After a filling breakfast, parting talks, farewells, and deciding not to take any kittens home, we embark on the 8 hour drive back to Prospect, VA. A very hot day calls for more stops for refreshment along the way. We are thankful for vehicle cooperation and safely reaching home around 6 p.m. Vans are emptied and cleaned out. Unpacking, unpacking and more unpacking. Supper from the gardens: corn, boiled new potatoes, tomato/basil salad. There is a mystery. A missing bottle of Xango juice. Not a small item. Disappeared and noone knows anything about it. Maybe someday the answer will be revealed. We also find the shower mat from the campground which we will need to return. All fairly typical. Nothing out of the ordinary.
We decided we could have taken another week of vacation. We were just getting into the swing of it. That's pretty typical, too. What an amazing adventure and we hope to do it again sometime soon!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Day 8 - Final Performance
First line of business this morning: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELISSA STOLTZFUS!" Birthday blessings to you on your last birthday as a single gal! Next repacking all our stuff into the vans. But, before we leave, we hauled all the instruments out to set up on the cabin porch for picutres and a quick practice. Looking forward to visiting the Harris' tonight.
More later . . .
We arrive at our friends, Richard and Rhonda Harris and family, late in the afternoon, just in time for a wonderful supper!
Tom and Richard met at a cotton gin quite a few years ago. It was one of those aggravating circumstances when mechanical failure at the gin caused a temporary shut down. Trucks could not be loaded. The drivers were left to wait. God used this inconvenient moment for Tom to meet Richard and they discovered their mutual faith and encouraged each other in the Lord. Then about 2 years ago, richard was in VA picking up a load of hay and was able to come have a meal with us. Ha gave us the invitation to visit if we were ever in northern PA. So this is the culmination of graciousness and here we are!
Rhonda and I meet for the first time, although we felt like we already knew each other. They planned a hayride to show us the lovely area where they live north of Williamsport, PA. We gave our concert outside on the beautiful wrap-around porch to family and friends they had invited to hear us. Later, a campfire appeared across the yard near the barn. The young people found their way there and we could hear the lively conversations humming. It was one of those times that stretch far into the night, no one wants it to end, very special. Thanks Richard, Rhonda, Rachelle, and Ronnie for the awesome hospitality and a great time!
P.S. Rachelle: The girls haven't forgotten jamming with you on the porch and then in the sitting room with the keyboard. You sure you can't come down to help with worship at the Girls Retreat?
More later . . .
We arrive at our friends, Richard and Rhonda Harris and family, late in the afternoon, just in time for a wonderful supper!
Tom and Richard met at a cotton gin quite a few years ago. It was one of those aggravating circumstances when mechanical failure at the gin caused a temporary shut down. Trucks could not be loaded. The drivers were left to wait. God used this inconvenient moment for Tom to meet Richard and they discovered their mutual faith and encouraged each other in the Lord. Then about 2 years ago, richard was in VA picking up a load of hay and was able to come have a meal with us. Ha gave us the invitation to visit if we were ever in northern PA. So this is the culmination of graciousness and here we are!
Rhonda and I meet for the first time, although we felt like we already knew each other. They planned a hayride to show us the lovely area where they live north of Williamsport, PA. We gave our concert outside on the beautiful wrap-around porch to family and friends they had invited to hear us. Later, a campfire appeared across the yard near the barn. The young people found their way there and we could hear the lively conversations humming. It was one of those times that stretch far into the night, no one wants it to end, very special. Thanks Richard, Rhonda, Rachelle, and Ronnie for the awesome hospitality and a great time!
P.S. Rachelle: The girls haven't forgotten jamming with you on the porch and then in the sitting room with the keyboard. You sure you can't come down to help with worship at the Girls Retreat?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Day 6 - We Become Tourists
A beautiful, clear, sunny day to go see the great Niagara Falls! Our tour was scheduled to begin at 3.p.m., so there was time for swimming before leaving to meet the bus.
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| Our tour guide Marnie |
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| The rapids below the Falls |
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| On the "Maid of the Mist" |
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| Looking across at the Canadian side |
There is nothing to compare with the awesomeness and splendor of Niagara Falls!!
