As Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me", he motioned for them to come up and sit with him.  

The temple at Jerusalem 

 

The empty tomb. 

Viewing the empty tomb.  

Jesus carrying his cross.  

Jesus on the cross.  

Jesus after the resurrection.  

The children weren't real comfortable posing beside this soldier who kept an unflinching stare.  

A Memorable Valentine's Dinner

This Valentine's Day was not the way you would think of spending it, but was very special. We arrived in Summerfield, FL the evening before Valentine's day and were invited for supper at our Mission President's home. His wife prepared a lovely meal of turkey, rice, salad, corn, lima beans, rolls, and ice cream. It was neat to also have another visiting missionary family join us. Their 4 children and our 3 children ate in a separate area off of the kitchen while just the adults ate in the formal dining room. It was relaxing and enjoyable to dine and fellowship without the noise of the children, with soft music in the background, and candles lit on the table. They told us it was our Valentine's dinner. It was much better than the usual way we spend Valentine's day - usually on the field and not able to get out for a nice meal or evening together.

Last year we were in the process of packing to come back to the States and I don't even remember how we spent Valentine's Day!

Part of the reason we haven't been keeping up with this blog is because it is hard to determine what to post. The reason it was created was to give information on the mission work in D.R. Since we are now on furlough in the States, we are not sure what to post. Our life is pretty much the same right now. Not too much new happening.

Also, we haven't received many comments so it is hard to know who is viewing our blog (or if anyone is).

We will try to do a little better and make time to keep you up to date on the main events in our lives.

If you are visiting our blog, please let us know by dropping a comment. Constructive criticism is accepted. This may help us to determine what to write about in the future.

January & February happenings

Well, this blog has been left go. We have been on the move. In January, we drove 6 hours to attend our sister-in-law's father's funeral. A few weeks after that we left for Florida to participate in the Spanish camp at Hobe Sound. We were gone for 3 weeks in February. We just got back last week and are all settled in again and it is March already!

We had a great time in Florida participating in Spanish camp and soaking in some of the main campmeeting. What a wonderful time of God's moving.

While in Florida, we saw a brochure about "The Holy Land Experience" in Orlando. We asked someone about it and later received an offer to pay our way if we went. We took the offer and spent a delightful, sunny day there where stories of the Bible are brought to life. It was a neat experience and we were so glad to be able to do it.

If you're ever in Orlando, this is a recommended sight to see. Find more info at www.holylandexperience.com

I hope to get to post pictures soon.

A Sad note

Our sister-in-law's father passed way Wednesday morning, January 4, 2006. We extend our sympathy to the Carter family in this difficult time.

Christmas miracles

This Christmas I would name the "Christmas of miracles." We had so many things happen that were directly from the hand of the Lord. The last several months have been some of the toughest times for us financially. We didn’t know if we would be able to mail Christmas letters or do any Christmas shopping. God worked in so many ways - having people give us exactly what we needed (laundry detergent, soaps, etc.), several unexpected financial gifts that carried us through, and being able to find gifts for the remaining people on our list for nearly nothing. We do not normally mention our financial status, but it is worth mentioning as a testimony to others that God does supply our needs and some of our wants when we wait on Him to do so.

We had another unexpected answer to prayer. We were praying for a "miracle" so that Doug’s brother and wife could come in from Texas for Christmas. Up till the Thursday before Christmas they said they weren’t coming. I had given up the hope that they would come. However, Thursday morning they found out that our sister-in-law’s father was in the hospital with pneumonia. They decided to make the trip in to the East. Since they were already in the area, they came to visit us for 3 days! We were delighted to spend some time with them!

Yet another answer to prayer was being able to go to the Hershey Chocolate Factory. I have been talking about taking the children there ever since last furlough. With all of the deputation last furlough and having a baby, we were not able to make it down. This time it has not worked out either. I finally decided to take the matter to the Lord and ask him to work it out. I couldn’t see how He would send money for us to be able to travel to Hershey whenever we had bills lingering over our heads. God did answer prayer when a call came from our pastor saying they were going to take a bus to Hershey to see the lights! We would be able to go at no charge! I hollered, "God is so good!" We finally got to tour the chocolate factory, and see some of the lights of Hershey. It was another wonderful answer to prayer. God does give good gifts to His children!!

