Sunday, October 30, 2005
Heading for Florida
Monday morning I will be heading to Florida! Not for much of a vacation, though. We have 2 ladies in our congregation who will spend the winter months in the south and needed help driving down. So I volunteered! We plan to arrive in Brooksville sometime on Wednesday. With Thursday to relax and get the ladies settled and maybe visit a friend or two, I will fly home on Friday.
Pray for my hubby this week! He will be a single parent! Pray for the kids! They are very aware that "grace" will be out of the house!! "Truth" will be alive and well!
If you feel up to it, check out the new web site for our youth ministry! http://impactyouthministry.blogspot.com. We kick off weekly meetings this Tuesday! Ken will begin without me, but it will be awesome!
We love you!
Pray for my hubby this week! He will be a single parent! Pray for the kids! They are very aware that "grace" will be out of the house!! "Truth" will be alive and well!
If you feel up to it, check out the new web site for our youth ministry! http://impactyouthministry.blogspot.com. We kick off weekly meetings this Tuesday! Ken will begin without me, but it will be awesome!
We love you!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
The First Storm
As the Pastors & Spouses Retreat drew to a close on Tuesday, the lovely snowflakes began to fall. They were large and pretty dense but the temps were still warm enough to not cause us to worry. The blanket of snow began to collect on the vehicles and it was pretty to look at. Some of the pastors from the northern area of the district decided to start home. Even though we, too are in the northern area of the district, we decided to finish the retreat and then begin home.
As we got on the highway at 6:30 PM we discovered that the snow was not going away. It was already very thick on the roads and traffic was moving slowly. We kept going. The snow was coming down heavy enough to be bothersome to our eyes and actually looked like we were in a Star Trek episode with the flakes looking like the stars in warp 9 mode! We kept going.
We stopped at a rest area and there was a state trooper there. I asked his opinion about what route we should take to go home. He suggested that we should be ok to go back over the mountains through Lake Placid, the way we had come on Monday to the retreat. We asked if he was sure that would be ok, and he said it was a good bet.
As we pulled out of the rest area a plow truck pulled in and was cleaning off his headlights. Ken asked him his opinion and he said with alarm, "Stay off Route 73! It's a mess!" So we kept going north on I87.
As we looked around on the trees and the grass on the sides of the road we noticed how heavy the snow was laying on them. This storm wasn't going to let up soon. We kept going. We had to follow vehicles ahead of us to know where the road was, trusting that they wouldn't go off the road. We kept going.
I was praying quietly as Ken drove, and I had to cover my eyes at several places because of my nerves. I wasn't in control of the vehicle and occasionally it felt like he wasn't either! Ken began to pray out loud. He praised God for how awesome He is. He praised Him for the protection we had. We kept going.
After 2 hours on the road we had only gone 47 miles. Ken prayed for a motel. A motel with vacancies. We saw at exit 33 a sign for a hotel. We got off. So did the vehicle in front of us. We headed up a hill on a 2 lane road and slipped and struggled but made it. The we went sliding down the other side and began to ascend the next hill, a bigger one. As long as the vehicle in front of us kept moving, we felt we could, too.
As we went up the hill the jack-knifed tractor trailer came into view. The vehicle in front decided at that moment to stop and ask if the driver was ok. They stopped, so we stopped. They started going again, with 4-wheel drive, and we were stuck. Now here we are, in the left lane trying to go around the truck and we are stuck. Cars began to stop as they were coming down the hill in the lane we were in.
The driver of the first car got out to assist in pushing us out of the way, but not before he shared he opinion of the situation. We got the truck out of the way and the traffic went on. After a few moments of trying to move and discussing options, we decided to try to back down the hill. So that's what we did!
Ken walked behind (or in front) the truck as I backed it down the hill. We got to the bottom where it was flatter and began to attempt to turn the truck around. At that moment a plow truck came down the hill clearing enough snow away that I was able to get better traction in the left lane. We completed the turn around (a perfect 15-point turn!) and continued back the way we had come. We decided to stay off the highway and head for the town that was 4 miles north.