We took the boat (the "Maid of the Mist") that brings you as close as you
can get (and stay alive) to the bottom of the Falls
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| On the bank to the right is the "Cave of the Winds" boardwalk. On the top level you could literally stand right beneath the waterfall!! Exhilarating!!! |
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| Having a great time!! |
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| The best place to go on a hot day. The mist in the breeze, which is created by the constant movement of the water falls is so cooling and refreshing. |
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| Da sistas |
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| We were pretty wet by this point. |
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| The love birds |
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| Views from the observation tower |
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| It was all so beautiful!! |
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| Goat Island |
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| If you look closely you can the see the "Maid of the Mist" through the mist |
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| Heading down to "Cave of the Winds" |
| We climbed the boardwalk that brings you close enough to touch the water of the Bridal Veil Falls; on the top deck, closest to them, are hurricane force winds. We couldn't get and pictures there as our cameras are not water proof! Funny thing - there was a sign that read "No Smoking!", which would be impossible anyway.  |
| Catching a quick nap on the way back . . . go figure . . . Here following is the personal observation of each family member. Tom: "High, deep and furious!" Helen: "I loved being there in the mist near that much power." Michelle: "Terribly beautiful, powerful, majestic! Best water park ever!" Meredith: "Best things were getting soaked, walking through rainbows while getting soaked and being in Canadian waters without a passport." Bethany: "First time being that close to another country, and hearing snippets of french conversation, were both huge highlights!" Tommy" Wet." Abby: "I liked the elevators from the observation deck (180ft. at 60 ft per second), jumping the rainbows and getting wet." Serena: "Awesome!" (She thought the bus ride was great, too.) After the tour we found The New Star Buffet for a terrific dinner that we all enjoyed immensely before heading back to the campground.  |
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Days 4 and 5: On The Road Again
It's Thursday morning and we're looking back over the last 2 days before we any more to
add. . .
Tuesday:
Abby and Serena had lots of fun, but little sleep at their sleepover. After we packed up the vans and said said good-bye to Don and Joanne's family (who were heading out on their own summer adventure), we headed over to Glenn and Gail's for breakfast (and to pick up the girls). Homemade sausage, plain,
blueberry, and chocolate chip pancakes served with REAL maple syrup was on the menu and we took full advantage of Gail's hospitality!
The day before Dad and Donny figured out how our families are related. Dad's grandmother Ada (Stoltzfus) Mast, and Don, Glen Duane and Dwight;s grandfather, Naaman Stoltzfus, were brother and sister. That makes our parents 2nd cousins and us children 3rd cousins. Anyone's mind spinning yet?
While the "adults" were visiting, the children (now including Duane and Andrea's crew) saw the chance to get in the hot tub and get wet once again! I don't know why but I chose to tell them that we were all 3rd cousins while they were IN the tub. They all started yelling "Wet HUG!!" and coming to the side were I was standing. What can ya do? So I got the wet hugs at least from all of them! By the time they were done I was almost as wet as they were; it felt pretty good though. We had such fun with our new-found cousins. The little ones kept asking for me to teach them some of the songs we did on Sunday and then we added a few others to keep things exciting. "All God's creatures got a place in the choir. Some sing low and some sing higher, some sing out loud in the telephone wire, and some just clap their hands or paws or anything they got now." During all of this Meredith, Bethany and Tommy were playing Monopole Deal with Madi, Glenn and Gail's second oldest. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. There were many bouts of laughter coming from that table.
With another good visit and a bountiful breakfast under our belts, we headed out for our next destination: Elwood City, PA, the home of Joe and Debbie Lahr. The last time we had visited at their farm I was Abby's age; Abby and Serena weren't even born. Dad and Mom had been looking around at farms for sale in the area and almost bought one; that was before we had checked out VA.
After a delicious supper, Joe took us out to set up at their church: Cornerstone Community Church in New Castle, PA (www.cccnewcastle.com). They had scheduled us to share our program during their weekly Bible study. We had a few glitches, but the Lord was faithful to answer many prayers, and we and others were blessed in spite of ourselves! "Just as long as You're the Captain when my ship is lost at sea, well I know I'll reach the harbor when You calm the storm for me!"
