A little before noon, we pulled into the driveway. Thank You, Lord, for bring us safely these 5,000+ miles!
More later.
Sarah
Uriah, in his "waiting to be on the road again" spot!
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).
The sights are becoming familiar. The air is now heavy with our normal humidity. Yes, we are nearing our home. Lord willing, we will be home around lunch time! We are anxious to see all the family again!
In Christ,
Anna
“Greatly desiring to see thee…that I may be filled with joy;”
(2 Timothy 1:4)
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
It was 3:30 a.m., when Uriah pulled out of the Terre Haute Wal-Mart parking lot. Most of the family went back to sleep after the initial interruption of the engine starting and turning a few corners.
Driver B, aka John, is in the driver’s seat, with master trainer Dad, right behind him, coaching him along. John has been driving for the last three hours and is doing great. It is now sunny, which is nice.
As it stands currently, we’ll be back home in Leavenworth before lunch. Nothing like leaving Manchester, NH around 6 p.m. Saturday night and being home in Kansas by noon on Monday!
The sun rising this morning.
Sarah for the rest
“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’S name is to be praised” (Psalms 113:3).
8 a.m. was the beginning of the convention for us Friday morning, although 10 a.m. was the official time registration opened. Set up only took about an hour, and the vendor hall was large and spacious.
Setting up Friday morning
Joseph helping to bring things in for the book tables.
A family registering.
Another family registering for the conference.
Anna helping at the book tables.
Our speaking schedule was quite full, so Maxwells were often coming and going. The young people’s sessions were met with enthusiasm and gratefulness, which gave us an extra measure of joy. Hearts were extremely open to the messages Dad and Mom shared! They were blessed by many parents coming up after sessions, asking questions and commenting. Throughout the weekend, people expressed their gratitude for us being at the convention.
After hearing Christopher’s Evangelism session, we heard of two young men, who, closely watched by their father, handed out nearly fifty tracts each at the nearby bus stop during the lunch break. One lady told mom that her daughters had been so blessed by the Keepers at Home session they had come to her with tears of joy.
Half of the family before music.
Our music was the most challenging time we’ve probably ever experienced. The reason? A prom was just beginning on the other side of the wall (which was really just a movable partition), and the DJ was revving up the music. At first, it truly felt like a spiritual battle: it sounded like the Tower of Babel coming from the other room, and then you had our side. Two CheNH leaders went to see what could be done about toning the noise down. After the first song, it felt a little easier to push out the distractions and concentrate on the task ahead of us, plus, by that time, the noise had quieted down to a somewhat manageable level, although some of the family was still struggling to keep going.
It ended up that the manager of the hotel became the “go between”: and he worked to keep the music quiet during Dad’s Building a Vision session, for which we were very thankful.
Music...
A family from Maine.
Moody readers (and thank you all for the suggestions for Autumn Days; I'm grateful!)
Mom sharing a session Saturday.
A quick picture before heading off to a session.
Cute brother and sister.
Ladies listening to one of Mom's sessions.
Dad sharing.
A family of blog readers...
Book tables--in a new area!
Since the vendor hall closed at 4 p.m. on Saturday, and Dad and Mom’s last session was ending around 4:45, it was decided to move the book tables to outside of Dad and Mom’s session. Joseph, John, Anna, Jesse, and Mary headed up the process, but they had so many helpers, the move took only a few minutes! Thank you to all those who pitched in.
We had several helpers for the pack up process.
Packing out!
Here's all my brothers, minus Nathan!
The Girls and Mom
Sarah
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (James 5:7).
It’s been an uneventful driving day, with sunny, blue skies, pretty scenery, and a nice breeze blowing through the bus. But, by 2:30, it was time to turn on the air conditioners, as inside the bus was becoming quite warm. After stopping for diesel somewhere in Ohio, we motored along again. But, we heard a strange noise coming from one of the air conditioners. Joseph and Jesse began investigating, pulling down the vent to see if anything was visibly caught. They saw nothing, so it was possibly some slight piece of plastic from the manufacturing process that wasn’t removed. But, now, it’s quiet. Nice.
