Busy Anticipation

You'd think our one big focus of the week would be preparing for the long planned-for and anticipated event--the Open House on the anniversary of the house fire. But NO, somehow our week was filled with other God-planned happenings. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Ephesians 2:10. I know I can trust God, that He will lead and give strength for whatever He puts before me!

So, Sunday we were still away from home, relaxing, enjoying our surroundings and our time together.

After breakfast stroll

Getting ready to get back on the road

The 40 mile return trip was longer and harder due to riding against the wind. We had a minor accident while coming out of an Arby's parking lot turning onto the main road. Mike said I panicked seeing the oncoming traffic and stopped pedaling which didn't allow him to unclip and put his foot down. I wasn't aware of this. So much for pedaling by sight and not by faith! Fortunately, we just toppled over gently, got a couple of scrapes and unfortunately lost the sun-clips for my glasses. I didn't realize this until a couple hours later. When I called the restaurant, they were kind enough to search and even go out on the road and look. They did find the mangled and broken remains. I believe that was only the second time we've fallen over the years and hundreds of miles of tandem travels.

Monday I bought flowers to fill the window boxes Mike built.

 We enjoy them from the outside and from indoors.

Michael was mowing and sprucing up our woodland over a period of several days.

He continues to be involved with ceramics at the Red Barn over the summer but only two days--Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00.

One of the more experienced students is bent over the wheel carefully shaping a piece. Reminds me of us as clay in the potter's hand, Isaiah 64:8.

So, where did Thursday go? I can hardly remember. Probably a blur of further preparations and errands.
We were getting ready for overnight guests, an informal gathering in our home Friday night and the Strawberry Festival in town Saturday, as well as the Open House Sunday.

We met Randy and Kim Grebe two years ago at the OM Ship's Partner weekend in Bermuda.They served for three years on the Logos Hope and now represent the OM Ship ministry and are based in Florence, SC. Their daughter and son-in-law live and teach in our local school system.
We invited people to come hear amazing stories of God at work in many lives in other countries through the unique platform of an ocean-going vessel carrying 400+ Jesus’ followers.

We found that our home is very adequate for such gatherings and had a wonderful time.

Saturday dawned bright and beautiful for the town festival. Mike went over early to set up the tent and ceramics display, and then spent most of the day practicing his latest interest, sculpting faces, this time with a live model, the above mentioned student. She loves throwing on the wheel, enough to sit and work in the heat for hours. She accomplished quite a lot before she had to leave for work at the local pizza place, eight pieces or more.

The Strawberry Festival will always remind me of the day after the house fire, our first time back to survey the mess and begin the rescue and restoration process. Our friends, Dane and Laurie, worked with us. At noon Dane went downtown and picked up huge tenderloin sandwiches and strawberry shortcakes for our lunch. We sat back in the picnic area away from the ugliness and enjoyed a wonderful meal together.

It is Monday already, I am late again. We are still recovering from and basking in the glow of our wonderful Sunday event. But you will have to wait for that story, which actually deserves a post or two of its own, if I can find the time.