Back and forth

Yesterday was my grandson's party at school -- he is in the preschool class and they got to parade through the gradeschool classrooms in their costumes and then enjoy some great snacks! What fun to be a Grandma!

We are working away on the initial preparations for our missions training school. I am awaiting an email from the Alabama headquarters that will have the class schedule and registration paperwork along with some brochures.

Yesterday while babysitting for my granddaughter (she was napping) I was making calls to local churches to schedule appointments for us to come and share our information with them. In turn they will share it with their congregations and those interested will contact us.

We already have 6 students who are waiting for the registration forms and while at the bank this morning we were talking with the branch manager who also is a friend of ours and both she and her husband are interested. They know they are both called into missions "somehow" and feel this is the first of many doors God is opening for them. We whole heartedly agreed!

Monty has been busy continuing to fine tune both our trucks. With winter just around the corner -- something we haven't experienced in quite a few years -- he needs to do a bit more than in the past. Our camper is fully winterized and will only need covered. Camping World donated one of their full sized heavy vinyl covers and it should be arriving any day now. What an amazing organization and what a priceless blessing they have been to us!!!

On Monday evening I took off for my parents house. My mother had some out patient surgery and I took the opportunity to go and spend the night and spend some time with them. I also got to spend a bit of time with a couple of my brothers and see the new house my youngest brother and his wife bought! What a cute little cottage style house on a small lake near where they live! It's always great to spend some unexpected time with family!

My mother is getting along fine after surgery and we pray this will correct the problem she's had for awhile now! We thank you ahead of time for your prayers of healing also.

Until next time. . . spend some time with your family! Susan and Monty

How do you know it's Him?

Painted pumpkins for the grandkids!

Over the years we have had one question asked repeatedly and the past 3 nights God has put it on my heart to write about that question.

"How do you know it's from God?"

Many times I have mentioned that God told me this or God told me that. For some, that might be confusing. Hopefully I can add a bit of clarity -- from my perspective anyway.

I admit that I have not audibly heard the voice of God. I hear it through others and through my own heart.

Examples:

When we first decided to go into disaster ministry we had the idea and that was the only thing we had. As soon as we made the decision to go for it my brother loaned us a camper trailer, a truck to pull it was donated to us from a local church and with those two things we knew God was affirming our obedience to His calling.

When we arrived in Mississippi we wondered how we would find the people to help. No problem -- God brought them to us. Yes, some of them drove right into the church parking lot where we were parked -- asking for help. Another affirmation.

Once we had the homes, how do we fund the rebuilding that needs done? Once again, God not only sent us the volunteers but He provided them with hearts and pockets that were deep enough to make it happen, week after week.

Over the years we saw so many miracles and if you have been reading for awhile -- you've read about them. When doubting Thomas said he had to see to believe --- we've seen so many times that belief just comes!

When we decided to come home for some "rest" time this June --- all from God. The timing was directly from him -- the first of June. And guess what -- things and homeowners and homes just "fell" into place at that exact time!

Then came the decisions of how long to stay and what next? Once again God spoke -- very plainly.

We were seriously thinking of returning to Texas. They had asked us and it was a thought. But the more we thought about it the more "things" just didn't line up. Trucks were not selling and just nothing was working like it had in the past.

Then God . . . it was very clear that we were not to return to Texas. We made the call to let them know and guess what --- within a few days we were told that they were closing the entire relief effort due to lack of funding! All the time we were thinking we were supposed to "go" and all along we were supposed to "stay."

Stay? And what will we do? Well, LOTS of folks here need help with LOTS of things. Yesterday we mowed and raked and took care of leaves for 3 of our neighbors. Monty has been here and there with this and that.

And then God spoke again -- start a missions training school while you are home? What an idea! What a great idea! We talked about it and made the decision to not ever argue with God as He always wins! :) And within 48 hours from making that decision and putting things in motion BOTH trucks sold! Affirmation in a big way! Really big!

So, you see --- God has everything all planned out. The ONLY thing we need to do is be obedient when He speaks and asks something of us. His direction will never steer us wrong. In His will there is not confusion, turmoil, dread, panic, fear, etc.

