today we went to fellowship bible church.
then we went to maine where we ate lobster at chauncey creek lobster pier. we drove along the coast and played in the atlantic ocean. after that we drove and walked around kennebunkport and ate ice cream at ben and jerrys. on our way back to the hotel there was a lightning storm. it was cool.
back at the hotel we went swimming. now we are going to bed. it was a fun-filled day.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Days 8 (June 26), 9 (June 27) & 10 (June 28)
It’s been a full few days, hence the lack of posts! We are now on the road again (for you James Taylor lovers, we‘re literally “on the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston”), making our way to Nashua, New Hampshire where we‘re planning to stay for two nights.
After our full day in Gettysburg last Wednesday, which Jordan blogged about, we spent the next day at the Dingus’ - hanging out in the morning, then visiting the state capitol building in Harrisburg in the afternoon. We were able to see the Capitol Ministries Pennsylvania office, located right across the street from the capitol - what a great testimony of God’s provision for the ministry there. Then we went on a tour of the capitol itself. What a grand, beautiful building! We were told it is often regarded as the most beautiful capitol building in the country and it certainly was impressive with both its architecture and extensive artwork. Interestingly, there are many Biblical references throughout the building. One particularly interesting one is the Ten Commandments painted as a backdrop at the front of the State Supreme Court room.
Back to the Dingus’ home where we met up with a gal that Greg and I were on youth staff together with at Grace Community Church almost 20 years ago (Cindy Gehman - now married - for those who were around then.) The kids had a pizza and movie night and we adults went out to dinner - then back home to the woods surrounding their home for ice cream and several games of Mission Impossible and hide and go seek.
Friday - Up and out to explore Amish country around Lancaster, PA. First stop was for lunch at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Blue Ball. That was unquestionably our big meal of the day! It made Hometown Buffet look like a sidewalk hot dog stand.
We shared the road with several horse and buggies bearing Amish people, did some sightseeing, and spent some time in the ultimate discount food store. The prices of just about everything were truly unbelievable. We purchased a package of Scrapple to bring home for Rodney because of his expressed interest in this Pennsylvania delicacy. (I’m sure there will be plenty for anyone interested in sampling it as well.) We rounded out the evening with a trip to Cabela’s - a large outdoor sports store. We finally made it back to visit with the Dingus family late into the evening. Lindsay and I taught Ruthie and Carolyn (Dingus) how to make a rag blanket.
Saturday - Loaded up the rig (as to a name - maybe someday!), said goodbyes, with much gratitude in our hearts for God’s gracious gift of refreshment with a wonderful likeminded family, and headed out. Today has mostly been driving - and of course a Starbucks stop. We stopped at a park for lunch and Greg was able to interact for a bit with a young couple about the Lord. This man (Bob) is a recovering heroin addict. He and his wife (Nealy) are back together after being separated, and they have twin boys. They were interested and eager to talk (albeit briefly) and Greg left them with a booklet about the gospel and his business card. God has given us many such points of contact along the way for planting seeds. We are struck with the needs and hunger of people everywhere we go - wandering as “sheep without a shepherd.”
Thanks for keeping up with us!
-Laurie (for all of us)
PS. Here are a few pictures from the past few days. More to come...
After our full day in Gettysburg last Wednesday, which Jordan blogged about, we spent the next day at the Dingus’ - hanging out in the morning, then visiting the state capitol building in Harrisburg in the afternoon. We were able to see the Capitol Ministries Pennsylvania office, located right across the street from the capitol - what a great testimony of God’s provision for the ministry there. Then we went on a tour of the capitol itself. What a grand, beautiful building! We were told it is often regarded as the most beautiful capitol building in the country and it certainly was impressive with both its architecture and extensive artwork. Interestingly, there are many Biblical references throughout the building. One particularly interesting one is the Ten Commandments painted as a backdrop at the front of the State Supreme Court room.
Back to the Dingus’ home where we met up with a gal that Greg and I were on youth staff together with at Grace Community Church almost 20 years ago (Cindy Gehman - now married - for those who were around then.) The kids had a pizza and movie night and we adults went out to dinner - then back home to the woods surrounding their home for ice cream and several games of Mission Impossible and hide and go seek.