Christmastime

The rush of Christmas is over and we’ve had one of the best ever! The first part of December was "mellow" for us. We weren’t hurrying and scurrying here, but we took the quiet evenings by the fire to play games with the children and have some quality family time. It was so much fun!

The Thursday before Christmas, the rush hit. We had several different family gatherings and various dinners to attend. Christmas day was spent with Doug’s parents, Grandma Brown, Uncle Dean & Aunt Debbie and James. It was a delightful time.

Dominican church adds another member

Euddy & Dionelly Vargas (pastor & wife of the church in Santo Domingo) became the proud parents of Sarah Esther on November 2, 2005. Sarah weighed 7 lbs, 8 oz. Mommy and baby are doing well. Pictures will be posted as soon as we receive them.

"New" (from a yard sale) hot rod slippers.  

For learning 50 verses from June to October, we awarded them a Precious Moments Spanish/Enlgish Bible. They worked hard and were delighted with their reward.  

Pictures of Dominican Republic/New York City trip

Enjoying a little bit of the ocean in New York City.  

Regina made a good friend with Josiah Kiser. We stayed with the Kiser's while in New York City.  

Euddy's entire family was present for his installation service as pastor (except for his mother who is currently in New York City). All are Christians except his father. L to R - Dionelly, Euddy, Ramon (father) holding Davy (son of Blenski), Lissette (sister-in-law)) holding baby Anna, Blenski (brother).  

The new pastor & wife of the church in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Euddy & Dionelly Vargas. 

Getting ready to do street ministry.  

Passing out tracks in "Little Santo Domingo" - a heavily populated area of Dominicans in New York City.  

Ryan even passed out tracts and loved it. He kept asking for "mo" (more).  

Brooklyn Tabernacle choir 

Back in U.S.A

We are now back in our home in the U.S. We had a wonderful trip in everyway! From the very beginning to the very end, God's hand was in it all!

The Dominican church is alive and well. While we were there, the church board voted to install Euddy (Bible Institute student who was filling in while we were gone) as pastor. This was a new and wonderful step for the church as well as for us. He is doing a great job and he and his wife both surprised us with how much they matured spiritually while we were gone.

This past weekend we spent visiting with some missionary friends in New York City since our flight landed in NYC. It was a wonderful experience as we helped them do some street ministry and got to attend Brooklyn Tabernacle.

Everyone is glad to be home and rejoicing in all that God did for us on this trip. Pictures coming soon.....I hope.

Back in S.D.

Well, we've arrived safe and sound to our mission house. The people graciously cleaned it before we came. However, they missed changing the sheets on the bed. Ones from the closet were put on before going to bed that night. Even though these were put in there clean (6 months ago), we smothered in dust. All night we were coughing and sputtering and anytime someone moved the sheet, we coughed and sputtered more. The next day we made sure ALL the sheets, bedspreads, and pillows were washed and fresh. The next night of sleep was much better.

Kim throat has gotten better. Life is going pretty well here, surprisingly. Electricity has been good (the people say it got better after we came) until yesterday when one of the lines coming into our house went out now giving us only 110 voltage instead of 220. They promised yesterday to fix it "today" but it still is not fixed. You never know which day is "today" here.

The temperature is surprisingly no worse than it has been in Pennsylvania most of the summer. I guess the Lord prepared us by giving us a hot summer there, and then giving us a "cooler" temperature here. The Dominicans yesterday said it was "chilly". It was 81 degrees. We are enjoying it even though it is pretty humid. It could be a lot worse!

Regina's prayer

Regina prayed for our lunch today. She said quite a few funny things, but the one that stuck in my mind was, "Help us to have a good meal tonight." I don't know what she meant or why she said it except for the fact that she loves food and what we have for meals is a concern to her.

