It's been a quiet and lazy few days for me which is quite a switch to the normal running like a chicken with its head cut off. There is so much food I've yet to cook anything! And tomorrow's meals are accounted for... Thank You, Lord! We have had a few outings for Ed and the kids but I've been able to stay home and watch lots of Christmas movies - much to the fab fam's dismay - they are not big fans... Ed cut up his deer, Sky & Kate worked on the farm yesterday and during that time they were all away, our neighbors bassett hound, fondly named 'Rosie' came to the door bleeding and quite injured. She comes around often and can be found sleeping in Ed's office after Ele abandons her to take a nap in the house - a place she had yet been given access until I couldn't get her owner's by phone and she was in obvious pain. Ed has a soft spot for Rosie and so I called him and we just determined to keep her with us until we could get the owner's by phone. I managed to drive around to see if I could find them home or their son who lives around the corner but with no one there Rosie was deemed our special guest and we wrapped up her wound and comforted her until the owner came to rescue her. Our Rosie turns out to be a Chloe but since Rosie seems so much more appropriate - the owner gave us permission to call her such. It turned out that she had been bitten by a dog - which was better than the inital thought of her being hit by a car. The fab fam has decided if she were to be up for adoption, we'd be first in line. I'm not so eager but she did get my tender loving care in her time of need - which is very unlike me! Today the kids went over to play at their friend's house and when they got home, we all headed to the neighboring town's Christmas parade that included a live nativity which Sky was Joseph and the rest of us helped herd the animals down main street while the fire truck sirens and horns blared in front and behind us. It was so noisy, my ears still hurt! It was a nice night and we came home and had hot cocoa and left over pie. Now I'm at the computer trying to get motivated to do work for tomorrow's services. We are having a special Thanksgiving service in the evening so there is more to prepare than normal. After 2 days of lounging...I'm not ready to get back to the old grindstone....
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It was a wonderful week of shopping (okay, I don't like that part but it was necessary for the rest!), cleaning, cooking and hosting for our very first family Thanksgiving here in the States. We had a family Thanksgiving in South Africa but Ed and Sky got delayed in Paris and didn't make it back in time so it doesn't count. Yesterday was a day where we ate food from sun up until sun down. Sky and Ed got me up at 5 am to make them breakfast before they went to join a family in our church for a hunting expedition. I stayed up after they left and enjoyed my cup of coffee until the other kiddies woke up and we made yummy cranberry/lemon muffins and decorated the table with name tags we cut out while listening to fabulous Christmas music. We had cooked almost all the food on Wednesday so the actual day was relaxed and we had fun doing the Fruit Gobbler that Sky had found on line while we waited for the real turkey to cook in the oven. There was 12 of us seated at the table and we had a blast. There was the traditional Macy's Parade (love my DVR as we chose to fast forwarded through most....) and the boys desired to play touch football so after 2 rounds of playing in the deep snow - the young and old had their fill. We had lots of pie and no one really wanted supper so after we cleaned up we watched a movie and went to bed. Good times and lots of fun to be at my house and hosting it....I do love being home. The deer Ed shot this week is going to be cut up today and Sky and Kate are working on the farm so the rest of us are home and resting after a very busy week. I wasn't even remotely interested in shopping today and plan to make it a day in. Hope everyone had a wonderful day like we did...now I'm off to run on the treadmill to work off that pie and food I ate all day yesterday!
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I can't believe I have not posted since Monday....Where to begin...I'm not even sure what took place this week??? I know we did school because I'm brain dead this morning - having so many chores, computer work and other things to do but have not the urge nor manpower to get them accomplished so it's been a lazy morning and looks to be much of the same for the afternoon. We had normal trips to town: library, groceries, Curves, etc. Schylar has been rewarded for his hard work by some generous donations this week. I've finished Mrs. M's apartment for now (much more to do but will come later...) and she was very giving to Sky for it. She is still scheduled to come up to the house to 'shop' for Christmas through the 14,000 boxes she had in her apartment that I brought home and opened and the rest will be some sort of lawnsale, gift game re-gifting solution to the clutter problem they cause in my bedroom. Ed and Sky went to the Superbowl last night - 3 of the 18 teens that went made a profession of faith - that was exciting. It is super cold here - below zeo when we got up and snow on the ground that had fallen in the night - it's still spitting out there as I type but it's now a balmy 15 degrees...warming up! The wood stove is such a fabulous invention - so warm and cozy in my house. Katelyn is off working at the farm - she'll be frozen by the time she gets home. Tonight Ed has been invited (as well as the fab fam) to a ceremony for one of the Little League boys that has accomplished his Eagle Scout award at age 13. He has asked Ed to take part in the ceremony - we're all going to be a testimony and continue this on going redemptive relationship. Tomorrow night we are going to Ed's aunt and uncle's church about 1 + hours away for Sky to give his missions presentation. It's going to be a long few days for those two - who are sleeping now but were a bit sleepy when they got in this morning and will not want to be rushing tonight, tomorrow and still want to get up on Monday for the week - We are already looking towards a no school day on Monday for Sky - he's going to work on Kid's Connection - which is on it's last edition since they have not had any submissions for publication and are feeling a bit undersupported in the content of the thing. Maybe we'll do a yearly edition?? Well, the church work is still calling despite my refusal to answer and must do it at some point or else it'll be bad for everyone. Stay warm!