Friday - Up and out to explore Amish country around Lancaster, PA. First stop was for lunch at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Blue Ball. That was unquestionably our big meal of the day! It made Hometown Buffet look like a sidewalk hot dog stand.
We shared the road with several horse and buggies bearing Amish people, did some sightseeing, and spent some time in the ultimate discount food store. The prices of just about everything were truly unbelievable. We purchased a package of Scrapple to bring home for Rodney because of his expressed interest in this Pennsylvania delicacy. (I’m sure there will be plenty for anyone interested in sampling it as well.) We rounded out the evening with a trip to Cabela’s - a large outdoor sports store. We finally made it back to visit with the Dingus family late into the evening. Lindsay and I taught Ruthie and Carolyn (Dingus) how to make a rag blanket.
Saturday - Loaded up the rig (as to a name - maybe someday!), said goodbyes, with much gratitude in our hearts for God’s gracious gift of refreshment with a wonderful likeminded family, and headed out. Today has mostly been driving - and of course a Starbucks stop. We stopped at a park for lunch and Greg was able to interact for a bit with a young couple about the Lord. This man (Bob) is a recovering heroin addict. He and his wife (Nealy) are back together after being separated, and they have twin boys. They were interested and eager to talk (albeit briefly) and Greg left them with a booklet about the gospel and his business card. God has given us many such points of contact along the way for planting seeds. We are struck with the needs and hunger of people everywhere we go - wandering as “sheep without a shepherd.”
Thanks for keeping up with us!
-Laurie (for all of us)
PS. Here are a few pictures from the past few days. More to come...
Thursday, June 26, 2008
GETTYSBURG
Well this is my first post for the trip on this blog but I've made a few posts on my blog which you can view by clicking here. As you might have gathered from the title, we went to Gettysburg yesterday. We went on an audio-car tour that took us through the major sites of the battlefield.
My personal favorite point of interest was Little Round Top. My favorite Civil War Hero is Lawrence Chamberlain and he immortalized Little Round Top. After studying so much of the Civil War time period, it was amazing to be there!
Later last night at dinner, for which we finally found a restaurant called Baker's Diner Restaurant at about 9:30 p.m., after ordering our meals, our waiter Chris brought us out a piece of a Pennsylvania classic called SCRAPPLE. Just to give you a little idea - it's pig inerds deep fried in lard!! If your interested in reading more click here(pay special attention to paragraph number four). Dad made every one(including Carolyn Dingus who was with us all day)try it. Tyler got out of it because he is so young.
My personal favorite point of interest was Little Round Top. My favorite Civil War Hero is Lawrence Chamberlain and he immortalized Little Round Top. After studying so much of the Civil War time period, it was amazing to be there!
Later last night at dinner, for which we finally found a restaurant called Baker's Diner Restaurant at about 9:30 p.m., after ordering our meals, our waiter Chris brought us out a piece of a Pennsylvania classic called SCRAPPLE. Just to give you a little idea - it's pig inerds deep fried in lard!! If your interested in reading more click here(pay special attention to paragraph number four). Dad made every one(including Carolyn Dingus who was with us all day)try it. Tyler got out of it because he is so young.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Day 6 (June 23), & Day 7 (June 24)
We’ve been doing a lot of driving the last couple of days! On Monday, we pulled out of Minneapolis at just after 5am (CST). After covering 680 miles and 5 states (MN, WI, IL, IN, and OH), we arrived in Toledo, OH at 9:30pm (EST). We made a few stops along the way, not the least of which was a spontaneous visit to my Aunt Virgie and Cousin Tom in Lombard, IL (a suburb of Chicago). Needless to say, we were just a bit tired after more than 15 hours on the road. We enjoyed swimming at the hotel we stayed at in Toledo before we went to be, and then had a good and long night’s sleep.
Because we didn’t have as far to drive on Tuesday, we didn’t leave Toledo until 10am. We then covered about 450 miles, arriving at our destination of Hershey, PA (just outside of Harrisburg) about 7:30pm. We are going to be here for a few days taking in some of the sights, including the Gettysburg Civil War Battlefield. We are staying at the home of Carl and Ruthie Dingus, and their kids Carolyn, Caleb, Colin, Carlton, and Christopher. Carl is the Capitol Ministries (www.capmin.org) ministry leader for Pennsylvania. We’ve known him and his family for a number of years now, and are really grateful for their hospitality and the opportunity to spend some time together. After we arrived on Tuesday, they drove us over to the Hershey Theme Park, where we walked around for a bit and had a tour of the Hershey Chocolate Factory. Very fun and tasty!
