Delaware Grammy

And so, another year of Bible School is history.

The last night had the usual things:

The extra people still did their diligent helping:

   

We tried to guess the offering and attendance

And we got the final talleys of both.:

 

This is a little hard to see, but the total attendance is on the pink chart up in the corner.
This table is the contributions made to the mini-food pantry that is maintained by Laws Mennonite Church

 

Joel kept our “mountain” stacked and neatly in order.

 

And this is the offering chart.  I suppose here is as good a place as any to clear up all the confusion.  Gospel for Asia (Not American Bible Society; not Global Tribes Outreach)but Gospel for Asia is the supplier of the Bible School packets that we were raising money for.  So, since each dollar will supply one, our little tiny Bible School will make it possible for over 700 underprivileged children to go to Bible School.

And, since it was the last night of Bible School, we also had a graduation for anyone who has completed eighth grade with at least four years of attendance at our Bible School.  We had one this year.  Here, Mary Beth awaits the final assembly.

  

Here she gets her diploma, and a rose, and she is officially graduated!

Mary Beth Sharp

And then, Our Bible School was over, and the children were going home.  Thanks to an energetic youth group who stayed and helped to get everything cleaned up.  Lots of good memories, lots of good times.  And what a blessing we were given with the ones who took care of all the practical things — I’m quite agravated that I don’t have a group picture of them, but Evanna and Brian, Christina, Donna, Joel, Abby, and Erick —  You all were great!  Your careful attention to detail made everything go more smoothly.  Thanks, you guys!

And thank you, Lord!

One more night of Bible School. 
Praise for a great week!

Random Photos from tonight:

 

We have a new student.  Kaleb joined us tonight.

 

Kaleb’s smile changes the whole classroom.

 

My three beloved students.  I have the best class in the Bible School.

 

But when I tried to get them to smile by saying,
“I kissed a monkey!” this is what happened.

  

What’s behind the bench is always more interesting than what’s up front!

 

“Pick me!  Pick me!!!”
The contest to guess the offering and attendance always produces lots of friendly competition.

 

I am so pleased to have gotten this picture.  These two boys are some of the best “Camera Dodgers” I have ever known.  So here you have them.  Matthew doesn’t know what hit him, but Roger sure looks worried.

P.S. This morning, my computer made a misstep, and I lost some of my e-mail.  If someone is thinking they should be hearing from me and aren’t, re-send your message.  I did some maintenance, and things are going better. 

     Come to Bible School, Come to Bible School!

Every weekday evening, come to Bible School!

Come to Bible School, Come to Bible School1

Every weekday evening, Come to Bible school!

 

And once again, it is that time.  Time for the wonderful week of Bible School at Laws Mennonite Church.

 

By soon after six pm, people start to gather in.  Our attendance is down this year, but the spirit is running high.

Here is part of our “crowd”.  Tonight we had only 42, but the good feelings have been evident to all.

And when the offering for the two nights was tallied up, we had over $230.00 already.  We are planning to use that for Global Tribes Outreach, who wants to put a Bible School packs in the hands of 100,000 children this year.  Each dollar given will provide for one child.  Our group of kids is so excited.  We are also bringing nonperishable things for our church’s “food pantry” and that has enjoyed a great deal o popularity.

 

Our fearless leader and superintendent, Pete, makes a point.  He’s doing a much better job at that than I am on this.

 

I happen to have only two kids so far.  But they are the best ones there, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn to know Rachel, on the left and Briar on the right, better.  Aren’t they beautiful??? And they are behaving so well.    Oh, and there is always room for more.  Call me for information. (302-422-5952)

 

And Of course, we have to have snack:

Don’t let this picture fool you.  Henry IS helping.  Yes, He IS!
And Evanna had a splendid time with organization, as usual.  Our snacks have gotten a bit more regimented.
A cookie, a salty and a drink.  It works wonders, and everyone knows what they are doing.  Of course, some will always ask for seconds, and some will try to sneak, but most of the children are content with what they have. 

After snack, if you were one of the littler ones, you might get the chance to go outside with your teacher and play a world famous game of SOCCER!.

This is Rachel’s Class.  It is her first teaching experience, and is doing very well.  This “soccer team”  created at her instigation, brought alot of enjoyment and  unsolicited instruction.  Don’t they look like they are ready to get out there and win!?!

Rebecca helps her two little sisters, Rachel and (*edit) SARAH. . .
(Everytime I think I have these names memorized, I find out I don’t!)

And then, it was back to class for the final minutes and getting ready to go home.

There was time to ponder the snack an how it was settling into small tummies.

Time to be thankful for a good night and a good time.

 

It was time to get the “chores” done so that  the classroom is orderly and inviting for tomorrow night.

And so they did, and then it was assembly and then it was the final;

Our Bible School is over, and we are going home.

