Pennsylvania Highlights - Warfordsburg

We returned from Pennsylvania a couple of days ago and I want to write a huge THANK YOU to our two sets of hosts while we were on the road.

First, Warfordsburg.  I'm having trouble finding a word to sum up our time with Troy and Dina.  I want to use words like fun, encouragement, hospitality and support.  If forced to pick one word, I guess it would be "fellowship".

 

These two invited us, put us up in their house, sent out letters to friends, hosted multiple open houses, and served up a never-ending stream of meals and refreshments.  And then filled spare moments with ping pong games and late night chats.  We met some great folks from their church throughout the weekend and had multiple opportunities to chat about the challenges faced by Haiti and what role Christ is calling us to serve there.

We met Troy and Dina just a year ago through their daughter, Loni, and son-in-law, James, who are serving as stateside missionaries at One Mission Society headquarters in Greenwood, Indiana.  We LOVE James and Loni (and their cute kids!), so it was a real joy to get to meet and to know so many in their extended family.

I love the church's sign! "Really!"

The kids were obsessed with spotting deer.  The Princess spotted one of her own from this perch Saturday morning and was so very excited!

Troy and Dina hosted a party for their "life group" on Saturday evening and it was a welcome opportunity for us to meet some great people.

I have to tell you that I think the trip was a little frustrating for this little guy.  Sure there were plenty of fun things to do: swimming, hiking, and making s'mores.  BUT his big brother (and best buddy) was at camp and that made for a lonely week.  And a lot of pestering for the sisters to put up with!

Fortunately, there were people willing to "stand in the gap"!  Of course Troy and Dina were willing, but others were too... here the pastor's wife plays football with Sammy.  Way to break the stereotypes, Kathy!

Tim was another guest who got to play big brother - this time at the ping pong table.

Ladderball!

The Sunday School time and worship service the next morning were sweet times - and not just because of the playground equipment outside.  The sanctuary itself was busting at the seams - construction on a new, larger sanctuary is nearly complete.

One of our little side trips took us to an old canal just across the state border into Maryland.  I got to jog a couple of miles through this area Saturday morning and it was beautiful - saw two bald eagles overhead and startled a fawn on the path.

An all-around great time!

You know it was a wonderful visit when - after just three days time - The Princess cries about having to leave!  (But fortunately we still had time with second cousins outside of Pittsburgh to look forward to!)

Thank you so much for all you did and all you ARE, Troy and Dina!  We anticipate with true joy the next time our paths will cross.

P.S. During the final leg of our journey back to Indiana, we got to listen to the Mark Cahill book on CD you gave us and LOVED it.  Quite challenging but also so practical!