Happy anniversary to us - 11 years today

Since this weekend is busy with our conference campmeeting going on, we decided to take time to get away for our anniversary last weekend.

We went to an excellent bed and breakfast. They treated us royally! We really enjoyed our stay. If you're ever in the area, you might want to check it out. You won't be disappointed. They had very clean, attractively decorated rooms as well as a delicious breakfast and beautiful house.

We had a delightful time. It was a nice break just to get away from the children (although we love them to death) and focus on each other. With not having to get 4 children ready in the morning and take care of them all day, I wasn't nearly as tired at the end of the day. I figured out why I am exhausted at the close of each day. I guess I'm just normal. Shew! That's a relief to know. :-)

I'm privileged to be married to the greatest man! In case you're wondering, he's not perfect, but then neither am I. But he rates #1 on my list.

Being on the mission field, we have gone through so much together. It has been wonderful having someone to share your joys and sorrows with. Through it all, our love has grown stronger and deeper.

We've had a happy 11 years together, not because it just happened that way, but because we worked at it. Marriage is a daily decision. I'm glad that most days I don't have to decide to love him; I "feel" like it. But somedays I do have to decide to love him.

I've been working on listening to the last 2 broadcasts of Dr. Dobson. Wow! It's about a couple that's been married for 52 years. They didn't always feel like staying married either, but they made a commitment and followed through with it. That is the key.

We are determined to stay together and make many more happy memories together. I'm looking forward to the next 30 years with my man. Each day is better than the one before.

The dining room. We were given a choice of eating breakfast here or up on the loft. We chose the loft.

The living room - cathedral ceiling and skylights. Loft overlooks living room.

The loft where we ate breakfast. (Sorry some of these are dark. But you get the idea.)

Such a beautiful room.....

.....relaxing.....

...complete with jacuzzi.

The jacuzzi at night. It was cool because it had a light right above it and it gave a neat effect.

Not a house - but something we can call "our own"!

After many times of moving in and out of the country, we decided this time we're not going to get rid of things that we always seem to have to find and buy each time we come back. With our growing family and everything we wanted/needed to store, we found that the attic we had been keeping our things in was no longer going to be sufficient.

We found it wisest to purchase a shed to store our things. It is much handier than an attic and we will have it for the future if we ever return permanently.

I guess because it is something we actually own that caused great excitement the day of its arrival. We all wanted to be there. We were thrilled with this new investment.

It is very spacious and should hold most of our sentimental belongings and items needed for setting up a house.

We have been busy packing boxes and taking them over to the shed. It's not filled yet and we're not completely packed, but we're working at it step by step.

The truck automatically unloads it. No need for huffing and puffing.

Jonathan watches the action.

First look inside.

Regina's progress

Regina is up and around and pretty much back to normal. We are so thankful! She has not complained of any pain since Sunday night.

Her only restrictions is that she is not allowed roughing, running, jumping, or playing on playground equipment until next week. It's good she's a girl. For boys, this might be really hard. She has been contenting herself drawing with the new art stuff we bought her for her surgery.

The doctor is pleased with how she is coming along. He recommended we patch her good eye just for a half hour every day until we see him in August.

We hope the next visit will be a good report.

Thank you for praying!

Surgery report

Regina did have surgery yesterday. God did not choose to heal her before, but we trust He did so through the surgery. His ways are higher than ours.

She came through surgery fine. The doctor said it went "as smooth as silk." She didn't even seem nervous. She bravely went with them fully trusting what they were about to do. We were proud of her.

After surgery, she was in quite a bit of pain, which is normal. It was heart wrenching to hear my little girl crying and saying "My eyes hurt." Last night and today she has preferred to keep her eyes shut as much as possible since opening them causes much discomfort. She said it feels like she has rice in her eyes. The doctor said they would feel like something was in them for a few days.

She did brave our annual family picnic today with sunglasses and a visor. She opened her eyes quite a bit but preferred to spend a lot of the time sitting in a chair and drawing. By the end of the picnic she was ready to lay down and sleep which gives her eyes a rest.

The outcome of the surgery will not be known for 4 - 6 weeks. It will take the muscles of the eye that long to adjust. We pray that it will be successful and another one will not be needed.

We have a follow up appointment on Monday so hopefully we'll know more then.

Update on Regina

Be sure to see the update on Regina under 7/6/07. Sorry. I couldn't figure out how to move it to today's date. :-(

Favorite line of the week: "I'm glad I'm Ryan 'cause I'm special."

4th of July

We had a wonderful 4th of July. There is a "mile-long" yard sale down in Hagerstown, MD - not too far from my family. It has turned in to way more than 1 mile. There are all kinds of housing developments involved in it.

In the evening, we saw fireworks in Chambersburg. What a tremendous display!

The down side is that we ate a hot dog at one of the yard sales. It must have been contaminated. Doug and I both had stomach cramps yesterday. His went away, but I have been left with more severe stomach cramps and other symptoms that come from salmonella.

