Well, after a 3,000+ mile journey over the course of two weeks, we can say emphatically that "there is no place like home". We always enjoy the travel that comes as a big part of what we do, but the best part of going away is still coming home.
The journey started this time with a trip to Shocco Springs in Talladega, AL for the Baptist Builders Round-table. This was a great opportunity for renewing friendships, making new friends and learning a lot about how to be good stewards of the construction and renovation projects the Lord has given us to do. From there, it was on to the Equestrian Ministry International semi-annual conference, this time hosted by the White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro, SC. Once again, renewing friendships, making new ones, and learning more about opportunities for Equestrian Ministry. Another purpose of this conference was to sense the Lord's direction on someone to come to the Campus to be our Equestrian Ministry Director. Nothing is firm at all, but some great contacts were made and we are praying in earnest that this ministry will soon be able to get off the ground.
After a couple of nights at home, it was time to head to Asheville, NC for Missions Forum 2010. This is an annual event where mission pastors and mission leaders from all over come together to learn from each other and from mission leaders around the world. The focus is on strategic mission planning (like Acts 1:8 strategy) and missions partnership. It was a joy to have our pastor, Brother Mike Caudill, his wife Alice and her mom along with us, along with Josh and Marti Feltner, fellow MSC missionaries from Knott County to attend the conference too! And, as always, what a joy it was to renew friendships and make new ones! Is there a recurring theme here? :-)
After one night at home, it was time for all three of us (Rachael, Heather and I) to pack pack up (just swapped dirty clothes for clean) and head out for Montgomery. This was to be a very quick "down and back" trip, with no real time for visiting much. We left on Thursday afternoon so we could stop off and eat supper with Austin and a couple of his friends (Sean and Tyler) at a local Mexican restaurant. It was great to see Austin and catch up with him, and we also enjoyed visiting with Sean and Tyler. Austin got a haircut that kinda surprised us, but it looked great on him. The next morning we headed for Montgomery.
Rachael's Aunt Marilyn was visiting with her parents, so we stayed with the Pouncey's in Wetumpka this trip. Friday night we went and met Rachael's folks and aunt at Red Lobster (Earl's treat! thanks!) and had a great visit. On Saturday we got to relax a bit with the Pouncey's and Jamie worked on a slide show for Sunday while Rachael made a quick trip in to Montgomery for some shopping. On Sunday morning we had a blast visiting with our home church, Thorington Road Baptist and sharing in the morning worship service. Rachael and Heather treated us to a duet of Casting Crowns' new song "Always Enough" and did a great job. Brother Wade brought a great message from Hosea about the importance of faithfulness in our covenant relationship with God. An awesome Sunday morning!
Sunday afternoon we got a quick nap and then packed up to head home. On Sunday evening we got to visit with our "other" church home at Mountain View Baptist in Wetumpka, and share briefly in the evening services there. It was so good to see so many friends, even some that came just to see us! How very blessed we are! After church, we were "on the road again", headed home. Our intention was to drive as far as we could (all the way if possible), and we actually made it as far as SC before we had "gone as far as we could go". We got a good night's rest and finished our journey home on Monday morning.
We have almost recovered now, and we're certainly glad to be sleeping in our own beds. Max, Rolex and Spices all say to tell you "hey" from KY. It will be nice to not have to "stare through the windshield" for a while, but we hope to head back to AL in April so we can spend more time visiting with friends and family, and I am sure there will be some trips to visit in churches in the next few months. Take care, and may God bless you richly.
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