesn't like the sound!

Vicki & Julia cuddles up watching the fireworks.

Noah (Ryan Huber's new Son) and Caleb being silly

Abigail wanted to sit by herself in her own blanket.

Love the look on Noah's face as the first fireworks went off.

Brown Deer Walking in the parade

The Lone Ranger gave Caleb a treat...A real - life silver bullet

You know you want one!

Daddy Barron, please build us one!! It is just a lawn mower.

Waiting for the parade

Wanted to take Mom & Dad with me to Brown Deer

I was with them the last time I was here on a Builders For Christ trip in 1999.

2010-07-03T21:28:00.005-05:00

Chris' team in the volleyball Championship. They WON!!

The girls with Audrey Evans . Dan & Barb's daughter.

Kerith Schroder (president of Cadence's daughter) singing a song called "Latte Boy". It was soooo funny. We all loved it. Especially my boys. I think they thought she was cute! I got tickled watching her mom, Joyce, as she played the music and tried not to laugh!

The kids taking it all in!

Audrey Evans with Abigail on stage singing "Marshamllow" with Matt huijshen

We spent some time with Mark & Priscilla Young and I think this is the only picture I have! I am such a goof. They were (and are) really quite precious to us!!

Caleb

Prayer with the kids before baptism. I know I should have had my eyes closed!

My view from my bedroom.

Taking the WAR EAGLE wherever we go!!

The Girls with Sara Ingalls, her parents serve as house directors in Kansas. We plan to stop in and visit them!

Nick & Becky -our friends from Candidacy- They now serve as youth ministers in Germany

The Huijshens receiving their anniversary with Cadence -16 years. Aimee Hart met them in Germany so what a treat since I met her Phenix City. Mutual Friends now!

Elmer & Otis - Opened all our sessions! Crazy boys!

Andrew Hawkins (England Hospitality House) with the boys!

Dan & Barb Evans

2010-07-03T21:23:00.003-05:00

Here we are with Dan & Barb. Barb has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and has been given 6 months to live. I had the pleasure of meeting this couple who mentored Chris back in 1993. For one year Chris was in their ministry with Cadence. They made such a difference in his life. I was thrilled to Thank them for loving him when he felt no one loved him, for encouraging, discipling, and training him. Their investment in Chris has shaped him as a man, husband, father, and disciple of Christ. I am forever grateful for the sake of my family.

Group Photo from Conference

2010-06-30T14:00:00.001-05:00

You can see the boys down front in their Falcons jerseys. Julia and Abigail are down front on the right. Chris and I are on the left.

Cadence Conference

2010-06-30T11:58:00.004-05:00

Oh if I could tell you the goodness of who we are with. We are with 350 missionaries, and that doesn't count the youth and children. We are being encouraged by other missionaries, encouraging others, having great messages brought to us, and learning a ton form our break out sessions.

We have been blessed by having Dr. Mark Young, the President of Denver Seminary as our speaker. He and his wife Priscilla are such a blessing. They have been an encouragement to us personally.

The kids have been going to their classes and really love seeing the big picture of being a part of a group of 30 children and 40 youth. They are creating friendships that will last a long time!

Right before we came we were feeling discouraged. As soon as everyone saw us they were encouraging, hugging on us, they were proud of us. AWESOME!

We are blessed to be a part of this organization that truly loves the Lord and longs to see lives and hearts transformed. They all LOVE Jesus. As someone said This is like being at a family reunion...only with people you like!

I had the opportunity to meet Dan & Barb. Many of you know that they were Chris' youth leaders while he was Germany. Dan & Barb had such a huge impact on him and truly helped to shape him into the man that he is today. I was honored to be able to pray over Barb (she has been given 6 months to live as she has terminal cancer). I am forever grateful to the them for the impact they have had on my life, even without ever meeting them.

To tell you that this has been a great week would be shortchanging it. It has been FABULOUS!!

Confessions

2010-06-25T15:57:00.002-05:00

Well, here is what I have learned this week:

If you can't get the permanent filth from between your toes while camping, don't worry..all the other campers look the same.

You may want to repaint your nails, but getting in the turtle shell in the rain is a pain!

Taking the surge protector to the Starbucks is a brilliant idea.

The new smartphone is a life saver...Literally.

Making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the sunshine can cause a sunburn.

Swimming all afternoon will cause you to start snoring mid-sentence. Fortunately the Hubby is understanding.

Sulfur water in the closed up bath house really stinks!!

Little girls are preciously cute in the sunshine.

Little boys give the best hugs after a long day swimming.

Everything taste better cooked over an open campfire.