A late night snack of ICE CREAM rounded out (no pun intended) the evening before we headed off t o bed for a very restful night's sleep.
Wednesday morning Debbie served a delicious spread of eggs, bacon, toast and bagels. Not long after breakfast was over, the girls were in their swimming suits and heading out to explore the pond. Serena had been a little nervous about the pond at first because she thought there might be snakes but she was soon jumping off the dock with Abby and having a great time catching goldfish with Tommy.
The rest of us visited in the house, catching up on journaling, took showers, or watched the pond antics from the comfort and shade of the patio. For lunch we were served one of our favorites: PIZZA!
I made the mistake of tossing bits of the crust to the chickens that were grazing in the yard. When I stopped that hen just wouldn't have it and hopped up on my chair arm to insist I continue to share my lunch with her! She finally did get the idea and went back to scratching in the yard. We practiced some of our acappella pieces after lunch, especially for Debbie's father who lives there as well. Thank you so much Joe and Debbie for your invitation and gracious hospitality! God bless you!!
add. . .
Tuesday:
Abby and Serena had lots of fun, but little sleep at their sleepover. After we packed up the vans and said said good-bye to Don and Joanne's family (who were heading out on their own summer adventure), we headed over to Glenn and Gail's for breakfast (and to pick up the girls). Homemade sausage, plain,
blueberry, and chocolate chip pancakes served with REAL maple syrup was on the menu and we took full advantage of Gail's hospitality!
The day before Dad and Donny figured out how our families are related. Dad's grandmother Ada (Stoltzfus) Mast, and Don, Glen Duane and Dwight;s grandfather, Naaman Stoltzfus, were brother and sister. That makes our parents 2nd cousins and us children 3rd cousins. Anyone's mind spinning yet?
While the "adults" were visiting, the children (now including Duane and Andrea's crew) saw the chance to get in the hot tub and get wet once again! I don't know why but I chose to tell them that we were all 3rd cousins while they were IN the tub. They all started yelling "Wet HUG!!" and coming to the side were I was standing. What can ya do? So I got the wet hugs at least from all of them! By the time they were done I was almost as wet as they were; it felt pretty good though. We had such fun with our new-found cousins. The little ones kept asking for me to teach them some of the songs we did on Sunday and then we added a few others to keep things exciting. "All God's creatures got a place in the choir. Some sing low and some sing higher, some sing out loud in the telephone wire, and some just clap their hands or paws or anything they got now." During all of this Meredith, Bethany and Tommy were playing Monopole Deal with Madi, Glenn and Gail's second oldest. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. There were many bouts of laughter coming from that table.
With another good visit and a bountiful breakfast under our belts, we headed out for our next destination: Elwood City, PA, the home of Joe and Debbie Lahr. The last time we had visited at their farm I was Abby's age; Abby and Serena weren't even born. Dad and Mom had been looking around at farms for sale in the area and almost bought one; that was before we had checked out VA.
After a delicious supper, Joe took us out to set up at their church: Cornerstone Community Church in New Castle, PA (www.cccnewcastle.com). They had scheduled us to share our program during their weekly Bible study. We had a few glitches, but the Lord was faithful to answer many prayers, and we and others were blessed in spite of ourselves! "Just as long as You're the Captain when my ship is lost at sea, well I know I'll reach the harbor when You calm the storm for me!"
A late night snack of ICE CREAM rounded out (no pun intended) the evening before we headed off t o bed for a very restful night's sleep.
Wednesday morning Debbie served a delicious spread of eggs, bacon, toast and bagels. Not long after breakfast was over, the girls were in their swimming suits and heading out to explore the pond. Serena had been a little nervous about the pond at first because she thought there might be snakes but she was soon jumping off the dock with Abby and having a great time catching goldfish with Tommy.
The rest of us visited in the house, catching up on journaling, took showers, or watched the pond antics from the comfort and shade of the patio. For lunch we were served one of our favorites: PIZZA!