You never know what might happen!
Sarah
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him” (2 Samuel 22:31).
We left Connecticut around 6:30 this morning, and we just crossed over into Pennsylvania a little while ago. We’ll see how far we make it today!
Thank you for praying for our safety as we travel these next two days!
Blessings,
Sarah
A pretty river
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6).
. . . all that the Lord did this weekend at CheNH’s Convention. Our hearts are full and overflowing.
We’re tired, so I’ll just leave you with two pictures for tonight. A full detailed post will be coming. We’re staying the night in Hartford, Connecticut, and we’ll be off for the 20+ hour drive home Sunday and Monday.
Sarah for all the rest
Harnessing the Power of a Team (this morning)
We had lots of "pack up" helpers tonight.
“He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved” (Psalms 62:2).
The Lord is blessing the convention! It’s been a full day, and it’ll be another full day tomorrow. Thank you for lifting us up in prayer, and please continue to do so. We are so excited to see our Lord Jesus working in lives.
Sarah for all the rest
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
We were able to spend a little over twenty-four hours at a dear family’s house! We first met them when they attended one of our weekend conferences in Colorado as they were traveling from California back home to New Hampshire. During our time with them on this trip, our friends blessed us greatly through their loving care of us. We are refreshed for our weekend of ministry. We also got the bus washed, laundry done, exercising, and a grocery shopping trip squeezed in. We had very sweet fellowship with our friends. Here is a little glimpse into our time with them.
Christopher and Tyler
Tyler and Carter washing Uriah with Jesse.
Friends
Laundry
The girls–plus one little boy!
Dad enjoyed showing little Parker the bus.
Look at that smile!
Meal time!
“For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother” (Philemon 1:7).
It’s amazing this trip is winding down, but, oh, what a blessing it has been.
We gave our first conference ever in Vermont Tuesday evening. We had a quiet day, doing miscellaneous projects, and we were very grateful for air conditioning, as the temperatures soared to 95. It seems often when we’re on the road, that area of the country experiences “unusual” temperatures.
It was a small conference, but the Lord used it in families’ lives. We are grateful for each person who took the time out of their evening to come (and one family drove 3 hours!).
The bell up in the church steeple.
Inside the church.
I've enjoyed all the historical aspects of being in New England, so many cities were founded in the 1700's.
As Jesse was bringing the books around to the front of the church, something caught my eye in the yard next to the church. This is a historic area!
Since there was a limited # of rooms, Christopher gave Evangelism first upstairs while the parents were downstairs.
Mary working on school
Talking...
Mom chatting.
Sarah
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).
It’s getting late, but we wanted to post a quick update. Our conference in Vermont went well (more on that tomorrow), and we drove about four hours to a family’s home here in New Hampshire, not far from this weekend’s conference location. We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon and evening with them, and we’ll be at their home until we leave for the conference tomorrow afternoon.
Hope to see some of you at this weekend’s conference in New Hampshire! 
Sarah
The beautiful, old church where the conference was held last night.
We've seen many pretty rivers and streams...
God's creation is amazing.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalms 19:1).
We arrived here safely in Vermont last night! We had a pleasant drive and enjoyed the scenery. The roads around here aren’t very bus friendly, but Dad did wonderfully as he drove through some very tight spots!
Today was a relaxed day as many worked on school and e-mail. Joseph, John, and Jesse went over to our coordinators and helped them with a few projects. We enjoyed taking a walk through the small town of Brandon and seeing its cute shops. Tonight we’re having a conference here, and then tomorrow we’re headed to another family’s house.
Parking for the night.
