Road Hazards

Traveling this weekend reminded me once again of how different it is to travel here in Rondônia than it is to travel in the good 'ole USA on a four lane interstate with fast food and decent restrooms at nearly every exit.

Here is where you get drinking water at one of the stops along the way.

 There is a hose over the bathroom wall going into this freezer. 

You can get a nice cool drink from the faucet in the front.

Our trip to Porto Velho took about 4 1/2 hours. It is a two lane highway all the way. This time the road has been repaired a little, so it wasn't quite as bad as the last time we took that trip.

It is not a leisurely drive, as you have to constantly be watching for pot holes that are big enough to lose your car in...well, almost.

You also have to keep an eye out for other vehicles that are swerving around said pot holes.

Most of the drive the view is something like this.

 Sometimes it's more like this...passing on an uphill in a no passing zone!

There is some pretty countryside along the way also, if you can relax and enjoy it.

This is why we always pray before we get on the road, and try to never take for granted arriving there and back safely!

Anniversary Conference

We spent this past weekend in the city of Porto Velho. Jeremy was invited to preach at an anniversary conference of a Baptist church celebrating it's 22nd year. It was a blessing to see what the Lord is doing in that ministry.

It was a joy to be a part of the services there and we were encouraged by the fellowship we enjoyed. 

Pastor Adonias and his wife and family were a blessing to us. We had a great time visiting old friends, and making some new ones. We are grateful that we had this opportunity, and for the Lord's protection traveling there and back.

Holy Bread

Good sliced loaf bread is a rarity is this part of the world.

Today was no exception.

It's quite a challenge to make a sandwich on that, but we did it.

Quality control is a beautiful thing...that I miss!

What a Trip!

This is about the third time I have started writing this post about my recent trip. I first started out detailing all the things that went wrong and giving all the difficulties that I faced. Then I decided that I didn’t want to focus on those parts of the trip.

Yes, it was difficult. Yes, it seemed like everything that could go wrong, did (other than the plane falling out of the sky!).  There were cancellations, delays, more cancellations, lost luggage, more delays, rerouting, and running across the Atlanta airport at full speed with only 15 minutes to catch a plane. But in the end¸ after nine flights I arrived there and back safe and sound.

It’s frustrating when things don’t go just as planned, and hard to understand why the Lord allows these things. In the grand scheme of things, though, I really have nothing to complain about. We have to just trust Him, and trust that He is doing what is best. That’s not easy, but I am trying.

My time with my parents and siblings was worth all the effort. I thoroughly enjoyed all of us being together.  I am thankful to my husband who stayed with our children and was willing to sacrifice for me to be able to make the trip.

My niece, Danielle ~ Poor girl has to hear all the time how much we look alike. 

My niece, Becca

Cousins playing together

Cousins eating together

All together for the first time in five years!

Late night croquet match

Sweet time with dear friends

Fun girl friend time

 Including my first pedicure!

I thank the Lord for His protection and for this precious time with family and friends. Such sweet memories!