My hubby can cook a mean steak on a fire pit!!

To keep ones tent nice and dry, stuff all belongings into the sleeping bag and put on parent's air mattress.

Arguing does not solve anything!

Making up with each other can be awkward but rewarding.

Friendships made at campgrounds are very good for you.

Starbucks WiFi is Awesome

Redbox movies make the rain and the heat better when watched indoors.

Amazon.com is fun to shop no matter where you are (David's).

Playing games with Daddy is good (Julia's)

I am enjoying our time camping. I do look forward to each new destination and the people God is placing in our path to help and encourage us and for us to do the same for them.

The money

2010-06-25T14:41:00.002-05:00

We are steadily picking up new supporters. If you would like to support us on a monthly basis, click on comments at the bottom of this post and we will send you all the information you need. Right now, we are around 30% of where we need to be. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to partner with us in reaching our military community for Christ!

www.cadence.org

Hot Times

2010-06-25T14:28:00.003-05:00

I (heart) Jay's chips!!

The heart shaped chip in my bag of Jay's

The kids on the KOA Playground

I tried to get a picture of all of us enjoying the pool. We have been using the pool as our cool off time. We spent most of yesterday out there, and I got sunburned. Not to bad, but enough that I didn't want to sit out there again today. So we are on the internet at Starbucks and the kids are watching their Redbox movies. We are all cool and comfy. We are getting excited about seeing all our Cadence friends Sunday at the conference. in the meantime we plan to do some re-organization of our stuff and enjoy our last two days here in Chicago.

TOY STORY 3

2010-06-23T17:12:00.003-05:00

It has rained on and off. This morning chris and I decided we would pull a prank on the kids. We told them we were going to another old museum. They didn't complain and went happily along. Even when we told them it was next door to that historic theater that was playing Toy Story 3 in 3D. When we opened the doors, Caleb just hugged me, and all the others just squealed. We really got them good!

Illinois - Nice Treat

2010-06-23T17:05:00.002-05:00

We have had many adventures in Illinois...most involve the weather. We were fortunate enough to meet some great people. One woman we mwt had her daughter with her at the pool. We were talking about how much i love Jay's Chips. When my Dad worked in Chicago he would get them for me, and later when I visited my parents there, they took me to get these chips. This Woman went out of her way to go to the store and bring them back by the campground after they had left. See the note she left below.

Indiana

2010-06-23T16:41:00.004-05:00

We had 24 hours of Fun with Jeff, Tonya, Jason, Ryan, and Kimberly Wall. Chris and Tonya went to school together in Germany and were in the same Malachi (a division of Cadence) Youth Group. Getting together with them was liking getting together with your best friends. Their entire family was sweet as pie. The fed us, helped wash up our muddy tent, took us to church, fixed us some good ol Indiana Roasted Corn, and sat with us around the camp fire. Good Friendships were formed for all of us!

The Kids

The grown-ups

The boys playing along while Chris and Tonya taught them old youth group songs

CORN

The COLTS play here!

Crossing over from Indiana to Illinois

Abraham Lincoln Learning

2010-06-23T16:30:00.007-05:00

Looking down into sinking spring

Where Abe almost drowned and where he possibly skipped stones.

Sinking Spring

Abigail loved this bronze statue of the Lincoln family.

Inside the home

Lincoln Vegetable Garden

Last Days at Kentucky Camp

2010-06-23T16:14:00.003-05:00

The second snake we saw in Otter Creek

Nightly Visitor

Julia's injury. Thanks to Mr. Gabe Hedges for all the medical supplies.

Crazy Picture of Mom.

Silly kid picture

Crossing the creek. David was my guide and led me most of the way.

Sweet times together.

Caleb laying in wait for the coon!