Good bye, Good bye, be always kind and true

Good bye, Good bye, be always kind and true.

Laws Mennonite Church’s Bible School has always been a cause for celebration and it is no different this year.  We are just having a blast!!! Not many kids, as I said, but lots of spirit and co-operation.  We hope to increase our numbers, someway   But if not, even so, it seems like it will be another great year.

 

 He’s been home 6 Months — June 18, 2006

“If you could see me now,
I’m walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now,
I’m standing tall and whole.
If you could see me now,
You’d Know I’ve seen His face.
If you could see me now,
You’d know the pain’s erased.
You wouldn’t want me to leave this place
If you could only see me now!”
~Kim Noblett

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!

 

 

(The song playing is “The Land of Fadeless Day” sung by Harding University College Choir)

Certain Man

 and his

Trusty Crew

 are

 HOME!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Today was our trip with the group from the Country Rest Home to Tangier Island.  When the group’s numbers swelled to over 30, the decision was made to take a big bus.  I was delighted.  I was thinking “Jor-lin.”  Or even “Zook’s” but no, it was not to be.  Just before pulling out of the parking lot after we got back, I hastily took a picture of the bus.  I thought I had it centered, even though the sun was in my eyes.  I didn’t.  However, I want you to know that the transportation was NOT DOWN HILL.  It was comfortable for most of us, and I was very thankful for it.

          We met at Greenwood Mennonite Church.  For some reason, I had 9 AM as the time I was supposed to be there, so I flew around and tried to get everything in order before I left, sailed out the door by 8:47 and prided myself being on time (for once).  I got there and the parking lot was empty.  They must have left without me!  How could I have been so mistaken?  Several frantic phone calls later, I discovered that the time to meet was 9:45.  Okay!  This is one time when Certain Man’s wife was on time!

 

This is Ms. Mary Ebierline, the coordinator of our trip

 

Mark and Polly and Ms. Mary getting us all ready to go.

 

Uncle Vernon and Aunt Freda — today was their 49th wedding anniversary!
(Can you believe it?)

  
Happy faces on the bus.

After a ride of about an hour and a half, we got to the dock where our boat was to leave from.  We had an hour or so to wait, but the day was beautiful and people enjoyed the sunshine.
Mama talks to Carlene, and then Carlene sits with Josie and further down the bench is Ivan.

Mary, Ruthie, Barbara, Herman and Dickie

 
Vivian

 
The water of the Chesapeake is a source of wonder.  I know that people who are more widely traveled than I am have bigger and better stories, but this is “home water” and I love it!

We had wonderful sailing weather and the company could not have been improved upon!

 
Fred, Herman and Paul

 

  
(I’m sorry this is so dark, but–) This is our trusty bus driver, John David, his dad, Lewis, and his gentle wife, Carlene.

 

 
Three fine Lassies, sitting in a row-
Mama, Elizabeth and Evelyn


Ivan and Mary and CMW (That orange-ish man in the middle doesn’t belong to us) Mark, Jr. and Mama.

 

A reverse view of the same picture.

Barbara and Mama

 
The upper deck was full of sun and shadow and laughter.

And we finally came to Tangier Island:

 
Can you read this sign???  (I can’t!)

 
One of the main reasons for going to get a good meal specializing in Seafood.  And the clam fritters were great and the crab cakes delightful.  The only problem is, I didn’t get any pictures of the seafood.  It was very, very good, but not as plentiful as the other “filler” stuff.

And then there was a tour of the island.  Tangier Island is accessible only by water of air.  Transportation on the island is largely golf carts and bicycles.  Approximately 600 people live there year round, and the chief industry is crab and fish.  The thing that impressed me most was the amount of poverty that is there.  There are a few nice houses, but far more that are “shack-like.”  It was a beautiful day, and there was lots to see, and the food was good, but I really don’t think I would like to live on the island.  Maybe if you were raised there (as it seems most of them were) it would hold an attraction that it otherwise does not.

Anyhow, soon it was time to go home.
Mark and Polly on board for the return trip home. 

          I was down on the dock, taking this picture, and the horn was blowing for the last “all aboard.”  I knew I had to hurry with the picture, and I needed to get my ticket out of my billfold where I had put it for safe keeping.  So I took the picture, and fetched out my billfold, struggling to hold on to all my belongings. 
          Alas and alack, when I got my billfold out, the zipper on the coin compartment was opened and the jingle of many pieces of money was heard, falling upon the wooden dock.  I watched in dismay as dimes and nickels and pennies scattered about and disappeared down the cracks.  And one of my fat quarters bounced happily down the deck in front of me, hopped over the edge and disappeared into the green water below.  I gathered up as many as I could while the ship guys waited, and finally got my ticket out and my remaining coins in, and we were finally on our way home.  I confess I was a bit grumpy at the loss of my coins.  I sought, found, and shared a stashed bag of M&M’s.  That didn’t cause my quarters to float, but it made it not so painful!

