Four weeks is Good-enough!

God is so good. He has had our trip planned for a long time. We abided in Him and acknowledged Him and He directed our path. We left Boston heading to Tennessee. We got as far as North East (that's the name of the town) PA, when our transmission went out. We made our way to a shop who quoted us $1,000 not including parts and said they could have it done in a minimum of 2 weeks. The best quote we got IF we could get it to Erie was approx. one week and about the same $. We prayed and had others pray and knew what to do. We recognized the shepherd's voice and had a peace about leaving the R.V and coming home now. Surprisingly Amtrak was the cheapest option. We were all excited to get to ride the train. On board we met a wonderfully joyful sister now from Georgia who used to live near and know the Bushnell's in Porthill as well as the Amish in the Yaak. She greatly encouraged us to walk in obedience. Lord, help us to hear your voice, trust, and obey.

Dying, Dampness, Refreshing, Rubies

We camped near Frederick, Maryland. We saw Gettysburg and Antietam. The bloodiest battles on American soil. (Somber reminders... Just what is worth that kind of sacrifice? What cause is worth dying for? Jesus demonstrated what was valuable to him. Us! Jesus is worth dying for. People are worth dying for. Beyond that, I'm not sure. Feel free to comment, I'm interested in your perspectives on this deeply personal question. - Leon)

There was a tornado warning our last night. I was excited until we snuggled in for the night listening to the rain. I quickly got frightened and explained to God that while I want to see a tornado, I don't want to see it up close or have anyone get hurt. I couldn't sleep much that night. Our sleep has been difficult some nights. Naphtali will wiggle off the bed and cry or we will have a mosquito killing party. Once Naphtali woke up sick and wouldn't sleep much that night. Once Leon found (Charissa will love this) cockroaches in the R.V. A couple times the vent above the bed started dripping. We tried to sleep with a pot between us. That didn't work, the bed is so small and snuggling a cold pot woke us up all night. The last night we got dripped on, I grabbed a blanket and laid it over myself to catch the water. It funneled it onto Leon all night and his side was soaked. We got the tail of hurricane Cindy for a whole day and night. By the time we got to Boston there was constant dripping through the ceiling throughout the R.V as well as coming up from the ground. I mused about trying to fish in the puddle in the cab. I kept my feet on either side of it while traveling.

We stayed 3 days and nights at Leon's brother's in Boston. It was an oasis. We washed everything, caulked, soaked up water, showered and slept. We ate like kings and were waited on hand and foot. The kids shared the fever and had a chance to rest it off.
We cancelled Baptist Children's Home and are heading straight to the Above Rubies house in Tennessee to sing to them. Pray that we can encourage them and bless them in some way. God is in control.

If you want a great, Godly book on tape; try The Sugar Creek Gang. Thanks Teresa.
Louise, the yellow crocheted afghan that you made for us has been a great comfort to Naphtali.
God bless all of you with joy, struggles etc., whatever it takes to form us all into His image.

Jennifer

Storms, Communities, Fan Belts, and Fishing...

Ok, we are in Akron, OH. Last night we stayed in Enon, OH. We heard the registration lady tell someone in line that there was supposed to be a big storm and she should get out of there. I asked what kind of storm. She said "hail storm". Later as the sky grew darker, we sat on a bench with a lake in front of us watching lightening. It was almost constant. As it came closer, Leon said "let's get inside kids". It was a fun storm. The kids get so excited about stuff like that , we can't get anything done, so we enjoyed it.

Coming through Wyoming there was a very dark, long storm. I think we were just keeping up with it because it lasted so long. We took pictures for Chris because we thought they were tornado clouds. Then we had a wonderful lightening and heavy rain storm in Illinois. That's where our car got struck by lightening 10 years ago. Oh well, not this time. I guess you can't win em all.

I would strongly suggest all you who will be traveling soon to bring along your local weather geek. There have been countless times on this trip that I have wished Chris was here to answer all our questions and explain cloud formations etc.

My other advice would be to NOT, make reservations. We have lost money needlessly this way and there is nothing we could do about it. So we have learned and it's God's money so we are not upset about it.

The last day in Bruce was really great. We got to know Harold and Winnie and really loved the land and some interesting opportunities there. Leon and Harold repaired the holes in the wheelwell created by the exploding tires. Leon got something in his eye which hurt for a good day. It was a good opportunity to teach the children about rejoicing in whatever the Lord brings.

In Indiana we visited Josh and Sarah Brown who are the founders of Simpler Times Village.

http://www.ruralvillage.org/

What beautiful like-minded people!! We really loved to hear about thier vision for community life, and the planning they are doing for the 240 acre parcel they are in process of obtaining. It was fun to share a song with them too... The people who are planning on moving to this community are all very pro large family, artistic, small buisiness, small church, family oriented people. Super great! We really hope to be involved in something along these lines someday. The land was located a bit closer in to town than what we were hoping but that will make it easier for those transitioning from city life to community.

We are heading to Amish Country in PA to fish with Asaph. Then we go to Niagara Falls for the 4th of July (that's one time and place where I am glad to have reservations). God is in charge of whether we make it or not. Either way, He is leading. It's His R.V,we are His, our time is His, it's His money etc. He is proving this to the children and us. We went to the repair shop for the 4th time, yes, I said 4th. The fan / pump / alternator belt came off on the freeway but, He spared the engine so we are going on.

Thank you for your prayers. Havilah is doing much better and using God given coping skills. His plans are so simple and sweet.

I am praying for you home-school moms: contentment, joy, that you won't grow weary of doing good for in due time you will reap, if you do not give up. Let's be great help meets, women.
Anyone want to live with us on acreage in Porthill? Singing new songs, raising God's arrows, being lights?. This is a great area for mountain biking (Greg), bed and breakfast (Simonatti's), other great and happy God stuff (everyone else). we love you.