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I am regretting the absence of my traditional Sunday afternoon nap that I used to insist on but have not been for the past few months....it's catching up with me. Mondays are the pick myself off the floor before I even get out of bed day that I loathe and it's because I never feel rested enough on the weekends to start another school week....I'm going to start my New Year's resolution now...Sunday afternoon naps are a must! Schylar and Ed traveled to a Pastor's fellowship today (Ed normally attends monthly) and gave a short presentation on their missions trip. Sky was nervous but did well and got a few churches to ask him to come and speak to their church. His fund raising has exceeded his expectations thus far and so he's been excited about how God has been bringing it in. When they got home they went out to try and hunt for a few hours but were chased off by some cows that were grazing in their 'spot' - They saw a doe on the ride out to the tree stand but she was on posted land...too bad. The weekend was busy as always - Ed had a good time at the Men's Retreat with author and pastor Milton Vincent the key note speaker. He has written the Gospel Primer and was excellent. The kids got their shoeboxes packed up and sent off - Abigail was very thrifty and filled her box for the exact money she had saved. She can't wait until next year to do another box. This week has some busy days - lots of counseling going on these days - filling our weeknights full with the exception of tonight. Friday is the Superbowl and we are taking some 18 young people. Ed has been asked to attend a ceremony for a young man he coached in baseball on Saturday night so he'll have to get some serious sleep to stay awake for that after spending all night with teens! There was a great plan hatched by some in our church to get up early in the AM and drive to the location the group last visits to drive the gang home so the tired adults would not have to navigate the roads after such a long night. I was NOT on the list of volunteers but was glad others felt the necessity of it! Schylar invited 2 of his baseball buddies but neither could go so he'll be missing Evan this year with no one to pal around with. Today the weather has turned again to chilly temps and the woodstove is working over time after taking a 3 day hiatus with the warm, rainy weather we had over the weekend. I do love the white snow up here - it makes our house and back fields such a beautiful scene and turns the inside of the house all bright and cheery. We have yet to have any last but it tried again to see if it could muster up a lasting inch. It was a dusting - just enough to track deer in. We'll see if it helps the guys tomorrow...
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It's now raining instead of snowing and who knows what will be next. The boys loved playing football in the mud and I'm not so enthused about the laundry it produced.
Yesterday, Katelyn woke up with a second day of being unable to handle any type of light that came from the ceiling lights or the lamps and continued to show signs of a really enlarged pupil, so I took her to the eye doctor who said she was perfectly fine but maybe had some underlying sinus issues that made her have symptoms not related to her vision but rather to her congestion. It didn't seem to make much sense but in the end, she took some stuff for a sinus headache and was better so I guess he was right. It was weird...but very painful for Kate. She did school today and felt better. She also got some good nap time in yesterday that was helpful.
Today was same old - breakfast, devos, school, laundry, piano lessons, school, lunch, school, bank, Hannaford, Curves, shower, supper, bed for the kids and laundry so I can go to bed (I pile it on my bed so it makes me finish....I hate doing more than 1 day a week of laundry...pack it in and enjoy the rest of the week!)
Tomorrow Ed is heading to a pastor's retreat and the kid's have sign language class here. Saturday we are going to shop for our Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and visit our shut-ins. Ed will be back sometime on Saturday night.
So...that's all folks. Night!
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I have been away from the computer way too long - I'll have to give you the cliff notes because I don't have enough time to write it all out - it may be preferable to most anyway....
1. Continue to make weekly trips to Mrs. Meisy's house to haul away her garbage and help her apartment become functional again. Day #4 and more garbage and 'stuff' than I could even list has been hauled into my suburban each trip making it full to overflowing each time. Amazing considering this apartment seems to be the SIZE of my suburban...how it all fit in there...only the Lord knows. We are winding down....but still at least 4 more days to go....will have to wait until next week. I'm bushed and need to recoup.
2. Schylar sent out his missions brochure - if you didn't get one - I don't have your address so write to me and I'll send you a copy. He's brainstorming about ways to raise his money and so far it all involves his mother in a big way so I'm praying he'll come up with less mom-involved projects. Ed is lining up some churches for him to speak at so that's good....
3. School is going well - have finished our 1st Quarter - always stressful to get the work and paperwork in on time...still never get over my intense dislike of such NY State laws...I guess I should focus more on being thankful I still can homeschool legally here - it may be only a year away or so before I can't.....never take it for granted is my new motto....
