Trip of a Lifetime

In just a few short weeks, Ron and I have been invited to participate in a trip of a lifetime!  Let me explain.

Back several months ago, in August (we remember the date very specifically, because of other things that were going on) my parents invited us to join them in celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary!

Now let me pause there to tell you that it doesn't really seem possible that my parents are old enough to be celebrating 40 years, because honestly that means that I am drawing closer to that same year!  However, in June of this year they will have been married for 40 years.  I also want to pause for a moment and say that I am so so so so proud to have parents that I can say have been married (to each other) for 40 years!  What an accomplishment, especially in our society.  Has every day been wonderful and cherry and rosy - absolutely not, but has each day been lead by their Master and Savior - I have to say, I believe it has!  It is only by the Grace of Jesus Christ that we, as humans, can reach accomplishments such as these.  Jesus is Alive in my parents lives and in their marriage and so He deserves the credit for this 40 year accomplishment.

But, back to the trip!  Aren't you dying to know where they have invited us to share in this glorious celebration?

Well, brace yourselves!  My parents invited, myself and Ron, my brother and his wife, my sister and her husband all to join them on a 10 day trip to Israel.  They are planning to renew their wedding vows while we are there!  Isn't that awesome????  Are you jealous?  (don't be)  :)

I'm excited.  My dad went to Israel with a group of pastors 10 or more years ago and when he returned he said, "I want to take you all back someday".  Well that day is approaching!

The invitation was for all 8 of us to go together, if we could find quality accommodations for all of their grand-babies!  Ron's mom will be staying with our 4 and apparently my brother and sister both were able to work it out too!

So, instead of being jealous of our opportunity of a lifetime, would you pray with us?  We need prayer for so many things.  Pray:
      for the 10 grand kids (4 of ours, 2 of Jay's and 4 of Jo's) we are leaving in Ohio and in Africa
      for safety in travel
      for those who are keeping all 10 kids while we are gone
      for Jesus to meet with us as we walk where He walked
      for the Holy Spirit to be present with us and to draw us closer as a family through this trip
      for Jesus best for All of us!

Excitement builds as we count down!

I look forward to sharing all about the trip with you!
Thank you for lifting us up in prayer!