As soon as we made the decision to start the school both Monty and I felt a sense of peace that we have not had since we arrived back home! It permeated our entire bodies! We knew!

You will know! You will feel that sense of peace. You don't have to have it all figured and all planned out. Just be obedient and say "yes" and let Him take care of the rest. He will give you all that you need -- He promises! And He keeps His promises!

What does He have in store for us next? I don't know. I'm not worried. I DO know it will be awesome, amazing and a blessing!

Until next time . . . what is He saying to you? Susan and Monty

Progress!!

Some of you have asked, others might be wondering??!!

Our update on things thus far . . .

We have sold one of our trucks!!! Praise the Lord for His perfect timing! One down and one to go! Keep praying.

As you may remember, I travel to the next city south of us every Tuesday morning for Bible Study. This was a direct command from God -- as we were driving out of Texas He told me I was to return to that Bible Study (after more than 3 years gone) and although I wondered why I decided I should be obedient. Pastor Martie, who leads the study, just returned from a mission trip to Equador and my, oh my, was her world changed! And now there are many things that will be happening in regards to that trip. Monty and I have made ourselves available to assist them in whatever ways we can. Stay tuned as I know this one is going to get interesting and I'm excited to see what God has in store for all of us!

And here at home . . . as you know there WERE alot of storms this hurricane season. But God! Not a one of them got into the gulf to cause damage! He DOES calm the seas! All the while Monty and I questioned what God was calling us to do? Where were we to go? When? And each of those questions were asked to us day after day after day by family and friends. There just wasn't an answer ---- until now!

Without a doubt --- as clear as can be --- as awesome as God is --- He is calling us to stay here! To stay home! We were thrilled with that call but . . . what is it that He would have us do while we are here? And then He spoke again . . .

"Build a missions training school at home." Do what ????? "Build a missions training school at home."

And so . . . we are building a missions training school right here at home!!!!! The third week of January we will open an extension of International Gospel Outreach right here at home! WOW! We are in the planning and preparation stages right now. A host sight needs to be decided on, materials need to be ordered and sent to us, registration forms need to be completed and most of all --- Monty and I need to get the word out!!!!!

The mission field has come to us!! You don't have to drive far from your own home to experience a different culture and/or language. We ALL are in the mission field and we ALL need as much training as possible to become better at whatever God has called us to do!

This is the school Monty and I attended, graduated from, became licensed through and are ordained through. It was life changing for both of us and we are excited to be able to be used by God to reach out to others, through both teaching and life situations --- to be able to learn more and more about where each of us fits in the mission of life!

Be sure and stay tuned as things will be happening quickly. Classes will begin in January and will be completed in June --- just in time for the next storm season to begin! See what I mean about God's perfect timing!! And it still surprises me! It still excites me! I pray it always does!

If you are interested in these classes, or know of someone who might be, please get in touch with us or leave a comment on this blog. Your life will be changed forever! I promise!

Until next time . . . be blessed and be thankful! Susan and Monty

PS --- to read more about International Gospel Outreach and the school you can log onto:
www.igoministries.org and look through the training sections.

Here and abroad?

The beauty of red maples! This one is in our front yard and was taken a few days ago. As of today it's completely barren! Winter is surely coming!

So much is going on that I don't know where to begin. God has been speaking some pretty big things to us and we're trying our best to listen and obey.

We could use your prayers for direction, guidance and strength.

All things are good, some here and some there, some farther than there. I can't go into them right at the moment as it would confuse all of us even more . . . but God . . . what an awesome God!

In the meantime --- I, personally, could use some prayers for healing. I had more dental work done yesterday and although it was just to remove a broken filling and replace it I had trouble regaining the feeling in my face and neck after the numbing shots. Instead of taking the predicted 90 minutes it took 7 hours --- and during that time I evidently bit my tongue without knowing it! And I mean BITE! I have been unable to eat since then and it's quite the mess! Thankfully our mouths heal quicker than anywhere else on our bodies but it's still extremely painful! Thank you ahead of time for those prayers!

