One of the places we stayed on deputation. They treated us royally!

Just kidding. It's actually a room inside a dollhouse at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. I was intrigued with the details.

Ryan having a goofy moment on deputation.

Help anyone?

When I went to post pictures, I realized bloggerbot through Hello is no longer functioning. Does anyone have any suggestions for another method to posting pictures on the blog?

I'd appreciate any help you have to offer.

Sorry, no pictures until I find some other way to post them.

We're home!

Hey, we're back. Actually we've been back for 3 weeks. I wanted to blog before now, but they changed the setup for the blog, and we had to set up a Google account. Getting an overloaded husband to take the time to do that is almost like asking for snow in the middle of summer. At last, he got it set up and we're back to blogging!

Have lots of news and lots of pictures.......coming. Thanks for your patience.

West Virginia Bed and Breakfast

One of the highlights of our travels has been Gobblers Ridge Lodge Bed and Breakfast in West Virgina. The owners are our Uncle Duane and Aunt Rachel Brown. It was VERY relaxing, the food was superb, and their hospitality was magnificent.

It is located in Linn, West Virigina.

Here is a recent interview with the Browns concerning their relaxing bed and breakfast.
http://www.wchstv.com/traveling/2007/twv070405.shtml

Traveling, traveling.....

Hey everyone! We're still somewhere on the earth! Life has been CRAZY as you could imagine.

We had a wonderful trip down south in February and didn't run into any bad weather in spite of all the storms.

After returning home, we've been bombarded with sickness after sickness. Thankfully, right now we seem to be doing okay.

We have been traveling every weekend and trying to do school and life in between. It has been hectic, but we've had many wonderful experiences at the churches we've visited.

We are headed for another big trip - 5 weeks this time - this weekend. We will be roaming through Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Kentucky. We would appreciate your prayers for safety and sanity! It seems like a huge mountain traveling in the van for that long with 3 children and a baby who is cutting teeth. But God knows all about it and we're trusting Him for His help.

I'm hoping to be able to do some blogging "from the road" this time. It will depend somewhat on our access to internet.

Thanks for the comments. Thanks for visiting and keeping in touch!

Deputation begins!

Deputation is in full swing. We will be heading south tomorrow, Lord willing. Trying to pack for a family of 6 is half of the battle. The other half will be living out of suitcases for the next 3 weeks.

We hope to visit with some friends and family along the way, so that part should be enjoyable.

Do pray for us as we tackle the many miles ahead.

Little hope of White Christmas

Where we are, the chances of a white Christmas are looking pretty bleak. A few weeks ago, we had temperatures near 70. We almost thought we were having a Dominican Christmas. We look forward to Christmas there when temperatures actually subside to a comfortable 70 or 80 degrees.

On Black Friday I saw a furniture store was advertising that if it snowed more than 3 inches on Christmas day, any purchase made on Black Friday was free. I imagine they sold a lot of furniture. Fortuneately for them, it looks like they are going to be the winner.

Recent photos

I haven't had much time to blog recently. Four children really keep you hopping!!! Here are some pictures that will catch you up on a bit of our lives.

Jonathan is growing and changing everyday.  

The neighbor gave us these "Pamper cakes". We shouldn't have to buy any more size 1 pampers! Cute idea! 

Doug got a doe in hunting season. We are happy to have the meat in our freezer.  

Confused

Ryan awoke from his nap late yesterday afternoon and would not stop crying. I took him to Daddy and Daddy said, "Do you want to go vote with Daddy?" He immediately stopped crying and shook his head yes, reaching for Daddy.

On our way home from the voting polls, Ryan asked "Where we going?" We told him we were going home. He said, "No we not. We going on a boat." Here he thought Doug told him "boat" instead of "vote." We laughed and explained to him what voting was. He seemed to take it well and wasn't overly disappointed.

When we came out of the voting polls, Regina asked if that's the way people vote in other countries. I told her they probably had their own method of doing it.

Once we got home she said, "I thought voting was going to be waving flags and lifting your feet." She was remembering a few years ago in the D.R. when they held their Presidential elections. They really make a big deal in the campaigning. They have a song written with their slogan in it etc. The ice cream shop just across the street from our house played the LOUD music of their candidate and danced, waving flags, and stopping cars to try to persuade them to vote for their fellow. It was a very interesting time as the LOUD campaign music floated through our whole house for several weeks prior to the election.

The celebration afterward was just as loud and boisterous. They drove around in vehicles dragging tin cans, beeping horns, and hollaring. It was quite the ordeal and I don't think our kids will ever forget the campaigning of the celebration of victory after the election.

First time voter!

Today was the first time I ever voted for government offices. In the Brethren in Christ church, from which I came, separation of church and state was believed and practiced. I never thought about voting. When I went to Bible college, I learned that other Christians vote! I understood their reasoning and did not condemn them for it and certainly felt they were not in the wrong. However, I still didn't feel any reason to change the action of not voting.