On Wednesday we are planning on heading to Gettysburg, which is about 45 minutes south of Hershey. In preparation for our visit there, a few of us watched the movie “Gettysburg” in the van while we were on the road on Tuesday. It’s been 145 years since that infamous, bloody battle. I doubt that Robert E. Lee or any other Confederate or Union participants could have ever imagined a family of 6 someday driving through the Pennsylvania countryside in an air conditioned van, sipping Diet Coke, eating pretzels, and watching a DVD about their heroics and bravery. I don’t ever want to take for granted the privileges and blessings we have because of others who have gone before us, nor forget the price that so many paid for the freedoms we enjoy. We’ve been given a great stewardship and trust.
More updates to come!
Greg
P. S. Quote of the day from Monday: In the morning, we were all talking a bit about a book we left for Helen, our host in Minneapolis, entitled, “Heaven, Your True Home”, by Joni Eareckson Tada. One of the kids asked about whether or not it seemed a little funny to give such a book to someone like Helen who is advanced in years. My dear wife Laurie replied by saying, “Well, it’s better to read about heaven now than wait until you’re dead.” Not much more to say with that one!
Because we didn’t have as far to drive on Tuesday, we didn’t leave Toledo until 10am. We then covered about 450 miles, arriving at our destination of Hershey, PA (just outside of Harrisburg) about 7:30pm. We are going to be here for a few days taking in some of the sights, including the Gettysburg Civil War Battlefield. We are staying at the home of Carl and Ruthie Dingus, and their kids Carolyn, Caleb, Colin, Carlton, and Christopher. Carl is the Capitol Ministries (www.capmin.org) ministry leader for Pennsylvania. We’ve known him and his family for a number of years now, and are really grateful for their hospitality and the opportunity to spend some time together. After we arrived on Tuesday, they drove us over to the Hershey Theme Park, where we walked around for a bit and had a tour of the Hershey Chocolate Factory. Very fun and tasty!
On Wednesday we are planning on heading to Gettysburg, which is about 45 minutes south of Hershey. In preparation for our visit there, a few of us watched the movie “Gettysburg” in the van while we were on the road on Tuesday. It’s been 145 years since that infamous, bloody battle. I doubt that Robert E. Lee or any other Confederate or Union participants could have ever imagined a family of 6 someday driving through the Pennsylvania countryside in an air conditioned van, sipping Diet Coke, eating pretzels, and watching a DVD about their heroics and bravery. I don’t ever want to take for granted the privileges and blessings we have because of others who have gone before us, nor forget the price that so many paid for the freedoms we enjoy. We’ve been given a great stewardship and trust.
More updates to come!
Greg
P. S. Quote of the day from Monday: In the morning, we were all talking a bit about a book we left for Helen, our host in Minneapolis, entitled, “Heaven, Your True Home”, by Joni Eareckson Tada. One of the kids asked about whether or not it seemed a little funny to give such a book to someone like Helen who is advanced in years. My dear wife Laurie replied by saying, “Well, it’s better to read about heaven now than wait until you’re dead.” Not much more to say with that one!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Day 5 (June 22) - Minnesota
It was a beautiful day in Minneapolis, and all the more special because we had the joy of worshipping at Bethlehem Baptist Church (www.hopeingod.org) in the morning. The church is unique for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it meets on three campuses, though it is one church. The original and central campus of this 100+ year old church is in downtown Minneapolis, and then there is a south campus and a north campus. We attended the north campus in the suburb of Mounds View. The worship services take place at the same time on all campuses (1 on Saturday night, and 2 on Sunday morning). There is a live team of people leading the service and music at each campus, but the preaching occurs in an intriguing way. Whoever is preaching each weekend (usually John Piper, as he did today at the north campus), is only physically present at one campus, and then his message is shown live through video feed at the other campuses. Certainly a different way of doing things, but it seems to be an effective way of shepherding a large flock in a large geographical area.
