Since we didn’t have any conferences scheduled between the Charlotte and Pigeon Forge weekends, we spent the time parked at the church. Last Sunday, after we pulled in, the church fellowship offered to loan us their van, which made it possible to easily run errands and even go up to the Smokies twice: once for hiking and the other to Cade’s Cove. The van was such a blessing! The rest of the time we spent in the bus or outside of the bus working, doing school, and studying (Anna is doing an ITonRamp class).
Friday afternoon, we set up for the conference. We knew we faced a bit more of a challenge than normal due to the fact that several of the family had colds. A normal cold takes on another twist when you are speaking. The conference is quite voice-taxing, but the Lord has always carried us through. I think back to the time we were giving a concert at the Alberta Home School Convention. Anna is our lead singer, and she had lost her voice. That day, we prayed, and in the evening, you should have heard her sing. I thought she had never sounded better. The Lord had truly given her a voice for the concert.
There were quite a few people praying for us this weekend. Music went well–and voices held strong! It was a lighter crowd Friday evening, but that is quite normal for Friday evenings. We enjoyed talking to the families who came. Several were from out-of-state: Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky. On Saturday, we met at least two families who had come from northern Georgia.
Saturday morning, John’s voice was struggling. Again, we asked some friends and family for prayer, and at his most crucial session, Unity, right after lunch, you should have heard him. Anna said he sounded NORMAL! What a blessing.
It was a delight to see a number of families who had been to previous conferences. It was a joy to be able to visit and fellowship with them. In fact, one of the family’s girls helped us pack out. Truly, that help was a blessing. Thanks, Elizabeth, Amanda, and Rachel.
Anna loves to meet industrious young ladies. In this case, the girl was only nine-years-old and could knit, crochet, and sew! She told Anna she makes all of the Christmas and birthday gifts she gives. Wow! I’d love to see the skills she’ll know by the time she is eighteen. Her mom has taught her well!
Hearts were very open to the message shared. We continue to pray for fruit to abound after the conference is through.
We are now driving in Florida. Even with the slow down, it appears we will still be able to attend the 5:30 p.m. church service tonight.
Love,
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).
We had such a blessed time at the conference. We thank the Lord for families such as yours who model and teach us how to further our walk with the Lord and to teach and guide our families. What a blessing you are.
The F family