Thursday, May 10, 2012

A Tribute...


With Mothers Day just a few days away I wanted to talk about 3 important ladies in my life. I would like to start with Judy. She is my biological mother. I have never met her, but I pray for her daily. I’m thankful for her because she is the one who brought me into this world. But due to some circumstances she was not able to care for my brother and me. 

So here enters the next lady, Charleen, also known as Nana.  She is my great aunt, but I consider her a mother figure in my life. Her and my Great Uncle Bob took my brother Jason and me in as their own. I have many great memories while living with them.  Our children see them as a second set of grandparents and love them dearly. They felt the need to adopt us out to non family members so we would have the chance for a normal life. I know it was hard for them to let us go, but they did it for our own good. For that I am forever grateful.

Next enters my Mom and Dad, Mary and Jim. They took us into their home and their hearts. They loved us when we were just two little strangers in their home. My Mom has been one of my best friends. As a teenager I would come home from work late and Mom was always ready to hear about my day. No matter how sleepy she was she always had time for me to vent, or just talk about how crazy my day had been. She was there when I needed to cry or just needed to talk. She also was there when I was first reunited with my Great Aunt and Uncle.  I know that sometimes I was a handful, but my parents loved me and helped me. She is one of the strongest people I know. Shortly after they adopted us my Dad was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm for a year. I could only imagine the times of loneliness and frustrations she faced while trying wrangle two kids by her self. I never heard her complain and always seemed to be on her game. Looking back now I can see all that they went through that long year apart.  She is one of my heroes and I love her very much!

My Mom and I on my wedding day

Never too old for a hug from Momma
I could go on and on but I just wanted to tell everyone that I am very thankful for these three ladies that played such a valuable role in my life.  I love each and every one of them and wish them, and you, a Happy Mothers Day.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Our Decision...



As you already know we recently returned from a trip farther north to Ilulissat. The purpose of this visit was to visit the Shulls and to see about moving up there to work with them.  After lots of prayer and seeking the Lord we have decided that we are going to make the move!  I’m really excited and nervous all at the same time!

Moving here is not the same as moving to another town in the States. We have to get a container, ship it, wait to see if we need to do any updating on our already pending paperwork, get plane tickets, and lots more.  We are looking at moving at the beginning of September, so hopefully the ice won’t be bad in the harbor in Ilulissat so our container can arrive safely. Please pray as we are already preparing for our move.

Marty and our kids in front of the first Baptist church in Greenland!
Some of the houses in Ilulissat
We are sad to leave Sisimiut and our friends we have made here, but in Ilulissat, we will get the ministry experience we need. Our prayer is to be able to come back to Sisimiut in a few years and start a church after we have learned the languages and the culture better. We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us as we strive to please Him in our ministry here in Greenland.   

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Our trip to Ilulissat


We are home from a great trip! We had a blast. And we miss the Shull family already. I had over 400 pictures to choose from so here are just a few of our fun time in Ilulissat.  It was great to be able to fellowship with Chris and Carole and their kids. They are sweet people, and their kids were a joy to be around.

We enjoyed getting to see the church and meeting the people the Shulls have been able to minister to.  Our kids had so much fun playing with the other kids. They watched movies, played games, and just enjoyed being around other kids that speak English. They played until they were utterly exhausted some days!

My favorite part of the trip was the late nights sitting up and talking to Chris and Carole. We laughed, talked about Greenland and lots more. I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord will allow us to do in the coming months. Please continue to pray for us and the Shull family.  
The Shull family and us

Our kids had an awesome time with the other children. 
3D movie!
All 8 kids, never a dull moment with that
many kids under one roof. 
We got to hear Aataa and Aanaa sing. Loved it!
Marty and the kids in front of the first
Baptist church  in Greenland!
I got to fellowship with Carole, which was awesome!!