The snow on the road was at least 6-8 inches deep. The tires on the truck were pretty well past their life span. The combination wasn't very good. We got into the town of Keeseville and located a motel that had vacancies. The lady was very nice and the room was large and clean and had TV.
As we settled in and watched the news at 11 PM, we found out that the highway we had been on had been closed at the very exit we had gotten off of due to 2 tractor trailers jack-knifing. The road with the hill we had backed down was now also closed due to a tractor trailer. (not sure if it was the same one.) We praised God for His protection and guidance for making the right decision to get off the road.
When we called the kids to tell them we wouldn't be making it home that night, Cressalyn had a bit of a meltdown. I had her get the map out and talked her through our location, where we had come from, and the route we would be taking in the morning. It helped her to see where we were. She collected herself and was able to go on to bed.
It was difficult to really rest. Ken was still shaky a couple hours after we were at the motel. It was the worst driving conditions he's ever been in.
We began the journey home on Wednesday, Ken's 38th birthday, and discovered that only a few miles north and west it was as if there had been no snow! It was amazing!
We are glad to be home! The kids were glad to see us! Sasha was glad we were home! We are now going to be ready for the next storm to hit! We also know what we need to have in the truck with us all winter!
Today we went to Watertown and had new tires put on the truck. Whew!
As we got on the highway at 6:30 PM we discovered that the snow was not going away. It was already very thick on the roads and traffic was moving slowly. We kept going. The snow was coming down heavy enough to be bothersome to our eyes and actually looked like we were in a Star Trek episode with the flakes looking like the stars in warp 9 mode! We kept going.
We stopped at a rest area and there was a state trooper there. I asked his opinion about what route we should take to go home. He suggested that we should be ok to go back over the mountains through Lake Placid, the way we had come on Monday to the retreat. We asked if he was sure that would be ok, and he said it was a good bet.
As we pulled out of the rest area a plow truck pulled in and was cleaning off his headlights. Ken asked him his opinion and he said with alarm, "Stay off Route 73! It's a mess!" So we kept going north on I87.
As we looked around on the trees and the grass on the sides of the road we noticed how heavy the snow was laying on them. This storm wasn't going to let up soon. We kept going. We had to follow vehicles ahead of us to know where the road was, trusting that they wouldn't go off the road. We kept going.
I was praying quietly as Ken drove, and I had to cover my eyes at several places because of my nerves. I wasn't in control of the vehicle and occasionally it felt like he wasn't either! Ken began to pray out loud. He praised God for how awesome He is. He praised Him for the protection we had. We kept going.
After 2 hours on the road we had only gone 47 miles. Ken prayed for a motel. A motel with vacancies. We saw at exit 33 a sign for a hotel. We got off. So did the vehicle in front of us. We headed up a hill on a 2 lane road and slipped and struggled but made it. The we went sliding down the other side and began to ascend the next hill, a bigger one. As long as the vehicle in front of us kept moving, we felt we could, too.
As we went up the hill the jack-knifed tractor trailer came into view. The vehicle in front decided at that moment to stop and ask if the driver was ok. They stopped, so we stopped. They started going again, with 4-wheel drive, and we were stuck. Now here we are, in the left lane trying to go around the truck and we are stuck. Cars began to stop as they were coming down the hill in the lane we were in.
The driver of the first car got out to assist in pushing us out of the way, but not before he shared he opinion of the situation. We got the truck out of the way and the traffic went on. After a few moments of trying to move and discussing options, we decided to try to back down the hill. So that's what we did!
Ken walked behind (or in front) the truck as I backed it down the hill. We got to the bottom where it was flatter and began to attempt to turn the truck around. At that moment a plow truck came down the hill clearing enough snow away that I was able to get better traction in the left lane. We completed the turn around (a perfect 15-point turn!) and continued back the way we had come. We decided to stay off the highway and head for the town that was 4 miles north.