“That which is crooked cannot be made straight…”
(Ecclesiastes 1:15)
Anna for the rest
We saw Niagara Falls in 2003 after speaking at the LEAH State Convention. As we approached this trip, I looked at our route, and discovered we would be only 30 minutes away from the falls as we went by Buffalo, New York on our way from Wisconsin to Vermont. But, when we “plan plans” we’ve found they don’t always work, so I was content with however things happened. We had a few delays as we drove on Sunday, and our timing was getting later. When we realized that they would have lights on the falls, Dad decided we would see the falls yet Sunday night and move on to Vermont Monday. We had a very interesting time finding a place to park, as the town is not well laid out with signs for where to go or park, but Dad did an incredible job.
The Girls and Mom
Dad and Mom
Simply gorgeous!
The Canada side illuminated the falls with lights.
They changed the colors every few minutes.
We are safely here in Vermont, ready for tomorrow night’s conference. It was quite an interesting drive through the windy, twisty roads of Vermont, but we’re here! Sarah
“Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary” (Psalms 96:6).
Niagara Falls
More pictures later today!
“Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11).
It was a full three days, but oh, how we saw the Lord’s hand at work! Since there were three days of sessions, we saw some new faces each day, as quite a few people came just one or two of the days. It was a blessing to see old friends, friends we’ve never met in person, and many, many new faces.
Our hearts were deeply burdened for several families who shared challenges they were facing such as losing a child to the world. There is no doubt that the Lord sent us specifically to Wisconsin for several reasons. We were thrilled to be used of the Lord Jesus, and we pray He brings lasting fruit into the lives of those who attended.
Raising Children to be Courtship-Minded
We had to be a little creative hanging our banner, since we were out in the hotel lobby, and we didn't have pipe and drape. So, we used zip ties to attach it to a railing right behind the table.
This family came to our Arkansas conferences last year, and they decided to come up for the Wisconsin convention, staying with relatives!
My sweet sisters giving Keepers at Home.
Anna sharing with the young ladies.
It was sometimes a flurry of activity as people moved from session to session.
Mom talking
Friday afternoon, the boys trucked in all of the music equipment in preparation for the evening.
John
Friday night's concert
A view from the back
These blog readers were able to come Friday. Hi Sara!
There's that cute baby again!
Mary talking
Christopher and John with a little guy.
Jesse chatting.
This little guy drew a picture for Mary.
Christopher and I giving a session.
Dad and Mom giving Building a Vision.
Joseph listening in on a session.
Dad
John and Anna giving a session.
Looking at the book tables.
Abi drew the pictures from Summer Days, and it was a blessing to see her and her family.
Loading out!
Talking at the bus.
Walking back to the bus after the conference.
Our neighbors last night. A dog show was going to be held at the hotel, starting on Monday, so the lady in charge had already arrived. Christopher witnessed to her!
“… to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to
the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).
Last Tuesday afternoon–the mission? Super Wal-Mart shopping. Upon pulling in to Wal-Mart, it appeared rather small, and there certainly was no “supercenter” sign on the front. Oh well. Our information had indicated it to be a supercenter, but it must have been mis-classified. Mom and I climb out of the bus and head inside to see what we can find. A little “food center” sign is over the several aisles of food, but they don’t have much of what we need.
Mom checking her shopping list on her phone to see what she needs.
Since it's not a super center, we can't get all the food items, so we get the things we can.
Mom with her shopping cart. We needed several cases of water to get us by for a few days.
Now, on to a grocery store to get all our other items. The parking lot isn’t bus-friendly but Dad manages! Mom and I go in while Dad and the rest go park.
Who can find the mis-spelling? (This was a sign with all the great benefits bananas have.)
Good looking strawberries!
Need some buttermilk for Anna to make pancakes!
Orange juice!
When we were in the grocery store, we received several friendly “hellos,” and we realized later, that my having the camera, lended itself to that. I’m sure they didn’t know I was just simply doing this for a blog post!
The boys help unload.
Thanks for coming along with us! It’s always nice to restock our fridge/pantry.
Sarah
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).
It’s been a full last three days, but it’s been an incredible blessing. We’ll post a report later, but for now, I’ll leave you with a few pictures. We are looking forward to a good night’s rest, and then we’ll be moving on tomorrow–headed for Vermont (with the ultimate destination of the NH state convention).