It was a blessing to have my Dad with us at the service. John preached from Ps. 69, as he is doing a series through the Psalms this summer. He proclaimed a powerful message concerning the wrath and mercy of God – very beneficial for me personally The music and atmosphere of the whole service was very simple, passionate, and Christ-exalting. Likewise, the people were friendly and welcoming – reminded me a lot of River City Grace! We were grateful for an opportunity to meet Dr. Piper after the service (he had a few theological questions to ask me, but I had to decline, since we’re on vacation and all :)!) Seriously, God has used the man in my life in a marvelous way, and I simply wanted to express my thanks to him for so many faithful and impacting years of ministry. Really a treat for the whole family to share in this.
The seven of us then had a relaxing picnic lunch at a park near the north campus (man, how cool this GPS thing is for finding all sorts of things, like parks!) The rest of the afternoon was spent running some errands and getting things ready for our early Monday departure for destinations further east. Sunday night we had a great BarBQ dinner with Dad – kind of a belated Father’s Day feast! We also indulged in some ice cream afterwards, so as to maintain regard for all the necessary food groups.
We sadly said good-bye to Dad Sunday night, as he’ll head home to Wisconsin on Monday, and we’ll continue on our journey. He’s been nursing a knee injury for the last couple of weeks, so the effort and investment he made to come to meet us in Minneapolis is all the more appreciated. Our visit with him was brief, but wonderful and memorable. He’s a special father and grandfather!!
We’ve been very blessed by the hospitality of our host, Helen. Her hospitality has been most refreshing, and we have really enjoyed getting to know her a bit as well. She is a godly and gracious woman who has been a widow for many years, as her husband died in his 40s. We were connected with her through Margaret Z. from RCG, who belongs to a ministry network of people around the country and world who open their homes to travelers. Staying here has been a great blessing – thanks Helen (and thanks, Margaret)!
Monday we travel to Toledo, OH, about 675 miles from Minneapolis. Yahoo, we’re on the road again – as the Lord wills!
Bye for now,
Greg-for all of us!
It was a blessing to have my Dad with us at the service. John preached from Ps. 69, as he is doing a series through the Psalms this summer. He proclaimed a powerful message concerning the wrath and mercy of God – very beneficial for me personally The music and atmosphere of the whole service was very simple, passionate, and Christ-exalting. Likewise, the people were friendly and welcoming – reminded me a lot of River City Grace! We were grateful for an opportunity to meet Dr. Piper after the service (he had a few theological questions to ask me, but I had to decline, since we’re on vacation and all :)!) Seriously, God has used the man in my life in a marvelous way, and I simply wanted to express my thanks to him for so many faithful and impacting years of ministry. Really a treat for the whole family to share in this.
The seven of us then had a relaxing picnic lunch at a park near the north campus (man, how cool this GPS thing is for finding all sorts of things, like parks!) The rest of the afternoon was spent running some errands and getting things ready for our early Monday departure for destinations further east. Sunday night we had a great BarBQ dinner with Dad – kind of a belated Father’s Day feast! We also indulged in some ice cream afterwards, so as to maintain regard for all the necessary food groups.
We sadly said good-bye to Dad Sunday night, as he’ll head home to Wisconsin on Monday, and we’ll continue on our journey. He’s been nursing a knee injury for the last couple of weeks, so the effort and investment he made to come to meet us in Minneapolis is all the more appreciated. Our visit with him was brief, but wonderful and memorable. He’s a special father and grandfather!!
We’ve been very blessed by the hospitality of our host, Helen. Her hospitality has been most refreshing, and we have really enjoyed getting to know her a bit as well. She is a godly and gracious woman who has been a widow for many years, as her husband died in his 40s. We were connected with her through Margaret Z. from RCG, who belongs to a ministry network of people around the country and world who open their homes to travelers. Staying here has been a great blessing – thanks Helen (and thanks, Margaret)!
Monday we travel to Toledo, OH, about 675 miles from Minneapolis. Yahoo, we’re on the road again – as the Lord wills!
