Good Friends, Good Fellowship, Great God

Mid September we were able to share the experience of crossing the boarder into Canada with our children. It was their first time leaving America and even though it wasn't that far out of the country it was a big deal for them. Kent said, "we get to use our passports for the first time!" and we practiced asking questions of him that the boarder patrol might be asking. He took the job very seriously but when it came time to cross over they never even asked him anything.
It was an exciting trip for them and they kept asking, "is this what it will be like in Cameroon?" :)
For Drew and I it turned out to be a wonderful blessing. The Dawn Valley Church Family were wonderful and such an encouragement. It was great to be able to spend some time with them. Seth and Heidi Wetherald put us up for the night and after a delicious Sunday dinner we sat around talking and enjoying the company. It is one of those times were you just thank God for the blessing of good friends that we are able to connect with.
I believe God cares very much about our relationships. He knows the power and strength that is found in true friendship and he blesses our lives with them to keep us encouraged and reminded that God's people everywhere.

God's Birthday Gift to Katie

September has been a great month. It has been filled with a variety of things. We were able to celebrate 3 birthdays, Drew's, Katie's & mine. I was praying that God would help me to make Katie's last birthday in the states very special and full of good memories with her friends to carry with her as we head off to Cameroon and He helped it to all work out. I was reminded of how we don't need to beg and plead for God to be good to us. God is a gracious and generous Heavenly Father who delights to give His children good gifts. Now we might not always get what we want and when we want it but that is also because He is a good Father. He knows what is best and He knows our hearts needs and that day He saw the desires of a little girl getting ready for a big change in her life and knew her need. I believe He was just as delighted as I was to see the smiles and laughter of a little 12 year old girl and her friends that day. He gave her the gift of good friendship and a day of great memories. I am so thankful for His goodness. He cares for everyone of us and is always present. What a joy to serve such a God as ours!