The hot dogs were the cheapest around, but the most expensive for the after effects!

Update on Regina

Most of you know that Regina has had a "lazy" eye since she was 2-1/2. We have been seeing a specialist both here and in the D.R. since that time.

In the winter, we saw a specialist in Lancaster and he said she would need surgery. We were back in April, and her eye was doing so good that he cancelled the surgery. But he wanted to see if her eye would stay straight without blurring the vision in her good eye. We gradually cut back the eye drops, which were blurring her vision, to where she was going without them. After our last doctor visit (2 weeks ago), he felt now is a good time to have surgery. She is actually seeing double which means both eyes are working. Before either one eye or the other would work. Surgery will bring both eyes to see one image.

She is scheduled for surgery on Friday, July 13. We found out that our insurance will not cover it because of a misunderstanding earlier of her not being on the insurance plan. As far as they are concerned, it is a pre-existing problem.

We were knocked off our feet to learn of this expense just before we head back to the field. We have been out on deputation trying to raise money to get back to the field and for the Bible College. Now we're hammered with this.

I was reading in my devotions one day how many people came to Jesus to be healed and he healed them. It made me realize that God can do the same for Regina. Sometimes he just wants us to reach out in faith.

Last Sunday night the preacher at church preached a message along this line. He said "We can pray about things and wait on God, but sometimes He wants us to touch Him." It confirmed to my heart what I had already been feeling.

Last week we chose to have Regina annointed at church. It was a humbling thing for us because normally people don't ask to be annointed for surgeries. But I am convinced that God is able to heal her before the surgery. That way we wouldn't have to come up with money we had not planned for. Also it would be a wonderful testimony to Regina that God can do anything - as well as for our friends and family.

We are praying that God will bring healing to her eyes so that she would not even need the surgery. If He does not choose to heal her before the surgery, we've committed it to Him, and we trust Him to heal her through the surgery. However He chooses, we desire that He get all the glory.

We would appreciate your prayers for Regina at this time.

Summer heat

The other day I was joyful to be able to stay inside in our nice air-conditioned living room and go about my cleaning while it was blistering hot outside. My mind traveled to the Dominican Republic remembering the many, many days that I didn't have such luxury. I still had to go about the cleaning and household duties, but with sweat running down all sides of my body. Soon enough I'll get to experience that again.

In the D.R., we do have an air conditioner in our bedroom, but we try to run it only at night since electricity cost 3 times more per kilowatt hour there than it does here. And it only runs when the electricity is on. On the nights when the electricity is on, we get a good night's sleep. On nights when it is off, we toss and turn and sweat, which leaves us feeling groggy the next day.

At times it is worth the expense just to turn the AC on in the bedroom for a few hours during the day and get a break from the heat. Other times we just endure trying to cool down with ice pops, cold drinks, and fans.

It has been hot here, but this is pretty much the norm in D.R with just a bit more humidity. If you want to get a taste of what we live in year round, just turn your AC off and sweat. At night, again turn your AC off and enjoy tossing and turning and sweating.

I realize not everyone may have AC, but honestly everyone I can think of here in PA has AC in their living rooms and bedrooms, if not their whole house.

Thank God for the blessings we enjoy here.

Thought for the day

Would we want to be judged in the same way we judge others?

Deputation delights

On our 5-week trip we were privileged to attend the graduation for Doug's brother, Paul. He just completed his P.A. training (Physician Assistant) through the Army. He is now an official P.A. and also became 1st lieutenant at his graduation. Congratulations Paul!!!

Ryan was thrilled to dress in his "army" outfit and match Uncle Paul. He just told his daddy yesterday, "I like Uncle Paul better than you."

Parts of deputation were a blast.

The news of moving

When Doug announced to the children that we have our tickets to return to the D.R., Ryan said, "I don't want to move." I asked, "Why don't you want to move?" He answered, "I don't want to leave my blankies or my gun."

While his blankies and his gun can be taken with him, it will be an adjustment more for Ryan than for anyone else. He has spent more of his life here in the U.S. than in the D.R. The older children actually spent more of their life there than here. That is why they are anxious to return.

Date to return

It is official. We just bought tickets for our return to the D.R. We will be flying on September 5th, 2007, Lord willing. As usual, a flood of emotions hit us: excitement to return to the Dominican people and start the ministries on our heart as well as a hesitation in leaving family, friends, and the luxuries of the U.S. behind. Through it all we feel God's providential hand leading us.

Over the next few months, there is so much to be done. Everything from bandaids to coloring books to furniture must be sorted with the question: "Do we take it? Do we store it? Or do we get rid of it?" It is a complex process. We are beginning now in order to be done by September.

Pictures coming

Okay. I think we figured out how to do this now. Here are a couple shots of deputation. There's more to come. I must run right now.

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.