On The Road Again, Again, Again

OK, that's the last time I'll use that title, promise.

Trip: Apple Valley, MN to Monterrey, MX
Leg 3: Des Moines, IA to McAllen, TX

We left Des Moines around 11:30pm and set sail for McAllen, TX with only a short stop planned in KC Missouri to see Gary and Steph Denbow (some more good friends of ours from RVC) however it was about 2am as we were approaching KC. We called them earlier and told them we might not be able to stop in and see them this trip and that we'll have to catch up with them next time.

It's going to be a long drive through the night. We've never done an overnight drive like this, so it's going to be interesting to see how it goes. Chris took over heading out of Des Moines and I tried to get some sleep. He probably got a couple good hours of driving in before getting drowsy. It's funny how when you're a kid, staying up all night seems like a good idea, but the farther I get away from my first birthday, the less wise the whole idea seems. Anyway, Chris did an awesome job and was discerning enough to tell me he couldn't take it anymore.

So I jumped in the cockpit of our silver 2002 Kia Sedona complete with a trailer hitch and trailer full of the most critical belongings we think we'll need over the next 3 months (and maybe some that didn't seem as critical to me but Sandra and the children thought we couldn't live without them). Funny thing, though, as soon as I say something like that, I'm looking for something, realizing it is something I can't live without it, only to discover I didn't pack or bring it. This time it was our TV, but I'll write more about that later.

I drove from about 3am until sunrise (sometime between 5-6 am somewhere in Oklahoma). I did all kinds of silly things to try and keep myself awake the last 15-20 minutes, like pinching myself, moving around in my seat a lot, directing the blowers with the AC right at my face, etc. Most of it didn't work for more than a minute and I finally threw up the white flag in surrender, somewhere in the southern half of Oklahoma.

Sandra, armed with less than 1/2 hour of consecutive sleep at anytime through the night and what I think was about a 46 ounce cup of convenience store coffee took over the helm. She is a real trooper, let me tell you!

On The Road Again, Again

Trip: Apple Valley, MN to Monterrey, Mexico
Leg 2: Mankato, MN to Des Moines, IA

We set out from Mankato, MN about 6:30pm, several hours later than planned, en route to Des Moines, IA where we visited some close friends, Micheal and Claudia (and Dr. Pepper) Sharpe. Dr. Pepper is their dog Pepper, a miniature schnauzer, the children love him.

We got to Micheal and Claudia's about 10:30pm, much later than we had hoped to, and visited for about an hour before hitting the road again. It was great to see them and catch up with them on how they're doing, their church, etc. They are expecting their first baby in August.

Micheal and Claudia were on staff at YWAM Monterrey for several years and were instrumental in Sandra and I completing our DTS. They were very encouraging and supportive throughout the process.

Thanks again, guys. We love you and miss not being able to touch base with you weekly!

On The Road Again

Trip: Apple Valley, MN to Monterrey, Mexico
Leg 1: A stop at Dad's house in Mankato, MN
Est. Departure Time: 9:00am

Actual Departure Time: 12:30pm
Trip Details (Leg 1 only): We set out quite a bit later than anticipated (but not unusual). After getting entirely loaded up at the Alreck's house, we set out for the Lakeville Fleet Farm to check the hitch we were using to pull the trailer (no kidding!). We had to make an exchange at Fleet Farm and all in all it took us about an hour. You know the routine, go to Customer Service, make the exchange, go back to the dept., get the new item, etc.

So we were Mankato bound by about 12:30pm. Made good time to Mankato, MN. Got our things loaded up in Mankato which also involved reloading the trailer. We were about ready to head out from Mankato, MN at about 4pm when we realized we were taking my Dad's answering machine. You see, he has been using our phones since we moved our belongings into his basement and our phones included a built-in answering machine. He had plenty phones to not miss the phone, but I didn't want to leave him high and dry, nor did I want anyone in the family worried about why he wasn't answering his phone and there not being a way to leave him a message.