Be sure and stay tuned as things are happening, plans are being made and it's all so very exciting!

Until next time . . . be blessed. Susan and Monty

Live Feed

If only dogs could talk?! The dogs here would tell quite the story and probably have us owners taken away by the folks in the white coats!

Samson wasn't thrilled with his spiked mohawk colored green and tattoos. Bitty was thrilled with her pink tutu, boa and painted toe nails. Argus was truly a pumpkin -- the shirt fit like skin! The Barktoberfest was a huge hit with dogs dressed in everything imaginable! The "winner" was dressed like a yellow duck -- and he left the hat on all evening! We all need a good laugh now and then and this was a great laugh for all (except the dogs)!

We are awaiting the live feed of Timothy and Lindsey receiving their missions license. If you log on to this at just the right time you can log on and watch for yourself. They are on TN time which is 1 hour earlier than here in IN and the same time as TX. Log onto www.igoministries.org and you can see the title of this years conference. Click on that and then the star in the corner to watch the live feed for tonight, Friday, at 6:30pm their time. We are so anxious to watch and know God is about to change their lives forever! What an awesome God we serve!

Until next time . . . be blessed. Susan and Monty

Off They Went

The past 3 days just flew by -- so much going on and so much fun!

Timothy and Lindsey left in the wee hours of this morning; headed for TN where tomorrow they will receive their licenses in ministry through the same missions training school we attended, International Gospel Outreach. They will hold this license for a year while they complete their schooling and then will receive their ordination. We are so happy for the both of them and so glad they also recognized the calling God has placed on their lives and their obedience in following that call. We miss them and wish we could be there tomorrow night! God is about to pour out even more blessings on them!! Hope they hold on tight!

You can see a Halloween preview that we all got to share in the other night! Grandchildren!!!! We received a phone call from our grandson saying they were baking chocolate chip cookies and could we come and have some? Are you kidding --- me pass up chocolate!!!!!! Off we went and they had baked kid size ones (good for me) and we had a blast when they wanted to show us a preview of their costumes! My daughter tried and tried to find the Ariel princess wig and when she did wondered if Liv would wear it. Wear it? She didn't want to take it off!!!! They sang songs for us and we all were doubled in laughter! What a great evening!

My parents also treated us to a fantastic evening at their house. My mom outdid herself in cooking -- something Timothy remembered and was very excited to experience again!! The laughter could have gone on for hours but we had to get back home. We had been gone all day and dogs can only keep their legs crossed for so long!

We also took a tour of the Indiana University campus yesterday. The leaves are at their peak in color and when a freak rain shower fell we decided to duck in one of the ethnic places and grab a snack. Later in the evening Timothy and Lindsey had a conference to attend on campus. Lindsey is pursuing her degree in medicine and some schools came to show off their "wares" so they had a great time getting to see some of the midwest schools and their programs.

After a very late dinner where our neighbor, Shelley, joined us they had packed and caught a quick "nap" before heading out in the wee hours of the morning. We did receive a text that they arrived safe and sound.

Now we are focusing on still trying to sell trucks. Monty has a gentleman driving up from south of Louisville, KY to take a look at his this evening. Pray that it sells!!

And also this evening we are taking our dogs to Barktoberfest --- and it should be a riot! The apartment complex that my daughter manages is having this for all their dogs. They also had the drool in the pool day and you saw photos of that. Thank goodness for the dollar store as we were able to "outfit" each dog for only a couple of bucks. Wait till you see the photos!!!!!

Time continues to move, we continue working away and God is constant through it all! Isnt' He an amazing God!

Until next time . . . be blessed. Susan and Monty

He's Baaaack -- and this time he brought his wife!

Yes -- Timothy has returned!!!! And this time he brought his wife, Lindsey -- the first time we have met her! We are thrilled.

They arrived yesterday morning after driving from Florida all night. They are actually on their way to Tennessee and yes, this is out of the way but . . .