The snow on the road was at least 6-8 inches deep. The tires on the truck were pretty well past their life span. The combination wasn't very good. We got into the town of Keeseville and located a motel that had vacancies. The lady was very nice and the room was large and clean and had TV.
As we settled in and watched the news at 11 PM, we found out that the highway we had been on had been closed at the very exit we had gotten off of due to 2 tractor trailers jack-knifing. The road with the hill we had backed down was now also closed due to a tractor trailer. (not sure if it was the same one.) We praised God for His protection and guidance for making the right decision to get off the road.
When we called the kids to tell them we wouldn't be making it home that night, Cressalyn had a bit of a meltdown. I had her get the map out and talked her through our location, where we had come from, and the route we would be taking in the morning. It helped her to see where we were. She collected herself and was able to go on to bed.
It was difficult to really rest. Ken was still shaky a couple hours after we were at the motel. It was the worst driving conditions he's ever been in.
We began the journey home on Wednesday, Ken's 38th birthday, and discovered that only a few miles north and west it was as if there had been no snow! It was amazing!
We are glad to be home! The kids were glad to see us! Sasha was glad we were home! We are now going to be ready for the next storm to hit! We also know what we need to have in the truck with us all winter!
Today we went to Watertown and had new tires put on the truck. Whew!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
It Has Begun!
Yep....snow.
Our area is expecting 5-8 inches before it's all over tomorrow.
Bring it on!
Our area is expecting 5-8 inches before it's all over tomorrow.
Bring it on!
Saturday, October 22, 2005
It's 3 AM
It's Saturday morning, really early. As Ken would call it..."O-dark:30" We are at the Sanborns. The girls are sleeping in the basement. Nate is in an upstairs bedroom. Ken is in an upstairs bedroom. Kevin & Lucille are in their room. The 2 cats are roaming the house. Me? I'm sitting at the computer...wide awake. This stinketh.
Prior to moving from Michigan I started having trouble sleeping. That was due to all the stress and heaviness of the situation. Once we moved, I started sleeping better. No traffic noise. No sirens. But now, the pace of our lives has been greatly reduced. Due to that fact, I am not as busy during the day as I once was. I do not fall asleep the instant I lay down.
We head back home in a few hours. I'm guessing I will not be doing very much of the early driving. We are getting up at 5:30 AM to join Rob & Tracy for breakfast prior to our departure. 3 hours from now I will be at Big Boy enjoying their breakfast buffet. That is unless they don't begin it until 7 AM.
It has been good to see a few of our friends today..Friday. Nathan spent the day at the Gibsons. Cressalyn spent the day at the Snyders. Ken and I had lunch with Don & Laura. We popped our heads in at the daycare and church office. The Voughts stopped over tonight at the Sanborns. One thing for me has been accomplished on this short whirlwind visit. I miss my friends. I still have sadness for the way things ended here. But I am excited to get back to NY. As we have been able to share with our friends all that God is doing and the vision we have, the plans being made, I have discovered that I am anxious to return and get down to business.
We have the last of our belongings from the old house. The transition is made. The separation is final. It's time to go home.
Prior to moving from Michigan I started having trouble sleeping. That was due to all the stress and heaviness of the situation. Once we moved, I started sleeping better. No traffic noise. No sirens. But now, the pace of our lives has been greatly reduced. Due to that fact, I am not as busy during the day as I once was. I do not fall asleep the instant I lay down.
We head back home in a few hours. I'm guessing I will not be doing very much of the early driving. We are getting up at 5:30 AM to join Rob & Tracy for breakfast prior to our departure. 3 hours from now I will be at Big Boy enjoying their breakfast buffet. That is unless they don't begin it until 7 AM.
