Pilots of the Caribbean II: Giving Away the Treasure

The country of Haiti has now been hit by four storms. The devastation is widespread and the death toll keeps rising. As I said before Harold get really busy during these times. On Sat. his phone started ringing constantly with requests from missionaries and from relief organizations wanting to help. Although they took two flights down on Fri., they have had to cancel the flight for today due to Hurricane Ike. Hopefully they will be able to go on Thurs.

They are working with an organization called Feed My Starving Children to get food in, as well as taking in donations to send to the missionaries to help buy some of the food brought in by the U.N. and other secular organizations. They were also able to secure the help of the Air Calvary to help with some of the rescue efforts by helicopter. Today he is working with MAP Int. (Medical Assistance Program) to get some medical supplies into the country. Please continue to pray that souls will be reached through this effort. Here are a few pictures taken on Fri. as they took off and some that were sent in by the missionaries.

Harold's flight taxiing out for take off.

If you look close you can see the people stranded on the roof tops.

The water just keeps on rising

and rising.

Most of the people that you see have all their belongings on their heads. How important it is that someone tell them how to "store up treasure in heaven".

Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Gamet of Emotion

The world, or at least the conservative world, seems to have fallen in love with Sarah Palin. I too admit to being intrigued and taken with this woman who seemingly came out of nowhere and is suddenly being referred to as "the next Ronald Reagan". It has been amusing to me though, to watch people who have always promoted a woman's primary place as being in the home suddenly become vicious protectors of her ability to balance family and career. Even though I am a "working" Mom I have struggled to figure out my emotions on this whole thing. I don't question her ability to govern, I just wonder if she is being honest with herself. Mothers have such strong bonds with their children, such a natural protective instinct. I know what it's like to be at work and have a sick child back at home, it takes everything in you to not give in to the urge to run home and take that child in your own arms. Surely she has already had those moments, and I'd love to know how she deals with them. It's not like you can walk out on the Joint Chiefs of Staff to care for a sick child.

The other side of me is rejoicing with the rest of you that we finally have a conservative woman who is willing to stand up for what she believes in. The "I am woman" in me is elated that someone is breaking through the "glass ceiling". The fact that she always wears glasses scores lots of points with me. This woman is actually willing to push Creationism in our public schools. How long since you heard someone willing to do that without fear of losing their political standing? Don't worry on election day I'll remember that I'm not voting for Mother of the Year, but for the best person to lead our country. The McCain/Palin ticket will have my vote despite my concerns, it will have my prayers because of them.

In my concern about this ticket I went to the Bible for some guidance. Guess what, Israel had a female Commander in Chief for a period of time. Anybody remember Deborah? While it wasn't God's ultimate plan for a woman to be the political or military leader, there came time when Israel was so far from God that there were no decent men to be put in authority. So along came Deborah, a wife and mother. The thing that I find ironic is that the man she ended up leading was Barak. Sound familiar even though the spelling is different? You can go to Judges chapter 4 to read it for yourself. Israel called upon God for help against their enemy Sisera and God gave them Deborah. She called for Barak, (the general) and gave him God's battle plan and assured victory, but he said "I won't go if you don't go with me". She went with him and they won, but for his inability to obey God's command on his own all the glory was taken away from him and given to another woman, Jael. She's the one who kills Sisera by pounding a tent peg through his head. Now I'm not being prophetic here, my imagination just gets the best of me with this story. I'm just saying that it is reassuring to know that in the past God raised up a woman, to be a wife and mother, but also to help lead a nation in a time of crisis.
http://www.netbroadcasting.tv/sarah_palin.html

Pilots of the Caribbean

Once again hurricane season is upon us, for most people here in South Florida that means stocking up on supplies and getting the shutters ready to go up if the need arises. Harold and I worry about the same things, but our lives take us in a different direction than most during this time. Most of you out there know that Harold is a Missionary Pilot who flies in the Caribbean. What a lot of people don't know is that during hurricane season he also coordinates relief for Missionary Flights and also for Samaritan's Purse. Life can get really hectic, really fast when a hurricane hits, and this year it looks like we'll be getting more than our share. As you can see from this picture the Caribbean is really "heating up".

If this picture doesn't mean much to you, I'll explain. DC-3's don't hold up very well as hurricane hunters. Right now Hanna is blocking the route down to the islands, so the flight today had to be cancelled. Normally they would just postpone until later on in the week, but our dear friend Ike is planning his visit to the islands at that time with Josephine following closely behind. Meanwhile missionaries are starting to call for help with relief supplies, passengers are stranded on both sides, and it doesn't look like the weather is going to get any better. Please keep everyone involved in your prayers. We know that God is more that able to make these storms dissipate, but if he chooses not to move in that way pray for wisdom and safety for those making the decisions when to fly and when to stay home. Also pray for the missionaries and for those that they serve, that they will use this opportunity to be a blessing.

