As part of our three-month furlough, we have spent approximately one month in Alabama, and we are currently finishing up our second month in Iowa. Time is flying by very quickly! Tomorrow we head north to Wisconsin for our last month of furlough. We packed up the car today. It was much easier packing this time, since everything we have here goes with us. When we left Alabama, however, we had to sort before packing. That required a lot more brain power.

As I anticipate leaving this oasis spot, I realize what a blessing it is to be able to have roots. To be able to settle down and stay in one location is something I tend to take for granted. Being able to see the same people each Sunday is also a blessing… not that I don’t enjoy visiting with the wonderful people who pray for our family at the many churches we visit in the States. But there is something to be said for sameness and familiarity.

After saying that, I will backtrack to mention how much I enjoyed visiting our sending church, CrossRoad Baptist Church in Ames, IA. What a joy to see people I’ve known for over twenty years! The large number of international students reminded me of how much I love ministering to these transient, open people in need of friendship and a helping hand leading them to our Savior. Pastor Will Hatfield spoke on our identity, and part of my identity is found in my connection to this group of Christians. I’m so thankful for their influence in my life.

The land of corn, soybeans, and wind power!

We began our trek in America in Alabama. We were there most of the month of July. Then came the long trip to Iowa. After getting chased out of Creston by tornadoes, our family spent a quiet time at a cabin in western Iowa while visiting with friends in the area.

The next stop was Brayton, where we met this little fellow whom we chased out of church. Talk about bats in the belfry!

This bat was traumatized after we captured it in an ice cream bucket and put him outside. He sat there gathering his wits for quite a while.

We were excited about traveling the couple hours to Story City, where we could unpack our suitcases for two weeks, but it took us longer than we dreamed.

Getting towed near Boone

Our water pump broke down, which caused all sorts of horrid problems. As I write this, it is still in the shop getting repaired. We hope it will be done by next week. Thankfully, friends have been visiting us here (We did finally make it to Story City!), and we can borrow a car from them if need be. All in all, God was very good to us. We counted the reasons to be thankful, as we waited for the wrecker to come.

I’ll have to say, Iowa has been a real adventure. What could possibly be next?