It has been good to see a few of our friends today..Friday. Nathan spent the day at the Gibsons. Cressalyn spent the day at the Snyders. Ken and I had lunch with Don & Laura. We popped our heads in at the daycare and church office. The Voughts stopped over tonight at the Sanborns. One thing for me has been accomplished on this short whirlwind visit. I miss my friends. I still have sadness for the way things ended here. But I am excited to get back to NY. As we have been able to share with our friends all that God is doing and the vision we have, the plans being made, I have discovered that I am anxious to return and get down to business.
We have the last of our belongings from the old house. The transition is made. The separation is final. It's time to go home.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
One Hour Drive for a Signature
Yes, today we drove an hour away to take the next step in the process of our application for insurance. After we got there it was discovered that 2 offices hadn't communicated with each other or else the signatures wouldn't have been needed! Oh well. The good news is Ken and I have been approved effective 11-1. The bad news is the kids haven't been approved yet and may well not be until 12-1. Please pray that no one has an injury or serious illness!
We are heading back to Michigan Thursday night. We will return on Saturday. It's a quick trip but we need to get the rest of our stuff from the garage of the old parsonage. We will see some of our friends if only for a minute.
We found out tonight that Ryan and Katie, our dear friends who worked with us in the children's ministry at CWC are officially engaged! We were one of the first calls they made! What an honor! It's about time! They've dated for over 3 years!! We plan to assist in the official ceremony next May/June.
Ken and I have an urgent request that we need you to pray with us for! It's going to take time to resolve and will need to have tons of prayer for those involved. Please help us lift this to the Lord! He can work a miracle!
Thanks for your time. Thanks for your support. Thanks for your friendship. Thanks for the prayers.
We love you.
We are heading back to Michigan Thursday night. We will return on Saturday. It's a quick trip but we need to get the rest of our stuff from the garage of the old parsonage. We will see some of our friends if only for a minute.
We found out tonight that Ryan and Katie, our dear friends who worked with us in the children's ministry at CWC are officially engaged! We were one of the first calls they made! What an honor! It's about time! They've dated for over 3 years!! We plan to assist in the official ceremony next May/June.
Ken and I have an urgent request that we need you to pray with us for! It's going to take time to resolve and will need to have tons of prayer for those involved. Please help us lift this to the Lord! He can work a miracle!
Thanks for your time. Thanks for your support. Thanks for your friendship. Thanks for the prayers.
We love you.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Rain...Rain...Rain...
It's been raining for 8 days. Tomorrow...it's supposed to rain. The news told us tonight that if we see a big yellow ball in the sky, it's the sun and it's supposed to be there.
I've heard of this sun. I've seen pictures in textbooks. Some people have actually bathed in the sun...whatever that is. I'm not sure how you bathe in something you can't see.
The rivers are swollen. The leaves are falling off the trees more rapidly because of the rain. You can't rake the leaves because they are wet. You can't play outside because you get wet. I am told that many of the locals are VERY grateful that the temperature is in the 50's. They say that the rain changes to something called "snow" when the temperature gets really low.
I've heard of this snow. I've seen pictures in textbooks. Some people have actually played in the snow.
OK. I'm bored. I have crocheted 5 hats and 2 scarves this week. The book I took from the church library I have already read. I've seen all the movies we have.
Today, Friday, was Ken's day off. I got up early to get the kids off to school so Ken could continue to sleep. When they left, I went back to bed. Ken got up around 9 to get Kenny up for work. Ken couldn't return to bed so he got in the tub with his book. Kenny left for work at 9:30. I heard him say goodbye. The next thing I knew, the phone was ringing. I knew Ken was in the tub so I jumped up to grab it. When I hung up Ken asked me what time it was. I told him I couldn't see, (no glasses on!) so I stumbled back around the bed to look at the clock.
Are you ready for this??
No kidding....
It was 12:45 PM!!!!!