As it came closer to the last Presidential election, I realized that we are in a spiritual battle; Biblical values against ungodly values - not just one man against another. Our values are at stake. I felt convicted in my heart that I should be voting and doing something about it. It was too late to register to vote by the time I mentioned it to Doug.

For some reason, I didn't vote in the last several elections. But today, the first time in history, I feel good knowing that I did my part in helping to shape our country into what it should be.

Not only do I vote, but my mother, brothers, and even some aunts and uncles now cast their vote as well. The eyes of many are being opened. May God help more and more to see voting as a Christian duty more than a citizen duty.

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  

Two weeks already!

It's hard to believe our little one is already 2 weeks old. He has been our best baby. Our other children bawled almost nonstop for the first few weeks, but this little guy just eats, sleeps, and hangs out.

With all of the new adjustments in our house, I failed to mention how fast he came.

We made it to the hospital at 6:20 a.m. and he was born at 6:58 a.m. I was only in labor about 2-1/2 hours.

I hope to post pictures of him with his eyes open.........someday soon.

God protects little Sara

Sara Vargas is the daughter of our pastor, Euddy, in the D.R. She is about 10 months old.

We received word from Euddy that little Sara fell down the terrible flight of concrete steps that leads to the mission apartments. This is the same flight of steps that Regina fell down 2 times when we lived there.

Sara was in her walker and they thought the door to the flight of steps was closed after Euddy went out. The door bounced back open and Sara tried to follow her Daddy down the steps while in her walker.

Euddy said both Sara and his wife cried alot and he nearly passed out. Euddy's brother, Blenski, was there and quickly wisked Sara up and took her immediately to the army hospital. There they took x-rays of her and checked her out. Thankfully, she was okay with no broken bones. Thank God for protecting her!

Sara Vargas 

Thought for the day

"Look on the bright side of life. There is always something to smile about. "

Update on Regina's eye

Yesterday we ventured down to Lancaster to see a new physician concerning Regina's straying eye.

When we were in the D.R. over the summer, we took her to the specialist that has been treating her. However, this time he turned us over to a new doctor since he is overloaded with patients. After spending 2 hours with her, the new doctor said she would need surgery and that the problem was muscular. He wanted her to have a follow up visit while we are in the States.

We found a highly recommended pediatric eye doctor in Lancaster. We were thankful to have taken her because his opinion was different from the doctor in the D.R. He said she definitely does NOT have to have surgery and he feels we can correct her ambliopia problem. The lenses she currently has are too strong and that is why her eye is still straying even with patching.

We stopped at Walmart on the way home to order her new lenses and hopefully it will work this time. Once we have the new lenses, we will have to patch her good eye 2 hours a day which should give us the desired results of getting that eye straightened out.

I feel it was providential we took her to a doctor here even though the price was about 7 times what we pay in the D.R. Otherwise, we would have had surgery done on her in the D.R. that would have been unnecessary.

It's a boy!

He's here safe and sound.

Jonathan Paul Hoffman
Sept. 11, 2006
6:58 a.m.
7 lbs. 11 oz.
19" long

He came quite fast arriving right on Regina's birthday. She was thrilled. Now we have two "9-11" children.

You can see pictures of him on our website - www.dkhoffman.com

Awaiting the arrival of the new baby

These days are filled with much anticipation as we await the arrival of our little bundle. Last week I had many contractions and thought it was going to be arriving early. Things have calmed down and the little camper seems to be quite content staying inside of Mommy. My due date is one week from today, so it should be soon!

The children are excited and every night Brandon says, "I think you're going to go tonight." Tonight is full moon. Maybe it will be tonight. If not, we'll keep waiting......

"Miracle Van"

I had mentioned previously of a van being miraculously provided for us. As we searched and searched for a van to replace the one that was totaled, our attention was drawn to the Grand Caravans which would be ideal for our family for deputation. We found one that was very reasonably priced and seemed in good condition. We did not have the money to put toward it and sensed in prayer that we should not go into debt. We waited some more, continuing to borrow vehicles and try to find the mind of the Lord.

Our answer came one morning in prayer when the Lord assured us that He had a vehicle for us. It was confirmed that night when we received a phone call. The person on the other end shared with us that they heard we were looking for a van and they had one that they felt the Lord had asked them to donate to us. We were speechless. How can you say no to an offer such as that?

We made arrangements to go and see the van and it was exactly the kind we had been looking for - a 1999 Grand Caravan. What was most amazing was that the donor didn’t even know we had totaled our van and were without a vehicle. All they knew is that we were looking for one. God moved on their hearts and they obeyed.

It is in great condition and quite comfortable. We were able to get it transferred to our name just a few days before leaving for our trip to the D.R. in June. We thank the Lord many times over for His miraculous and astounding provision of this vehicle.

Our "miracle� van  

If you are smothering in the heat, then you are getting a feel of what we live with nearly everyday in the D.R. Some people think you get used to it, but you don't. You just learn to sweat. The difference is that instead of cooling down in September, the heat continues right through November. It cools down just a bit December through February, then it climbs back up. If we have a day in the 70's, to us it is "cool."

