Well here we are at the airport almost ready to deport on our awesome adventure. And yes we are now officially excited to be going, although somewhat anxious about whatever awaits us. Roxanne and Aeysha have very kindly bought us to the airport, but is that to make sure we get on the plane? We met up with some friends who are on the trip and have booked our luggage in so, here we go!

I've been thinking a lot about our time away and specifically about our "spiritual pilgrimage" in Turkey and then Israel. Someone asked me if I was excited yet and my immediate answer was no, not yet. But the more I ponder on the question the more I realize that I am VERY excited about the trip, well, not so much about the trip itself but what I expect to find/happen on the trip. You see, I'm expecting to run headlong into the Arms of my Father, and that really...

I don't know where I found this picture but I take great comfort each time I look at it. At the old Bexley Corps in the foyer of the hall was a print on the wall similar to this one. In it there is a wild storm and a young man at the wheel of a sailing ship, and Jesus is standing beside him, a hand on his shoulder while pointing in the direction the young man should take. I often stood in front if that picture and looked, I drew great strength from it in diffi...

Look at those faces! It was hard to drive away from our grandkids and their parents knowing we will not see them for three months. There was plenty of kisses and hugs, and even a group hug so that we would not forget them. For Jean it was a little tougher also having to leave behind her puppy, Tilly, who is about 6 months old. But we know, in the scheme of things three months is not a long time; and during this time we will both be doing things and going p...