Oh my word! Not only had I slept a long time but Ken had been in the tub for over 3 hours!!! he blames me, though. Yes, it's all my fault! I got him started on a series and he was reading book 2. He was nearing the end and couldn't stop. He'd just add hot water to the bath every so often and drain a little when necessary. What a guy!
We cleaned out some storage rooms and closets yesterday at the church. Everyone should do that once in a while! It's very therapeutic! It's also very scary! Do you know what grows in the dark places in churches storage rooms??? We found things that were brand new that had originally been purchased at stores that now are out of business! It's all clean and organized and we have an idea of what we have and will need in the weeks and months to come.
Tomorrow is a wedding. This is the 3rd this month! For a small little church it sure has been well used! It's actually a couple who are already married and this is the ceremony for the family and friends of the bride who couldn't be at the real wedding. The bride...her first marriage...and she's over 60 years old! Don't ever give up!
I've heard of this sun. I've seen pictures in textbooks. Some people have actually bathed in the sun...whatever that is. I'm not sure how you bathe in something you can't see.
The rivers are swollen. The leaves are falling off the trees more rapidly because of the rain. You can't rake the leaves because they are wet. You can't play outside because you get wet. I am told that many of the locals are VERY grateful that the temperature is in the 50's. They say that the rain changes to something called "snow" when the temperature gets really low.
I've heard of this snow. I've seen pictures in textbooks. Some people have actually played in the snow.
OK. I'm bored. I have crocheted 5 hats and 2 scarves this week. The book I took from the church library I have already read. I've seen all the movies we have.
Today, Friday, was Ken's day off. I got up early to get the kids off to school so Ken could continue to sleep. When they left, I went back to bed. Ken got up around 9 to get Kenny up for work. Ken couldn't return to bed so he got in the tub with his book. Kenny left for work at 9:30. I heard him say goodbye. The next thing I knew, the phone was ringing. I knew Ken was in the tub so I jumped up to grab it. When I hung up Ken asked me what time it was. I told him I couldn't see, (no glasses on!) so I stumbled back around the bed to look at the clock.
Are you ready for this??
No kidding....
It was 12:45 PM!!!!!
Oh my word! Not only had I slept a long time but Ken had been in the tub for over 3 hours!!! he blames me, though. Yes, it's all my fault! I got him started on a series and he was reading book 2. He was nearing the end and couldn't stop. He'd just add hot water to the bath every so often and drain a little when necessary. What a guy!
We cleaned out some storage rooms and closets yesterday at the church. Everyone should do that once in a while! It's very therapeutic! It's also very scary! Do you know what grows in the dark places in churches storage rooms??? We found things that were brand new that had originally been purchased at stores that now are out of business! It's all clean and organized and we have an idea of what we have and will need in the weeks and months to come.
Tomorrow is a wedding. This is the 3rd this month! For a small little church it sure has been well used! It's actually a couple who are already married and this is the ceremony for the family and friends of the bride who couldn't be at the real wedding. The bride...her first marriage...and she's over 60 years old! Don't ever give up!
Monday, October 10, 2005
My Husband
Most people are aware that my husband has many gifts and talents. Most people are aware that his talents do not usually involve tools. He comes from a family of mechanical people but those genes weren't given to him in full measure.
In the last week, though, my beloved has amazed himself and his family! He successfully replaced the doorknob on the parsonage. He also did the one on his office door! And he successfully replaced the front brakes on the truck! All by himself! In the rain! What a guy!
He has assisted in installing a ceiling fan (he tightened the globe too much and it exploded when the fan was turned on!), he has helped repair a leaky pipe, he has caught and disposed of a mouse in the church, he has assisted with preparing the septic system for pumping! We are all so very proud of his willingness to try things and his ability to recall lessons learned! He WILL be searching for a replacement globe, though!
I am so glad that we have had some fantastic teachers over the years who have patiently explained things to Ken and I as we have learned how to do some basic repairs. It's exciting to know we can do things!