I made the mistake of tossing bits of the crust to the chickens that were grazing in the yard. When I stopped that hen just wouldn't have it and hopped up on my chair arm to insist I continue to share my lunch with her! She finally did get the idea and went back to scratching in the yard. We practiced some of our acappella pieces after lunch, especially for Debbie's father who lives there as well. Thank you so much Joe and Debbie for your invitation and gracious hospitality! God bless you!!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Day 3 - Chillin' At The Farm
What can be more glorious than waking up on a farm; surrounded by cows on green fields crisscrossed with fence lines and bordered by tree covered hills? Tom (in his glory) began driving silage truck around 3 a.m. The Stoltzfus brothers at Pennwood Farms, Donnie, Glenn, Duane, and Dwight are chopping hay today and are happy for another driver to help bring the crop in. The trucks are whizzing by on the road in front of the house as I type. I, on the other hand, slept in till 7 then started the arduous job of re-organizing vans and luggage; which netted in a small load of laundry to wash and hang out in the pleasant summer air to dry. Joanne served a bountiful breakfast, daughter Ashley and son Collin joined us and we began to plan the day. THEY are BUSY! But we were instructed to "make ourselves at home, oh . . . and pick the raspberries behind the springhouse." Abby and Serena were invited to go along to a day camp for the area children. Yippee! FUN! So, there are things in my day like: sitting and staring, reading, napping, more sitting and staring . . . you get the idea.
We did receive word that a close friend of Meredith's, Dominique from New Mexico, is in ICU with multiple, serious injuries as the result of an accident involving a horse. So add praying to my list today and please join us in prayer for this dear girl.
The rest of the kids are just taking it easy, Michelle is taking advantage of the quiet to spend the time reading. Meredith and Tommy have taken the rare chance to amuse themselves via play station.
It's more amusing to watch them than it is to watch the game they are playing. Bethany is journaling. She is determined to capture each days events on paper. Everyone is making sure to take advantage of this opportunity to relax and just do whatever.
[Later today]
Just got back from Kooser State Park. We took the little girls and their new found friends to cool off play and around on the beach. Michelle and Bethany came along while Meredith and Tommy stayed back at the farm. Bethany and the kids were in the water first thing. Michelle, Andrea (mom to several of the children), and I stayed back for a while. The kids had a blast! Splashing, having sand/mud fights, playing on the playground, and assisting Bethany in the construction of a sand castle (will post pictures soon). All in all it was a great way to spend the afternoon!
This evening was quiet as Abby and Serena are having a sleep over with their little friends. The rest of us pracitced for a bible study that we've been asked to play for tomorrow evening. Many thanks to Donnie and Joanne Stoltzfus for their hospitality and opening their home to us!
Tomorrow is a new day! Wonder what's in store for this family?
- Helen
We did receive word that a close friend of Meredith's, Dominique from New Mexico, is in ICU with multiple, serious injuries as the result of an accident involving a horse. So add praying to my list today and please join us in prayer for this dear girl.
The rest of the kids are just taking it easy, Michelle is taking advantage of the quiet to spend the time reading. Meredith and Tommy have taken the rare chance to amuse themselves via play station.
It's more amusing to watch them than it is to watch the game they are playing. Bethany is journaling. She is determined to capture each days events on paper. Everyone is making sure to take advantage of this opportunity to relax and just do whatever.
[Later today]
Just got back from Kooser State Park. We took the little girls and their new found friends to cool off play and around on the beach. Michelle and Bethany came along while Meredith and Tommy stayed back at the farm. Bethany and the kids were in the water first thing. Michelle, Andrea (mom to several of the children), and I stayed back for a while. The kids had a blast! Splashing, having sand/mud fights, playing on the playground, and assisting Bethany in the construction of a sand castle (will post pictures soon). All in all it was a great way to spend the afternoon!
This evening was quiet as Abby and Serena are having a sleep over with their little friends. The rest of us pracitced for a bible study that we've been asked to play for tomorrow evening. Many thanks to Donnie and Joanne Stoltzfus for their hospitality and opening their home to us!
Tomorrow is a new day! Wonder what's in store for this family?
- Helen
SWIMMING!!!!!
Bethany and the kids, seeing what all they could do with the water.
Our friend, the squirrel.
Epic sandcastle that Bethany and all her little helpers made.
Yup - she's a Hertzler.
Mer working hard, most of the day, on her online class.
