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...