4. Company arrived late Saturday afternoon. Chris & Beth (Nicholes) Steiner came to share about their ministry in Taiwan with Word of Life's Students and Youth Ministry in English (SYME) program they are heading up. They have a 1 year old son, Jonathan, who was the delight of our family and many comments about not having a baby in the house were made...even Ed was commenting on how cute he was...Katelyn liked feeding him as it reminded her of feeding Abigail and Abigail just loved the fact that she wasn't the youngest - she smothered him like you wouldn't believe - little mother hen was her title.
5. We have had a busy weekend with church - Ed had a Men's breakfast on Saturday and then we were supposed to go to lunch after church on Sunday to the Clarkshire farm but they took violently ill that morning and so I had to throw together a roast dinner with homemade rolls and all the fixin's last minute. It ended up being a feast so we had a single lady in our church join us to fellowship with the Steiner's. They took off around 3:30 pm and Ed had the Men's Bible Study at 6 pm so it was a busy day and then to come home and watch his beloved Steeler's give the game away....it was a rough end of the busy week....
6. The snow is flying as I write and although it doesn't seem to be a major snow maker - it does make for some chilly wind and poor visability - so glad I don't have to go anywhere. I'm working on some Bible Study material for a counseling session tonight and then it'll be supper so I must close....
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It would seem that I am the one to whom the helpless feel they can call in emergency and I'm glad they do. Yesterday I got a call from our shut-in Pam (who is currently in a nursing home), she was crying and telling me about her 87 year old mother who had fallen in her apartment at 10:30 the night before and was not able to get anyone to help her until 7 pm the following day - she spent the night and day on the floor unable to move. Well, Pam was upset - as was I when I heard and so today I immediately changed my afternoon to go and help her clean up her apartment so she would not have so many obstacles that could cause a fall. This poor woman is quite the pack rat - keeping every piece of mail she's received since arriving there. I found magazines talking about the Bush and Kerry election (it seemed like de ja vu when you realize we're doing it all over again!)...I filled my Suburban with as much stuff as I could and brought it home and burned it in the fire pit outside. She's got a little more room now but still have a long ways to go to get her safe in her little space. We'll be back next week for round 2. She was thankful for what I got done and I'm anxious to return to finish the job. I do love to clean and it is so much fun when it's someone else's stuff....
The kids did school today to make up for our day off due to the elecritrical outages - Kate & Sky worked on the farm and even got to hook up one of the Clark's horses to a sleigh and drive her around. They rode as well. We also finished up our babysitting job of horse and Ms Bea as our friends have arrived home from their trip to FL. Bea was fun and loved talking to Ed. She very antagonistic towards God and even in her dementia knows that God is real and she will face Him but she's going to give a piece of her mind rather than to worship and recognize Him for Who He is - her creator and the one to whom her sin is an offense to. It's amazing to me to see the willful hardening of her heart and not because of a lack of knowing about God.... Katelyn was a bit sad to know her time with her precious horses is over but I won't miss the daily trips to and from.
Well - church work always awaits me on Saturday night and before I totally crash I must attend to it. The days are warming up and the snow is still here! Not enough to melt the 4 foot drifts....they are about 2 feet now. The kids have LOVED playing in the snow and building forts. They're already crying about it leaving...I assure them - it'll be back - and to stay for a very long time.....we do live in Central NY.
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I love Miss Marion....she is the 'least of these' that Jesus talks about serving. I am so thankful she is in my life. There is never a moment I regret dropping everything to attend to her needs and watching how God uses it to encourage her, my children and me. Today was no exception. In my last post, I was commenting on what was Abigail's 'blizzard' what I didn't know that my little comment about nothing out of the ordinary happening that week was about to change with a power outage that lasted for 2 days and even when restored lasted only for 6 hours before it went out again for the rest of our day and is only now just back on at 8 pm. We have been SOOO thankful for our generator that Ed was able to put outside in a little shed so that we could just turn it on and flip a switch - last year we had to lug it out of the basement, through the house and then get it outside, etc. So much work! Anyway, we have had a few lights (2) and the ability to plug things in a couple of outlets to make it through but I had not put groceries in the fridge since our company had come and suffice it to say - we were bare bones.....So, even thought the 12-14 inches of snow fell over 2 days, we ventured out and even got Miss Marion shoveled out so she could come to church last night. This morning she called me early - concerned about her boots - they were quite slick on the bottoms and last night getting in and out of church was a concern for her - could I take her in to get a new pair? Well, having done my shopping yesterday I didn't have a reason to go into town except this but as it turned out, Ed needed to return something in Utica today before the time period of the return policy expired. We took Miss Marion to watch Kate feed the horses which delighted her more than she could say. Simple pleasures in life are such a treat for her and watching the horses on the glistening snow romp and play while Kate fed them was priceless to her. We listened to Mom's Home for the Holidays Focus on the Family Radio Drama on the way to Utica and on the way back. Just as we got back to Miss Marion's house, we were just finishing the last story. With boots in tow, she started to unlock her door when she just broke down and wept. When I came to her