"On the Road Again...part 3"

Day 8-June 11, 2009-Rapid City, SD-1684 miles

The last few days have been very full of emotional hellos and good-byes. Yesterday (June 10) we had a fantastic reunion with the church that we served for seven years in Froid, MT. We were there just in time for their VBS. God blessed us with the opportunity to see Darcy from WEBE Kings Kids. We have know Darcy for 9 years. Joshua was only 2 when we first met Darcy. It was such a blessing to sit with her and catch up on how God has and is working in our lives.

The church in Froid gave us a heartfelt welcome-complete with potluck and all. No one can put on a potluck like the church in Froid! That afternoon we were able to give a presentation about our up coming adventure with Mercy Ships. Everytime we show the DVD's we have about Mercy Ships we get more and more anxious to want to get to Benin, Africa sooner. Pastor Neil took time to prayer over and for our family-sending us off with God's blessing and protection. We left Froid feeling very loved, supported, and encouraged. Thank-you Big Sky Church for loving us, supporting us, and encouraging us. You will always be a big part of our lives and we thank God for the time we had with you.

That night we had the hardest good-bye ahead of us. We had shared some very precious time with Mike's dad (who is 90 years young) over the past few days. Saying good-bye to him was the hardest thing we have had to do. But he reassured us that he was going to be here when we returned from our time with Mercy Ships. He sent us off with his blessing and is excited about the time we have ahead of us.

Finally today, we said good-bye to our adopted family in Williston, ND-the Stockmans. They have been here for us so many times when we have needed a place to stay...their door has always open for us. The hospitality they generously pour out on us is always overwhelming. Thank-you for always being available and for "putting up" with us! We then left for Rapid City, SD. After many years we have promised the kids to see Mt. Rushmore, tomorrow we will fulfill that promise.