One of the sweetest times for me is listening to the older generations stories. I’ve got to hear many funny memories while being here in Bancroft, Nebraska (population=200). Travis’ grandparents live here and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to spend lots of quality time with them. Their names are Betty Lou (79 years old) and Harold Nelson (almost 85 years old). Harold was born in this farmhouse surrounded by 130 acres and lived here ever since. Bancroft really is the “small town” splendor that you read about in books or see in old time movies. You go into town, which is compiled of a few stores that don’t even add up to equal the size of a wal-mart. As “Grandma” and I entered each store we were personally greeted with first names by smiling faces. How sweet that everyone knows everyone! What is funny is that I ran to the store later that night to get something for Grandma and this woman asks “You’re not from Bancroft are you?” I giggled and said “no”. And she said she didn’t think so because she knows everyone here and she’s never seen me. So I guess each side has its’ pros and cons (moving a lot vs. staying in one place your whole life).
But, what I love so much about our Grandparents is their sense of well-being. The youth that they radiate is indescribable. Some may call it stubborn, others may say it’s just their personality, but whatever it be, they are determined to not be held back by aging. They still partake in their daily duties as if they were in their 20’s. Of course they make take a bit longer to finish their tasks, but they do it without groaning and complaining about their age and aches. I hope I am like them when I age. That’s part of the reason I decided 4 years ago to each very healthy and continue exercising. I do not want to be burdened with all kinds of illnesses, and not to mention my body is the Lords temple and He deserves the best I can give.
This last week we’ve been quite busy here in Nebraska. One day we spent 3 hours in the corn and bean fields combining (harvesting) the crops. This machine they use to harvest is so incredibly sophisticated, perhaps that is why it costs a mere $350,000. We also got to go look at a friend’s pet deer named Buddy the Buck. Grandma took me into “town” one day to shop and get our nails done. She’s a doll ☺. Besides that we drove through Iowa and South Dakota to get to Minneapolis, Minnesota for Travis’ brothers’ wedding. We had so much fun up there! Besides all of the wedding events we attended, we also got to play around in Mall of America and ride on roller coasters. It was fun to be around a lot of Travis’ family. They spoiled us so much, buying our meals or slipping us some money. What a blessing our family has been to us! I hope they know how truly grateful we are. The more others bless me the more I can’t wait to be able to bless others financially! That’s why it is better to give than to receive.
So… Friday we head back to Houston and the following Tuesday we head back to the DR.
To be honest I’m getting kind of sad about going back. I know you probably think I’m crazy that I would be sad… but as the holidays approach and the seasons change I’m quickly becoming aware of what I’m going to miss in the next few months. Decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Thanksgiving Dinner, Cutting down our own Christmas Tree, Baking Christmas cookies, going caroling, cold weather, decorating the Tree, Church Christmas plays, and family. Yesterday I decided to have my own little festitivities. So I baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies while listening to Frank Sinatra’s Christmas Album.
So, please pray for us as we adjust to our new life. I know it will be wonderful with Travis and I; it is just going to be different the first year. Please pray for strength and discernment to continue following where the Lord is calling us, and comfort from Him as we adjust.
Love you all so much!
D&T
October 23, 2009
October 18, 2009
October 12, 2009
Once again it is another American holiday and I’m completely oblivious to it. This time I have no excuse, I am in the US right now. Ha Ha! Happy Columbus Day!
So it’s about that time that the weather cools down and the air has a unique crispy cool felling to it, and I LOVE it! Especially after living in tropical paradise I’m appreciating the seasons changing even more! I love fall, I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite season. Which perhaps is the reason that I miss my family so much right now. The fall foliage rides, the punkin carvings, apple cider donuts, corn mazes, and Thanksgiving. Luckily my father and mother-in-law will be visiting us for Thanksgiving in the DR. I think that will help the adjustment of the first holidays away from my family.
Our time in Texas has been wonderful and full of many hours of Scrabble games. To me there is nothing better and more rejuvenating than quality time laughing and talking with your beloved family. We truly do cherish every memory we share with those closest to us.