It was so good to have them back and we are looking forward to the next few days. Lindsey will be looking at Indiana University and their medical programs while Timothy prepares for receiving his missionary license with International Gospel Outreach this weekend in Tennessee. He has been attending their online classes and is excited about the future God has for him. He has always had a heart for missions and is working in that field in a church in Florida. This education will be so helpful for him now and in the future.

Please keep them in their prayers as they travel over the next week and as they both continue in the callings God has placed on their lives!

Also, on a side note -- please pray for our neighbor, Tony as he will be undergoing surgery to remove one of the lobes of his liver -- cancer! This all happens tomorrow and the man has already been through so much!

Until next time . . . be blessed and bless someone else today! Susan and Monty

Grandparent's Day!

For the first time --- I got to experience Grandparent's Day with my 5 year old grandson at his preschool! Awesome!

I got to have the afternoon "shift" and his other grandmother took the morning. When I got there they were finishing recess and in we headed for some play time. We spent all our time at the legos where our imaginations ran wild and he wished for more legos at home! Suggested we make a trip to Target after school!!! :)

After playtime it was snack time with cookies, cheese and crackers --- all a huge hit!

Then it was time to head to music where we all participated in good ole Farmer in the Dell where I got to play the rat --- headband with ears and all! What a hoot!

Then we had a special treat watching the High Flyers Trapeze artists practice. They were all quite interested -- for the first 10 minutes and then their attention span had stretched back to the playground. The teacher agreed that was a better place for them to be and off we were.

By the end of that it was time to go in and pick up back packs and head home. I offered the choice of a donut or ice cream and he choose the carmel milkshake at Dairy Queen!

He had been so excited during the entire day -- today was the day he would get to ride in a truck for the first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it was a Ford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even better --- of course we have no idea why it was better!!

He laughed at how bumpy it was and as we pulled into his subdivision I allowed him to ride in the bed of the truck! He was screaming with delight down the entire trip and his dad said he heard him coming down the street about 5 houses away!

What a day --- what a blessing for me as I have missed out on the other 3 over the past 3 years! And I even got to meet my daughter and granddaughter for lunch before going to school! It just doesn't get much better than that!

I am so thankful that God still has us here -- rebuilding relationships with family! After all -- isn't that what God is all about --- relationships!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And tonight we get to have dinner with my other daughter and her boyfriend!!!!! Thank you Lord!!!

Until next time . . . do something special with your family this weekend! Susan and Monty

For Sale

This might seem like a strange blog entry but "a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do."

Those of you who have ever volunteered with us will recognize the top photo and the second one. That Chevrolet S10 ZR2 has been my "baby" for quite a few years. The ole' dependable white Ford has been Monty's for more years. The red Ford is a fairly new addition.

Now here's the situation. We were able to pick up a somewhat newer truck that can pull heavier loads than Monty's existing Ford. We do NOT need this many trucks and we DO need the finances -- times have been more than tough this past year -- as you all well know.

So . . . I am letting all of you know what we have available and if you are interested in either of them please leave your information in the form of a comment on this blog. I will get back with you asap.

Our goal is to sell 2 of the 3 shown here -- the white Ford must sell and then I will drive either the red Ford or my Chevrolet -- makes no difference to me. We just HAVE to sell 2 of them.

Here are the descriptions:

2001 Chevrolet S10 with the ZR2 package.

4 wheel drive, extended cab with jump seat in the rear

Automatic, power windows, locks and cruise control

all tires have less than 3,000 miles on them and they are the oversized tires

The full size ladder rack, tool box, bed liner, grill guard and awesome winch are included.

This truck is in excellent condition and has truly been "lady driven"

159,000 miles

1995 Ford F250 with the 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel

2 wheel drive, 5 speed

extended cab with full rear seat
new tires

long bed with both goose neck hitch and rails for 5th wheel hitch (which we will sell separately to anyone interested)

150,000 miles

1997 Ford F250 Heavy Duty

2 wheel drive, automatic

extended cab with full rear seat

long bed

power windows and locks with cruise control

this truck has never seen snow or salty roads!!!!

