Sometimes, it really is a Crazy Small World

Yesterday, after maneuvering through blustery early morning snow (again), we enjoyed the privilege of sharing at Bethel Assembly of God in Perrysburg, OH.

After the service, this lovely woman surprised Stuart with the news that she also attended the same church in South Carolina as he did 30 years ago! 

Joanna Walls (and her late husband Cliff) attended New Life Assembly in Beaufort, South Carolina back in the 1980's while Stuart served as a marine in the same area. They had a lot of fun catching up.

Don't you just want to break into a chorus of  "It's a small world afterall . . ."

Perhaps not. But these kinds of surprises sure do make itinerating worthwhile!

Big thanks to Pastor Ted and Anna Slater for the opportunity to share our hearts and your gracious hospitality.

Burkesville, KY . . . aka, somewhere without snow

Itineration is a busy time of travel and fundraising for missionaries, but we are thankful for the opportunities to reconnect with friends and partners in ministry.

This weekend we enjoyed the hospitality of Owen and Elise Kieffer at The Old Coe House Bed & Breakfast, while we were in Burkesville, KY for a service at Living Word Ministries.

Stuart and I have known Pastor Dana and Jennifer Coverstone and family (Keilah, Micah, & Hannah) since the dawn of time.

Just kidding.

But we shared some wild and wonderful memories when they ministered at our children's home in Jamaica. 

See the video below on how to really tell the story of the mad-man of the Gaderenes so that your kids never forget it.

Alas, our service yesterday did not feature pigs, but it was wonderful all the same.

After I preached, Pastor Dana asked the children and youth to come around Stuart and I and pray for us.
(I'll post a pic as soon as I get it)
I believe this sends a powerful message to our younger generation that God uses and calls our kids and youth at any age.

If you are ever in Burkesville, KY make sure you stay at The Old Coe House Bed & Breakfast (Stuart says they have the best waffles and blueberries) and visit Living Word Ministries (say hi to Pastor Dana for us).
It'll be a weekend you'll never forget!

Missionary Monday . . . Let's keep in touch

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Missionary Monday . . . on the road (and in the air) again

Two weeks ago, snow and icy roads forced a state of emergency in Fort Wayne which upset travel plans for both our university students. Stuart made a harrowing trip to Indianapolis the next day to drop off Wesley to meet his ride. Then on Wednesday, Olivia and I joined Stuart on a 4 1/2 hour drive to Indianapolis to catch our flights.

Here I am trying to manage a selfie with Olivia.

We got to the airport with about an hour and 20 minutes to spare. Stuart and I headed to Florida and Olivia flew back to Texas.

Big thanks to Pastor Carl and Alice Stephens for allowing us to share our heart for Mexico City at Faith Assembly of God in Orlando. Also, thanks to Pastor Marcos and Margarita Gonzalez for the fellowship afterward. 

On Thursday morning, we joined Faith Christian Academy for morning devotions.

Here we are sharing the parable of the lost peso. 

Yes, we are more than happy to do children and youth services!

Friday, we traveled up to Jacksonville to meet friends and prepare for our service at Freedom Christian Fellowship. We stayed with Brian and Kim Ball, long time friends of Stuart. Brian and Stuart served together in the Marines and Brian was responsible bringing Stuart to church and pointing him to the Savior.

I desperately needed a vitamin D infusion before heading back to the frozen tundra of Indiana, so we stopped at Wekiwa Springs for a cool canoe ride and then walked around Saint Augustine.

We loved our time with Pastor Stephen and Patty Powers at Freedom Christian Fellowship. 

Thanks for your hospitality!

We made it safely back to Fort Wayne last Monday. 

I started my final semester at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Sophia enjoyed her first semi-formal at Leo High School, and Stuart visited Jasonville Assembly of God. 

I wish I could have been there, but Stuart enjoyed catching up with Sam and Marcia Bush as well as many others on Sunday. Thanks so much for your support!

Missionary Monday . . . snowed in

Currently, it is -12 F here in Fort Wayne with over a foot of snow on the ground.

So what to do when you are snowed in . . . 

Well, for one, you play a lot of dominoes :)

I baked a "hootenanny" pancake for Christmas morn. 

I have to admit, this Connecticut girl is a little embarrassed to write "hootenanny," but it was delicious regardless of its name!

Jack the abominable snow dog loves the cold and snow.

Stuart ended up putting him in the bath to melt the snowballs off.

Chocolate and tea for Christmas.

"Keep Calm" "Don't Panic" - are my kids trying to tell me something?

Chocolate fondue, sparkling cider, and poppers to ring in the New Year.

Our backyard this morning.

After which I spent 2 1/2 hours on hold with American Airlines to reschedule Olivia's cancelled flight.

So what to do when you are all snowed in?

Atticus has the right idea:

 "Keep calm and take a nap."

Feliz Día de los Tres Reyes!