Unanimous vote for the D.R.!

It's unanimous.....well, most days. There may be some days Mommy & Daddy aren't quite as in agreement as others.

Last week we ate at Wendy's and overheard some people talking Spanish at the table next to us. As always, we were intrigued to know where they were from and asked them. They were from Puerto Rico. We held a conversation with them in Spanish. They wanted to know all about our family etc. as is common with the Latino people.

As we headed out to our van, we all discussed the Puerto Ricans and said how anxious it made us to get back to the D.R. Regina said she wanted to go back to the D.R. and was tired of being in the States.

The fact that we want to return to the field is a good sign. When we came home a year and a half ago, we thought we would never want to return. We were so worn out that we didn't enjoy being there. God has definitely restored us and given healing. Now we are ready to go back and give it another shot.

Dominican church member makes it to heaven

Word came on Saturday that Ramon, an elderly man in our church, had died. It was a sad, yet joyous thought. Ramon had lived most of his life as an alcoholic. About 5 years ago, he had a stroke. In the hospital, Doug arrived encouraging him to pray to be saved and prayed with him. Later his wife asked him if he prayed from his heart and, though he had lost the ability to speak, he squeezed her hand as an affirmation.

Ramon's life truly had changed. His stroke left him paralyzed and speechless, yet his face beamed brightly and he no longer asked for alcohol. He would come to the services and smile as if he were enjoying it immensely.

Although we will miss Ramon and his smiling face in our services, we rejoice to think that he is now walking, talking and running. This is what we labor and live for. This is what the sacrifice is all about.

Ramon pictured with wife, Aurelia.  

Some things we've done over the past few weeks

Doug and the children got to go on a boat ride on the Susquehanna River at Doug's work picnic. They took their fishing lines along and Brandon caught a 10-inch bass. He had to throw it back because it did not meet the requirements of 15 inches to be able to keep it. They had a fun time.  

Floating down the Susquehanny. 

The 1995 Chapel Singers reunited for Penn View's Harvest Home. Here we are with our families. In those days, we were 4; now there are 20 of us! The Chapel Singers were Terri Walter (pictured left with her familiy), me with my family, Mike Shiery (to the right of Doug with his wife and 2 children), and Jon Plank - piano player (right end with his wife and 2 children).  

Ryan turned three years old.  

Brandon & Regina were so excited to buy Ryan gifts and he was just as thrilled to get them.  

Jonathan - one month

After Daddy finally had a moment to unload the pictures from the camera to the computer, I now have pictures to share! Here is our little Jonathan. He will be one month old tomorrow. You can see how has changed over the last couple of weeks. Notice his long hippy hair hanging over his ears. He will soon need a haircut!

I have lots to post and little time to do it. How does a homeschooling mother of 4 children keep up with life? When I get a chance, there will be more news and pictures. But for now......gotta run.

Jonathan 5 days old.  

Jonathan at 3-1/2 weeks