159,000 miles

There they are -- let us know if you, or anyone you know, is interested. They have all been maintained well and are in excellent shape.

Until next time . . . be blessed. Susan and Monty

Lessons Learned

The past few days have been some lessons learned for me. Some great, others not so great.

One, spending time with my mom has been alot of fun. We went to an auction sale (her territory for sure) and had so much fun. She even spent the night with us! Pajama party!!!

Two, spending time with my kids is priceless! Catching up on things (being gone for extended periods of time makes life tough) and whether it's painting with them or just being a part of their lives it's all such a blessing.

Three, spending time with grandchildren and seeing the smiles on their faces when Grandma comes to see them is -- angelic! We watched our grandson (age 5) play baseball, played with both of them in their back yard with swings and slides, read books and watched them grow right before our eyes -- it's truly a God thing! I even get to participate in Grandparents Day at preschool this coming week!!!

Four, having a tooth pulled that is already broken in two places and having it break apart while being pulled is NO fun! That happened two days ago and today I feel like I've been hit in the side of the face with a baseball bat! I know time will heal it but it still just plain sucks!

Five, seeing the leaves falling with the rains today is something we haven't seen in years! I admit I like the sunshine alot more but with the drought so severe that burn bans have been in effect and farmers fields have gone up in fire -- the rain is a good thing -- a cleansing thing!

So it's been a busy week of learning life lessons and having the moral be --- the good always outweighs the bad!!! God is always good!!!

Until next time . . . be blessed in all of your life lessons! Susan and Monty

One Hundred Sixty Nine !!!

Tissues, bars of soap, body wash (mens and womens), shampoo, razors, toothbrushes with toothpaste, wet wipes --- and so much more!

Sunday School Missions Day was a HUGE success with a total of 169 toiletry bags packed full for Monty and I to take with us on our next journey! What a blessing these will be for those who have lost it all! Not only the things inside but the love that was packed right along side everything else! Priceless!

The items came pouring in with a donation from a local store that sent it over the top! The kids took everything and sorted like with like before starting an assembly line that many of them made repeated trips through. Some were still working long past the time for Sunday School to end. And a few parents even got in the act and caught the contagiousness of the love and laughter. One little boy even brought his own greeting cards and wanted to make sure that I knew that one family would get the most special bag of all -- his! A mission mind packed inside such a small package!

After seeing the huge outpouring of love from our little church Monty said he wants to have the next project be a fund raiser for a semi truck so we can haul everything!!! It brought quite the laugh but somehow I wonder . . . the little church that could?! No one told them they were too small, that there weren't enough members to make a difference, that they didn't have the money, etc. They believed God for a miracle and as always -- God came through and they will ALL be blessed!

We are so grateful, so overwhelmed and so loved! Amazing!

Until next time . . . what can you do to make a difference? Susan and Monty

He wants to shout it to the world!

Pastor Gerald Martinez of Joshua's Vineyard Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico gave
us permission to use his full name and to tell his story -- as far as we know it!

A few days ago we received an email that really touched our hearts -- especially Monty's. Pastor Gerald is going through treatments for hepatitis C. Monty has been there and in fact, was one of the first in the nation pronounced "cured." Yes -- cured! Not in the sense of being in remission. The disease is gone -- never to return!

Pastor Gerald is going through this same treatment. It's an 11 month treatment that combines oral medication and shots that one must learn to give themselves. Not an easy treatment and the doctors told us it's equally as rough as chemotherapy! They weren't kidding!

Pastor Gerald started out with his viral load (the amount of virus in his bloodstream and thus his liver) at 25 million -- it should be zero!

When Monty spoke with him the other day they were awaiting the results of testing that is done at the 12 week period. At this point in the treatment you are experiencing some really severe and difficult side effects. Pastor Gerald was a bit "down" and needed the lifting up that Monty was able to give him. It always helps us when we can speak with someone who has been through what we are going through! God works that way and it's amazing!

This morning Pastor Gerald called to give Monty the results of that test. His viral load is 24!!!!!! He was thrilled and so thankful for all the prayers that have been prayed for him. Monty spoke with him at length and told him about this blog. Pastor Gerald said he wanted to shout it to the world and needed ALL the prayers he could get!