side to comfort her and ask her why she was crying she just said, 'Today has been just wonderful. I have never had anyone take me into town to go shopping for something I needed before and show such Christian love to me.' - well, there were a few tears on the way home from my eyes as I contemplated how such a simple act of kindness was a demonstration of Jesus' love to this precious saint. Although our day was a bit long (we didn't get back until 6:30 pm), it was a reminder that those Jesus called the 'least of these' lives nearby and has been given to us to care for and love in a tangible way. With the snow still knee deep in most places, she'll need those boots sooner rather than later! It's hard to imagine snow until April but they say this will melt. The drifts are so high I'm not sure I believe them. We were not ready to get dumped on and so there are still piles of wood (somewhere under the white stuff!) and a wood boiler to get inside still. Ed's praying God gives us one more warm up before the real deep freeze sets in. So far, we're warm and even though the evenings are bit dark - we're able to get by. The kids have LOVED the power outage and have deemed card games by candle light the tradition of such occasions. We didn't do school yesterday due to the lack of power but today we muddled through. We have plenty of food now in the fridge so we're set for a long time if we should be without for any length of time again. With the generator we can hook up the computer and satelite and stay somewhat connected but it's been few and far between for Ed or myself. I have so much work to do tonight - it'll be a late one for both of us! Hope everyone is enjoying their fall and we're the only ones to skip right through the seasons to winter.....it's going to be a long one!
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That was Abigail just a minute ago after I JUST got her bundled up to go out to play in the snow and she went out for all of 2 minutes....The snow was unexpected - only found out last night I was going to be enjoying a snow day today - too bad I didn't prepare well...no milk, almost NO groceries...hope it doesn't last long and grateful for a deep freeze full of food I can unthaw to eat! This week has been very uneventful. The guys spent all day on Saturday in Piseco working on the Adirondack Bible Chapel's ministry center and got the remaining wall insulated for them so they could sheetrock and hopefully get mud and tape on before the deep freeze of winter...after today, I'm not sure they were fast enough? We're in a huge winter storm warning (can you have winter storm warnings when it's still fall??) and the upper parts of NY are expecting almost 2 feet of snow! Yikes! The kids are working at school each day and enjoying outdoor activites with the rest of their time. Each day Ed and Sky check in on our new friend, Bea, who needs medication and a watchful eye as she is quite unaware of what she is doing or where she is - scary to think the family leaves her alone in the other 22 hours of the day when no one is with her - who knows what she does but thankfully she hasn't burned down her house or harmed herself. She's quite ornery and gives the boys a hard time. She loves children and enjoys their visits. We are also checking in on the horses each day but today will be a miss - no chance I'm heading out - it's wooly and the roads are a mess...heavy wet snow - slick... Last night I went out for a homeschool meeting that is a rare occurance for me as I am normall anti-homeschool meetings - meetings in general - but enjoyed the evening as 3 of the ladies in our church went along and asked me to join them. It was a late night and I was thrilled to see the World Series game postponed so I could go to bed and not feel I had to stay up to finish the game to see if the Phillies pulled one out. Well...it's getting to be that time of the day when supper should be prepared. Christmas music is really appropriate today!
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Tuesday was our first snow fall - howbeit, not lasting nor accumulative but none the less, tradition does STATE that it is legal to play Christmas music at first snow...so, Harry is crooning as I write. Love him. This week was my first time on the Curves Smart circuit and I'm not sure I'll like it. I'm already at the max for their range and had very few things I had to 'work' on - so I may hate the time it takes to focus on the little red lights to tell me I'm done and never thought I'd enjoy the lady saying 'change stations now' but realize how mindless that is for me.... Lots of ladies are trying it but I think the older ladies are already complaining about not being able to talk as much :) School went well for only have a few days for most of my students. Ethan is now on the couch seeming to be feeling like Sky did - tummy aches and flirts with fever. Katelyn is feeling better - did the 'treatment' that Mom recommended but she had already started to feel better before that so not sure. The coconut oil seems to upset her tummy like it did mine. I'm giving her less to try and see if that will help. The Suburban went in today to get fixed - it's been since our trip to Maine and it still ran enough to get us to and from the few places we had to take it! $140 and we're good to go?? I'm not holding my breath.... Ed and Sky are traveling to Piseco to help the Adirondack Bible Chapel do some projects at their ministry center with 4 others from our church. They leave at 6 am and will return sometime in the afternoon. We are watching the horses for our friends while they are in FL on a missions trip and we added a shut in that she takes care of daily to our ways to support Sky's mission's trip. The family pays for someone to come and check in on her and give her medication. She's quite funny and suffers with dementia so it's touchy getting her to eat or take meds - she'll tell you she already has. Abigail and Bea seem to be kindred spirits so I think we'll do just fine. Loved Mom's pics of Utah and finallyg got to see them after days of being without our internet...again! It's getting old but hopefully we're getting to the bottom of it. Well, Ethan seems to feel like warm bananna bread hot out of the oven so must go get a slice for him and finish whatever I was doing before I got distracted and started surfing the web and writing on my blog. Nighty night everyone....
