The rollercoaster ride of life

Lori and I feel like we are sitting in the last row of a rollercoaster train on a rollercoaster that we can’t see, and we have climbed the first large hill. The front of the train is hanging over the edge of the hill, we are about to be pulled through God knows what kind of ride, and there is no way off the train. Not sure if we are excited beyond belief, scared out of our wits, or any of the massive emotions in between. We do know that we would never get off the train even if we could, because at the end of the ride, we will be glad we did it. Each emotion will have its time in front of the others, and we will go through them all over and over again. We will go through the entire ride with our hands lifted high, and not hold on to the safety straps provided. Lucky for us the train sits three across, and the architect of the ride is sitting between us, holding our hands with us in the air, never leaving our side. He knows every inch of the tack ahead, and He whispers in our ears “Don’t be afraid, I got this”. At the end we will be drained, emotionally and physically, and we will say “Thank you God for the ride of our lives”.

The auction is today, by noon tomorrow all of our possessions will have been sold off and taken from our house. We will pack our cloths, our battery operated fans, and the dog, and Thursday morning we leave for Miami than Haiti on Friday.

In Loving Memory

Tic-Toc Tic-Toc. So much to do!!!

We had a great visit with my brother Mike. He treated us to lots of golf, lots of laughs (mostly related to the golf), and we had some tears too.

After we got back from visiting both families, we found our beloved Nutmeg was not eating. We took both dogs to the vet for travel certificates and dental work. Nutmeg’s liver, kidney, and thyroid labs were way out of whack. We hoped it was due to not eating because of her bad teeth but she did not start eating after removing the teeth. We tried force feeding her to get food and medicine in her, but discovered she was just throwing it back up, and that she had blood in her stools. She was also spending all her time alone behind the shed, like she had given up and wanted to pass alone. We decided Saturday to stop force feeding her except to get pain medication in her, and see if she would start eating on her own, and that we would put her down Tuesday after Mike left if she didn’t get better. We returned from golf Monday to find her behind the shed. Nutmeg always loved digging holes in our back yard, now she’s digging holes in God’s garden…and not getting yelled at. I have felt for years that God would take our dogs from us before we move to Haiti, and He has taken 2 of the 3. I never felt sure that Lexy (our Huskey that died 4 years ago), nor Nutmeg would do very well in Haiti with the heat and lots and lots of people and noise.

We have plans every day and every night until we leave next Thursday, all of them good. Now that neither of us are working we seem to have soo much more to do.

We have been laughing about ourselves a lot the last couple weeks. We always have to tell new people that join our short term mission that they have to be “rubber bands” to deal with the changes that come with mission work (If you want to make God laugh, make plans of your own). Our rubber bands are being stretched every which way. The only thing we know for sure is that we are leaving for Florida next Thursday.

Grand Strand Community Church Fundraiser

After returning from visiting family, Grand Strand Community Church blessed us with a wonderful fundraiser. It was organized by one of the girls Lori works with, Gina Dewalt, and her husband CJ. They did a terrific job, got all the food donated, built a stage, organized bands, and much much more. They got a lot of help from the many volunteers from the congregations of GSCC and Carolina Forest Community Church, pastoral staffs, and staff members from Waccamaw Community Hospital. A good time was had by all who attended and they were able to make a very generous donation to our mission.

We are so blessed to have such good people taking such an invaluable part in our effort to help the Haitian people. Thank you to all who helped, and all who came and enjoyed the festivities.

Be Still

Lori and I are spending some time visiting family before we go to Haiti July 2nd. It has been a wonderful blessing, but my heart wants to be home making the final preparations for are move.

Our fund raising is moving along at God’s pace, and as usual, I wish He would hurry up. It has been a struggle for me to wait on Him. This morning I read Hebrews 1 for a bible study one of the fulltime staff is leading. It reminded me not only of Jesus’ authority, but God’s sovereignty. I will be patient, and wait on Him. I know in my heart He has called us to Haiti, and He will provide all that we need.

“Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass, God does not change. Patience achieves everything.” Mother Teresa

Family Fun

We have been on the road since last Friday. First we spent an awesome weekend in the Pocono's with the Volk side of the family. We celebrated Dennis's parents 50th wedding anniversary while we were there. So amazing to be surrounded by people who believe and live the "til death do us part" vow. So easy now a days to just run away and not work on the marriage. We left on Monday for Ohio and are now spending time with the Goepferich side of the family. Went to see the replica of the Wright B Flyer that Dad helps to work on and maintain. Spent yesterday at the "Creation Museum" in Kentucky. We found it quite wonderful. So good to be surrounded by displays of God's works and glory. Spending a day at home today catching up on email, fixing cars, and resting. Tomorrow Dad is going to take us on a tour of Dayton in one of the antique cars. Didn't realize that Dennis had never ridden in one while we were here before. Spending the weekend in Columbus on Saturday and in Vandalia on Sunday. Keep us in yours prayers for safe travels. As soon as we get home, we have the festival to attend and work. Pray for a great turn-out and wonderful weather for that. Love to all.

In His Service,
Lori and Dennis