Bye for now,
Greg-for all of us!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Day's 3 & 4 (June 20 & 21) - Nebraska to Minnesota
Day 3-
Mostly spent driving. When we reached Minneapolis we met up with dad's dad, who had driven down from Northern Wisconsin to visit for a few days, and went to Culvers for ice cream. We then went to the woman's house where we are staying and settled in. It's a small house with a basement, and we are all staying in the basement. Helen, the woman who is hosting us, is nice and well, the basement is just a basement.
I drove a little over 200 miles which was fun. (I drove about 140 miles on the second day, and just under 10 on the first:))
Day 4-
Today we went to the Great Mall of America! It was HUGE! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was way more than what I had in mind. Me, Jordan & Zach spent most of the day doing the rides that are in the amusement park part of the mall (we got the unlimited all day wrist bands), but we split up and did some shopping and exploring too.
Tomorrow we are going to Bethlehem Baptist Church (Pastor John Piper), and are all excited about that.
We will update some more with some pictures in the next few days. Thanks for continually praying for all of us!
Oh, and John, Daniel Nevins isn't with us. Most of the Nevins family came to our house the night before we left to say good bye, and mom took a picture of all of the kids.
-Lindsay
Mostly spent driving. When we reached Minneapolis we met up with dad's dad, who had driven down from Northern Wisconsin to visit for a few days, and went to Culvers for ice cream. We then went to the woman's house where we are staying and settled in. It's a small house with a basement, and we are all staying in the basement. Helen, the woman who is hosting us, is nice and well, the basement is just a basement.
I drove a little over 200 miles which was fun. (I drove about 140 miles on the second day, and just under 10 on the first:))
Day 4-
Today we went to the Great Mall of America! It was HUGE! I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was way more than what I had in mind. Me, Jordan & Zach spent most of the day doing the rides that are in the amusement park part of the mall (we got the unlimited all day wrist bands), but we split up and did some shopping and exploring too.
Tomorrow we are going to Bethlehem Baptist Church (Pastor John Piper), and are all excited about that.
We will update some more with some pictures in the next few days. Thanks for continually praying for all of us!
Oh, and John, Daniel Nevins isn't with us. Most of the Nevins family came to our house the night before we left to say good bye, and mom took a picture of all of the kids.
-Lindsay
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Day 2 (June 19) - Utah to Nebraska
Mostly spent the day on the road - covered 644 miles. Tonight is a painful night for Greg as we are in the "FAKE" Big Red Country. We all know that the only true red is Oklahoma! (Yes, it's true. Greg has us all brainwashed!)
Quote for the day comes from Jordan. Background info: We were enjoying a rare, relatively quiet moment in the van when Zach suddenly broke out in song. Greg said Jordan's name in a way that meant "Be quiet" to which Jordan answered incredulously,
"What?! I've been quiet for like, two minutes." (All who know Jordan understand what a laugh the rest of us got out of this.)
Quote for the day comes from Jordan. Background info: We were enjoying a rare, relatively quiet moment in the van when Zach suddenly broke out in song. Greg said Jordan's name in a way that meant "Be quiet" to which Jordan answered incredulously,
"What?! I've been quiet for like, two minutes." (All who know Jordan understand what a laugh the rest of us got out of this.)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Day 1 (June 18) - Driving!
We pulled out of our driveway at 4:41 am, and headed East on I-80. If any of you have done this drive before, you know that, well, after Reno, uh, it's pretty boring. Actually, the dessert and salt plains have their own beauty - especially riding in an air-conditioned van!
After a few brief stops for coffee, gas, and "liquid off-loading procedures", we stopped for a picnic lunch at a park in the thriving metropolis of Wells, NV. Lunch was great and we had a chance to stretch our legs and throw the baseball. We also met 4 young high school kids who were hanging out at the park (lots to do there in Wells!). I enjoyed getting to know these 4 a bit, and left them with one of my cards and a copy of the booklet "Ultimate Questions". Planting seeds!
We arrived at our hotel in Park City, UT in the late afternoon. Got settled in the room, then had dinner at Taco Bell (we're trying to eat real healthy). A couple of young men there asked about our American Flag t-shirts (its become a tradition for us to wear these "Old Navy" annual tees on the first day of our vacation), and then let us know they were in the Army and kind of had a thing for the flag. Nick (from Woodland), and Dustin were their names. They've both seen time in Iraq, and Nick is scheduled to go back soon.