Right now we are in the airport waiting for our flight to Omaha, Nebraska. Yayy a new state for me! I’m very excited to see something new and to visit Travis’ grandparents farm. They’ve lived there, in the same home their whole life. That’s unbelievable to me. I’m only 22 and have lived in 13 different places with many different homes. But then again I thrive on it. I love experiencing new things and meeting all different kinds of people. Everyone has his or her own story… if I had it my way I would just sit with a cup of sugar-free vanilla coffee and just listen to everyone’s journey. Perhaps I would even get an opportunity to encourage them if they so needed it. Or I, myself, would be encouraged. Ironically that is exactly what church was about yesterday. (And boy was it nice being in church again! There’s something so amazing to me about corporate worship and teaching!) Anyways, this pastor talked about Paul’s crazy testimony and how zealous he was to tell others about it. I also have an incredible story of God’s redemption and favor on my life, and I have been inspired to be more vocal about it. I am loved and saved by the creator of the Universe and I year to give Him the glory He deserves.
Speaking of the Lord saving me and showing me favor when I don’t deserve it… He ONCE again provided for us in a very unique way. As I have mentioned previously, we are tight on money for this season of our life. Well, one of my lovely girl friends here in Texas took me to Starbucks yesterday. We had a wonderful time playing catch up and sharing what the Lord is doing in our lives now. Well after we had spent time together we showed back up at our house with a white envelope from her mother. She has a very sweet mother who surprised us with a very generous blessing. It was a late wedding gift, but something that was much needed. It truly brought tears to my eyes as I opened it. It was because I realized it was more than just a gift for our precious wedding, it was the Lords favor and answer to prayer. He promises to provide for His children, and the Word says His hand is never too short to give. What a Great God!
So I can’t help but laugh at myself when I worry, for it’s moments like these that remind me that He works in mysterious ways and He has our best interest in mind.
Be encouraged because he desires to do the same thing with you!
Love,
Danielle
So it’s about that time that the weather cools down and the air has a unique crispy cool felling to it, and I LOVE it! Especially after living in tropical paradise I’m appreciating the seasons changing even more! I love fall, I’m pretty sure it’s my favorite season. Which perhaps is the reason that I miss my family so much right now. The fall foliage rides, the punkin carvings, apple cider donuts, corn mazes, and Thanksgiving. Luckily my father and mother-in-law will be visiting us for Thanksgiving in the DR. I think that will help the adjustment of the first holidays away from my family.
Our time in Texas has been wonderful and full of many hours of Scrabble games. To me there is nothing better and more rejuvenating than quality time laughing and talking with your beloved family. We truly do cherish every memory we share with those closest to us.
Right now we are in the airport waiting for our flight to Omaha, Nebraska. Yayy a new state for me! I’m very excited to see something new and to visit Travis’ grandparents farm. They’ve lived there, in the same home their whole life. That’s unbelievable to me. I’m only 22 and have lived in 13 different places with many different homes. But then again I thrive on it. I love experiencing new things and meeting all different kinds of people. Everyone has his or her own story… if I had it my way I would just sit with a cup of sugar-free vanilla coffee and just listen to everyone’s journey. Perhaps I would even get an opportunity to encourage them if they so needed it. Or I, myself, would be encouraged. Ironically that is exactly what church was about yesterday. (And boy was it nice being in church again! There’s something so amazing to me about corporate worship and teaching!) Anyways, this pastor talked about Paul’s crazy testimony and how zealous he was to tell others about it. I also have an incredible story of God’s redemption and favor on my life, and I have been inspired to be more vocal about it. I am loved and saved by the creator of the Universe and I year to give Him the glory He deserves.
Speaking of the Lord saving me and showing me favor when I don’t deserve it… He ONCE again provided for us in a very unique way. As I have mentioned previously, we are tight on money for this season of our life. Well, one of my lovely girl friends here in Texas took me to Starbucks yesterday. We had a wonderful time playing catch up and sharing what the Lord is doing in our lives now. Well after we had spent time together we showed back up at our house with a white envelope from her mother. She has a very sweet mother who surprised us with a very generous blessing. It was a late wedding gift, but something that was much needed. It truly brought tears to my eyes as I opened it. It was because I realized it was more than just a gift for our precious wedding, it was the Lords favor and answer to prayer. He promises to provide for His children, and the Word says His hand is never too short to give. What a Great God!
So I can’t help but laugh at myself when I worry, for it’s moments like these that remind me that He works in mysterious ways and He has our best interest in mind.
Be encouraged because he desires to do the same thing with you!
Love,
Danielle
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