Summer update

We have been busy enjoying the sights & sounds and tastes of summer. We enjoyed our church camp and were able to take part in quite a bit of it. It was very refreshing.

Tomorrow we set out for our trip to D.R for one month. I can't say we are overly looking forward to the heat, the dust, the sporadic electricity, and all the hassle life is there. However, we are looking forward to seeing the church people again.

Getting ready for this trip has been interesting once again as I (Kim) have been struck with a horrible sore throat. Swallowing is difficult. An antiobiotic was prescribed today, so hopefully it will take effect in time to enjoy the trip.

Summer temperatures compared to Santo Domingo

Everyone keeps asking if the hot/humid weather we are experiencing right now is comparable to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. My answer is always the same, "No it's much more humid there."

Although I can't comprehend it (which is impossible till you're in it), I did a search just to find out the difference in temps. The results are posted below. Notice that although the temperature for Pennsylvania and Santo Domingo are similar, the humidity is much higher for D.R. thus making you sweat your guts out. Notice also the difference in dewpoint which is what actually measures the accuracy of the humidity - at least according to my understanding.


Central Pennsylvania
Mostly Cloudy
86°F Feels Like 88°F
Updated Jun 29 02:45 p.m. ET
UV Index:4 Moderate
Wind:From NW at 7 mph
Humidity: 49%
Pressure: 29.92 in.
Dew Point:65°F
Visibility:8.0 miles


Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Partly Cloudy
88°F Feels Like104°F
Updated Jun 29 03:00 p.m. Local Time
UV Index:7 High
Wind:From E at 7 mph
Humidity:79%
Pressure:29.94 in.
Dew Point:81°F
Visibility:6.2 miles

Firsts

There's a first time for everything.

Caught my first trout. He proudly tells everyone, "I can't believe it was 11 inches."  

Lost my first tooth 

Finished Kindergarten! 

First time to ride in an ultra-lite plane 

Pictures!

Well, I figured it out and was able to post a few pictures. There will be more coming in a few days. Keep checking back.

The children at Hickory Bridge farms 

Hickory Bridge restaurant is in a restored barn. 

A place worth checking out

A beautiful place to dine (by reservation only) is near Gettysburg. Hickory Bridge Farms has a rustic feel with its decor of antiques. The food is also delicious. The price is a bit high, but it does include all you can eat with drinks and dessert. If you’re ever near Gettysburg, you might want to check this place out. Some family took us there a few weeks ago and it was worth the trip. They also have a beautiful bed and breakfast.

http://www.hickorybridgefarm.com/

*I have some pictures to put on but forgot the steps to getting them on the blog. So if you'll be patient, they may be coming, if I can get it figured out again.

Waiting

I read this in a devotional last week and it struck my heart. It portrays exactly where we are and as I read it, it was a confirmation that this is exactly where we are supposed to be.

Season of Waiting
Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: Acts 7:30-34

"And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness…an angel of the Lord...saying....now come, I will send thee into Egypt" (Acts 7:30-34).

Often the Lord calls us aside from our work for a season, and bids us be still and learn ere we go forth again to minister. There is no time lost in such waiting hours.

Fleeing from his enemies, the ancient knight found that his horse needed to be re-shod. Prudence seemed to urge him on without delay, but higher wisdom taught him to halt a few minutes at the blacksmith's forge by the way, to have the shoe replaced; and although he heard the feet of his pursuers galloping hard behind, yet he waited those minutes until his charger was refitted for his flight. And then, leaping into his saddle just as they appeared a hundred yards away, he dashed away from them with the fleetness of the wind, and knew that his halting had hastened his escape.

So often God bids us tarry ere we go, and fully recover ourselves for the next stage of the journey and work. --Days of Heaven upon Earth

Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting!
Till next steps made plain shall be;
To hear, with the inner hearing,
The Voice that will call for me.

Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting!
With hope that need not grow dim;
The Master is pledged to guide me,
And my eyes are unto Him.