Pray that Kenny's car passes inspection Tuesday! If not, this one may not be do-able by us!
By the way, the people here have been fantastic with celebrating Pastor Appreciation month. We haven't been here a month and they have showered us with all sorts of things! They are so welcoming and are praising God for bringing us here, as are we! All in God's time!
In the last week, though, my beloved has amazed himself and his family! He successfully replaced the doorknob on the parsonage. He also did the one on his office door! And he successfully replaced the front brakes on the truck! All by himself! In the rain! What a guy!
He has assisted in installing a ceiling fan (he tightened the globe too much and it exploded when the fan was turned on!), he has helped repair a leaky pipe, he has caught and disposed of a mouse in the church, he has assisted with preparing the septic system for pumping! We are all so very proud of his willingness to try things and his ability to recall lessons learned! He WILL be searching for a replacement globe, though!
I am so glad that we have had some fantastic teachers over the years who have patiently explained things to Ken and I as we have learned how to do some basic repairs. It's exciting to know we can do things!
Pray that Kenny's car passes inspection Tuesday! If not, this one may not be do-able by us!
By the way, the people here have been fantastic with celebrating Pastor Appreciation month. We haven't been here a month and they have showered us with all sorts of things! They are so welcoming and are praising God for bringing us here, as are we! All in God's time!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Entertaining
Today we had our first dinner guests in our new home! Dr. & Mrs. Lindsey, our DS and wife, had dinner with us following the morning service. Dr. Lindsey installed Ken as pastor of the church. It was a great morning! I was very proud and honored to stand next to my husband!
Lunch was the typical "guest" dinner, lasagna and such. Cressalyn made cheesecake for desert. The Lindseys were gracious guests as the lasagna was overcooked on the bottom and the veggies were cold! The conversation was uplifting and it was a great beginning to a new relationship.
Tonight following service we had 2 couples from church over. We learned more about the history of the church and the area. We discussed hunting, building houses, children, animals, and mice and snakes in the ceiling of the church! Yes, as we were in service tonight, I noticed some movement above me and glanced up to see a mouse in the ceiling light! As I carefully touched the arm of the board member in front of me, Nathan noticed the same rodent and shouted, "THERE'S A MOUSE!" It brought service to an abrupt halt! All eyes looked up and my hand flew over to Nathan's arm in an attempt to silence him from further outbursts! Evidently this is a common thing. Mice in the ceiling. This summer they actually had a snake up there, too! Ugh!
This was a good day, mice and all. We are learning more about the people and the area each day! It's a great time!
Lunch was the typical "guest" dinner, lasagna and such. Cressalyn made cheesecake for desert. The Lindseys were gracious guests as the lasagna was overcooked on the bottom and the veggies were cold! The conversation was uplifting and it was a great beginning to a new relationship.
Tonight following service we had 2 couples from church over. We learned more about the history of the church and the area. We discussed hunting, building houses, children, animals, and mice and snakes in the ceiling of the church! Yes, as we were in service tonight, I noticed some movement above me and glanced up to see a mouse in the ceiling light! As I carefully touched the arm of the board member in front of me, Nathan noticed the same rodent and shouted, "THERE'S A MOUSE!" It brought service to an abrupt halt! All eyes looked up and my hand flew over to Nathan's arm in an attempt to silence him from further outbursts! Evidently this is a common thing. Mice in the ceiling. This summer they actually had a snake up there, too! Ugh!
This was a good day, mice and all. We are learning more about the people and the area each day! It's a great time!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Open House
Wednesday of this week, the 5th, was the open house at the school. Ken had service so I went to talk with the teachers and hear the chorus sing. Cressalyn is in chorus for the first time and is loving it! Each of the teachers told me that Nathan and Cressalyn are doing very well. Their transitioning has gone great and they are wonderful kids! We already knew they were great!
It's so wonderful to know that they are ok. I had a nagging worry that I had hurt them by homeschooling. But they are fine!