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Schylar was down for the count after school yesterday. He didn't get up until 11 am after sleeping it off. He seems better but Katelyn is now achy and has similar complaints as the rest of us that has succumb to the illness that just doesn't want to quit.
We said goodbye to our company on Monday and Tuesday got back to normal living. The weather has turned extremely cold and the wind is back after our summer reprieve. It's like a hurricane force wind beating at the house 24/7. The wood stove is keeping us warm and toasty but I hesitate to step outside for any reason! Today I must get out so I'll have to brave it. Off to Curves, the bank and library. Don't think we'll make church tonight with all my sick ones. Thankful that the Sox are not playing tonight as I was seriously sleep deprived Monday after Saturday and Sunday's late night games that I got sucked into right up to the end! Now I don't care who wins.....
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We have our company from South Africa with us this weekend and the weather couldn't have been better. Yesterday, the Meyers took a trip to Cooperstown with their 2 boys going to the Baseball Hall of Fame with Dad and the daughter going to the Farmer's Museum with her mom. They graciously asked Kate to accompany Leslie (age 9) and Mrs. Meyers around the place and the guys took Schylar along for their day tour of the museum. Ethan was weepy when he returned from playing some solitary game and realized he had been left behind. We made up for it by going to our neighbors to get an apple mill (like the one my mom has) and in the process caught Mr. Brewer bringing in a 135 lb buck from the woods - yesterday was the first day of bow season here. Anyway, that was exciting and then Ethan processed our apple sauce for 2 hours and enjoyed helping but was thankful when the company returned and they could play again. The Meyers family are headed to Maine next weekend and having spent their highschool graduations at Dublin, college grads from BJU and spent 2 years in Fiji - they'll have lots to talk about with the fab fam and common experiences. We share the South Africa connection and so that has been fun. Susan is from Woodstock, VT and they will be leaving tomorrow afternoon for her mom's house until their travel to the farm next weekend. Yesterday, friend, Ron, came to tear out our side door and replace the rotting sill that was causing water to flow down into the basement when it rained really hard - the flies were unrestrained from coming inside and our house is now full again....it's turning very cold at night so hopefully they'll just die off and I won't have to go on a killing spree to rid our rooms of the pests. I'm feeling much better and even stayed up last night to watch the Sox take game 6 - tonight we'll do it again and cheer them on. Schylar played his last soccer game but they didn't even score a goal so lost 5-0. We had toured Hannaford that morning and by the time I had returned home to make lunch and send Sky off to his game, I was feeling lousy. Katelyn helped me get the last minute company chores done before they arrived and when they did I just got into bed and begged to be excused. I didn't think I would make the weekend with feeling so ill. Then...the coconut oil I took started to kick in and I've not looked back - it's amazing stuff - thanks, Melissa. It does upset my stomach about an hour after and it lasts for about 30 minutes but it's well worth the results!
Well, Katelyn and Leslie are at the horse club party that is to close out their time together as a group but the boys decided they'd rather go play putt putt so they are at Mr. Shake's with Abigail, Ed and Brent. I'm off to pick up the girls before church tonight at 6 pm. It's a pie social afterwards and I have a yummy apple pie and chocolate cream waiting to be consumed....
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I would like to share three things with you quickly:
1. Why I want to go
2. What I will be doing
3. What you can do to help me
Why I Want To Go
From a young age, I have dreamed about being a missionary. At the age of 4, my dad showed me that sin was in my life, and I need a savior. I accepted Jesus into my heart then and there, and have had a heartbeat for sharing the gospel ever since. For as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around ministry. My parents have been in ministry since I was only five years old. This constant example of serving the Lord and following his will in my life has made me excited about missions from the time I accepted Jesus till now. Guatemala was a place I always dreamed about going to but have never had the opportunity. Being able to go on this trip is a thrill for me and having my dad alongside is a dream come true. My heart’s desire is that you would be burdened for the people of Guatemala as I am and become a partner in the gospel with me as I seek to raise prayer and financial support for this trip.
What We Will Be Doing
We will be going with Mission Impact, an organization that is passionate about Guatemala and God’s plan of salvation for its people. Through their organization we will have opportunities to build relationships with Guatemalans and share the Gospel with them.
We’ll work alongside with local Guatemalan missionaries who have been operating their ministries for about 15 years. Each are effectively reaching communities with a hands-on demonstration of Jesus’ love.
We will help doing different jobs, such as sports, construction, Bible classes, teaching in the schools, working with children in the street, etc.