Being here in a normally cooler climate, I can't comprehend how we deal with it. I guess the Lord gives grace when it is necessary. I do know that on a normal day in the D.R. we sweat a lot, drink alot, and are more sluggish. Can anybody guess why we needed a break?

Here are the temperature comparisons.

August 2, 2006 4:20 p.m.

Our hometown, PA:
Temp. - 92 degrees
Feels like - 100 degrees
Dewpoint - 72
Humidity - 52%

Santo Domingo, D.R.
Temp. - 88 degrees
Feels like - 104 degrees
Dewpoint - 81
Humidity - 79%

Did you know?

Did you know that we are due to have our fourth child in just about 7 weeks? We're looking forward to having an addition to our home. Mommy is especially ready to get the addition out of her belly. The sonogram says it's a boy. Regina was disappointed that it was not going to be a little sister, but she seems to be getting used to the idea of remaining the "princess" of the family.

10 Year Anniversary

Today we celebrate being happily married for 10 years! Wow! Who can believe it?

We plan to celebrate by going tomorrow to look at home school curriculum. :-) Following that, we will be staying in a motel. We're looking forward to spending some quality time together as we reminisce the past and look forward to a happy future.

Back home at last!

After being gone for 3 weeks, we spent this past week trying to catch up on the rest of life.

We had a very good trip in the D.R. and were able to get our residencies! This has come after years of invested time and money. We thank the Lord for helping us.

The church in the D.R. is doing well. Euddy is doing a super job as the pastor. Everything was clean and neat at the compound and the church was alive and well.

We spent 2 weeks at SIMO which we found very beneficial to us and helpful to our ministry. The children stayed with us in the boy's dorm and had a good time. Bro. Mowery even took them fishing in the pond. They caught more fish than Bro. Mowery and Daddy could keep up with.

Here are some photos of their prizes.

Ryan caught his first fish.  

Regina's first time to catch a fish.  

Regina with teacher and principal.

A proud graduate 

graduate with family  

Kindergarten graduation

On Memorial Day, Regina graduated from Kindergarten. Since she is homeschooled, we made a gown out of a sheet and a hat from a cardboard box. The tassle was made from thread. Grandpa and Grandma Hoffman and Aunt got to participate in the outdoor ceremony. She walked up the sidewalk to the principal where he made flowery comments and gave her an invisible diploma. Cake and ice cream followed the ceremony.

We had fun in spite of a very hot and humid day. Congratulations Regina!

Trip to DR

We just got back from a 10-day trip in D.R. The Lord opened a lot of doors fast and we made plans to travel one week before our departure date.

It was a great trip. We were able to get our residency cards which are valid for 2 years. After this we just have to pay to renew them. Thank the Lord!

The Dominican church is alive and well. The people are on fire and the Lord poured out His presence on us both services last Sunday. One man prayed to get saved in the morning service. It was very encouraging to see new faces and see old ones now glowing with the presence of the Lord.

There is a lot to blog about and pictures to share, but we just got back today and Monday we leave for 2 weeks at SIMO (Summer Institute Missionary Orientation). Maybe we'll get a chance to catch up the blog somewhere in between.

God Size Miracle

Our missionary friends, the Kiser's, need a "God size miracle." Visit their website to find out more about this need and how you can get involved.

www.godsizemiracle.com

The audio and video clips found at the bottom of the page just above the blue box are very interesting.

Miracle van

God has looked on our low estate with great mercy and miraculously supplied a van for us! Details and pictures will follow as soon as the paperwork is finalized - which may take a few more weeks.

President Bush leaves message!!

We returned home Friday evening and checked the messages on our answering machine. I missed the part of the first message, but the voice sounded like President George Bush. I said, "Doug, that's President Bush." He said, "No, it's not." I listened to it again and sure enough, he said, "Hello, this is President George W. Bush." His message was to encourage voters to elect Don Sherwood in the upcoming primaries. Of course the message was pre-recorded. But hey, it's not everyday you get a call from the President of the United States!

Schoolmate killed in motorcycle accident

This man attended the same school as Kim and Kim graduated with his sister, Laura.

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=138061&format=html

Van accident

Sorry for the mixup in the pictures. They are below. I lost my post and couldn't figure out how to get it in above the van pictures. So here's the scoop. On April 6, Kim was involved in a van accident leaving the van totalled! All 3 children were with her and everyone walked out with only cuts and bruises. We thank the Lord for His protection!

This was Brandon's second year to go fishing and he loved it! Last year he got an 11 inch fish. He was hoping to get a bigger one this year. He succeeded when he reeled in a 17 inch fish! He was so proud to see his prize fish on the supper table last night and know he had part in providing meat for us.  

Total fish caught between Daddy and Brandon.  

Regina got in on the fun, too.  

Ryan enjoyed his first fishing trip.  

Being towed away.  

The side door was pushed in to just inches away from Ryan's car seat on the front bench.