There is nothing better than new, good friends!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Day 2 - First Performance
This morning, at 6 o'clock, after a quick/special breakfast (thanks Uncle Rick), we left our friends' home and headed for our next destination: Three Seasons Community Church in Berlin, Pa near Somerset. We were very warmly greeted and welcomed by the pastor and the whole congregation. I think we'd all admit to some slight nervousness beforehand but once we got up and started playing most of the butterflies seemed to disappear. We felt very comfortable and "at home." All of the songs we shared went smoothly and then there was an awesome time of worship as we lead the congregation in praise songs. It was truly a refreshing time of singing His praise and fellowshiping with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Special thanks and many return blessings to this church for giving us the opportunity to deliver the entire worship service (Pastor Brian, you are a very trusting man)! And to the sister who pressed some money into my hand!! And to the family who left their card and gift beside our van tucked into a case of Gatorade!!! We felt so blessed!
Another blessing or small miracle that we experienced this morning had to do with Bethany's voice. When she woke up her voice was quite horse. We were worried about her singing too much as it might strain her voice. However we didn't have much time to change the line up and figure out who would sing her part. So we decided to see how it went during sound check.After running through a few songs for sound check she was not as worried but still a little concerned. Then as we began to perform her voice seemed to regain it's strength!
We'd decided that she wouldn't sing two of the songs that she originally was going to sing. Then she came to me right before and said "I think I can do it. I'd like to try." So she did and it went great! Her voice held up very well through all of the songs!! It's so wonderful how God truly takes care of us in the big and small things!!!
Dinner, afternoon sightseeing and /or naps, supper and friends gathered again in the evening to visit and enjoy more time together. It can't get much better than that folks! Many thanks to everyone who has been lifting our family up in prayer. Your prayers are being heard! Keep 'em coming :)
- Helen and Bethany
Another blessing or small miracle that we experienced this morning had to do with Bethany's voice. When she woke up her voice was quite horse. We were worried about her singing too much as it might strain her voice. However we didn't have much time to change the line up and figure out who would sing her part. So we decided to see how it went during sound check.After running through a few songs for sound check she was not as worried but still a little concerned. Then as we began to perform her voice seemed to regain it's strength!
We'd decided that she wouldn't sing two of the songs that she originally was going to sing. Then she came to me right before and said "I think I can do it. I'd like to try." So she did and it went great! Her voice held up very well through all of the songs!! It's so wonderful how God truly takes care of us in the big and small things!!!
Dinner, afternoon sightseeing and /or naps, supper and friends gathered again in the evening to visit and enjoy more time together. It can't get much better than that folks! Many thanks to everyone who has been lifting our family up in prayer. Your prayers are being heard! Keep 'em coming :)
- Helen and Bethany
Forget the yellow brick road - Follow the red and gray van
Mer's awesome glass water bottle, or 'bater wottle' as she calls it.
This church was such a blessing!
Believe it or not, these little ladies came to Dad and started talking to him FIRST!
The worship set was an answer to prayer - we'd picked songs the night before and it was amazing!
Dinner with the Stoltzfus's. These ladies know how to cook and grill!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Day 1 - Onward and Upward
And so today we set off upon our adventure. With two vans full of instruments, suit cases, sleeping bags, food, and people. We left slightly later than the original departure time...about 5 hours later. Our first stop was in PA at our friends, the Rea family's home, to practice, spend the night and some quality time.
Tomorrow we head to church in Somerset, PA. We will be singing some of our songs and leading the worship. Tonight we practiced 10 different songs for the service. We're looking forward to what God has instore for us and everyone we'll be singing to tomorrow. God has already shown blessings in so many small ways. Please be praying for stability for our voices and that our hearts and those of others would be open to receiving what God has to reveal to each one of us.
For the family,
Bethany
Tomorrow we head to church in Somerset, PA. We will be singing some of our songs and leading the worship. Tonight we practiced 10 different songs for the service. We're looking forward to what God has instore for us and everyone we'll be singing to tomorrow. God has already shown blessings in so many small ways. Please be praying for stability for our voices and that our hearts and those of others would be open to receiving what God has to reveal to each one of us.
For the family,
Bethany
Very cool dude rocking the acoustic!
Trying out the new toy!
Running through a practice at the Rea's - the first full practice we've had.
Bet and Sarah - best buds!
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