July

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July... 

YAHOO !!  We are hitting the road a little earlier than what was first thought. July 1st . we need to be in Niagara Falls NY. Our first stop and beginning of this journey.

July 8, 2002

As you can probably figure out we didn't leave July 1st in fact it took until July 7th.  Our closing was a nightmare.  We signed the papers on Tuesday but didn't get our money until Friday after 2.  It was, to say the least, an opportunity to stretch our patience and goodwill. 

God, in His abundance, provided us with 3 places to park the motor home.  We chose my sister's house with the pool seeing it was 100 and muggy.  The kids enjoyed staying in the pool.  We enjoyed them and the air conditioner.  My sister's family joined us in Boston and felt they had never seen such awesome fireworks.

We left their house on July 7th at 3:30 a.m.  It took us ten hours with two 40 minute stops to arrive at our destination the Niagara County Camping Resort, in Lockport NY.  This part of NY reminded us of Pennsylvania with all the farms.  The resort doesn't have the pool we were looking for but the lake is just fine for the kids.  There is a petting zoo and fishing which we plan on trying today. 

Zakary found a new friend from Ontario Canada.  His name is Graham and he had dinner with us last night.  He was our first guest on the road.  I'm sure you'll be able to read more about him on Zak's page.

Today we plan on seeing Niagara Falls, God willing.  It's time to start our day.  It's a beautiful 78 degrees with not a cloud in the sky that I can see. 

God has blessed us so much in every way.  We are overflowing with thanksgiving and joy at how He always provides for us.  Even in the midst of our trials He proves of His love and provisions.  Our God is an awesome God and we love and praise Him.

JULY 12, 2002

It's becoming harder and harder to remember the dates.  We haven't even been on the road for  a week yet!  The falls were beautiful.  We even got to see them lit up at night.  The maid of the mist tour was well worth the money.  I'm glad I insisted on it.

Six Flags Darien Lake took longer than we expected to get there.  The day turned out to be great.  The kids challenged themselves on rides.  Zakary cried on two rides that ended up being his two favorite rides of the day.   Nikole is a dare devil.  She went on Superman countless times with her hands up.  She put me to shame.  Zakary doesn't really like the big drop of coasters, he's definitely a spin man.  The night ended with a bang.  It took us two days and two states to really get over it

God is really doing a work with Ron and I.  We're both being forced to communicate and understand each other.  After  being apart most of the day by working for the past 8 years this constant being together is a challenge right now.

Zakary caught his first fish on the 10th.  It was so fun to watch Ron and him fish.  We only bought two poles for the kids.  I knew I should have gotten him is own for father's day.  Zak is a little out of control some times though.  He'd rather be a fly fisherman.  The cast and wait is too boring for him.  Nikole is very good at it she just didn't get any action.  Over all I think it was a positive experience.

Traveling on the 11 was frustrating with the kids.  We used to be able to drive for 4 hours without having a problem.  In the motor home they have to pee every 15 minutes and they are constantly hungry or thirsty.  Needless to say we were all very happy to arrive at the Wagon Trail Campground in Ohio.  It's in Jefferson.

We met a really nice family.  The girls rushed over to our sight the moment we arrived.  They played with Nik and Zak that night.  They are from PA.  Only 20 minutes from home really.  We met their parents.  They are a very nice Christian family.  It's nice to be out here with brothers and sisters in the Lord.  We are searching for a place of worship for Sunday.  It's only been a week but the lack of fellowship is missed by both of us.

Today we're having a down day.  No plans other than to find the post office and do laundry.  The kids are playing with their train set.  It's been a while for them.  They are in need of some down time too.  Too much on the go activity for them.  They want to take it easy too. 

We are so thankful for this time God has given us.  It's so nice to be able to relax and do nothing.  It's probably the first time as a family that we're able to just relax with no commitments to be met.  I am enjoying every second of this.  It's noon and I'm still in my pajamas.  Nikole is too! 

God is good!

