Guest poster today. This is John to give Sarah a bit of a break from conference reports.

We only had a two hour drive on Friday, so we didn’t leave until close to noon. So far this trip has been the slow down trip. Going into Charlotte proved to be no exception. At one point traffic slowed to a crawl. We finally made it through the slow down, and arrived at the church driveway just before 2.

As you all saw in the previous post, the driveway to the church was very tight. It wouldn’t have been such a problem if there was not a deep ditch on either side of the driveway. Later we found out that firetrucks have a tough time getting into that church. Firetrucks are usually shorter than we are and have a better turning radius. Oh well, we made it in okay, and had a good place to park for the night.

After set up, we ate dinner. Some of the ladies from the local homeschool group made the meal. I don’t know if North Carolina qualifies as the south (in my book it does), but that southern cooking was fantastic. Personally, I would rank it as one of the best on-the-road meals, that we have had.

The conference itself was a blessing. We had a good group of folks show up. I admit, although a bit stoic in the beginning, they warmed up in the end. The young people were attentive, and we had a good time.

Overall hearts seemed to be open to the message, and the Lord blessed.

For dinner on Saturday, we went out with a family that we have known for several years. Don’t ask me where we ate, because I don’t remember. The important part was, I liked the food, and the fellowship.

That is all for this time, folks.

John for the rest.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

We arrived at the church Monday about 3:15. We saw some tornado damage as we neared the area, and our hearts were sad for those who have gone through much loss of property and life over the recent months.

Our memories from the prior year, of the same church, included Christopher. We miss him (since he got married last October), but we are thrilled with the wife the Lord has given him (love ya, Anna Marie!). Christopher lost his Thermos at this same place the prior year. It was his trusted cold water bottle at home and on trips. No other Thermos could quite replace it. He asked us to check if the church had a lost and found, if possibly that Thermos could be there. As I was walking through the gym, my eye caught sight of his Thermos, on an obvious lost and found shelving section. I couldn’t believe it. It still has water in it, and the top was dusty. So, Christopher, you have your Thermos back. Well, when we get home in four weeks!

Our coordinators had also arranged the conference last year, and they have been friends of ours for a number of years. We were able to spend some time fellowshipping with them beforehand and also at dinner. They provided a delicious dinner of BBQ venison, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, and dessert. It was great!

We gave some different sessions than we normally would on an evening conference. We saw several families who have attended in prior years, so that was wonderful. The parents were especially attentive and interested in what was shared. The young people seemed to enjoy their sessions as well.

Time and time again, we see the Lord answer prayers. For example, we’ve had several close calls accident wise. Monday, a truck pulling a camper, strayed into our lane, and nearly hit us. Sometimes, those situations feel like slow motion as Dad brakes hard, honks to try to alert the other driver, and as everyone watches the vehicle come within a few inches of the bus. Oh yes, you also hold onto your computer and brace yourself (for an impact or a hard stop?!). After that, you’re left feeling shaky, but praising the Lord for His protection! Dad is so amazing in knowing what to do with tough situations. We often tell Dad what an incredible job he does.

We are so grateful for you all standing with us prayer. We need the support as it truly is a spiritual battle.

Love,
Sarah

“Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul” (Psalms 54:4).

10:30 P.M. update: We just pulled into our RV park for the night. A blog reader’s husband is an ophthalmologist, and he offered his assistance over the phone. The doctor gave Dad some excellent suggestions. He helped us with what to watch out for and some other ideas for her. We stopped at a second W-M and got some products the doctor recommended. Hopefully Mary can sleep well tonight.

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This afternoon, Mary got something in her eye. We’ve carefully looked at it and rinsed it, but the problem is still there. Her eye continues to water and ache. We are going to be stopping at a Wal-Mart soon for some special eye drops. If that doesn’t work, we will be taking her to an eye doctor tomorrow. Please pray that whatever it is will get taken care of quickly. We are grateful for your prayers!

