WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN

A hearty "Thank you" and "God bless you" to folks who have already responded to our need for a healthier support account with both new and increased support!  We are overwhelmed by so much love and care expressed for our family already and so much sacrifice on behalf of our ministry in Haiti.  My goodness, it is humbling. (If you missed it, see my previous post about our need and the easiest way to contribute financially, if you would like.)

And it's certainly encouraging to make progress toward our goal. And even though "we've only just begun", the generosity we've already been shown pushes us to keep on reaching for that goal.

Speaking of "We've only just begun", that was the song playing in the van last night as our friends Bill and Jodee and our whole family came back from a day trip to Lake Okoboji.  The song was fitting for the day because yesterday marked the 15th wedding anniversary for Melissa and me. 

What an incredible day for the whole family, courtesy of Bill and Jodee and Bill's brother, Tim, and his wife, Betty, who have a home and a boat on the lake.

We began with a tour around the United Methodist Camp at Okoboji - a place I had summertime employment YEARS ago.  A lot has changed, but it was so good to be on the grounds again and to share some memories with my family.



We had a picnic lunch down by the camp's swimming beach.



Then we headed to Tim and Betty's house and before long we were scooting around the lake on wave-runners - a brand new experience for our kids.

They LOVED it.

The three oldest kids eventually got a chance to drive the wave-runners for themselves, which was quite exhilarating for them ... and a tad bit terrifying for me.


The brothers together on the boat!



In the evening, we made our way to Arnold's Park, along the western edge of the lake, for dinner and dessert. Bill and Jodee had gotten us a cake for our anniversary.



The ladies on the boardwalk!



And the boys...



We also enjoyed a brief visit with Bill and Jodee's newly married daughter, Jonalee, over dinner but unfortunately I didn't think to get a picture!

The park as we headed for home...



The whole family on the boat.



And what a sunset we had to enjoy on our way back to Tim and Betty's house!



Melissa and I got to ride on the back of the boat and enjoy each other and the sunset together. (Photo courtesy of Caleb. He's very proud of it!)

Later, in the van on the way home, Samuel said of Tim, "In just one day he ended up feeling like a grandpa to me"!



At the end of the day, we needed one more photo - displaying the new t-shirts Tim had bought for the entire family (on the off chance that we might forget our time at Okoboji!). 



This sign is hanging in their house. Certainly true for us!



A great big THANK YOU to Bill and Jodee and Tim and Betty for a marvelous day. Melissa and I will not soon forget this anniversary! 

Time flies, and 15 is a respectable number of years, BUT I definitely feel, especially with our new life in Haiti, that Melissa and I have only just BEGUN. Can't tell you how much I thank the Lord for bringing us together like He did and for all the special people He has brought into our lives along the way - including YOU!

Tomorrow we head east to Grundy Center, Iowa, to meet up with dear friends Phil and Connie.  We'll be speaking at their church on Sunday. God is good all the time!