What You Can Do To Help
I. Pray
I don’t think you can help in a better way than to pray. Pray while we are raising our support, while we are in Guatemala, and when we return. Never stop praying. Prayer partners are something you can’t have enough of.
II. Give
Give directly for our expenses. I have preaddressed envelopes for you to use and please make checks payable to Team Guatemala. Any money sent will go directly into our personal account.
III. Support my fundraisers. I am looking to do odd jobs to help raise my support. If you have any odd jobs around the house, please let me know if you would like to hire me to work for you for a donation. I will rake leaves, stack wood, shovel snow. Anything you need done. I’m also collecting bottles and loose change from now until I leave in February.
In closing, I would like to share a verse that I think summarizes my heart’s desire.
“ But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” - Acts 20:24-25
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For those who check daily and have been disappointed - I have a good reason! 1. the internet has been somehow hacked and so our system has had issues and only today are we back on line 2. Ed has been seriously ill with flu/cold that I have caught to some degree (either I handle it better or his symptoms were worse...) Lots of congestion and lack of energy. It's hit me hard today. I didn't sleep much last night so that could be the issue but I've spent alot of down time trying to recover. Okay..enough excuses. Here's what you missed...
The apple pressing day was so nice - warm, sunny and well attended. We had 2 of the boys friends over to play and tag along to the VanderGroef's for games and apple cider but also had 2 friends sleep over the night before so the build up to the event was a bit crazy. We did manage to get a large portion of the wood pile into the basement before taking off to the party and Schylar was thrilled to have his brochures arrive for the next day's missions presentation he had been working. The apple cider was delicious this year and the eats were marv. I did harvest games with the kids that came and the 2-man donut eating contest was a hit. Sunday was Short Term Missions Sunday and we had a report from Uganda, Africa from a young girl in our church who went this past summer. She played a video we had put together for her and it was great. We had a time of prayer and comissioning of an older couple in our church who are headed to work in FL with a ministry for 2 weeks at the end of the month and then Schylar brought up the rear with the Guatemala trip he is working on raising his money to go in February of next year. He did a fantastic job and I'll post a pic and the content of what he said for another post. Ed did the Men's bible study on Sunday night but came home wiped and entirely out of comission. Monday we did school and deep cleaned Kate's room for the upcoming Meyer family that will arrive tomorrow and stay until next week. Tuesday we did school in the morning and Sky cleaned out the goat barn of a couple in our church for a generous donation in the afternoon. Ethan and I tackled the boy's room and managed to deep clean it as well before calling it a day at 9 pm...ahh...Wednesday was a busy day of school and then I took Miss Marion to the dentist to have 2 teeth filled. While she was busy there I went to Curves for the first time in weeks to find them hooked up with the Smart machines and so I'm all signed up but leary - it checks your heartrate and adjusts...Kathy! What will I do??? After I picked Miss Marion up we went grocery shopping and got our supplies that would be needed for the meals I will be making for our family plus a family of 5. When we got home, we had a quick supper and then I sent Ed and the older one's to church while Miss Marion and I stayed home. She had fallen asleep in the chair and was not able to be roused in time to make the service so she had a nice snooze while Abigail and I tackled her room and got all our bed sheets changed and more 'do to' tasks accomplished. I tried to go to bed early but didn't sleep well so I was up from 3 am until 6:30 am when I finally got back in bed to try and sleep and managed to get a few winks before Abigail came down for breakfast. It is raining and very misey. Ed has been feeling better and has tackled the Suburban and wood today. The Suburban does not need a repair on the previous work but rather a NEW repair that is connected to the previous work - more money, more money, more money. They ordered the part and we'll have to take it in when it arrives - we need it for the weekend and can't be without it with lots of activities with our company and life in general.
Tomorrow Schylar plays in his final soccer tournament and then we are having dinner at the Clarkshire Farm with the Meyer's. After that Ed and Sky will head off with Mr. Meyers to the monthly youth group meeting that will take place at a home nearby. Saturday is iffy - have the option of going to a wool festival that Katelyn would LOVE to attend but it is a bit far to drive so we'll see or make applesauce. I'd rather do the latter. The Amish finally got their apples in and at $7 a bushel I hope to get 2 and put up lots of sauce. Sunday will be the final Horse Club meeting that will be a luncheon after church and an afternoon horse ride. Sunday night will be the Meyers' ministry presentation with an apple social afterward. Monday, Ed will take our guest to a pastor's fellowship for lunch and then Tuesday they'll be heading east. So - that's it in a nut shell.
I'm off to clean and dust 2 more rooms before tackling the MOUND of ironing that has been accumulating of the past few weeks. Hope to watch the Sox win while I do it....