Love,
Sarah

“… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Saturday morning, before the convention opened, Anna and I went in and inventoried what we might need for the day so John could restock. Mom’s session, From Chaos to Peace, was scheduled for 9 a.m. and was almost full.

Dad’s Preparing Sons session, which was in the afternoon, was out of standing room in the back! I love to hear Dad share his heart with those who come.

 

Even though Mom only had one session in the morning, she stayed busy, talking, almost all day, to ladies who would stop by and want to chat.

When 5 o’clock rolled around, it was time to pack out our booth. Two of our friends’ sons, Tyler and Carter, helped, and I think that’s why we made such record timing.

Having the opportunity to share at the CHAP convention was a blessing!

Sarah

“What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose” (Psalms 25:11-12).

We arrived safely home a little after 11 a.m. Thank you so much for praying! I know I have several updates to catch you upon, which I will do over the next few days.

Love,

Sarah

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

We are now a few hours from home, with an estimated arrival of before noon. It’s a beautiful, blue-sky day, with cool temperatures. We are rejoicing over the opportunities the Lord gave us this trip to share.

We took a “Uriah-gets-a-drink-stop” a little while ago. Now that he’s set, we’ll complete the final leg of the drive.

Thanks for praying!

Sarah

“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether” (Psalms 19:9).

We’re on our way again. Here’s what happened. There was a cap that failed that was on an unused oil port in a very obscure hard to see and reach position. John was able to find it and use a steel epoxy to plug ite.

We will stop by a Detroit Diesel shop to pick up some more oil in about an hour. We are about 7 or 8 hours from home, but we plan to stop on the west side of St. Louis tonight.

Thanks for praying!

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).

 

We stopped at a rest area for a few minute break, and I got out with Mary to get a few pictures.

And, I saw John checking the bus over. When we came back inside, he told Dad we had an oil leak, and it is significant. So, we’re figuring out what to do. The local shop is busy until next week. So, maybe we can cap it and figure out if there’s a way to limp home. We shall see. Please pray!

Love,
Sarah

 

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

 

Thursday morning dawned, and we felt rested and ready for the weekend. Instead of parking at a church, our home sweet home was the Farm Show parking lot.

Mid-morning, we found our booths and went to work. It seemed pretty simple to set up, and after the guys had trucked in the boxes, we girls did our part.

Dad and Mom spent a lot of their time Thursday revising their sessions, since most of their sessions are generally an hour, and the workshop time slots were 45 minutes. We were delighted that our friends from New Hampshire took the time and effort to come and see us at the CHAP convention. We had hoped to work it out to visit them, but since it didn’t, they came to us! We went out with them for dinner Thursday evening.

Now, to Friday. The convention opened at 8 a.m., and it was exciting to see the lines of people as they checked in or registered for the first time.

Dad and Mom’s Hearts session was at 9 a.m.

At first, people steadily came in, but there was plenty of empty spots. But, before long, the room was packed, and many couldn’t get in due to being out of space. John grabbed a picture on his phone.

 

Mom gave Chores at 12, and I already posted a few pictures from that.

Dad’s session was in a different room that afternoon, and it was also stuffed, even using the standing space.

Mom’s Meek and Quiet session was extremely well received. After the chairs were filled, ladies sat on the floor, lined the walls, and stood in the two doorways! It was so full ladies couldn’t get in to the session.

We also had the occasional visitor into the booth, who took a chair next to Dad or Mom to talk for awhile. It is our joy and delight to be able to be an encouragement in whatever way we can.

Since there are eight of us, we had many different and varied conversations with people throughout the day, especially with the many people who came by our booth. I was excited to meet twin sisters who came from out of state to attend the CHAP convention. We talked to quite a few blog readers too. It was a full and wonderful day, sharing with those the Lord brought our way.

Love,
Sarah for the rest

“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Here are a few pictures of the Pennsylvania landscape, taken yesterday. I’m working on blog posts from the weekend. We would be grateful for your prayers for traveling safety as we journey home. We’re currently outside of Columbus, Ohio.

Sarah

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalms 19:1).

 

More later!

“For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5).