Thursday, September 1, 2016

Noah Conference & The Ark Encounter

For several years now we've been looking forward to visiting the life size replica of the ARK!
Absolutely MASSIVE! So neat to see it in person!
What an amazing tool to share the Gospel!
Ran into sweet families we know from 
TN, FL, KY, OH, OK, MN,WA, IA, CO, NC, AL, GA, SC, and TX! 
Many of these have graciously opened their homes to us 
or hosted AGENDA meetings this past year. God is so good! 
Incredible what it would have taken to feed and water all those creatures!
Original Torah Scroll. One of many displays inside the ARK.
After an amazing visit to the ARK, the Noah Conference began.
One of many inspiring keynotes on discipleship and purposeful living.
Very FUN concert by the Stockdale Family Band!
Singing one of our favorites:"At Calvary".
Way too much fun stuff happening on the back row. :)
The one and only picture we have of Carolina's lovely little snack table a day or so after
hundreds of customers helped themselves!
 This was her latest entrepreneurial venture. :)
Singing together is one of our biggest tests. We are a family of chiefs... which is handy for battles but not for songs! The Lord is good and still gives us happy chances to do this together.  
Great visit with this Canadian missionary family about their ministry in Mexico.
Gathered several families for a bus style lunch (always Mexican something!) in KY.
Crosby with her newest little friend at the Creation Museum. :)
Legendary 2 hour ziplines at the Creation Museum!
Yes, Carver... boots are handy for moments like this, too. :)
For lack of brilliant thoughts: Christian working on his flower and insect photography. Ha!
The problem with being short. Thankfully nobody went over!
Followed up our time in Columbus, OH getting the bus fixed (a rather frequent occurrence!) with a weekend at our friends' home in TN. They graciously let us move in while they were out of town. We went in to do laundry and remembered what FUN an oven is!!! Cassidy invited some folks to dinner and Viola! We had YUMMY things and happy fellowship! 
Playing in the creek.
Risking life and limb is just so exciting!
Finally enough space and quiet for Daddy to get through his pile of taxes!
Due to a malfunctioning alternator, we ended up staying with our faithful friends who care for us often when we come to town. Beds for 11 were set up in about 5 minutes flat.
Truly amazing. Truly Southern. :)
When we pass out the next round of almonds and raisins, we'll remind the boys that YES!
You had a real breakfast this year!!
"Toothless in Tennessee" should be a song! :) Campbell lost his via the elbow of a very ambitious friend, and Chapman's came out via the fist of a slightly older brother who shall remain unnamed. They offered to knock out Crosby's so she would match them. YIKES.
The shipping department has a mobile location: Charlie's bed. :) Thankful to the Lord for the Post Offices He provides everywhere and for the wonderful people helping us spread the word!

3 comments:

Bontrager Family Singers said...

The tooth episode. I am DYING laughing!! =) =) Y'all are too much!!
Can't wait to see you in just HOURS!!! =)
-Chels, for us all

Elizabeth. said...

I just love how you write these - the captions are so great. :) Ditto Chelsy on the tooth story - haha! Looking forward to seeing you soon, Lord willing.

Rachael said...

The tooth story!!! Haha!
Well, we just loved seeing you! Thanks for helping make it a surprise...my mom's face was awesome=) (and she doesn't get surprised by much so that was great=)
And we are excited to see y'all soon!