We have been enjoying some fantastic weather! But it changes tomorrow! We are getting ready to break out the jackets if need be!
I wish I had a digital camera! I am seeing so many wonderful things that I would love to share with you! Yesterday we found a waterfall less than 5 miles from here! It's gorgeous! There are picnic tables around and places to sit on the rocks and watch the water! It pools in places and the kids want to try to swim next summer. Ken thought it would be a perfect place to hold baptisms!
Tomorrow Ken is going to attempt to replace the front brakes on the truck. Seems the truck didn't pass inspection as we had hoped. Ugh. And it's getting cooler tomorrow with rain possible. Ugh.
Love you all!
It's so wonderful to know that they are ok. I had a nagging worry that I had hurt them by homeschooling. But they are fine!
We have been enjoying some fantastic weather! But it changes tomorrow! We are getting ready to break out the jackets if need be!
I wish I had a digital camera! I am seeing so many wonderful things that I would love to share with you! Yesterday we found a waterfall less than 5 miles from here! It's gorgeous! There are picnic tables around and places to sit on the rocks and watch the water! It pools in places and the kids want to try to swim next summer. Ken thought it would be a perfect place to hold baptisms!
Tomorrow Ken is going to attempt to replace the front brakes on the truck. Seems the truck didn't pass inspection as we had hoped. Ugh. And it's getting cooler tomorrow with rain possible. Ugh.
Love you all!
Monday, October 03, 2005
October 1
October 1 is an ordinary date. To some it's an anniversary or a birthdate. To others it was just a Saturday.
Here in New York October 1, 2005 had significant importance. The residents of NY had all been prepared for this date's arrival. Unfortunately, those who have recently moved into the state weren't prepared for October 1 to arrive.
Is October 1 the beginning of hunting season? No
Is October 1 the first snow fall? Not usually.
Is October 1 the day that NY became a state? I don't know that.
October 1, 2005 was the official date of increases in the fees for title transfers, vehicle registration, driver's license applications, etc. The rates didn't go up by just a small percentage. The title transfer alone went from $10 to $50!! 2 driver's licenses, 2 title transfers, and 2 vehicle registrations came to a staggering $311!!! Yuck!
Welcome to New York!
Here in New York October 1, 2005 had significant importance. The residents of NY had all been prepared for this date's arrival. Unfortunately, those who have recently moved into the state weren't prepared for October 1 to arrive.
Is October 1 the beginning of hunting season? No
Is October 1 the first snow fall? Not usually.
Is October 1 the day that NY became a state? I don't know that.
October 1, 2005 was the official date of increases in the fees for title transfers, vehicle registration, driver's license applications, etc. The rates didn't go up by just a small percentage. The title transfer alone went from $10 to $50!! 2 driver's licenses, 2 title transfers, and 2 vehicle registrations came to a staggering $311!!! Yuck!
Welcome to New York!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Crop Walk
Today was the annual crop walk. We made the decision to walk as a family to be able to meet people in the community and show our support. We were a bit disappointed in the overall turn out for the walk. Only about 16 people. And Sasha! But we had a great time! And returned to the Methodist church for a sundaes. Even Sasha got her own ice cream treat! The weather was absolutely perfect!
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. This morning we were surprised with a boutonniere and corsage of white roses. Tonight in the board meeting a motion was made to approve the rest of the plans for the month. Ken asked if he should step out and the response was that everyone that needed to know the details knew, and the motion was approved! So I wonder what else they have up their sleeves! They have been so warm and gracious already to us!
We are starting to plan for a youth program. We will kick it off with and overnighter October 28-29. Please be in prayer with us as we reach into the community to minister to the teens around us. Kenny and Nathan have really been developing a friendship with 2 guys near us, Travis and Kraig. Travis is in 10th grade with Nathan. Their language is a bit rough around the edges but the boys are making a point to remind the others to not use that around our home. Travis seems to be receptive to meeting this request but needs gentle reminders. It’s all good!