Among other things while on the road, we listened to some of John Bunyan's "Pilgrims Progress" (which can be downloaded for free this month from Christian Audio.com.) We also listened to some music, read, watched some dvd's, slept, reviewed some memory verses, listened to some Bill Cosby monologues that the Nevins lent us (when they came by to wish us well last night), and played with the new GPS that the kids and Laurie gave me for Father's Day.
Now we are off to bed, and more road tomorrow!
Miles Today: 681
Total Trip Miles: 681
Quote of the Day: from Lindsay (impatiently), when we located the closest Starbucks on our handy-dandy GPS early this morning: "What...it's 20 MILES to Starbucks?!?!?!?!"
Blessings, Greg
After a few brief stops for coffee, gas, and "liquid off-loading procedures", we stopped for a picnic lunch at a park in the thriving metropolis of Wells, NV. Lunch was great and we had a chance to stretch our legs and throw the baseball. We also met 4 young high school kids who were hanging out at the park (lots to do there in Wells!). I enjoyed getting to know these 4 a bit, and left them with one of my cards and a copy of the booklet "Ultimate Questions". Planting seeds!
We arrived at our hotel in Park City, UT in the late afternoon. Got settled in the room, then had dinner at Taco Bell (we're trying to eat real healthy). A couple of young men there asked about our American Flag t-shirts (its become a tradition for us to wear these "Old Navy" annual tees on the first day of our vacation), and then let us know they were in the Army and kind of had a thing for the flag. Nick (from Woodland), and Dustin were their names. They've both seen time in Iraq, and Nick is scheduled to go back soon.
Among other things while on the road, we listened to some of John Bunyan's "Pilgrims Progress" (which can be downloaded for free this month from Christian Audio.com.) We also listened to some music, read, watched some dvd's, slept, reviewed some memory verses, listened to some Bill Cosby monologues that the Nevins lent us (when they came by to wish us well last night), and played with the new GPS that the kids and Laurie gave me for Father's Day.
Now we are off to bed, and more road tomorrow!
Miles Today: 681
Total Trip Miles: 681
Quote of the Day: from Lindsay (impatiently), when we located the closest Starbucks on our handy-dandy GPS early this morning: "What...it's 20 MILES to Starbucks?!?!?!?!"
Blessings, Greg
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Tomorrow - Day 1
Tomorrow morning (at 4!) we leave for our trip.
Please be praying that we will have a safe day traveling, and that the drivers would get sufficient sleep tonight. I'm sure that if I have the opportunity to drive (which I've been told I will...) you will all hear about it. :)
Someone will be posting later tomorrow about our first day on the road...
Thank you so much!
-Lindsay
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his path.
Please be praying that we will have a safe day traveling, and that the drivers would get sufficient sleep tonight. I'm sure that if I have the opportunity to drive (which I've been told I will...) you will all hear about it. :)
Someone will be posting later tomorrow about our first day on the road...
Thank you so much!
-Lindsay
Proverbs 16:9 In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his path.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
So, why are we taking this trip?
Because gas prices are so low, we wanted to seize the opportunity! :)
Seriously, here’s the dominating reasons:
1. For a number of years, we’ve desired to take a family trip back east to learn more about our country’s history and see many of the key historical places and landmarks.
2. The trip will give us the opportunity to visit numerous friends and family “between here and there”, most of whom we seldom see.
3. We’ll also have opportunity to visit some churches we appreciate and respect, including Bethlehem Baptist Church (John Piper) in Minneapolis, MN; Covenant Life Church (Joshua Harris) in Gaithersburg, MD; and Capitol Hill Baptist Church (Mark Dever) in Washington, D.C.
4. We like road trips – lots of great time and memories as a family.
5. We wanted to do this before the kids graduate from high school.
6. The church leadership was agreeable to Greg combining all of his vacation time together so we could do this.
In light of these things, we’ve been praying about and planning towards this trip for a number of years. One huge recent answer to prayer is that we were able to purchase a “new to us” van (it’s a 2001 Chevrolet conversion van with 65,00 miles – excellent condition and excellent price) at the beginning of June. We didn’t feel our old van (a 1992 Ford with 165,000 miles on it) was up to a cross-country trek, so we’re very grateful for the Lord’s provision of a new set of wheels that really makes the trip possible.