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The past few days have been glorious. So warm, with blue skies and bright sunshine - it makes your heart sing for joy to the Lord for His beautiful creation. The apples from our little apple tree have produced an abundance of yummy fruit that we are making crisp with and hopefully cider tomorrow. Today was the last day of soccer and Schylar has a final game next Friday to close out our sports year officially. Yeeha. Abigail went home with friend, Donna, while her son came home to play with Ethan. She proudly announced to Ms Donna that she was 'the naughtiest of all the Reeds' - like it was some badge of honor....Oh, my. I've either created this little monster or she is going to require a lot of time on my knees in prayer! It may be a little of both? She's a ticket for sure. Schylar was so happy to receive his brochures today for his presentation on Sunday for his short term missions trip to Guate. Thanks, Mom! He's working on his powerpoint presentation and folding his brochures while watching the Red Sox game one against the Rays. Did I mention Joe & Deb bought a house? 28 acres - 6 years old (roughly..maybe 8?) was a family in their church that when Joe was talking to their pastor about how God had answered their prayers in selling their house but now they NEEDED a house, that the pastor responded, 'why don't you buy this guy's house? They've been praying about selling theirs as well.' It has a garage and everything they wanted. The family undersold the property just to get out so it was a great deal. In the end, they traded almost similar houses in a short amount of time. God is good! They won't be visiting any time soon as they hope to move in November. Sky's disappointed about that. Well, I have much to do before our apple pressing day tomorrow. I'm on for harvest games for the kids so I'll be up for a while....good thing I have java....
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Was feeling under the weather yesterday and had so much I wanted to accomplish while Ed was gone with the kids to a Creation Seminar in Albany. My paperwork that is never ending would be neatly filed and put away by the time they returned but alas, a massive headache and a weakness that could not cope with any such projects, kept me in bed with Wives and Daughters and a few outings to the couch to watch the news. I slept more once the kids and Ed returned since I still had Abigail - she didn't think listening to a speaker would be 'very much fun' - as she put it. I am better today and we did many of our normal activities plus a few more but am still weak and feel the lingering effects of whatever I came down with. Sunday was super busy as I tried to run around to see my shut-in's that I had been neglecting for almost 2 months! They were both in good spirits. Abigail came with me and played Candy Land with Miss Joyce. They both had a ball. I was able to take down her summer decorations and put up her fall scene during the time it took them get through the stack of cards. I also put up some yummy tomato club sauce that tastes a bit like red pepper relish that Dad likes so much. We had some tonight on our steak and it was marv. The day was so warm and although we had a massive frost last night and didn't get above 50 yesterday, we were able to be outside and put in a trailer full of wood and not even need a jacket. We are working on getting it in a little a time so Ed can button up the bulkhead and put in the temporary door that serves as a shield against the winter blast that hits that side of the house and makes the basement chilly. We will not have our boiler hooked up any time soon - good friend, Paul, is very busy and will get to us when he can. So far, we're only starting up the wood stove in the AM to take the chill off and then letting it die out - staying warm for the rest of the day. Even upstairs is holding it's own...but I'm sure it'll not last long. The colors and trees are changing quickly and the leaves are starting to fall - although not nearly as far along as Maine. We are working on our cider pressing fellowship on Saturday with a mixture of harvest games and food. Should be fun - hope it's warm! Well, I'm off to bed.
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1. The warmth of a roaring fire when the weather turns cold overnight!
2. The joy that one's bed brings after a long absence from home
3. The daily knowledge that God is in all and over all!
After a very unexpected but lovely trip to Maine for cousin, Erika's wedding last weekend, we returned Wednesday afternoon to much colder temps than when we had left. The Suburban had some issues that required Ed to return to NY to preach and then back up to Maine to get it fixed and drive us home. We hauled a wood boiler back with us and will hopefully not be dependent on any oil this winter! Thanks, Jeremy...
The kids were not anxious to return home and resume school nor leave Nana's house. They had good times and were ready for them to continue for an indefinite period but alas, all good things come to an end. Schylar is preparing to put out a prayer letter regarding his recent decision to go to Guatemala on a short term missions trip in February. How time flies when one is preparing her son to go on a missions trip and writing his prayer letters when it seems just yesterday, Ed and I were the ones raising prayer and funds to go. Generations sure do pass quickly and mine seems to be catching up faster than I can keep up! Schylar will soon overtake me and do MY work for me. He just designed his first powerpoint for church last week but we didn't get to use it since we didn't make it back due to the vehicle trouble. We enjoyed spending time at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship and even put together an all girl's ensemble that was beautiful and included Katelyn and her older cousins to add to the already beautiful harmonies of her aunts. Unscripted but God's plan as the song was perfect for Pastor Wayne's message and the time of remembering during communion. We got our fill of Chinese while in Maine as NY does not know the meaning of the word. The weekend seems uneventful after the past few weekends of running all over the countryside. Tonight we are going with a friend to a fellowhsip dinner with the organization her and her husband are praying about becoming full-time with in their retirement years. We were involved with them briefly while at Dennison and they continue to be involved in local fairs in our area. Sunday night will be the beginning of a men's bible study that Ed will be teaching for 10-12 weeks. After that, he hopes to get the suburban in to the mechanic to have them fix the problem that they had supposedly fixed months ago but is clearly not right. Now let's just pray they will be good for the work and we don't have to shell out more money to fix it! Well, I'm off to run on the treadmill...have been trying to get there all day but alas, have had NO success. I'm going to give it a go now that school is over with!