God's Protection

2010-06-23T09:54:00.002-05:00

Monday night was VERY SCARY for us. We had just laid down to start listening to the Bible, when my new phone (Thank you MAMA!!), alerted me to severe weather. No sooner had I opened the phone then I noticed the back corner of the tent pulling. Now we had been having some rain and up in the clouds lightning. But as soon as I said "Chris, I think we should get in the van." It was like the storm was on top of us. Chris opened the tent door to look out, turned around and said "let's go." He ran out and opened the van door. I screamed at David to get up and run to the van. Chris came back grabbed the next kid, I grabbed one, and then I ran back to get the next one as soon as I looked back as I was leaving the tent, the whole thing came down. Chris and I ran back to grab stuff, and try to shut the door hoping to keep as much rain out as possible. We went by the KOA owners house and told him our tent had collapsed, and that we were seeking shelter int he bath house. We parked in front of the bath house waiting for it to blow owner before unloading everyone. Rob, (the KOA owner) drove next to us in his truck and told us we could stay in the cabin for the night. He went and did a patrol. One motor home had a limb fall on it and break it's AC unit, and had the hood smashed in. Another families entire tent was crumpled and they threw it in the trash and headed back home, 5 minutes away. Chris unloaded us at the cabin, while he made several trips back to salvage anything good. No One really cried. Caleb got a little upset, but mostly because we woke him by screaming. A neighbor across from the cabin came over and brought enough sleeping bags and blankets for us to sleep on since ours were soaked. When Chris came back to the cabin I had all the clothes out of the suitcases and hung any way I could. Chris and I got into bed and then I said "you can hold me now." and I proceeded to cry. It was scary, and both of us had gotten a really good scare. We spent Tuesday assessing damage, drying and washing clothes, blankets, sheets, sleeping bags, and shoes. One tent pole was broken and one joint was split. We were able to get a substitute pole from Wal-Mart and The joint repaired with duct tape. We sleep wiser last night. All suitcases slept in the car, only PJ's and today's clothes, one critter, and hardly no electronics. We have wind and a few showers expected today, we are planning a trip to the mall.... We are so thankful that God protected us and kept us safe! We enjoyed the pool yesterday after all our hard work on the tent repair,and were able to eat lunch at "the man with the face" aka: Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Rain, Rain,...Go Away?

2010-06-21T08:11:00.002-05:00

When it starts raining I sing this little diddy from Cademon's Call. "Rain, rain, don't go away oh we need you this dry and dusty day. Rain, rain, don't go away though some may say please go away." This helps me chcek perspective. And right now, I am at the KOA in the middle of a corn field. And I just wonder did this farmer pray that God would send the rain to help his crops grow? Another reminder to put others firsst. Little lessons from God. " But many who are first, will be last, and many who are last will be first."

My Word Study

2010-06-19T13:03:00.003-05:00

I love finding little gems in the Bible. Here is one I found this week. I am letting it sink in deep and trying to make changes based on what I learning.

Phillipians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all."

Gentleness: considerate or kindly, in disposition, amiable and tender, not harsh or severe, mild and soft, soothing, easily managed or handled

What does the Bible say:
1. It is a Fruit of the Spirit
2. Paul says God IS gentleness
3. We should be clothed in gentleness
4. We need to be prepared to answer for what we are doing with gentleness.
5. It is considered a rule for living
I am working on practicing this while on this adventure this summer.

I am ussing this time camp

What you can do...

2010-06-19T12:50:00.002-05:00

Some of you who read this blog know most of this, but for those of you who are new...Chris and I are missionaries with Cadence International. We are in the process of raising support to be Hospitality House Directors. We are praying that God will lead people to us who want to support us on a monthly basis. Will you pray that God would send us our supporters?

Here are some other ways to pray:
1. Pray that God would people in our path to encourage us and for us to encourage

2. Pray that we have a smooth transition to our next camp.

3. Pray that God will contiue to sspeak to us as we study His word.

4. Pray for us as we do the daily chores that take so much more energy and time when camping. Pray that we can continue as a team and work together with our individual differences.

camp adventure

2010-06-15T10:05:00.002-05:00

Today's camp adventure is ....different. Last night we got new neighbors. A soldier and his family. He hasn't been home from Afganistan long. It was so good to be with "our people". Mr. Joe was back. He had moved sites, he was afraid we were gonna get a bad storm. Mr. Joe was right. It sormed really bad. The lightning was very loud. The storm didn' last long, and we stayed nice and dry. Our giant battery died in the middle of night, not bad since it was cool out, but a valuable lesson. This morning Chris learned that it charges faster and better with the DC plug in the car. So..good to know. Our skillet gave out cooking this morning too. Now some of you might think some of these difficulties are bad things, or that God is trying to tell us something. I believe He is teaching me that what I think is bad is Him wanting to do something better. Like the nice big double stack air mattress I never would have if the other one hadn't died or the camp stove we are in rote to get. So remember God always has something new to teach us.

Homecoming

2010-06-14T14:43:00.002-05:00

Today we had to pull over on the side of the road because a soldier was coming to Fort Knox to be buried. There were hundreds of motorcycles leading the way. They were riding to protect the family from anyone who might want to ruin this homecoming because of their opinions of the war. IT was so sad and so real. Motorcycle riders, Flags lining businesses, firetrucks parked on the side of the road with flags flying, sheriff cars, people stopped on the side of the road all out of respect for this fallen soldier. Very Sad. Made me think on Leif and all the people who willing go to battle for our freedom. Prayed for Michael Chandler that God would protect him. Prayed for my Uncle Jonathan, that he would his days here in the states. Made me so thankful for the sacrifices of our Fathers and our Grandfathers. We have been blessed. And we are so very thankful for each person who serves.

