My last entry on this site left you all in MI. But for the past five months I’ve been serving here in my home church in Dryhill, KY – with a few, quick trips to spend some time with friends. Speaking of trips…my trips to the library have been few and far between – thus explains why this blog does not get updated more often. I had a worker at the new company in town (which boasts of wonderful promises like “Bringing Wireless Home”) tell me to call her back in six weeks. She plans to send a technician the nine miles to our house to see if he can find a signal on our mountain from the tower in town. I sure hope they can ‘Bring Wireless Home’ to ME!
SEPTEMBER ‘07
Brian & Katherine Schaadt - New Tribes Mission Aviation
September 2nd was a special, Sunday evening in that a group of us from our church made the hour and a half trip to Bethanna Baptist Church in Cornettsville, KY to see missionary friends of mine. Brian and Katherine Schaadt serve with New Tribes Mission in the Aviation program. They blessed all their listeners with what they shared. As they were sharing, I asked God, “Lord, when is it my turn?!” It’s coming – in His timing.
Alexio and the Dino bush
Since the Creation Museum (near Cincinnati) has opened, a group from our church has gone twice. I have walked away from it both times saying, “God, You’re so big. I’m so little. I’m glad I can trust You.” Check out their site www.answersingenesis.org
OCTOBER ‘07
Alethea & Jonathan Getz
"Aunt Sonya, where are the bird eggs?"
Anytime seeing my sister and her kids is a good time, but especially when we’re together outdoors. Bambie and the children came to KY for a quick visit. The kids might have grown up in Michigan, but they love the mountains with just about as much passion as their aunt.
Road Rage Winners - I mean, Road Rally Winners
Thanks to the hard work and planning of my brother and Sis-in Law (Sam and Jess) a Fall Retreat gave spiritual encouragement for all 9th-12th grade campers, and college-age, used-to-be-campers. Our camp cook was kind enough to let us use her house for our weekend of challenge, fantastic eating, and the fierce competition of a Road Rally – which our team won. =)
Fran & Oscar Jones
“Short and very Sweet – and made me feel like a million dollars”. That’s how I would describe Fran and Oscar Jones’ visit with me. They came from MO bringing me a gift – their presence. Fran and Oscar serve faithfully in the church I attended when I was going to the Language Institute in MO. They took me under their wing while I was there.
NOVEMBER ‘07
Taking a breather from our hike up the mountain
Dedicated friends – gotta love ‘em! Jenny Slay (one of ‘my campers’ who now has some of her own campers!) came from Lexington to spend a weekend with me. The weather was fantastic and we were outdoors enjoying the mountains in various ways.
An early Christmas - Daniel and his Sudoku game
Daniel and Lizzy's playdough robot
Jonathan - and...something!
Lizzy practicing her culinary skills with knife and playdough
Lydia "Liddy", taking a breather on her handicapped aunt
If you had come to my house at Thanksgiving, you would’ve barely found a place to sleep or sit down, but you would’ve found lots of grandchildren, heard lots of noise, plenty of laughter – but never would’ve you found a dull moment.
The Mackeys
Until next time, friends!
No more had I say goodbye to all my siblings (except for my twin) when I had the delight of welcoming Ginger and Chris Mackey to my house. They graduated with me in May ‘07 from the New Tribes Mission training. Don’t tell Chris I’m writing this about him…but in Ginger’s single years, she and I had plans to work in a tribe together in Brazil – until he got in the way and stole her heart. I was left alone to deal with my loss. They make a fantastic team and I am blessed to be a friend!
DECEMBER ‘07
Happy Birthday, Lois!
There are not too many times in life that I get to help long-distance friends celebrate birthdays, but I did this time when I went for a visit to Southland Bible Institute where I graduated in 2003.
At El Azul Grande
Goodbye Alvarados!
Sophia and I enjoyed the challenge of helping and participating in our Christmas play this year. The young actors were our bus children and each did a fantastic job. During this same time, we had Sophia’s Mexican friends from Michigan visiting with us. Omar, Mary, and Miriam Alvarado came to help Sophia present the Gospel to our friends at the two Mexican restaurants in Hazard – the next county over from ours. The mangers in both restaurants allowed us to come in after they had closed for the night and Omar preached while Sophia used her chalk art drawing skills. Several men were saved and some even came to our New Year’s Eve party. The ones who did get saved are experiencing some persecution from the ones who didn’t believe. Pray for them.
As is my family’s custom, we went north for Christmas to spend time with my extended family in PA.
My personal bodyguards - I mean first cousins! Joe & Roger
My second cousin - My hats off to you Joey for serving our country!
Aunt Shirley, Dad, Aunt Sandy and Grandma
JANUARY-FEBRUARY ‘08
Welcome Home Billie!
My good friend and fellow prayer partner, Billie, has had three hip surgeries since August. I've been blessed to 'pitch in' for her and her daughter, Taylor, until life could get back on track. During my recovery ordeal, so many people made my load lighter. I was privileged to give something back in return.
Our Little Girls
Our 'Big' Girls
Breakfast at our house
“I don’t know why we call it a ‘sleepover’ when no one gets any sleep.” That’s what Sophia told me as we planned two slumber parties for the young girls in our church. What we
did plan on was having fun – and that we did!
