Life on the Road

Let's catch up! Our last blog post had us headed to First Baptist Church of Grove City, MN. Since then we have spoken at 3 more churches.

October 18th -  Denver Baptist Church (Iowa)

October 25th - New Journey Church (northern MN)

November 15th - Grace Baptist Church (Iowa)

While it was nice to have a two week break between churches, it by no means meant less travel time. I (Holly) ended up driving to Missouri by myself on October 31st with our 10 month old in tow. It was a pretty sudden trip. I got a call at 9:30 that morning and by 11:15 I was packed and on the road.

Here's a little of what that trip entailed:

- alternator died 2.5 hours from my parents' house

- a Good Samaritan made sure Ellery and I were taken care of until my parents came to pick us up

- unexpected extra time with my parents

- visiting my best friend (Amy) from high school in ICU at a hospital 1.5 hours away

- watching that friend's baby to give her mom a break from taking care of the grandkids for two weeks straight

- visiting another friend (Merry) who had recently had a baby

- visiting my other best friend (Sarah) and her mom (Mary) who had just had a heart attack and bypass surgery

- spending more time with my best friend (Amy) from high school once she was released to go home

- my dad was able to fix the car

Fast forward to Sunday, November 15th. While driving home from Iowa having just spoken at a church, my best friend (Sarah) called with news that her mom (Mary) had passed away. We got what rest we could that night, spent Monday unpacking and repacking, and were on the road back to Missouri on Tuesday morning (Dan with us this time).

The memorial service was Thursday night and one thing that kept being highlighted was God's goodness. God orchestrated so many events that allowed for some really special times with Mary these last three weeks of her life. My friend had just gotten engaged while her mom was in the hospital and the time spent taking care of her mom allowed her fiancé to spend almost every day getting to know his future mother-in-law much better. Mary got to spend time with another of her daughters, a daughter-in-law, and her best friend while she was in the hospital. She got to see Ellery and enjoy her antics. People from the church showed love by bringing meals, praying, and more. During this time, my other best friend (Amy) was back in the hospital and out again.

God is good to us. Honestly, Dan and I have struggled with how long support-raising seems to be taking and being content with God's timing and plan for us. This past month has shown us once again that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. His goodness shines through all He allows in our lives. If we had already left for the Philippines, we would never have gotten this time with our friends and family while so much is going on in their lives. We wouldn't be here next month to see my best friend get married. We get to enjoy some holidays with family before we are separated for years at a time. We've had opportunities to bless others. We are spurred on to redeem the time we have been given here.

This weekend we are on the road again to speak at First Baptist Church in Muscatine, Iowa. Then we'll come back to Missouri to spend Thanksgiving with family. Our next blog post will be more of a picture update of the last few months.

Please pray with us in these things:

- that we would be faithful to redeem the time given to us and use it for His glory

- wisdom in upcoming decisions regarding different trips we need to make

- energy to keep up with our 'mover and shaker' of a daughter and that we would continue to look to the Lord in regards to everything involved in raising her

- our marriage; we desire to keep learning and growing together

- God's continued provision to increase our level of support and more people standing with us in prayer

- comfort for Sarah while she grieves her mom and continued healing for Amy

Here There and Everywhere

Phew! If I want to see where our time has been spent the last month, I have just to open my planner and look at the weekends! Out of the past 4 Sundays, we've spent three of those speaking at churches.

September 6th - Country Roads Church in Stacy MN -- A short drive down the road from where we live, we look forward to popping in for visits and spending more time there when we get the chance.

September 20th - Chisholm Baptist Church in Chisholm MN -- Dan went solo that weekend so that I could stay home with our sick baby.

September 27th - Karlstad Baptist Church in Karlstad MN -- Good times spent here although, we're sure our hosts would have liked to get some sleep as much as we did. Ellery was CRAZY Saturday night and decided to party most of the night. Praise the Lord we were alert and awake enough to speak on Sunday morning.

In the month of October we are scheduled to speak at churches 3 out of 4 Sundays as well. We also have a church scheduled for November.

Much of our time during the weeks has been spent getting ready for speaking on the weekends. Plenty of time has also been devoted to snuggling, playing with, and taking care of Ellery. She has been pretty congested for about two weeks now. While it doesn't affect her overall behavior too much, it's starting to wear on this mama who just wants her baby to feel better.

Where will we be this weekend? We're headed to First Baptist Church of Grove City.

What can you pray for? Safe travels, clear speaking/communication on our parts, a healthy baby, and that we would be able to build relationship with the believers there.

Dan at Country Roads Church