July 19

Happy birthday dads!  Ron's father and my father have the same birthday.  We were just sitting here playing scrabble and we remembered today was their birthdays.  Today we are in Joliet Illinois at a campground called Leisure Lake Membership Resort.  It is very nice.  There is a pool and a lake, mini golf, volleyball, tennis, fishing, and horseshoes.  There is actually more to do than we will have time for.

We have been so blessed by God on this trip.  Today was the first day we had a really close call on the road.  Someone was going right on red and Ron was changing lanes.  It was the closest so far.  We are thanking God for His protection. 

We are finally in an area where we can get on line with the cell phone too.  We're in a city this time instead of out in the woods.  Traffic seems a lot louder now.  I must admit I miss all the corn and farms.  We really enjoyed Ohio.  There was a lot of farms and too many bugs for my liking but the people were really nice and the pace was slower.  The 6 flags was awesome too.  We actually stayed an extra two days so we could go back.  It was part Sea World too so there was so much to do.  The kids had a blast.

Speaking of the kids.  Another blessing from God is that when there is misbehavior it is one child at a time.  And when there is a bad attitude it is one child at a time.  I don't know what we'd do if they both decided to be off at the same time.  With Nikole it is her attitude and grumbling.  Zakary bounces off the walls and is out of control.  Luckily for us both are fairly easy to handle when Ron and I are right but if we're in the middle of our own adjustment well then there is fireworks let me tell you.  We're all adjusting to being together so much. 

The kids feel the space reduction more than we do.  They have to constantly pick up and they can only do certain things in the motor home.  It is teaching them awareness of their surroundings though.  And responsibility for themselves and their toys.

Today we stopped at a super Wal-mart.  We let them each spend $2.00 on anything they wanted.  Nikole chose right away.  It was a Pez dispenser with pooh and a candy refill pack.  Zakary choose another race car (we can barely pick up the container now it weighs so much) and he got a gum ball out of the exit machine.  They were very pleased with their choices.  I believe because of that stop they were very well behaved while we drove today. 

It turned out to be an eight hour drive with a hour and one half stop for shopping.  It took about five hours longer than we thought.  We have learned that a rout on the map that is in red with lines on it will mean shopping malls and stop lights.  We will avoid this at any cost when traveling a distance.  It took us so much longer today and it was very hard on the engine and brakes.  Another blessed learning experience from God.  He is so good to us.

We also got blessed tonight with television reception.  The kids have overcome their dependency on television.  It  was a pleasant change to be able to see the show without the snow.  We watched America's Funniest Videos.  The kids loved it.  It was their first time.  We were also blessed with a Christian station CNN.

We got to see a service out of Houston TX by one of my favorite preachers.  I wish I could remember his name.  Anyway it was about how are thoughts control our destiny.  If we constantly think bad things then that's what will happen.  But if we think the things God says like He will bless us coming and going out, that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world, that all things are possible with God, that if God is for me than who can be against, etc.  then positive things will happen to us.  Our eyes will behold the blessings of life.  He also went on the say that we should be expecting blessings from God because He wants to bless us with the good things.  If we who are evil give good things to our children how much more will our heavenly father give to His children.  He spoke of how important it is to choose to think of the promises of God and not the negative circumstances we see.  That we have to make these choices day in and day out and we will see results.  It is all so true.  It has come to pass in my life.  In all our lives.  It's when we open ourselves up to the power and blessings of God, that is when we see all the promises come to pass.  It becomes how we think and see.  We then accept only Gods love in our lives.  And when the bad happens we see it as an opportunity to grow and be strengthened by God.  Which in turn becomes another blessing.  Because He makes all things good for those who trust in Him.  We have such and awesome God.  I am so blessed!  All honor and praise belong to Him.

July 25

Wow almost a week has gone by without any updates.  Sorry!  I guess you can see we're not bored yet.  Actually we've been busy visiting Ron's brother John and his fiancée Sherry.  They have a home here in Milwaukee.  We are staying in County View Campground in Mukwonago WI, it's in Waukesha county.  If you try to pronounce any of that with a New England accent you will butcher it just like visitors to MA butcher Leominster and Worcester.

Today we are going to move our site here at the campground as we have decided to stay a little longer.