So here we are --- let's all get in prayer for this Pastor and for anyone else going through a disease of any kind. We don't need to know the details of the disease -- we know God who is our Almighty healer! He knows the needs and all we need to do is pray!

We thank our own Pastor Dave for sending us the email about Pastor Gerald and we thank God for the healing that has already taken place and we thank Him ahead of time for the healing we know will take place in the future!

In the meantime -- Monty has another life long friend that he hasn't even met in person!

What an awesome God we serve!

Until next time . . . be blessed and be praying! Susan and Monty

God's Plan

We've had alot of questions as to where we are going next and when. Our answer remains the same "where and when God calls us."

When we originally planned our sabbatical we were thinking in terms of the summer home. But God . . .

Here we are mid way through September and I have been wondering why God isn't calling? As I was having a conversation with Pastor Dave last week I felt God was telling us (and showing us) that we were to focus on families during the month of September and that is why He wasn't calling us out just yet. God really sent that message home with me over this past weekend! My, oh my did He ever! And I am so thankful!

As we all know, relationships with family "should" be all loving, supporting, understanding and forgiving! NOT!! We live in the real world filled with sin and sometimes -- just sometimes -- that isn't the case.

Leaving families behind as we do can add to that list above! This month of September has brought healing like never before! I chose to not go into detail as detail isn't the important thing. Healing is! Love is! Supporting is! Understanding is! Forgiving is!

I thank God with all my heart that His plan is the plan we have chosen to follow -- even though we can't see what is ahead we have committed ourselves to whatever His plan is!

And my, oh my are we blessed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time . . . how's your family? Susan and Monty

Give, Share, Prepare

The photo might be a bit difficult to read but you can atleast see the title and the pictures.

Today was the announcement that Sunday School Mission Sunday will be next week. We decided to get the entire congregation involved!

Monty and I received a donation of quite a few (lots) of toiletry bags from our local Crisis Pregnancy Center. They weren't able to use them and of course, we'll use anything. God had His own special plan for those bags!

During this week the kids and adults will be collecting trial/travel size toiletries to bring into church with them next Sunday. The Sunday School kids will then stuff all the bags with those items. This might include toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, combs, brushes, deoderants, etc.

Imagine if you woke up tomorrow and had nothing from your bathroom -- NOTHING! That is what happens in a disaster and we hope to not only bring some relief with us on our next journey but also teach the kids (and adults?) about preparing, about missions and about the love of Jesus being packed away in each bag.

Be sure and stay tuned as we will have photos with the kids packing and it should be a fantastic and blessed Sunday School Missions Sunday.

How about your church? Is there something small like this that they could do?

Until next time . . . blessings and love to all. Susan and Monty

Not as old as he thought!

Monty awoke this morning singing Happy Birthday to himself and was thrilled when he realized he was a year younger than he thought!!!!

Yes, he's only 46 and thought he was 47! Born in 1964 -- you do the math!

Anyway, he had a great day. We had breakfast with his parents and were able to spend some time just sitting on our back deck, enjoying the perfect weather and nice breeze. He decided to spend some time with his best friends during the afternoon while I headed to church to work on a service project for the Sunday School kids, and the entire congregation over the next couple of weeks. It was also nice for me to get to spend some time talking with Pastor Dave (face to face instead of over the phone) which made me nearly late in getting home!

I was able to get home just in time for my mom to arrive. She had called, knowing it was Monty's birthday, and wanted to come and spend the evening with us. I got ahold of my daughter and her kids (photo) and they joined us for dinner. Luke opened our meal with his prayer from preschool using both the one for lunch and the one for snacks! A double blessing! We spent most of the time laughing with the kids and when Luke decided to sing Happy Birthday solo style to Monty it brought a combination of tears and laughter! He was so sincere I know it was the best birthday song Monty has ever had!