As with every moment of our lives, we’re mindful that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9). We have our plans, but we very much want to be responsive to whatever the Lord has for us along the way – whatever He wants to teach us and however He wants to use us. Please pray we’ll be responsive!
-Greg
Seriously, here’s the dominating reasons:
1. For a number of years, we’ve desired to take a family trip back east to learn more about our country’s history and see many of the key historical places and landmarks.
2. The trip will give us the opportunity to visit numerous friends and family “between here and there”, most of whom we seldom see.
3. We’ll also have opportunity to visit some churches we appreciate and respect, including Bethlehem Baptist Church (John Piper) in Minneapolis, MN; Covenant Life Church (Joshua Harris) in Gaithersburg, MD; and Capitol Hill Baptist Church (Mark Dever) in Washington, D.C.
4. We like road trips – lots of great time and memories as a family.
5. We wanted to do this before the kids graduate from high school.
6. The church leadership was agreeable to Greg combining all of his vacation time together so we could do this.
In light of these things, we’ve been praying about and planning towards this trip for a number of years. One huge recent answer to prayer is that we were able to purchase a “new to us” van (it’s a 2001 Chevrolet conversion van with 65,00 miles – excellent condition and excellent price) at the beginning of June. We didn’t feel our old van (a 1992 Ford with 165,000 miles on it) was up to a cross-country trek, so we’re very grateful for the Lord’s provision of a new set of wheels that really makes the trip possible.
As with every moment of our lives, we’re mindful that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9). We have our plans, but we very much want to be responsive to whatever the Lord has for us along the way – whatever He wants to teach us and however He wants to use us. Please pray we’ll be responsive!
-Greg
Monday, June 9, 2008
Tentative Itinerary
Road Trip 2008
Tentative Itinerary
Wed. 6/18 – Leave Sacramento, overnight in Park City, UT (670 miles)
Thurs. 6/19 – Road day, overnight in North Platte, NE (650 miles)
Fri. 6/20 – Road day, overnight in Minneapolis, MN (670 miles)
Sat. 6/21 – Open Day – Minneapolis
Sun. 6/22 – Open Day – Minneapolis (Worship at Bethlehem Baptist Church)
Mon. 6/23 – Road day, overnight in Toledo, OH (670 miles)
Tues. 6/24 – Road day, overnight in Hershey, PA with our friends the Dingus' (460 miles)
Wed. 6/25 – Open day – Gettysburg
Thurs. 6/26 – Open day – PA State Capitol tour in Harrisburg, relax
Fri. 6/27 – Open day, explore around Amish country in Lancaster County, PA
Sat. 6/28 – Road Day, overnight in Nashua, New Hampshire
Sun. 6/29 – Open Day - church in Chester, NH, then explore southern Maine
Mon. 6/30 – Road Day - explore New York City, then overnight near Philadelphia, PA
Tues. 7/1 – Open Day – tour historical sites in downtown Philadelphia
Wed. 7/2 – Road Day, overnight near Washington D.C. (150 miles)
Thurs. 7/3 – Open Day - Washington D.C.
Fri. 7/4 – Open Day - Washington D.C.
Sat. 7/5 – Open Day - Washington D.C.
Sun. 7/6 – Open Day - Washington D.C.
Mon. 7/7 – Open Day - Washington D.C.
Tues. 7/8 – Open Day - Washington D.C.
Wed. 7/9 – Road Day, overnight in Louisville, KY (680 miles)
Thurs. 7/10 – Road Day, overnight in Topeka, KS (590 miles)
Fri. 7/11 – Open Day with our friends the Floyds in Topeka
Sat. 7/12 – Road Day, overnight in Colorado Springs (545 miles)
Sun. 7/13 – Open Day with our friends the Sinclairs in Colorado Springs
Mon. 7/14 – Ditto
Tues. 7/15 – Road Day, overnight in Park City, UT (570 miles)
Wed. 7/16 – Road Day, Home!! (690 miles)
Estimated Total Miles: 8,000
Thursday, June 5, 2008
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