Safe and Sound

Just a quick note to let you know we are safely back in Florida. We left Delaware at 11 pm Thursday night and made it to Lake Wales around 7:30 pm Friday evening. The kids are all asleep and I am headed for bed. Will post pictures soon.

Hitting the Road

Hello all,
Just wanted to let you know that my parents, the kids, the dogs and I will be leaving Delaware tonight after a concert we are facilitating here at the farm. We are planning to drive straight through, so appreciate your prayers.

We will be hitting home Friday night and then heading out for Arcadia Saturday morning. Mr. Fussell, Mom & Dad's best friend for nearly 30 years passed away Tuesday morning and so we are attending his funeral Saturday afternoon. Please keep the Fussell family in your prayers as well. He had been sick for several years and is finally at peace, but of course we who are left here on earth have sadness to deal with. He leaves his wife, four sons, their wives and six grandchildren. He was a good and faithful, Christian friend and will be missed.

My next posting will be from Lake Wales. Look for pictures to be posted by Sunday or Monday!

What's Up

I have borrowed my dad's laptop tonight so I could add pictures to the blog. Unfortunately, after transferring the pictures from our computer to a thumb drive to be used with his computer, I have discovered that his computer keeps blocking every time I try to add a picture. I have tried to disable the pop up blocker and I have tried to allow pop ups from this site, all to no avail :( I guess pictures are going to have to wait until I get back to Florida or maybe tomorrow my dad can help me figure something out.

Speaking of getting back to Florida...
There is a concert here at the farm this Thursday, so we are staying until after that. We will be leaving Friday, and hopefully, with three drivers, drive straight home. I am anxious to get home and get serious about packing. I am also going to get some things together for a garage sale, so I am planning to call in some of those offers for help because I am not very good at organizing one of those things :)

Yesterday, Saturday, Sam had a big auction here at the farm. He sold several old tractors and automobiles along with a wide assortment of other items. It was quite an experience. The auction started at 10 am and lasted until about 2 pm, going non-stop. My dad (Santa) and I passed out complimentary 10% off coupons good in the store to all the people getting auction tickets. We had a lot of fun standing in the line talking with the almost 500 people getting tickets. We figure there were over 1000 people here that day!

While we were baking in the sun (it was in the 90's), Sadie worked from before 7 am until around 2 pm in the C-center helping the ladies from the tractor club serve breakfast and lunch and also helped with their bake sale. Daniel tried to get his dad to bid on a few items, but the bidding ended up being too rich for our blood on the items he wanted. Emilie alternated between helping pass out coupons and visiting with the people in the C-center.

We had quite a few people camping with us this weekend. The night before the auction, Sam decided to have a few steaks put on the grill and have a little gathering. We probably had about 20 people, including us. Most of them are long time friends of the Yoders. Another couple at the gathering were guests of a new transplant to the area that has found the store and noticed campers here and asked if her friends could come stay here when they came to visit her. What a wonderful evening we had making new friends. Linda, the new transplant, is eager to help us get settled in the area and all the native Delawareans have also been very kind and welcoming as well. Linda is a transplant from Long Island and is also willing to help us when we go up to visit our folks this Christmas. The Lord is so good to provide for us. There are no coincidences.

Saturday night, after the auction, a group gathered back in the C-center for sub sandwiches and games. The kids and I learned how to play SkipBo (I think that's how it's spelled). I made sure that Patrick learned how to play it because they said they didn't use the rules from the box. I was afraid I'd forget how to play by the time we got around to buying the game. Anyway, it was a lot of fun. The kids have been having a wonderful time. They are spending a lot of time with their dad, outside in the fresh air and falling right off to sleep each night.

We hope you enjoy keeping up with us. I am sorry that my posts aren't more regular. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Sam has told Patrick he wants him to run the C-center and the RV park.

Please also pray for Patrick's back. He is hurting very badly. I think he is going to try a chiropractor up here because he is in so much pain.

Bye for now, KelliPaige

In Case You Were Wondering...

We haven't died. But our Internet service apparently has or at least hasn't been available to us. We've wanted to update almost daily, but without Internet access and VERY BUSY days, we just haven't been able to. At least that's our excuse and none of you are here to check out our story.

Where to start? We arrived on the 15th, Emilie's fourth birthday. She was thrilled... to get out of the car.

Since day one here it has been a WONDERFUL time for the kids. Daniel has been able to work along side his dad doing real man stuff like driving tractors, running chain saws and general farm work. We have all gathered and graded MANY eggs! Patrick, my dad, Sadie, and Daniel went on a "wild goose chase" one day. Mr. & Mrs. Yoder had geese that needed herding about a half mile from one side of the farm to the other. What fun that was! (Okay, Patrick says I shouldn't describe that as fun :)

I have many pictures to show you, but that will have to come later. Right now I am on my dad's laptop and of course the pictures are in our laptop, but at least I am able to make an update. Keep checking back, as soon as I can get my laptop within range of wireless access, I'll post again.