After dinner they decided to come back to our house and play for a short time. The kids are amazed with our dogs since they are small and their dog is a gigantically huge chocolate lab! When our dogs start running the kids crack up! The photo above was priceless as they all decided to give a thumbs up as a happy birthday sign!

Days that make us so very happy to be home with family! Days of priceless blessings that come from our most loving Father in heaven! One very blessed birthday -- number 46!!!!!

Until next time . . . cherish your own family! God gave them to you! Susan and Monty

Remembering . . . Family

You might not be able to make out the printing in this -- never mind. I want you to see the photo --- this man died 9 years ago in the towers in New York. Can you believe it's been that long? No doubt you can remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard the terrible news!

After the attack one of the ways that funds were earned for the families was the selling of bracelets with the name of a victim on it. I bought one and will have it for as long as I live. After an extended period of time the names were listed online and with some research I located his family. I wrote a letter to that family -- had no other information than his name. To my shock and awe I received a letter of response from his wife! He was the father of 3 boys and worked in one of the financial offices where every single employee died! She also included the pamphlet from his funeral service, complete with his photo! Over the years this has been priceless to me. She thanked me for honoring him by wearing the bracelet with his name on it. HE is the one who deserves to be honored! I hope everyone took a moment to reflect, to remember and to pray! James DeBlase -- I never met you but I have loved you!

We spent yesterday evening with my parents and had a blast at the last summer park concert in Columbus. We somehow managed to miss every one here at home but made theirs! The most fun was just spending time with my parents and atleast one brother!

The night before we spent the evening with friends who are interested in going into missions. They have been thinking about doing so for a long time and just recently he lost his job so . . God has closed one door but opened another! I also found out what it's like to be bitten by a very large wolf spider at their home! Nailed me on the leg, left some pretty nasty teeth marks and a surrounding bruise! Think satan had something to do with that? No doubt!

And now to today --- for the first time in 5 years we were able to go to our home church picnic! It was awesome! Our neighbor, Shelley, who has been going to church with us made sure she had today off work and Monty's mother came bringing some of the best cake I've ever seen. We all had a blast visiting with so many folks and eating way too much good food! The weather was picture perfect and it felt so good to be home!

We hope all of you are enjoying your families --- remember that God divinely chose each of our families and although we all have our "issues" -- families are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time . . . be blessed and bless someone else. Susan and Monty

Thoughts and facts, updated

Our newly painted deck with green shutters replacing the old black ones! Finally!

Last night was another of those nights where random thoughts pounded my brain. For some reason God had me remembering every square inch of all the houses I have lived in over the years? Why? Only He knows!

Anyway, we are getting quite a few things done here at home while watching the weather and wondering how much longer we have and where God will send us next.

In the meantime . . .

It sure was nice to get a phone call from Cherie in Texas saying she and Hank missed seeing us drive through the city! We miss them too! Some folks just become family and will always be missed!

Monty is scheduled for foot surgery in a couple of weeks. Seems he must have dropped something on his big toe and broken it. When? Who knows! But a bone spur developed and then broke off leaving it very painful to bend forward. The doc says he can "clean it out" and within a couple of days he should be much better.

My youngest daughter had all of her wisdom teeth pulled yesterday and is having a couple of rough days. Wisdom isn't all its cracked up to be!

My other daughter is having some tough times at work but also learning alot in the "process." I am going to be blessed to do some babysitting for her in the meantime.

My son is doing fine. This time of year is extremely busy for the heating and cooling people.

We are going to see my parents tomorrow -- it's been awhile and too long! My dad and brother are harvesting in the fields -- about 6 weeks early due to the drought.

We have been working on cleaning out both our tool trailer and storage barn, organizing and making sense of tools and such. Not an easy job but atleast we have like items with like items and can go from there.

Our church picnic is this Sunday -- and we'll be able to attend for the first time in 5 years! The weather is forecast to be perfect -- thanks Lord! Our neighbor Shelley has been going to church with us and even took the day off to go to the picnic!

Our neighbors are awaiting some very critical health news -- they've been waiting for over a week and none of us wait well! Not with that sort of news hanging in the balance.

The summer is nearly done here -- where did it go?