So, we headed up to the local Best Buy, took a wrong turn and inadvertently ended up at Menard's, a chain I haven't always been particularly fond of, however we found a great deal on a wireless phone/answering machine combo, a GE for about $29.99. Brought it home and set it up for my dad (a little concerned that he might have trouble with the technology) and it's been working great ever since. He even commented that he doesn't accidentally hang up on people with the newer wireless phone. It's a win-win.

Personal and home electronics are very expensive in Mexico. They often charge as much as 25% more than in the U.S. Taking the phones with us will save us 15-20 dollars in mark-up not to mention the cost of additional phones. Sorry for the inconvenience, Dad, but I think you'll be happier in the longrun.

I Have a Concern Here

Well, Father, I have a bit of a concern...we are to leave for Mexico in a little over a week and we still have a ways to go on raising support (of course, you already know that). And if I could have everything my way, I'd have the full amount raised before I ever loaded up our car and hit the road. Well, I understand I may not always be able to have everything my way, but couldn't you just do me this favor? It would help my anxiety and the whisper in my ear saying, "You must be out of your mind leaving with your family knowing you still have to raise a few thousand dollars in support."

Father, I know you will make a way and in no way do I want to put you to the test. I believe but please help me with my unbelief.

The Date is Set

It's an interesting spot to be in, a few thousand dollars short on your support need and yet feeling like God and circumstances are prompting you to get back to the ministry set before you. A good friend of mine, Chris Manthey, who has a very strong interest in World Missions, is interested in helping us drive back to Mexico so he can check out YWAM Monterrey, get a feel for the ministry and seek God's calling on his life.

As could be expected, Chris began asking, "When are you planning on heading back so I know how to plan?" In addition, he was trying to balance it with some ministry commitments he currently has. So, after some hesitation and discussing our schedules, priorities, etc., we landed on 5/31 as the date we would return to Mexico (still a few thousand dollars short).

Now, I believe and know God can do anything, including miracles, however I have to admit, my faith was wavering on this one. Nonetheless, we decided to target 5/31 as the departure date and go with it. So, now we have an answer whenever someone asks, "When are you guys planning on returning to Mexico?"

Thanks Chris, I think God sent you to give me a little kick in the pants.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

For the month of May, 15% of any flower and plant purchases you make at Pahl's Market in Apple Valley, MN will go toward Missions. If you haven't bought your flowers yet, stop on in at Pahl's, load up your cart and help support reaching the Nations for Christ! Just mention the River Valley Church Missions fund-raiser.

Message in a Bottle

River Valley Church (RVC), our home church, took an amazing step for missions. They gave $100 in a bottle to $100 people (yes, $10,000 in all) along with a message on the Parable of the Talents. These 100 people are taking the $100 and multiplying it to raise money for missions. There are many different fund-raisers going on and we have been blessed and humbled by several of them. Some examples of the types of fund-raisers people are doing are:

• Making Soup
• Plant and Flower sale
• Silent Auction
• Photo Shoots
• Buying, making and selling things
• Texas Hold 'em Tournament

It has been humbling to see and hear about all the different things people have been doing (whether the proceeds go to our ministry or not). I wish all the missionaries supported by our church could be here to see the Body of Christ in action. It is amazing!

The God of Relationships

I was just reflecting on an outing we had a couple weeks ago. Since coming back to MN, I had been trying to get in touch with a good friend of mine and his mother. Our schedules didn't seem to work out, but when the planets finally alligned, they told us we were going someplace that was, "a surprise." Those of you that know me know how I handle surprises. The suspense just about kills me so I keep guessing until I've exhausted all possibilities.

Well, we headed out toward Jordan and finally came to a dirt road. They said, "Turn down this road," which really didn't look like much other than a dirt road. In fact, it almost reminded me of one of our afternoons of ministry visiting a small burmese villiage in Thailand. When we got there, we realized we were at the house of some friends we hadn't seen in a couple years. We used to go to church with them, attend small groups, play on the worship team together and even spent a couple of holidays together.

It was such a blessing that it got me thinking all over again how important friendships and relationships are. In fact, it's one of my New Year's resolutions this year. God has blessed us with so many incredible friends and if you're reading this, it's likely you're one of them. We thank God for you and wouldn't be where we are without you. I believe we see Him through
of you.