Sarah for the rest
John
“Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments” (Psalms 112:1).
We saw this precious baby at the conference this weekend–and she’s only 7 months old. I think she’s the cutest baby I’ve ever seen! She was extremely precious and VERY personable.
Sarah
“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me” (Matthew 18:5).
It’s been a very full day, and everyone is ready for some rest. The Lord so blessed everything today–a full update will follow on Sunday, but I might possibly post a few “preview” pictures tomorrow evening. Please continue to pray as we share more tomorrow. We have been blessed by those who have attended, and we look forward to what the Lord Jesus has in store tomorrow.
Sarah for the rest
“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalms 100:2).
Thank you for praying for Dad’s new sessions today. They went very well! We’ll give a report with pictures at some point, but for now, we have two more full days ahead of us. Please continue to lift us in prayer as we all share tomorrow through many different sessions, and then we’ll close out the day with our family harmony session and Keeping Our Children’s Hearts.
Sarah for the rest
“That the Lord thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do” (Jeremiah 42:3).
We’re are here in Oconomowoc (still working to get the pronunciation right), Wisconsin. Set up went fine this afternoon, and we are ready for the convention, which starts tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Our books tables are in the main hotel lobby, so that’s a first .
Please be in prayer for Dad, as he gives two new sessions tomorrow on courtship! One for parents (late morning) and the other for young people (late afternoon).
Setting up.
Anna
Jesse trucked in all the books.
Christopher
Sarah
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost”
(Romans 15:13).
Our route yesterday took us right through Chicago, so, while Dad concentrated on driving, and Mom was the faithful navigator, the rest of us watched the scenery of the huge city. It made all the downtowns, with the exception of New York City, we’ve seen look tiny.
We were grateful it wasn't heavy traffic--Dad had chosen to go through about mid-morning.
One of the many mass-transit stations.
Tall buildings...
The Sears (now Willis) Tower
We saw a Morton salt plant, but I didn't get over in time for a good picture. We've seen other salt factories out West, such as in Utah.
It was a city full of people who need the Lord Jesus!
“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2).
Sunday found us in the scenic countryside of Rocky Ridge, Maryland. We arrived at the home fellowship’s meeting at noon. After a little maneuvering, Dad managed to pull the bus into the long, gravel driveway.
The church fellowship was finishing up their service, and we enjoyed meeting many people after that. The kitchen was soon a beehive of activity as the moms and young ladies worked on preparing for the lunch, while the men and boys were outside.
After a delicious lunch and a quick clean up, everyone gathered for a 2 p.m. session Dad gave on Preparing Sons. The main, large room was full, and the secondary room that opened up off of it was also full. In addition to the home fellowship, several families from Titus2 came (one family came from near D.C.).
View from the dining room
Praying before dinner.
Mom gave a session for the first time in a bedroom!
Dad gave one to the men in the main room.
Ladies in the kitchen working.
Chatting
Christopher photographed this couple's wedding five years ago, and we were surprised and delighted to see them Sunday! They now have three little ones.
Christopher gave two sessions for the youth in the basement.
It was a delight to be able to spend time with fellow believers Sunday. We were blessed by our bond in the Lord. Thank you, dear fellowship, for blessing us in return!
Sarah
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).
The Lord provided us a beautiful, quiet place to park tonight! As we pulled into the town of Delafield, with the original intention to park at the Wal-Mart, we saw a pretty lake, and we thought it’d be a good place to take a walk. Instead of finding that lake, we ended up at a lush-green park.
We pulled into the tree-lined park with caution, and John and Jesse gave the “all-clear” as Dad slowly drove through a row of low trees.
It was decided we would stay here (after we did some shopping) for the night. The park ranger helped us find a place to park, and we’re excited about this great place the Lord provided for us. We’ll be headed to the Wisconsin CHEA convention tomorrow afternoon for set up!
Good ole' Uriah!
Sarah for the rest
“And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:12).