"The Bible Is Our Standard"

Well, we finally got this school year started. The storm moved on out of here and let us resume our normally scheduled activities. As most of you know our kids attend our old Alma Mater, HS Christian Academy. Hence the title of this post, feel free to sing as you read. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, this is a line out of the school song. Here are the rest of the words so that you can sing too.
The Bible is our standard,
The flag our colors too,
The Lord we worship and obey in all we do,

Beside the mighty ocean our school stands strong and true,
Oh HS Christian Academy we honor you.
Ethan is a very proud second grader this year. Our main concern so far this year is his classmates. So far we have learned that one is kin to John Wilkes Booth and one is really rich because she owns a chocolate fondue fountain. Please keep Mrs. Blair in your prayers.
Collin hit first grade with a bang. I'm sure poor Mrs. Brown is still reeling. I should probably start warning the teachers before he walks in their door that he is nothing like Ethan. There is not a shy bone in his body and his body never stops moving. Maybe you should pray even harder for Mrs. Brown.
The Academy started a preschool program this year for the first time. Landon is very proud to numbered among the first class of attendees. He goes three days a week from 8am to 11:30am. He really feels like he is a big boy now. His teacher is Ms. McElwain, daughter of the principal.
The pictures of Landon were taken on the first day of school. I had planned on taking some of all the boys that day, but circumstances didn't allow it. We were doing great on time, until I pulled Dylan out of his highchair so we could leave. I won't go into detail, but in the words of Mark Lowry "It weren't no just wet one". We finally got on the road when three minutes later Landon says "where's my backpack", so around we turned. Therefore the pictures of all the boys together were taken this morning.

I'm sure that not everyone is interested in all these details, but this is part of raising four boys. At least that is what the top of my blog says it's all about.
Hopefully some of you will enjoy, and I'll have a record for years to come.
The school boys with a little bedhead in tow.

Trying to look cool.

My little preschooler.

With him's Mommy.

Now, my paranoia has kicked in. Just in case anyone was offended by my comments about being happy about school starting in the last two posts, I would like to redeem myself. I love my children dearly, and there is nothing so satisfying as spending time with them. Those comments were made partially in jest and partially in truth. I think that any mother of small children understands the need for a little "alone time" every now and then. Actually, just the thought of "empty nest syndrome" is about enough to send me into a state of premature depression. I better bring this to an end, I feel the need for a few hugs and kisses. (Calm down Harold, not you this time)

New Arrival

No, I'm not pregnant, but I bet I got your attention, I'm just announcing a new arrival to "Blog World". Normally I don't make these announcements, but this was one I knew would bring great excitement to many of you out there. My old high school buddy Joy has started a blog. She is the one to my left wearing pink in this picture. She is one of those friends that even though we don't see each other for years at time, I think of often. I know that those of you who know her feel the same way. She does have an announcement of her own, so go check it out and make her feel welcome.

BTW My Mom still has the dress I am wearing in this picture. She thinks I might be able to get back in it one day. Bless her heart!


I would also like to take back what I said in my last post about being happy that school was starting. I have received my punishment. School has been cancelled the last two days due to Tropical Storm Faye. The kids only got a half day in before the storm hit. We're doing fine, thanks for asking, but there is a lot of flooding around us. Our house is on a hill, believe it or not, so we are high and dry, but the lower areas of our neighborhood are under water. I'll try to post some pictures later. Please keep the people affected by this storm in your prayers. I believe there were ten people killed in Haiti. It's hard to imagine living in a country where there are no resources to help you deal with natural disasters. The missionaries have their work cut out for them in these circumstances, but what a great opportunity to be "Jesus" to some very needy people.

I added a picture Harold's team for the Golf Tournament to the post below. If anyone is interested in seeing what an extremely handsome man looks like, he is the one in the dark pants. Excuse me, I think I am going to swoon.

Before School Starts

School starts on Monday, what a glorious thought. I know some of you home school Moms just gasped in horror. I know, I know, I shouldn't admit that I feel this way, but if you had been around my house for the past week you would understand. I'll explain a little more about that later. Sometimes the longing for just a few moments of quiet is overwhelming. Anyone else ever locked themselves in the bathroom just to get a little alone time? Now I know that arguments among siblings are universal, but I'll bet none of you have ever had to break up one like the one I had to break up on the way to church on Sun. morning. It went something like this. "The Bible says that the first shall be last, so I'm getting out of the car first because you said that you wanted to be the first one to get out of the car, so that means that you have to get out last". I've also had to straighten out misconceptions like "the Japanese were the bad guys so they were called the Redcoats". So now do you have a better understanding of my reasons for needing a few experts (elementary teachers) to help me with all these Biblical and historical issues.