On the Road

Patrick surprised the family this morning with donuts. Yes, he had some with sprinkles. "Real men eat sprinkles." We got a slow start that increased to a standstill with a flat tire on the 5th wheel. It was the Lord's provision that Patrick put a 20 ton bottle jack in his work trailer for this trip. He doesn't even know why he did it, he just decided to grab it. Road side assistance brought only a 2 1/2 ton hydraulic jack that wouldn't lift the trailer. Once more His Word is fulfilled. We know that it's true, but it always comforts us when it is revealed, Psalm 121:8. He is always faithful and we delight in Him.

The Lord is Amazing!

For the past three weeks Patrick has been building a deck for a wonderful couple. It has been a time of spiritual healing for him. The Thompsons called Patrick about their deck the day he discovered his tools had been stolen. "Did you tell them you don't have any tools?" I asked him.

"No, I figure I can design the deck and then pass the job off to one of my fellow handymen. After all, I don't have time, I am already too busy with the job I am already working on." Well, the next day, that job he was too busy working on no longer existed for him. What to do now? Call the Thompsons and get to work on their deck. "Thank You God, for Your provision."

With limited tools and no one to assist him, he decided to take Sadie along with him. On the first day he went to wake her before heading to Home Depot and then return for her later. Well, as he approached her bedroom door, it opened and out she walked, dressed and ready to go. It was just a bit past 6:00 o'clock in the morning! She has gotten up on her own almost every morning since.

Now, I told you this to give you some background as to what brought Patrick to his last job in Florida. While there, he and Sadie are being bathed in the Word, listening to preaching on Reach FM radio. Janet Folger's program (Faith 2 Action) has asked people to "fast from something" for forty days so we can pray for our nation in preparation for the Values Voter Debate in September. We have decided to fast from television. We are now being bathed as a family in Christian radio programing and family conversation. What a blessing!

Last night, Patrick shared with me a conversation he had with Mrs. Thompson. He told her he felt like Abraham being sent out to a land that God would show him, but keeping our purpose on a need to know basis.

She looked at Patrick and told him, "God is already using you. I have been sharing your story with people I know, even as far away as Europe, and your story is affecting lives." How humbling to know that what is happening in our lives is letting other people around the world see God working right now. We are walking by faith, and to know that this is affecting people to focus on God and to lift us up in prayer is amazing. Yea God!

Before I sign off I want to share with you the need to pray for Chaplain Klingenschmitt. There is a hearing before a judge coming up September 25th. He was the Navy Chaplain that was fired and lost his military retirement because he prayed in Jesus' name while in uniform. I'm a bit confused, but I thought that was his job as a Chaplain. The emblem on his uniform is a cross after all.

Please consider fasting for our country. There is so much we need to be petitioning the Lord about. What is occupying your time away from prayer; is it television, radio in your car, Internet surfing, or blog hopping :)? Give up something to let God know that we earnestly seek His divine hand on our nation. He sure can't tell from the headlines.

Also, please be in prayer for Mayor Naugle of Ft. Lauderdale as he battles the onslaught from the homosexual/transgender sodomites. If you're unaware of his plight please look him up on the American Family Associations website. He was showing God's love in spite of their lawless actions. I guess in some cases my friend Dave Razey was right in saying, "No good deed goes unpunished."

Our nation is condoning, accepting and embracing detestable behavior that our God calls abominations! We must do all that we can to show His love to turn hearts to Him regardless of what happens to us. Please help support One Nation Under God by fasting with us. It doesn't have to be unattainable. In fact knowing that the duration is forty days, I suggest picking something that you believe you can maintain. Maintain your refrain.

KelliPaige usually does the writing here, but I wanted to step in to let you all know that I take issue with the title of this posting. It seems that we keep being "amazed" by God's working. For God, it is common place; a natural, normal act of a loving father. Miracles and wonders are that only in our eyes, He's never surprised by them. Can you hear God saying? "Wow, that was amazing! I can't believe I did that."

He longs to shower us with blessings. My God is Almighty, what He does for us really takes no extra effort on His part. I mean, really, can you picture Christ sweating profusely with arms stretched in front of Him shaking and straining as He called forth to Lazarus? Yeah, me neither.

I want to do something here. I want all of you to pray for me. In this move, I know God has told me to go to Delaware. I don't know exactly what he would have me do once I'm there. So, I would like for all of you to ask God for a miracle. A genuine "hold the sun in the sky, so we can complete the battle" miracle. It's not going to be hard for Him and we don't know all of the details that go along with attempting to develop the ministry on the farm, but He does. Please pray that He works in a HUGE and unmistakable way to clarify His plan for us and to affect the lives of those we encounter in the first few weeks of our arrival.

God is AMAZING, but what's more amazing is that we don't expect it.

Blessings,
Pat

Why Delaware?

