The highway the Charlotte church is on is very busy, and we couldn’t make the turn to get across the highway as it was on the opposite side of a divided road. So, we had to find a way to turn around and come back the opposite direction.
There are two driveways to the church. One was obviously not going to work, with trees, and the second one, well, was very narrow with a ditch on both sides making it difficult to get in. The first attempt our wheel was too close to the edge of the ditch so we stopped, and Dad got out to assess the situation.
We would need to temporarily block both lanes of traffic to straighten out and come into the drive on a more direct route. Thankfully, there was a traffic light about a half mile up the road and so the cars were grouped with a space in between.
Joseph and Jesse walked up the road to flag cars down in the event there wasn’t sufficient time to complete the maneuver.
When the break occurred, it was almost enough time and only the lead vehicles had to be delayed briefly.
All is well. Thank You, Lord Jesus.
John and Jesse coming back from checking out the area. First try. Backing up.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalms 28:7
We parked at a family’s house for a day and enjoyed some fellowship with them. They provided two delicious meals, along with making us feel very welcome.
Then, it was on to the conference! Even though Mt. Airy is a small town (about a quarter of the size of Leavenworth), we had a good turnout. This group was possibly our most punctual group ever. Our hearts are always full of joy as we seek to build up and encourage those who come. It was a good evening.
We parked our bus at a family's house, and another family joined us for lunch Thursday. Some more chatting. The family sent us with a bag of goodies--for each member of the family, which included a chocolate bar for us. So sweet. Mary and Anna We had lots of wonderful pack-out help. “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
Yesterday, we were on the edge of a rock quarry, and I saw a herd of goats. I decided to go over and take some pictures, as we were waiting for Dad to see if the bus could make it around the quarry. Quite a group. Watching me.
Daddy Goat About this point, I think they thought I might have food. As the whole herd moved toward me, I felt slightly nervous. I really didn’t like the thought of being surrounded by goats thinking I had food, so I retreated. After a little bit, they decided I didn’t have any food and retreated too. So all ended well. “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:32).
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
Tornado damage Christopher's Thermos that was found. Mary A girl photo Dinner Courtship session With some Moody readers. Sisters Pack up help. Mom and our coordinator's wife. “Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul” (Psalms 54:4).
11:20 a.m. update: Mary has finished at the doctor. He couldn’t see anything in her eye, and there was only minor scratching. It appears that she had an allergic reaction to whatever got in her eye (we’re guessing a tiny piece of insulation). The inside of her eyelid has reacted to it, thus the watering, swelling, and the doctor saw some small cysts that were part of the allergic reaction and make it feel like something is still in her eye. He was going to prescribe special eye drops (the $100 a bottle kind), but he ended up having some to give us, which was a blessing. Thank you for praying. Hopefully the swelling goes down quickly, and her eye returns to feeling normal.
Even the doctor who Dad spoke with on the phone last night called back minutes ago to check on Mary this morning. What a blessing. The Lord is so good. ——— Thank you all so much for praying. She slept well last night. This morning, her eyelid is quite swollen. Even though her eye is feeling much better, we thought it to be the safest route to take her to the doctor with the swelling. We will let you know what the update is after her appointment.
Love, Sarah
“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalms 91:2
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. ——- 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
The Maxwell family and ministry blog of Titus2.com.