We are finally getting settled to the point that the "newness" is wearing off and we are gaining familiarity with our surroundings. With the settling has come a letting down of some emotions. I have struggled the last couple days with missing friends and all. Even as I write this my eyes are filled with tears. I can’t say that it’s loneliness. It’s just a new understanding of all I left in Michigan. Tonight at the dinner table we informed the children that we will be making a trip in 3 weeks to retrieve the remaining items that didn’t fit in the original move. But due to the fact that Nathan and Cressalyn missed several days of school at the beginning and Kenny has a job, we will not be taking them with us. Ken and I weren’t prepared for the emotional release that came from Nathan and Cressalyn. Both boys really do understand that they can’t afford the time away just yet. But Cressalyn showed just how much she is missing her friends. She’s been doing very well, but like her mother, relationships are VERY important to her. She has new friends at school, but none have become special enough or are close enough to us to spend extra time with. Please pray for her that God will open doors quickly for her friendships to develop.
I guess we should have been expecting reality to set in. We are very happy here, that hasn’t changed. But the void that has been made is seeming very large right now.
Thank you to all of you who are taking a moment to read these words. Many of you have shared that this is a great way to keep up with our activities and lives. Knowing that you are sharing this with us makes you feel closer. Please remember, though, we do have a phone and we have email! In fact, we will be having a 2nd line installed in the parsonage this week. I will get you the number when we know it. Then we will have a long distance plan and will be able to call you from home. For now, we rely on you to contact us! Let us know you guys are doing O.K., too!
Know that we miss each of you!
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. This morning we were surprised with a boutonniere and corsage of white roses. Tonight in the board meeting a motion was made to approve the rest of the plans for the month. Ken asked if he should step out and the response was that everyone that needed to know the details knew, and the motion was approved! So I wonder what else they have up their sleeves! They have been so warm and gracious already to us!
We are starting to plan for a youth program. We will kick it off with and overnighter October 28-29. Please be in prayer with us as we reach into the community to minister to the teens around us. Kenny and Nathan have really been developing a friendship with 2 guys near us, Travis and Kraig. Travis is in 10th grade with Nathan. Their language is a bit rough around the edges but the boys are making a point to remind the others to not use that around our home. Travis seems to be receptive to meeting this request but needs gentle reminders. It’s all good!
We are finally getting settled to the point that the "newness" is wearing off and we are gaining familiarity with our surroundings. With the settling has come a letting down of some emotions. I have struggled the last couple days with missing friends and all. Even as I write this my eyes are filled with tears. I can’t say that it’s loneliness. It’s just a new understanding of all I left in Michigan. Tonight at the dinner table we informed the children that we will be making a trip in 3 weeks to retrieve the remaining items that didn’t fit in the original move. But due to the fact that Nathan and Cressalyn missed several days of school at the beginning and Kenny has a job, we will not be taking them with us. Ken and I weren’t prepared for the emotional release that came from Nathan and Cressalyn. Both boys really do understand that they can’t afford the time away just yet. But Cressalyn showed just how much she is missing her friends. She’s been doing very well, but like her mother, relationships are VERY important to her. She has new friends at school, but none have become special enough or are close enough to us to spend extra time with. Please pray for her that God will open doors quickly for her friendships to develop.
I guess we should have been expecting reality to set in. We are very happy here, that hasn’t changed. But the void that has been made is seeming very large right now.
Thank you to all of you who are taking a moment to read these words. Many of you have shared that this is a great way to keep up with our activities and lives. Knowing that you are sharing this with us makes you feel closer. Please remember, though, we do have a phone and we have email! In fact, we will be having a 2nd line installed in the parsonage this week. I will get you the number when we know it. Then we will have a long distance plan and will be able to call you from home. For now, we rely on you to contact us! Let us know you guys are doing O.K., too!
Know that we miss each of you!