We had two nice days with Ron's parents who were also here visiting John and Sherry. On Sunday we saw the biggest fireworks display in Milwaukee's history.  It actually outdid Boston on the fourth in length and number.  Boston had newer more unique works.  Monday we went to a lake where Sherry's brother Jim has a house.  His family is very nice.  Ron and the kids enjoyed jet skiing very much.  They have three girls, Teresa 10, Jessica 7, and Melissa 5.  It was nice for Nikole and Zakary to have other kids to play with.  They all got along great.

On Tuesday we went to Six Flags Great America.  It was the worst congested six flags so far.  We had to wait in a 15 minute line just to get through the entrance.  Leaving was a congested nightmare too.  The park itself was ok.  There were a lot of roller coasters.  Nikole was disappointed that she wasn't able to ride most of them.  We did manage to go on V 2 which was just like the one we missed in Ohio.  It was thrilling.  The best ride to date is still X Flight.  Zakary enjoyed a new coaster ride called the Wizzer.  It was the last ride of the night.

Yesterday I was given a schooling in tennis by my loving brother in law.  I don't need to tell you what the score was.  I tried to outlast him and even that didn't work.  He played that night too in a singles league and won that too.  He's improved a lot over the years.

While he was playing we took the kids to the beach up the street.  Nikole and Sherry's niece Teresa went swimming.  There were some pretty good waves for a lake.  Zak stayed on the beach and created a really cool sand castle.

The weather has been excellent.  It was really hot the day we arrived, however it broke the next day at the lake which gave us on the sidelines an enjoyable day.  Today it's overcast. 

I had a scripture come to life for me again, Philippians 3:13 and 14.  Forgetting the past and looking to the future.  It's amazing how I can read a scripture over and over and know it in my head but then one day the scripture becomes a reality in my life and then I truly learn it and take it in my heart.  It's then that I change.  That is why we call this a walk with Christ.  Every day we get the opportunity to learn a new lesson in our heart not just our head.  Colossians 2: 12-17 explains our Christian walk and gives us directions on how to live our lives.  I discovered yesterday that when you dredge up the past  the feelings you had back then also come with the story.  I had a tough couple of days emotionally.  What I need to do is to forget the past and look forward to my future with Christ.  When I do that I am blessed with the peace that passes all understanding, then it's easier to walk in love with everyone around me.  Love allows me to have tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  I'll have forgiveness when I remember God forgave me first in my weakness and sin.  Vs. 16 states "Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise.  Use His words to teach and counsel each other.  Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts." 

Oh how true the word of God is when applied to our lives daily.  Our heavenly father loves us so much.  He gave us everything we need to walk victoriously here on earth if we only apply the directions and commandments He gives us.  In applying those directions and commandments is when we pick up our cross daily and follow Him.  This is the crucifixion of the flesh that is desired by God.  This is the choice we make daily.  That is why it is written God's grace is new everyday.  Every day He forgives us, every day He empowers us to make the right choices, everyday He provides for us opportunities to draw closer to Him in our walk.  Praise God!

July 27

The end of the month already!  It doesn't feel this late in the month. 

We had a blast yesterday!  John took us for a Miller Brewery tour that ended with free samples.  The kids got root beer, then we headed to Miller Stadium for a ball game.

It was the best 5 dollars I've ever spent.  We got free hats and shirts.  We got to sit in left field, then we went over to right where we could see the board better.  The brewers won and they are a terrible team we hear.  The kids had a blast.  Outside of the stadium they have a playground and a little league field.  It was a tiny version of the real thing.  It was beautiful.  Inside the stadium they had a play area for kids too.  This whole town is a party place.  Everyone was tailgating and having fun.  The prices for tickets are really reasonable too.  They even have 1 dollar Uecker seats.  We didn't get those though they sold out in six minutes.  It's nice to be able to take the whole family to a ball game for 20 dollars.  We even carried in our own snacks and drinks.  No glass or cans was the only rule.  At the end of the game we could see the fireworks from German Fest through some of the windows in the stadium. 

The Stadium itself was magnificent.  Clean, roomy, it had a real friendly atmosphere.  It was an awesome night.  Even the ride home seemed shorter than when we leave John's. 

