we're going to include video from time to time in the blog so that you can see and hear us say what we have to say instead of just reading it. Don't worry - if you're computer (or company) won't let you play videos, we'll be sure to write up a synopsis at the bottom so you'll know what's going on.
Fireproof
we went to see the movie "Fireproof" last night. It's made by the same folks who made "Facing the Giants", but where that movie was lacking (mostly in acting ability), this movie is strong. This time, they got Kirk Cameron to play the lead role, and that was a wonderful choice. The movie is well written and believable, presents the gospel clearly, and effectively shows how it's God's love that makes true love between people possible. We can't recommend it strongly enough - just go see it!
taking inventory
since we are getting so close to being able to move to Ireland, we're trying to get things ready for the move part of that. Phase one is taking inventory, which means we're going through all our stuff, trying to decide what goes and what stays. So far we've been through most of our books (made a little cash on Amazon.com selling some of them), music and today we're working on clothes. We've got a long way to go, but it's much more fun to do it a little at a time! How did this stuff accumulate so fast??
Ireland's abortion ban
the Family Research Council and Alliance Defense Fund from the US will be defending Ireland's ban on abortion before the European Court of Human Rights. Please pray for them! Click here for the story.
also, check out our movies page for our latest video: "A Word from Daniel"
refresh
Daniel went to grandma's while mom and dad took a mini-vacation to the VA mountains the last couple of days. It was great to have a chance to slow down and reconnect after our last few busy weeks! It's great that Daniel loves to stay with his grandparents, too!
The Lord Will Provide
this is a hymn by John Newton that was very encouraging to us when we heard it in Alabama while we were there...
Though troubles assail and dangers affright, Though friends should all fail and foes all unite; Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide, The scripture assures us, the Lord will provide The birds without barn or storehouse are fed, From them let us learn to trust for our bread: His saints, what is fitting, shall ne'er be denied, So long as it's written, the Lord will provide.
When Satan appears to stop up our path, And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith; He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried, This heart-cheering promise, the Lord will provide He tells us we're weak, our hope is in vain, The good that we seek we ne'er shall obtain, But when such suggestions our spirits have plied, This answers all questions, the Lord will provide.
There are a couple more verses, and they are very good, but you can probably see why these were especially encouraging to us at this specific time in our lives.
home!
we made it back to VA last night after our stopover in Knoxville, TN where we got to see one of Seth's old friends.
So how was the trip? Wonderful. We had so much fun visiting with friends and family, old and new!
How are our support levels doing? We don't know. Yet. But we do know that we are above the 80% we had when we started this trip. We had several families agree to join our support team and a church is voting in October on how much they will support us. Once we find out definite numbers, rest assured, you'll know where we're at with support.
on the road again
we're headed home to VA! Tonight we're in Knoxville, TN. We've logged over 1,600 miles so far and we've got a few more hours to go before we get home. It's been a great trip, though, and we are excited to see God bringing in the support we need - we don't know right now exactly how close we are, but we know we're closer than we were! Thank you for your prayers!
Alabama
here we are in sweet home Alabama, the only place Seth remembers growing up. We're staying with Seth's folks for most of this week, which is great! Daniel is loving his Grandma and Grandpa! On Sunday, we went to Southwood, the church Seth grew up in, for the early service and still made it for the main service at Christ Pres, the church Seth's folks go to now (a daughter church of Southwood). Next Sunday we'll probably go to Southwood for both services before we head back to VA on Monday.
Atlanta
although we didn't have all the meetings we were hoping for in Atlanta, we still had a good time here and it was actually kind of nice to have a bit of a slower schedule for a couple of days. Anyway, today we're headed to Huntsville, AL.
more from Macon
we've met up with some great folks in the last few days. Last night we were at New Providence Baptist Church where we took turns speaking to the youth, the Awana kids, and the adults. The church is very interested in joining our support team, but the final decision will be made in a business meeting next month. We will be keeping in touch with the Awana kids and kids choir and even talked about doing a live video chat during a service after we get to Ireland. They sent us out with prayer, and we were blessed to be in Macon. Special thanks to Josh and Katie for putting us up/putting up with us while we've been here! Today we're driving to Atlanta.
MaconWe had a great Sunday in Macon with the Church of the Wildwood, and yesterday we had a cookout with some of the folks from there. Daniel really enjoyed the watermelon, as you can see!