And this conversation lasted pretty much the whole way home. 
(You go, Uncle Vernon and Fred)

          An hour and a half later, we were back in Crissfield, Maryland, where our bus and a car were waiting for us.    A friend of Daddy’s had passed away this week, and Mark, Jr. was to bring the meditation at the 7 PM memorial service tonight, so Mark and Polly, Mama and I came home in the car.  Mama’s back was hurting her pretty badly, so she was glad she didn’t have to bounce home on the bus.  (My back wasn’t hurting, but I was kinda glad myself!)
          What a joy to be back home again.  It was a sweet day, but bed looks pretty good to this gal tonight.

And it won’t be long now, Lord Willing, until Certain Man and his Trusty Crew come back home.
I will be so glad about that, too! 

The music on this site is Dottie Rambo and crew singing “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before.”    

     Today I was in Dover with my sweet Mama.  And she was tired and a little bit weepy.  Some days are just better than others.  
     It was such a nice time together, and the day went well.  We came home to her pretty house, unloaded groceries and flowers, checked to see if she needed anything, and then I decided to come on home. 
     As I started to leave, I saw her standing there beside her garage so little and vulnerable, and on impulse turned back.  She looked at me with questions in her eyes. 
     “I just wanted to hug you,” I said impulsively.  “I wish so much I had hugged Daddy more often, and I don’t want to miss a chance to hug you.”  Her cheek was so soft, and her hug was warm.  I had done pretty well all day, but I got into my car and by the time I was at the end of the driveway, I was crying.  I cried most of the way home, and I guess I’m not done yet. 
      Life is such a wonderful, beautiful tapestry of good times and grief, wonderful memories and inevitable partings. I have to say that though I really love life, the pain gives it a color that turns my heart towards the Father, and thoughts of what it will be like someday to be in His presence.  What will it be like?  Listen to the words of His Beautiful, Infallible, Holy Word:

        “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow or crying, neither shall there be any more pain;  for the former things are passed away.” 
Rev. 21:4

Once again — What a HOPE!

Certain Man and the trusty crew is having a great time in Indiana.  By last night, they had finished the chores that were supposed to last until Wednesday.  Today, there was a whole lot of waiting around for material, so Certain Man took off for town to see if he could find the lumber yard.  I was talking to him on the phone and he was LOST.  Can’t see how that would help the cause.  However, he was stopping for directions, and he could not say enough good about the young people. 

Some Praises:

• Attitudes are really optimistic, enthusiastic and energized


• The young people have been staying well.


• The WALL came down with a spectacular display and there is a video to prove it.  (YES!!!)


• The cooks have been doing a super job. 


• Pancakes and biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast


• cookies, (awesome cookies!!!) and cinnamon rolls, too.


• An invite for the entire team to someone’s house for supper tonight


• Good working conditions, good working companions


• Really good weather, which is a most timely praise since it rained Saturday and Sunday


• The bickering is minimal


• The hands are willing

There has been far more than this going on, and I am aware that the other parents are probably getting steady reports, but if anyone wants to see a few pictures, go over to WWW.Xanga.com/Jesses_girl99 and check it out.

The Members of the team are Certain Man, Jesse, Christina, Joel, Caleb, Abby, Pete, Jessica, Lori, Josh, Rach, and Laura.  They would appreciate your prayers.

What has happened to us?

There was a time when we were full of joy. 

The daily round of things that challenged were simply that —  Challenges.

Somewhere along the road to Heaven, we find ourselves bogged down.

And now,  it seems the uncertainties are too much for us to bear.

Lord Jesus, could you tabernacle Your Glory

In the common tents of our hearts?

Somewhere between the cherubims of loss and grief

Establish the blaze of Your Glory

So that no one may miss, and no one can misunderstand

That it is really You.  REALLY YOU that:

Will be strong in our weaknesses. 

Will blaze with light in our dark valley.

Will be glorified in spite of the broken vessels.

Oh, Lord Jesus, I know.  I truly KNOW that

It is out of the broken vessels —

Through the cracks and through the rubble —

That Your Light is most visible.

I know that we are broken.

Let  Your Light shine out.

And let The Light show us the way.

 

Today our niece, Joy, got married to a young man named Jim Briggs.

I got to the wedding to discover that my picture card was missing from my camera.

I have no pictures.

I am sad.

And a wee bit tired.

But I am thankful for “traveling mercies” in the miles that Mama and I drove.

And I am really,  really,  really,  really,  really,  really,  really,  glad to be home before dark.

 

Oh, yes, I almost forgot.  I am very glad that there were no men standing at the porcelain conveniences when I got into the wrong restroom at the Lancaster Cracker Barrel.  And that is all I am going to say about that.