Waiting! Expectantly waiting!
Perhaps it may be today
The Master will quickly open
The gate to my future way.

Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
I know, though I've waited long,
That, while He withholds His purpose,
His waiting cannot be wrong.

Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
The Master will not be late:
He knoweth that I am waiting
For Him to unlatch the gate.--J. D. Smith

April scurry

Not much blogging has taken place this month due to a heavier schedule. Brandon celebrated his birthday at the beginning of the month. We've also been participating in revivals, playing at the park, and attending IHC this past week. IHC was refreshing and uplifting. Even though the transmission went out in our van just as we were setting out for IHC, we came up with "Plan B" and all piled in a car and rode uncomfortably to the convention. Thankfully, we arrived safe and sound - just with some kinks in our backs.

Doug and I were also able to attend a "Weekend to Remember" by Family Life this weekend. It was a great break away from the kids and time to focus on each other. It also took place over Kim's 30th birthday. What a great birthday present!

As for some Dominican news, a 3-year old grandson of a lady in our church fell in a cistern and died early this week. The family is pretty shaken up. The father, Joanni, is a man we have been praying for to get saved. Maybe this will awaken him to his need.

We're still enjoying spring like weather and the birds singing. It has been a beautiful spring with the trees and their beautiful blossoms. We forgot how beautiful spring is!! There is not much change in the botanical life in the tropical climate of D.R.

Think you're paying too much for gas?

This report comes from a friend currently living in the Dominican Republic: "Children are going without milk and families without meat. Prices climb-gas is $3.78US a gallon. Electricity increases again. Food prices soar. The dollar drops. Cost of living is difficult."

Spring and silence

It has been 7 years since we have been home for spring. All of our furloughs have occurred in autumn and we missed out on springtime. I guess we've been gone so long that they changed the date of spring on us. We thought it used to be March 21 and this year it is March 20th. We really do live in changing times, I suppose. HA!

We are immensely enjoying our time of rest. One thing we are especially finding delightful is the quietness of the country. It is so refreshing to wake up and hear the birds chirping and then having enough silence throughout the day to actually meditate. Doug says you can almost record your thoughts here. It is a direct contrast to the extremely noisy life we live everyday in D.R. with the loud motorcycles, the constant hum of the traffic, loud traffic horns, people hollaring, street vendors selling their products on microphones etc. We have now realized how all of the noise has caused us to not be able to meditate like we would like to. It has been refreshing to think on the Bible throughout the day and not have our thoughts interrupted. You don't realize it, but constant noise after a period of time, apparently takes a toll on your mind.

And, we no longer have to "yell" to hear one another. You can even whisper here and still hear each other. Amazing! Thank God for a time of refreshment!

Colds, Flus, and family time

The last several weeks have been full. We enjoyed a 5 day visit from Doug's brother and wife from Tennessee. It was a joy to see our little living miracle niece, Brooke. Two years ago she was fighting for her life. Today she is running around free from oxygen, tubes and wires. Praise the Lord! She is a little sweetheart who is full of life and twinkly eyes. We enjoyed spending time with Paul's family before they head off to Texas.

The children have also had their bouts of ear infections, colds and flu. We are all fine today except Regina is complaining of her ears hurting. One week we were to the doctor's office 2 times. I hope we don't have to make another visit for her.

We have taken 6 weeks off for some needed rest. It has been nice and we are realizing how tired we really are and how the stress from D.R. has affected us. It is nice to take a breather.

Doug's Gram celebrated her 80th birthday on Saturday. A big party was thrown in her honor. We were so thrilled to be home for this special celebration.

We didn't have snow last Monday, but we did have snow last Tuesday and then some more on Friday. It keeps melting in between snows so that makes it nice. We haven't seen any yet this week, although the weather is still pretty cold for this time of year. That's okay. We're soaking it up as much as we can. It is a nice change from the severe heat that we suffer from most of the year in D.R.

Will try to post some pictures of the Hoffman family as we were all reunited last weekend - as soon as we get them downloaded onto the computer.