Yesterday was another day full of God's blessings.   We got free tissues at the store and I got a carnation.  Then we got free samples at the brewery tour and peanuts too.  Then at the ball game we each got a cool baseball hat and Ron and I got thin baseball shirts free too.  (We applied for a credit card)  Every time we got something for free I glorified God by thanking Him for His provisions.  I think my brother in law thinks I'm crazy.  Ever since I saw that broadcast about expecting God to bless us it's all that seems to happen.  I love how God is so dependable, even in the tough times His word always proves true.

It's 9:30 here and everyone is still sleeping.  I woke to Ron being on the computer.  I jumped on and he went back to bed.  We got a phone call from Val today at 8:30 here.  She has awesome news.  She's pregnant!!!!!!  I'm so happy for her and Steve.  They have been trying.  This is another of God's blessings.  He is so good to me.  Now I get to shop for little baby things.  That is so cool.  I know the kids will be thrilled to hear.  Val is like a sister to me.  This new baby will be a part of our family too.  A new addition.  Wow.  She's due around the end of March beginning of April. 

Today we have plans to have John and Sherry over here for a barbecue.  Other than that it's a day of rest, laundry and cleaning.  The campground is active this morning.  It hasn't been this loud since we've arrived but it filled up last night too.  Next week end there isn't a site to be had.  It is the state fair.  A very big deal our here.  Zak just woke up it won't be long now we'll be starting the day.  Good I'm getting hungry I'm eating long distance for two now! ha ha.

July 29

We're currently traveling along rout 94 west heading towards St. Paul Minnesota.  Actually we're going to a campground in Welch.  That is about 20 miles south of St. Paul.  We've been climbing since we left Mukwonago.  We have seen some interesting rock formations.  It was hard to get pictures at 65 miles per hour though.  So far so good.  The kids are just now getting very restless so we're in a rest stop. 

What a nice stop that was.  We saw hundreds of little grasshoppers.  Nikole actually go one in her sandal.  We had a nice game of catch while Ron repaired the wiring to the jeep.  Seems we lost it when we pulled out of McDonalds about 250 miles back.  Oops.  Thank God Ron was able to repair it quickly.  It didn't cost us anything either.

So far I've come to see how cheaply made this vehicle is.  The shower hose cracked yesterday.  We've only taken about 20 showers.  So now we're looking for a wal-mart that will hopefully have one.  Ron thinks it might be an odd size which will mean we're at the mercy of a camping store.  There a other things too like the shades.  They offer no insulation at all.  That will be the first major addition when we start working.  Other than that though we're happy.

Yesterday we went to an anointed service at New Life Assemble of God.  It was really a blessing.  I cried and cried.  It felt almost like home.  I miss my church family.  I'm constantly thinking and praying for the pastors and their families.  As well as all of our friends and brothers and sisters.  So far God hasn't really shown us exactly why were our here or what to do so we're living by Romans 12:9-21.  (The church gave the kids bookmarks with daily devotions this was Zak's for today.)  We've met a lot of nice people and we praise God when we tell of our plans.  I know we need this time as a family to bond together.  We need to be a unit to work efficiently.  God is working of my having patience with the kids.  It's been a long time since I've had to be with them all day.

We really enjoyed our stay at the County View Campground.  For the past three nights we've had thunder and lightning around 1:00a.m.  The first storm was the worst.  The campground transformer got hit.  It blew the pole in half and started a small fire.  We lost power for most of that night and part of the next day.  The second storm missed us.  Last night was a normal one like home.  Nothing damaged just a little noise.  We were told the area is notorious for tornados.  Praise God there wasn't one while we were there.

Thinking back over the recent teachings of the word we have received we have been directed to pray fervently, expect God's blessings and consult Him before we make any decisions.  We should let Him plan our path and we will be blessed.  (Joshua 7 and 8)  While doing this we must walk in love, truly loving our Christian brothers and sisters, inviting them over to eat and providing shelter to those in need.  We pray that God opens our eyes to see the need around us.  It is our desire to be used by Him to meet the needs of others.  In His timing His will be done.

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