Charleston - Summer 2009

Cousins Having Fun

I love the city of Charleston. And not only because I have a brother, Nathan, and a sister, Nancy, that lives there, but because there is always something to do. On Friday when we arrived there was an outdoor concert on Kiawa Island. We had a blast there. The children danced and played. Hailey is the best dancer of the group.

On Saturday, we went to downtown Charleston. There was a farmer's market and jumping houses that the kids loved. Then we went to a park under the new bridge. It is the "largest cable-stay bridge in North America".

On Sunday, we went to a sandbar by boat. We rode in the "Hailey Marie". Nathan named his boat after his daughter. The low-country in Charleston reminds me of how much God wants us to enjoy his scenery. Paige, Michael, me, Adam, Blake, Nathan, and Hailey had a wonderful time spending time with our brothers, sisters, and cousins.

Blake Surffing!

We went to a water park in Statesboro, GA with Paige and Michael. There was a ride called "Flow Rider". You could stand on a surf board and try to surf, or lay on your stomach on a boogie board. Adam and Blake both loved it. They only did the boogie board. They would start on their stomachs and try to get up on their knees. And we HAD to make sure their shorts were tide thightly. There were many people who did not think about their swim bottoms!! Uh Oh!

I only got Blake on camera. When Adam was getting on the board, it started lightining. So I was not able to get him on camera. We have laughed and laughed at this video.

"A bad day of fishing is better than a good at work"

I am not sure if this saying is true for everyone. Personally, I would like a good day at work better than a bad day of fishing. Brock and Adam started off on the boat and me and Blake were on the side. Blake caught the only fish. I was glad that it was him because this was his first outing since his surgery.

Brock and Adam trying to figure out what to fish with!

If you look carefully at Adam, you may see his tongue sticking out. When he consentrates really hard, he must have his tongue sticking out to help.

This is the prize winner bass! The one and only fish that was caught.

After about an hour, Blake decided to get on the boat.

Even though we did not catch a lot or even a few fish, we did have a good time spending time with each other. And by the way, Brock painted the boat! He told me he was going to paint the boat camoflauge. I was thinking that it was going to be awful. But, I think he did an awesome job.

The Toughest Boy I Know

Blake had his tonsils and adnoids out on Friday, July 10th. He was the toughest boy ever. On Thursday, we had to go to the hospital for the pre-op lab work. I was nervous that he was not going to sit still and the nurse and I were going to have to hold him down. What was I thinking! We prayed about it before we went in, so why didn't I trust that Jesus was going to handle it. He was so brave. He sat in the chair, layed his arm out, and did not move. He did not whine, complain, or flinch. I was amazed. He is such a brave little boy.

This is Blake waiting at the hospital to do his lab work.

Friday mornning. Papa . . . . . where are you? Are you almost at the hospital? Blake and his Papa are very close. And of course, Papa was in the parking lot when Blake called!

Andalusia Regional Hospital has the best staff. They are very kid friendly. They gave Blake a choice between a wagon or a bed. He chose the bed. I thought he would've chosen the wagon.


This is before they go through the "huge wind tunnel".
When Blake was rolled back into the room, the first thing he said was, "Where's Adam?" Adam and Lala were on their way.

Brock trying to keep Adam entertained without bothering Blake. What a job!


Later that afternoon, Blake is sitting at the front door. Wishing he could go outside.

Happy Father's Day

Adam and Blake have the best step-dad in the entire world. He loves them like they are his own.

This father's day we went to my dad's for the afternoon. When it came time to open presents and read cards, I told him to save mine until last. Since I was in Ecuador earlier, I thought it would be funny to get him a card there. When he opened it he was surprised. Nobody knew what it said! Molly was looking at the card and saw a translation on the back. Who would have thought? Then we got to read what the card actually said.

After everyone left I told Blake that he really needed to pull his tooth. Papa, my dad, said that he had a trick with a dish towel. He said that there was something special about pulling a tooth with a dish towel. Papa was able to pull his tooth. He came running into the living room where everyone was. We had been waiting for the tooth to just fall out because he would not let anyone pull it. I guess Papa as a "special dish towel".

Ecuador - A Humbling Expierence

Our mission trip to Ecuador was amazing. Eugene Meadows, Billy and Wanda Barnes, Betty, Misty Williamson, Sharon Pate, Carrie Fore, and I went to Riobamba, Ecuador on a prayer walking mission trip. We loved on a lot of children and adults. The nationals were mostly roman catholic. The few that were new believers, were on fire for God. Their hunger and thirst for the Word puts mine to shame. The nationals had very little material things. I was thinking on the way home that since I have so much "stuff", my dependence on God is not that much. It was a humbling moment.

Just in case we had the swine flu when we got off of the airplane!

Sunday church service at a public warm spring pool.

Marialana getting baptised at the warm spring. What an amazing public display of her decision to follow Christ.

In Guaranda, we visited a baptist church/school. Our VBS decided to give our mission offering to the school. The money will be used to sponsor or half-sponsor children that are not able to go to the baptist school due to a financial hardship. After we left the church we went up a mountain to pray over the town. While we were going up the mountain, we saw a mound of dirt. Our van had 12 people in it. Our driver said, "We can make it!" Not likely! Everyone had to get out so the van could scrap across the dirt. Then, we gave our testimonies(short version) on the radio in Guaranda.

Wednesday morning, we walked around Riobamba and prayed at different houses. Some people Johnny knew, and some he didn't.


We stopped and prayed at a guy's work place. He was not there, so we prayed anyway. Eugene is holding a baby girl that was going to have brain surgery the following week. Tears came pouring out of his eyes while he prayed. Eugene has a grandson, Samuel, that was born 11 weeks early. Samuel is still in the hospital. He is almost 3 pounds now.





Johnny is interpreting a letter for the young girl in the white shirt. She has a compassion international sponsor. The sponsor had written her a letter in English. It was precious to see her face light up when Johnny was reading the letter.




The lady holding the baby next to me I met Monday night at a bible study in Guano. She owns a fruit stand at the market in Riobamba. So, Wednesday afternoon we stopped by the market to see her and buy some fruit. I gave her a dollar for a banana. You would've thought it was a fifty. She was so happy.


A group praying with a lady that owned a grain stand at the market.



Would anyone like some meat? How long has it been hanging there? Yummy!!



A lady carrying a load of guinea pig food. They were feeding the guinea pigs to fatten them up so then they could eat them!



Four years ago, Billy and Eugene prayed over this land for a church to be built on it. Now . . . there is a church! God showed us things like this everyday and all day long. Now this prayer walking team were able to pray for the church.


The whole group at the hotel.


Be thankful for washing machines!

God taught me to rely on Him and on my team since we didn't have luggage for 4 days. We pulled together as a team and accomplished God's plan for us. I am still called to pray for this nation and for the people that I met. I am very thankful that I was given the opportunity to go to Ecuador to pray for the nation. It was an incredible experience. I will be glad to go again when God calls me to go.

I'm back to the blog

Sorry that I have not blogged in a long time. Not being able to upload pictures was a bummer. But, I am going to try again!