Tennessee State Museum

2010-06-14T14:14:00.003-05:00

Sorry these pictures may be a little blurry, Security made me turn off my flash! UGH!

Inside the Prairie house

UHH OOH!

The Quilting Practice area

Daniel Boone's Gun

Our Covered Wagon Girls

Chris with the Les Paul

Our Little Camp Home

2010-06-14T14:06:00.003-05:00

Our "Neighbor" Joe lives in this little blue tent. He is a contract employee for the Army and he lives here during the week. He is in the process of being relocated because so many soldiers are moving to Ft. Benning and his job will be moving at some point. He was very nice to pull out his chainsaw and cut up all the logs Chris and his Dad pulled up from the woods. It would have taken Chris forever with the hatchet. Please pray for Mr. Joe and his wife as they live apart Mon-Fri.

How wonderful that every morning the kids wake up to their own little playground!

The Lake just beyond our front door.

Our flying friends..they fly LOW overhead 6-10 of them a night.

Our campfire Chicken. YUM!

There is GOLD in them there Hills!!

2010-06-14T14:03:00.003-05:00

Patton Museum

2010-06-14T13:44:00.005-05:00

Us with the Patton Portrait

David in the tank simulator

Julia and Paw-Paw George

Caleb outside a truck that turns into a headquarters.

George showing us the video from when he was in Bosnia.

Abigail playing soldier

Patton's Limo

Camping Critters!!

2010-06-14T13:21:00.004-05:00

Pirate Julia...missing Nate!

Roasting on a open fire!

Sitting on Paw-Paw George's Milk crate bench.

While Chris plays guitar for us to sing worship songs to.

The endangered bats right near our tent. They are so tiny and kind of cute. they are neat to watch. Love all of God's beautiful things.

Paw-Paw George

2010-06-13T08:39:00.002-05:00

It has been nice having George (Chris' Dad) with us camping for a few days. He is really knowledgeable about camping. He helped collect firewood, & started a huge, hot, blue fire. He was quite helpful in coming up with ideas and suggestions for making our portable home run more smoothly. He even got woken up in the middle of the night by the big storm and was a good sport. I enjoyed getting to see this side of George. He is truly in his element outside. He was great at helping and encouraging Chris. And I loved that.

Little Things

2010-06-13T08:27:00.002-05:00

I have learned some neat little things so far. The tubes mini M&M's come in can hold $25 worth of quarters for doing laundry. There is nothing like a nice cold sweet tea at the end of a long day. Cooking fried squash on a campfire is not very productive. Bringing your own 'White Sauce' from Cullman, AL is a brilliant idea. There is nothing like a good air mattress. Camping neighbors are good to have. Driving with a nerf basketball goal on the side of your car embarasses the...car. Falling asleep to Praise and Worship music at the next campsite is peaceful.

God Bless America

2010-06-09T20:46:00.002-05:00

This is the decorative bench that sits outside Chris' parents house. Abigail and Julia asked me to read them what it said. I told them that it said "God Bless America". Abigail said "I like it better backwards." Julia said "God would like it that way too." It took me a few minutes to figure out what they meant. AMERICA BLESS GOD! Now that is some powerful thoughts for 6 year olds. Interesting how it goes from being a bless me comment to we bless you Lord. We Praise You!!

Sevrens Valley Baptist Church

2010-06-09T10:10:00.002-05:00

We met with the Associate Pastor today, Mr. Hicks. He use to be withe IMB and was on staff at Harvest Church in Fort Worth. Our hearts get happy when DFW gets mentioned. He prayed ffor us and we had a sweet time sharing together. He facility itself was beautiful. You can tell they took their time in building it. They had all the little details right. If a church is looking to build or get involved with loving their community, this church has some good stuff to look at. We enjoyed hearing their heart for loving their community. Sweet people who love the Lord. It just drips like honey. Vert refreshing.

Elizabethtown, Kentucky

2010-06-09T10:00:00.002-05:00

We have a good visit with Chris' parents. Konnie has enjoyed the kids a lot. We have been given the basement to stay in. We are pretty self sufficient down there. The kids love having our own kitchen. We have gone exploring and been on some fun adventures. Yesterday we went to Bernheim forest. We had a picnic, went hiking, saw a deer, and found tons of goose feathers. Tonight we are having a cookout. In the morning we are going to Camp Carlson where we will camp for several days.