Medical Exams

One requirement of being a missionary is to be physically able to travel and live in a foreign country.  So, even before we were appointed as missionaries we had to take physical exams and obtain a doctor's signature on forms stating we were fit for overseas work.  Every time we return to the US on furlough, we must once again have physicals and obtain the doctor's signature.  So, this week we have been in doctors' offices (including the eye doctor's office) four times.  We have had physicals, eye exams, follow-up exams, blood work, and inoculations.  Still to come are further tests and follow-up exams plus a trip to the dentist.  Please pray with us that all of these tests show we are healthy enough to return to Hungary.  We need that doctor's signature!

Preparation Activities

 So, what are we doing before we begin our scheduled itineration in September?  Well, this week we worked on preparing items for our display, made phone calls and sent emails to make and confirm upcoming church visits, began working on materials to send to the churches before we visit, visited the INSTE Global office to conduct some business, and went to the doctor for a physical.  And the week is not done yet! 

Sister Fun

Last night Nancy's family members who live in Des Moines met at her sister Neola's home for a cook-out.  It was so hot outside, that the cook-out became an eat-in, but we all had fun anyway.  Nancy's cousin Sue and her husband James were in town from Texas.  Also in town were her nephew Justin's two teenagers.  They all joined the party and enjoyed brats and sweet corn grilled by Neola.  (Thanks, Neola, for enduring the heat for us!)

During the meal, Nancy's sister Leota called on Skype from Kansas and her sister Abbey called on Skype from Oklahoma.  All six sisters were "together" for the first time in three years.

Please continue to pray for Leona and Delores, Nancy's sisters who are fighting cancer right now.

Beautiful Montana

From Colorado Springs (see previous two blog posts) we drove with our son Mark and his family for two days to their home in Kalispell, Montana.  The first day was Nadine's birthday and we arrived at her parents' home in Billings, Montana, in time to celebrate her birthday, her brother Sam's birthday and Isaac's birthday together with the entire family.

The second day we drove the rest of the way to Kalispell through some of the most beautiful parts of Montana, if not the country.  Mark works full time for the Montana National Guard and his assignment in Kalispell is temporary, due to end around October, so we took advantage of this time to visit them there.

We had a wonderful Fourth of July.  We were invited to Mark's co-worker's home along with almost 50 of his family, friends and neighbors.  We ate a potluck picnic meal and the kids swam in the above-ground pool.  Later we set off some smaller fireworks that Nadine's dad had bought for the kids.  The boys especially enjoyed the loud ones.  Then, as it became darker, our host set off his fireworks, large and numerous enough to befit a small town's celebration.  Little Mychael was scared at first, but when she saw the "sparkles" she decided she liked them.  It felt good to celebrate the Fourth in America.

On Saturday, we made the short trip to Glacier Park and walked the two-mile trail up to the lake pictured above.  We were enthralled with the amazing beauty of God's creation.  Mychael got to ride on her dad's back, but the boys walked.  Even almost four-year-old Isaac hiked most of the way.  His mom carried him a little bit twice when he "couldn't walk another step."

With vacation time almost over, we drove the three days back to Des Moines and are now preparing for itineration, that is, visiting churches to report on what we are doing in Hungary and asking for support to continue our work there.  So now, back to work.

Family Reunion

We are still updating the blog on the time we were too busy to post.  Right after Fresh, Open Bible Churches National Convention, all three of our sons and their families met us in Colorado Springs to spend three days together.  This was quite a feat since they live in different states and lead busy lives.  But we are thankful everyone was able to make it and we enjoyed being together very much.  Of course, for us, giving hugs all around was the best part.  

Some memorable moments included almost-4-year-old Isaac looking for "battlesnakes" in Garden of the Gods. His 6-year-old brother Nate said, "But there's only one true God." When we ate out  together after church on Sunday, an older gentleman from the next table commented on how well-behaved the children were. And, it took several tries to get a group picture.

Mike's brother Scott and his wife Dee dropped by one evening and we pressed them into service as photographers. Of course, kids don't stand still for long, but we liked this photo anyway.

God has blessed us with a wonderful family and we are thankful for each one of them.

Next post:  beautiful Montana

National Convention

It has been a loooong time since we updated our blog.  No excuse is a good one, but we have been busy with travel, Open Bible National Convention and visiting family.  We'll try to catch up on the news in the next few blogs.

Just a few of Mike's classmates at his high school reunion

 We left Des Moines on June 20 to drive to Fresh, Open Bible Churches' National Convention in Colorado Springs.  We took the long way, though, traveling to Rapid City, South Dakota, so Mike could attend his 40th high school reunion.  The two extra days were worth it since Mike was able to reminisce with many of his old classmates.  We visited Open Bible Center on Sunday morning where we saw many more familiar faces and then traveled the rest of the way to Colorado Springs.

Global Missions Luncheon

Convention was wonderful!  We saw so many old friends and made some new ones.  The services and speakers were convicting and inspiring and encouraging.  Even the business session was uplifting.  May God bless everyone who had a part in making Fresh a success.

Next blog:  Family reunion