Actually we have had a fun filled summer. I thought that I better post a few pictures of some of the activities before school starts and all the new blog worthy events outshine the ones of the past.

If you remember, one of things we were so excited about with our house was being able to host some of the missionaries that Harold flies for. We have actually been privileged to have several of these in our home. One of these was Dr. McGowen, a true hero. He became a surgeon, but only practiced in the states for a very short time before he went to Africa for many years. He now runs a hospital in Haiti. I am personally very excited about the possibility of going down to Haiti this fall and doing some "hands on" medical volunteering. The boys fell in love with him, and he was so gracious to spend time with them.

Every summer my good friend Sonja makes the journey down from "The Hilltop" to sunny, south Fl. It has become an annual tradition to play at least one game of Balderdash while she is here. Mr. and Mrs. V always play with us since it is actually Mr. V whose answers make the tears roll down our cheeks and our sides ache for the week to come. So imagine our disappointment when he sent this strange little Irish man in his place. Actually he did play a pretty mean game despite the issues he was having with his rather dry red hair. I think that some conditioner would do him a world of good.

The annual Hobe Sound Bible College Alumni Department Golf Tournament kept my dear husband hopping for a few weeks. It went very well and they were able to meet their budget as well as give some to the school. Once again Harold's team made records, out of thirteen teams they came in ,drum roll please, 12Th Place. We are so proud of how his game is improving and hope that he is able to beat his high score next year. I have no pictures yet, but I promise to post some as soon as I can. (As you can see I finally got some)

The night before the tournament Harold and I went shopping for supplies. I was so excited to see that BJ's still had the raft the boys had been wanting for the pool. Imagining the hours of fun they would have on it, I bought it. The next morning after a great deal of trouble getting it blown up, the boys hopped on for "hours of fun". I went back in the house, but please note was watching out the door, when Collin tried to climb on, but instead slipped off the back and hit his head on the side of the pool. After much screaming (mostly by Ethan), I managed to get him out of the pool. Be glad that I didn't take a picture, because what greeted my eyes was not pleasant. I called Harold, who was on the last hole, to inform him that we were headed for the hospital. He ended up having six staples put in. Of course he had to embarrass me by telling the doctor, "and my Mom wasn't even watching me". Just a little side note for those of you who are concerned, this all happened the day after he went to the altar at VBS. I was beginning to worry that the annual altar trip wasn't going to happen, but on the last night they all three hit it hard. What a relief.

A few weekends ago our church had a little "Kids Retreat". About six families went out to the church land and camped for the weekend. It was a great time of four wheeler riding and gun shooting. If you have little boys then you know the excitement those two things can bring. I'll try not to bore you with too many pictures, most of mine seem to be of Daddies taking their offspring on fourwheeler rides. Oh well, some of you might enjoy seeing that. Thanks to Glen and Tamara for the fourwheelers and Don B. for the guns.

When we first got there the grass was in need of a mower, so Harold and Dylan jumped on and went to work. I'm thinking of investing in a riding mower myself.

We were very thankful to have a nurse along to bandage the many mosquito bites inflicted on us. I think that this patient just enjoyed the attention.

I hope they got this thing figured out.

Run for your life.

Merrill with his girls.

Anthony with Courtney and Zachary.

The lines at Disney had nothing on these lines.

Who said I only have four boys?

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match, find me a find, catch me a catch" Since Harold and I have an agreement with Bart and Julie for our boys to marry their girls, I've started a collection of pictures to be shown at the receptions.

Yesterday Emily and I took our kids to Playmobile. My boys have been begging all summer to go, so I finally broke down and took them. For those of you who don't know what it is, it is a indoor play area divided into different stations of Playmobile characters. My boys love the section with the castles and knights. The thing that amused me was that without planning it we dressed not only our kids in the same colors, but dressed almost alike ourselves even down to the same flipflops. I'm sure we looked quite "cultish". I wonder what would have happened if we had started yelling at each other, "He's mine, I had him first". Sorry, I couldn't resist.

ATTENTION: Mood Change

This week has been one of the rockiest I have experienced for awhile. My Mom has been in the hospital since Mon. We had to take her to the Emergency Room with very disconcerting symptoms. You can email me if you want more details. She is doing much better now, but did give me a scare. Sometimes the pressure of trying to juggle all my roles (wife, Mommy, daughter, nurse, friend) becomes overwhelming. I can tend to have an "I am woman" attitude without even realizing it, but this week I have been reminded of just how weak I am in my own strength. I have been forced to to admit my weaknesses and rely on the strength of my Father. It's such a peaceful place to be. The song "He's the Peace of My Heart" has been running through my mind. I am so thankful for the "Peace" that I have.

BTW Number 2 in sepia won.

How The Grinch Stole The Spaghetti