more visitors

We arrived to the airport early this time. Two times in a row, we arrived on time and the flights were early. Unfortunately for us, the plane was delayed, exiting delayed (a medical emergency) and there were issues with needing our exact address. Por fin, Joel and Annette entered Belize!

Joel and Annette on the plane here

Of course they (accidentally) taunted us with stories of eating Chick A Fila in the airport in Miami. Our only fast(ish) food around here would be Orange Walk Tacos.

we stopped to eat before seeing the waterfalls

It was a nice break to have both Joel and Annette here.  Nathanael and I were able to have some time with Joel as well as a date far away from the kids.

Joel preaches at Koinonia, Pastor Ed interprets

We really enjoyed visiting old places, showing them new ones, and exploring a waterfall we hadn't ever been to before.

Joel at Laminai

We are so thankful for the adventure we had with them

The very full van after church on Sunday 

It is always nice to experience our world through someone else's eyes.

Church on Sunday

a part of the adventure

all started well, leaving the Hopewell parking lot after many tearful goodbyes. Not even an hour into our journey Nathanael looked back to see one of the trailer tires had completely blown!

It was in pieces. The spare was replaced but air leaked out. We abandoned the trailer on the turnpike, and got a pressure pump to re-fill the tire  After almost 3 hours, we were on our way again.

Another hour past and Nathanael noticed a sudden drop in the power. He stopped to check fluids, inspect the van.  After a process it was discovered we had a faulty transmission. My uncle rescued us from the side of the turnpike. At this point it was nearing 11:30 at night. We were an hour and a 1/2 away from their house our intended destination). Thankfully they are farmers. He had a truck and pulled our trailer. He also stopped at Wal Mart for a temporary transmission  fix. (as Tom Sadler more about this as I am not a mechanic by any means) This fluid made it possible for Nathanael to drive the van (slowly) to the farm.

It was nice to be in the comfort of family. It was also reassuring that we have a mechanic we can trust.

While the transmission was being re-built, we were able to explore some Johnstown history (yay for field trips that count as school days). My cousin even gave us a pass so we got in for free!!

My aunt spends a good amount of her time caring for my grandmother. It is humbling to watch.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to see my Pop-pop from my dad's side. He took us to Eat'n park (His favorite restaurant).

 

The kids have been enjoying running and exploring the farm. Zephaniah could spend weeks without getting bored.

I for one am enjoying the PA landscape for one last time.

We should (finally) be leaving this afternoon.  We are so thankful to the Hunsburgers for their hospitality and tolerance of our unexpectedly long stay! By the way my aunt runs an awesome Bed and Breakfast if you are ever in the Johnstown area. :)

A re-do of our schedule

Border crossing (Texas to Mexico) to happen hopefully Monday but possibly Tues (9/4-9/5)
One night in Mexico "alone"
One night with the Stevensons outside of Mexico City
One night alone
Bringing Belizean Border crossing to Thursday (or so)

Thanks so much for your prayers!

We are not leaving on a Jet plane

I am aware that our newsletter shared how a friend blessed us with a van. We wanted a 15 passenger van for use in Belize. Most people who attend church don't have a vehicle. Culturally, the churches in Belize have a vehicle or bus to pick up members. We were so blessed, and will be using the van in this fashion in Belize.














The real question of the hour is how are we getting to Belize?

We will be driving. Today the final stages of packing are being completed including loading up the trailer.

For those of you who want to pray through our schedule:


Saturday Nathanael and I will be attending the Overcoming Anger seminar at Hopewell. We are excited that we are able to do this before leaving.

Sunday we will be at Hopewell, then leave from there.

We should be crossing the border between Mexico and Texas either the 31st or 1st of September. We will be one day by ourselves (Sleeping in a Hotel) Over the weekend we will be visiting missionaries in Mexico, Bob and Bonnie Stevenson.

After Mexico City, we have one day in southern Mexico.

We should be crossing the border into Belize around Tuesday September 5.

Please be praying for:

Family peace!!

Taxes both at the Mexican and Belizean border. If you noticed we "defaced" our trailer and van, that is all removable paint.

Safety on the road

We will try to update as often as we can on the ride.

Once we arrive in Belize we won't have internet at home, not sure how long it will take to get it. Last time it was a few weeks..

Thanks so much for your prayers!