It has been a while since posting. We had the most wonderful time visiting people along the way back to California. We are so blessed to have such great friends who we worked along side at Friend Ships.
After 4 weeks of staying at Josh and Rebekah's and working on the mini-bus we were finally able to get it on the road. At the end of four weeks we decided to take a quick trip to Canada to see Joel's family. We surprised everyone greatly. Joel and I got to Canada at mid-night and went to Mom and Dad's bedroom window. I whispered loudly: Mom . . . . Dad . . . Mom . . . Dad . . . Butler. Mom peeps her head up to the window and says "YOu have got to be joking me" Thus began our 3 full day stay in Canada. Mom was so excited and not realizing the time of night we came she said "Lets go over to Sarah's." "Mom it is really late" "OH she breast feed the kid she should be up." Mom then looks at the clock and said "Oh I guess it is late and they are probably not up any more"
We had a blast with the Butlers and we are really glad we were able to go.
The day we went to leave Joel was praying "Lord if the bus has any problems please let it break down here" And what happened 3 things went wrong with the bus that day; including the breaks going out. Praise God!!
We finally left the guys fixed it. Josh and all the guys at CMTS were so wonderful. We felt blessed and loved while there.
Joel and I then headed over to Pittsburg PA to spend 2 nights with the Condrons: David, Diane, Nathaniel, and Elise. We had a wonderful time and were blown away by how grown Nathaniel and Elise are. Elise (who is 11) has decided that she is going to come and help us (for summer vacation) when we get settled and are more prepared for short term crew. And when she gets to be 18 or older she wants to work for us full time and be a famous Actoress. We are still working how she can do both? Hopefully by the time she wants to volunteer for us full time we will have that all worked out.
Joel and I then headed to Virginia where we stayed a week with Kippin, Janna, Jennifer, and Debi. We were also able to visit Ty, Joi, and True-Matt and Sara-Clay. We had the most wonderful time fellowshipping and going to the river and just having fun. Joel and I also celebrated our 5 year anniversary!!! Kippin took us out for an Italian dinner. It was very very yummy!!! I was so sad to leave. I wish that we could either have a food ministry their or they could all move out where we are.
(Kippin and I. Kippin taking us out to eat for our Anniversary)
(Our 5 year anniversary)
After a week JOel and I headed to Mississippis where we stayed the night at Jeff and Anne Reed's new house. It was great meeting Anne for the first time and Jeff gave us a tour of the radio station he produces for. It was so great and felt so blessed.
This was after Jeff gave us a tour of the radio station. Mr. Riley works at the radio station with Jeff and is the Dad of a girl (Hannah) who is at Friend Ships. Mr. Riley got really excited about our new ministry.
(Joel, Jeff, and Mr. Riley)
WE then headed and stoppped in New Mexico and stayed with Jason Grevings. Joel and I fell in love with his new home and his dog. It was really great catching up with him and talking about old times.
MAN WE HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS EVER!!!!
Driving the bus was not that fun AT ALL. IT was nail biting to say the least. She has not been driving in 3 years or more and we found out she hates hates hates the heat and doesn't do well being driving for 8 to 10 hours straight in hot hot weather. So the last leg of the trip we decided to start at 6pm and do an all nighter. We drove 18 hours start. Joel and I did 2 hours on 2 hours off. She did a lot better and we are believing she will be great for local runs.
We have hit the ground running with our ministry. We are so excited what God is doing. When we got back we had mail for us and in the mail was an approval from the IRS saying we are officially Tax Exempt. Can you believe it. The IRS said it would take a minimum of 60 days and it took 3 weeks. WE couldn't even believe it. JOel and I feel so blessed.
Another praise report was that we didn't have enough money in our Business funds to make it back to California. We didn't tell any one exept God. Not a peep even. People gave us money out of no where saying they wanted to help for the trip. We made it back with 100 dollars extra that we had not accounted for. God is so good. He really does take care of our needs. Thank you Jesus!!!
Well that is about it. We love ya'll very much and miss ya like crazy.
Blessings, blessings, blessing,
The Butlers
(Our New Bus)
Doesn't She look FABULOUS!!!
Doesn't She look FABULOUS!!!