Thank you Lord -- for all our blessings and for having us home for all of these things (and so many more). What an awesome God we serve!

Until next time . . . still wondering why I had to go over all the past homes? Susan and Monty

Nearly 5 years later

This morning we had the pleasure of returning to Genesis church! Pastor Dave and his congregation were instrumental in getting us started in this ministry nearly 5 years ago and it was great to return and see some old faces and also new.

When we committed to this disaster mission work we initially committed to one year! We had borrowed one of my brothers campers and were concerned as to how we would get it to Mississippi as we did not have a vehicle to pull it. Pastor Dave had volunteered their church van if someone from the congregation would volunteer to take us - and it - down south.

As I was looking for Monty after the service I was excited because I had quite a few people interested in making that drive.

Little did either of us know that God had the ultimate plan -- as always!

Monty was standing with a gentleman who was pulling a key from his key ring -- the key to a '95 Ford truck that was built to pull. In my narrow mindedness I was wondering how we would get the truck back to the gentleman after we dropped the camper! :)

He was giving the truck to us -- not wanting it to return!!! Isn't God awesome!

And here we are nearly 5 years later, still with the truck and back to Genesis with the ability to properly thank all of them for their prayers and their love and their support!

What an awesome God we serve and what a blessing that church has been to us!

Until next time . . . how will God amaze you? Susan and Monty

Waiting

Yes -- we wait! And we pray!!!!

As I write this the winds are just starting to hit the North Carolina coast and still no one knows what the results will be.

We have received many questions as to if we are going, when we are going, where we are going?

Believe me -- as soon as we know --- YOU will know!

If there is extensive damage and our assistance is needed we will be off and running -- but -- the areas must be safe -- the first responders need to be able to work and do their jobs and the entire area has to be able to accomodate volunteers. This all takes time and like I said -- when we know you WILL know.

In the meantime we all need to be praying as this isn't the only storm out there! At this point in time there are 3 more lined up and we are in the heart of the hurricane season! And Earl hasn't even decided where and how many places he will land.

We wait -- and we see where God is calling us. As we have said before and will continue to say; we have dedicated our lives to this work and in doing so we fully surrender and trust in the guidance of our Lord!

Thank you for your support, for your prayers and for those of you interested -- make sure you stay in touch because volunteers ARE going to be needed! And that means YOU!

Until next time we continue rebuilding the front door of our daughter and son in laws home and doing what we do -- helping others.

PS Monty could use some extra prayers as he fell from the ladder while we were working today and has quite a few scrapes and bruises -- the main one seems to be on one of his kidneys. God is the Almighty healer and please pray a special touch for him right now.

Until next time . . . be blessed and be ready! Susan and Monty

Open House

Very first thing -- today is the 5 year anniversary of hurricane Katrina so let's be sure and keep all those who are still working to rebuild in our prayers! Can you believe it's been 5 years?

The photo above shows you the completed work on the front of our home! The deck is now completely repainted, the shutters are up and the front door area also has a new coat of new color paint! This has been my summer project and I can now say that it is done! And from the looks of all the action in the tropics --- not a minute too soon!

Yesterday we opened our home to all our friends and family. So many folks have said they would like to get together with us while we are home and with only a limited amount of time (and not knowing when that limit is ended) we decided to host our own open house where they could stop by, eat some good food and spend some time with us and the rest of the crowd. And crowd it was! We were thrilled that so many came by! They have no idea how much it means to us! No idea! We packed the house from mid afternoon till nearly midnight and it was awesome!

The other picture is our dogs -- the morning after! They were so exhausted after trying to keep up with everyone yesterday that this morning they didn't move! And yes -- they sleep with all those blankets -- no matter what the temperature outside! Kids!!!!

And now we wait -- we watch the tropics -- and see where God will lead us next. We continue to get the questions of where we will go next and when? Watch the weather and you will know as soon as we do! God has a plan and we stay in prayer waiting to hear where and when. He is our perfect guide and we will wait . . .

Until next time . . . thanks for your prayers! Susan and Monty