For ten years I have been sending out an annual family letter to friends and family to keep everyone up to date on the goings on in our lives. This year I think it would be a 40 page letter with all the changes going on. I have recently been introduced to the wonderful world of blogging and so here we go...

We have been feeling the leading to leave our comfort zone and find a way to develop a ministry to Christian families. We are especially drawn to the idea of having an RV park that provides a safe place for Christian families to come and rejuvenate family relationships. We even spent quite a lot of time and energy looking into moving to a wonderful little town in Northern Alabama after our trip up there last September. We never were able to get a clear open door there and so eventually let it sit on the back burner.

As most of you know, we spent November and December of last year working on a "While You Were Out" type of surprise for my parents while they were in New York. As time came for them to return, we realized we weren't going to be ready and we were trying to find a way to stall them a few more days. We have friends that moved to Delaware five years ago and so we were trying to figure out how we could convince my folks to stop in to see them when my dad called asking for their contact info. (A direct answer to prayer)

When my parents got home, all they could talk about, besides how wonderful the house looked, was this beautiful farm in Delaware. As it turns out, Sam and Effie Yoder, the owners of the farm, live in Arcadia, Florida during the winter. My parents also live in Arcadia and so my parents wanted to invite M/M Yoder over for their open house. And so we had the opportunity to meet this wonderful couple.

As we spent some time visiting with Sam and Effie we discovered that they wanted to use their farm to develop an RV park and draw Christian families there to rejuvenate family relationships through exposure to rural farm life. It seemed like a perfect match, especially after Sam asked Patrick if he would come up there to work with him on this dream.

Patrick, my dad and I drove up there and spent almost two weeks on the farm. There are many obstacles to overcome, but the Lord gave us such a peace about our involvement. We came back to Florida and informed all of our friends and family that we were planning to move.

Now you understand why we chose Gen. 12:1 and Jer. 29:11 for our heading. Patrick has always said, "Lake Wales is my bread and butter. I have a good reputation here. I can always provide for my family." We are stepping out on faith, following God to "a land that He will show us" and we are holding on to the promise that He has "plans... not for calamity to give us a future and a hope."

We are planning to leave in a little over a week for our first trip of the move. Patrick will be pulling the 5th wheel and I will be pulling his box trailer (something I have never done before). My parents are also coming along. This will be phase one of the move. We're planning on about 700 phases apparently : )

Friends have asked us, "What will you do if things don't work out up there?" Patrick's answer has been, "As long as I have my tools, I can always provide for my family." Well, on July 17th, Patrick went to work and discovered that all of his tools had been stolen. The thieves broke into the house he was working on and cut the locks off of his trailer. He no longer has the same answer. We recognize that the Lord provides for our family. It was an expensive lesson, but one well learned! And as to things working out up there, we believe that they will go according to God's will. It is scary, but the Lord has told us to move and so we are moving. He may have plans for us other than what has been revealed so far. We don't know, but we will obey. The Lord provides for our family and we are thankful that the lesson wasn't more painful.

So, as to the question of, "Why Delaware." Our new answer is, "Because He said so!" Patrick is not given to questioning Him anymore. We are putting our trust in the Lord. This kind of stepping out on faith isn't easy for Patrick, he likes logical, progressive transitions. This is neither logical nor progressive, and what a transition! This is a complete walk of faith, and sight is not an option. We appreciate all of the prayer support that we can get.

I will try to post regular updates as we begin our new journey and I hope you will travel with us through this wonderful medium of blogging.

Welcome to the 21st Century!

Today I officially enter the 21st Century as I make my first post on our new family blog. I want to thank the Discher Clan for showing me the way. What a wonderful way of keeping in touch with our dear friends as we venture out on our new journey north.

Well, I guess for our first entry I should begin with the wonderful going away party we were honored with this last Friday night.

Thank you goes to Robin for putting it all together. I know you are going to do a great job as the new leader of our small group. G.R.I.T.S. will be in good hands.

Thank you also to the Bell family for opening your home to us. It was an incredibly wonderful evening for us. We felt so loved and special that so many of you wanted to come say good bye to us. We of course noticed Chris wasn't there and it will be many years before we are over that. (Just kidding! Sorry you had to miss the fun. We know you would have been there if you could.)

I am now going to attempt to add pictures for your viewing pleasure. Thanks goes to Beth for noticing I brought my camera, but never thought to use it. I would have nothing to remember the evening with if it hadn't been for you.

Party Pics

Mrs. McClendon (Event Coordinator) &

Mrs. Discher (Official Photographer)

Mr. & Mrs. Bell (Event Facilitators)
It is always a delight to gather in their home

Mrs. Farewell & Mrs. Koruschak

Me & Mrs. Rodden

(sorry for the improper grammar)

My Dear Husband & Dr. Frodge

Patricia and our Sadie, holding Emma Jane

A good time was had by all