Friday: the Homestretch!

With much of the work done, we cleaned up our host church, finished up the loose ends, and prepared for the BIG BBQ, an annual last night tradition, to have the whole town come out to the 'Island' on the creek, for a free picnic, open pool night, and clothing give away.

SarahBeth's house was completed...got a second coat of paint, now that the main fixtures were in, and as the guys moved on to repairing porch rails, leaking roof areas and other areas of concern, Lorine and Sue supplied the finishing touches to complete Sarabeth's dream of having a beachy bathroom, here in the mountains. ; ) Lorine got to spend some quality time with Mariah and her Mom, discussing matters of the heart, and college starts for both of them this fall: we will pray for them both, that Jesus would be the light unto their path, as they move into a more 'adult' level of their relationship. It's hard being a Mama losing your baby! [sniff!] We'll pray for Colt also, that the Lord keeps him, and molds him into a 'man after his own heart.'

There was much to do to prepare for the BBQ, what with moving tables, chairs, food, huge amounts of donated clothing, and more. We were pooped, after having travelled to attend a bluegrass gospel concert in a neighboring town (you might have seen the Nestor kids passed out, en masse, on Dad in last night's shots. What a moment.) Great music and ministry, and then...the annual trip to the Custard Stand!! (ice cream shop, for you Yanks!) The Kids got to go in the townpool today....and Pete, too, even if it was unwillingly!

We are contentedly tired, and happy for the new relationships we've made. The BBQ was a hit with the neighborhood, and we were SO GLAD to see, indeed, that Brooke, Carmen and Mary came to the BBQ, along with their other sister as well. Pastor Tim had a chance to meet some of the folks we had spent this week with, and we hope he'll be seeing more of them in the near future. Brooke will also be starting college up again soon...keep her in your prayers that physical therapy would be covered by insurance as her femur mends, and she can be worked on to bring her up to her best potential, overall, health-wise. Also pray for her Mom Carmen, that her health would remain strong, with no further complications of her lung transplant, and that she and Brooke would remain close.

We have packed up most of our belongings, even as Rich and George continued drilling into the night, to complete their looooong list of wiring details. We thank the Lord that he found us worthy to use this week. As for me, and this FIRST time at this with this group...I find them a humble and hard-working bunch, loving being with the kids and eager to meet the local folks and share. I hate to leave feeling like we did not do ENOUGH...how else could we feel with the work that lies before us. We know that "He who began a good work this week...will be faithful to complete it, to the day of His return." Pray with us for traveling mercies, as we leave beautiful West Virginia....over the river, through the mountains, and home again. We will be back soon, 'distant family', so keep in touch, and let us know how to continue to keep you in our prayers.