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I am so thankful for God's abundant blessing in giving our family the desires of our heart. Tonight as I was outside working my fabulous onions pulled from our wonderful garden, the kids were playing and having fun romping and being silly in our backyard. It brought back memories of that same type of play in our little postage stamp yard in Johannesburg and how I would dream of having a place like we do now for the kids to play in and have scope for their imaginations. Such imaginations that would lead them to wander through the prairie to settle in a little shack (huge cardboard box that Ed's newly purchased generator shed came in) and how they have to go out and get food (milkweed and the like out in the field). Ethan told me tonight they are currently in a massive blizzard. I told him if he waits a little longer - he'll have one for real! I'm so grateful for God's lavish grace on us. I feel so undeserving of such a homestead. God is indeed good.
The weather is so cool at night but warms right up in the day. I've been painting trim and staining the steps outside before the real cold comes to stay. Ed is working on outside chores as well and hoping to have most of it done by next week. School continues to plug away and although longer days for some, Ethan and Abigail are done early enough to have play time and they love to end the day with reading books in our bed. It is fabulous if I do say so myself. I'll miss those days of reading to them at night. My older two would rather do it themselves....maybe I'll read to Ed when that time comes?
Katelyn is washing and carding her own wool and then spinning it on her recently acquired drop spindle. She is so funny - so dedicated and so knowledgeable about the process. She is knitting up a storm these days as well.
Schylar is feverishly working on the Kid's Connection for a weekend mailing. They have not had alot of time to put it together with all our travels and then the start of school. It always takes us a few weeks to settle into a routine to where school isn't the only thing we do that day. So far, that's about all it's been. The laundry is suffering and so I must run and put in another load before I call it a night.
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Just wanted to write quickly to say Schylar's big soccer tournament went great and despite their first game being a close one that resulted in a loss - his team went on to win the rest of their games (4 total - it was physically draining...) they came in 2nd overall. It was the New York State homeschool groups and there were alot of traveling teams that came for the day. I'm not sure how many teams were part of the whole day but the kids were playing on 4 fields from 9am until 6 pm and there were games going all the time. They had all boy, all girl and co-ed teams in separate groupings. Lots and LOTS of kids and some very exciting moments and games. It was thoroughly entertaining and we were glad we went. Abigial and Katelyn stayed home with Miss Marion and I was glad we left them since we got up at 5 am and didn't get back until 8:30 that night. Sky reinjured his groin during the day but it seems to be better today. His other muscles are sore though. I had to take a LONG Sunday afternoon nap to recover and am still snoozy. I'll post some pics on FB of the games later. Abigail is waiting for her supper so will close.
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Today is a milestone birthday in the life of my aunt Michele who is a little over 5 years older than I and has always been more like a sister than an aunt to me. Wished I could have called her but alas, Ed's cell phone died and with it all the phone numbers that matter - I didn't have time to get it from anyone so this will have to do: Happy 40th Birthday, Michele!
School days are longer this year by 2 hours and so my days are increasingly short for anything 'extra'. We managed to get some of our errands done yesterday but ran out of time to finish and so will try again tomorrow. Tonight was church and we have started meeting at 6:30 pm which is also a bit of a stretch for me to get out the door and have supper cleaned up and kids ready. We may switch it back to 7 pm. I do like getting home earlier and having the kids in bed by 8 instead of the usual 9ish...
The weather has turned cool over the past few days but the sun has been bright and the kids are enjoying their last few weeks of play in the back fields. When hunting season comes, it'll be prohibited. The deer are always so plentiful around here - you can't drive at dusk without spotting dozens. Turkeys are in the area as well and always fun to watch. One thing I don't enjoy about the country is the flies that seem to be something out of a bad B rated movie - crawling out of the crevices of my cupboards and windows to 'reawaken' in the heat of the day only to fall to the newly cleaned floor at night. When we came home on Sunday after our afternoon away - the warm, humid temps brought a swarm of flies from somewhere that covered my side door so that it was almost black. Ed went on a massive killing spree that left carnage all over the floor and a very dirty window to clean. They are very lethargic so it makes them easy targets...
The weekend is shaping up to be busy. Kids are looking to shop for wedding clothes before soccer and then we will have our first youth group meeting here at the house that night. Saturday morning we are leaving super early for Binghamton for Sky's soccer tournament. His first game is at 9 am and he'll have 3 more after that. He'll be some tired by Sunday I'm sure!
Well, speaking of tired...I was going to bed hours ago and will regret it in the morning when I kick myself for not doing so....
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