The Cruise: Day One

It was the adventure of a lifetime. Something we never dreamed would ever be a possibility. But here we were, pulling up to the loading dock and preparing for four days of new experiences. The cruise ship was loading and we had tickets in hand. Anticipation was high: new friends to meet, long-time friends to see, and a whole new world of tropical wonderment lay ahead.

We're humbly grateful for each person who made this a possibility for our family. We hope you enjoy a little 'photo-tour' of the trip:

We arrived with a monstrous stack of luggage, instruments, products, and more. We were grateful for the kind porters who helped us transfer everything to the ship. We loaded everything on their carts and headed to the check-in area.

  

Smiles of anticipation!

Double-checking everything.

We stood in line through security and got ready to board. It was so delightful to start meeting friends who were part of our 'Sing & Sail' group. 

  

Once on the ship we were treated to a delicious buffet. And we were hungry! 

 

Smiles from the deck of the ship!

Although we heard the "Majesty of the Seas" is the Royal Caribbean's smallest ship, it seemed massive to us. We took a bit of time to explore our new surroundings.

Ping-pong tables

Preparing to leave Miami

Watching as we sailed out to sea.

After spending much of the afternoon settling in, preparing for the evening concert and running through the mandatory pre-sailing instructions, it was time for our first dining experience. What a delight!

An artichoke dish (with a name I couldn't pronounce or remember).

Each evening we had our concert time as the various ministry groups took turns sharing in music and testimony.

During the evening concert, the ventriloquist and his 'dummy' picked on Andrew.

We closed out the evening concert the first night.

What a great audience.

Never a dull moment with friends like these around!

And the ship made its way through the open sea. So peaceful and vast. When I try to comprehend how massive and detailed this earth is, it causes me to rejoice in the Creator and Author of life. His handiwork is breathtaking. 

"For since the creation of the world, 

His invisible attributes are clearly seen,

 being understood by the things that are made,

 even His eternal power and Godhead,

 so that they are without excuse."

Romans 1:20

Susanna

Happy 17th Birthday Susanna!!!

Susanna's chosen ministry: Kindred Image

"Kindred Image is a non-profit organization that seeks to document and support individuals and communities that work on behalf of the most underrepresented. Sparked by the story of a courageous pastor in South Korea, Kindred was formed to steward Lee Jong-rak's vision and legacy for the abandoned, orphaned, disabled, and devalued. In doing so, we hope to restore the idea of a God-given "kindred image,” thereby defending the dignity and value of all human lives." 

-Taken from Kindred Image's website

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well."

Psalms 139:14

Week in Florida

Yes, the tour is complete and we've hit the ground with our wheels turning here on the home front. But the loads of pictures from the past two weeks are still piled up on my computer. With the wintery temps here in the north, its sweet to go back over these sunny, delightful memories filled with priceless family times. 

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Here are some of the pictures we captured in Florida before heading out on the cruise adventure: 

After facing the relentless ice storms in Alabama and South Carolina, we were grateful to turn our wheels south and head for sunny Orlando. The whole family (excepting Dan & Bethany's family) arrived over the course of a few days. In addition to sharing several concerts in the area, we enjoyed the time to catch up with friends, school, cooking, and laundry. 

Studies

And more studies

Playing around the water...

...and IN the water. 

After endless crock-pot meals on the bus, its always a delightful treat to have access to a 'real' kitchen! Here we mixed up a large batch of one of our Nebraska favorites: Runzas. Mmmmmmm!

Lookin' delicious!

Smiles

Another big project on this trip has been writing and rehearsing new music for the coming year. This is how we spent many hours. 

Along with several for-fun jamming sessions with Andrew. 

Mid-week Josiah's family arrived!

And we celebrated all the February birthdays.

Happy smiles. And wow, so grateful for each of these girls!

Serious competition

Dutch Blitz Extreme!

Susanna and Lindsey

"that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, 

that you also may have fellowship with us; 

and truly our fellowship

is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ."

1 John 1:3

Andrew & Kori

Happy 3rd Anniversary! 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things shall be added to you." 

Matthew 6:33

Home Sweet Home

We pulled into our driveway a little after midnight last night. Ahhh the wonderful feeling of being home after 2 months! After bringing in the essentials for the night, we hit the sack.

This morning the bus is mostly unpacked... Our mail from the last 2 months is spread out across the dining room table.

We all enjoyed a breakfast together but quickly moved into action to tackle the morning projects! The girls made lunch for Matthias & Stephen while they hurriedly packed for a 2 week trip to Texas. They have three irrigations jobs they will be installing over the coming days.

Hello and goodbye Nebraska!

Meanwhile the rest of us try to put our house back in order. Believe me when I say this room was sparkling clean when we left on the trip... we'll see how fast we can whip it back in shape! *grin*

As I sit here typing this it is about 34 degrees outside. A big difference than what we came from, but the sun is shining and it is so good to be home!

"I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And I will glorify Your name forevermore."
Psalm 86:12

Sing Praise to Him!

It has been a whirlwind of a week and I'm sitting here with an overload of pictures and updates to share with you. I'm looking forward to posting a myriad of posts in the coming days. It's been a refreshing, exhausting, encouraging week all rolled into one! 

For now, here is are pictures from a recent concert along with the lyrics from one of our new songs. [Side note: We're very excited about the fresh, new message in song the Lord has given for this year. Much of this trip has been spent working on writing and preparing new music and it is refreshing to share these 'new-songs' as a reflection of the Lord's working in our hearts!]

The Lord is never far away, 

But through all grief distressing,

An ever present help and stay, 

Our peace and joy and blessing. 

What God's Almighty Hand hath made, 

His gracious mercy keepeth,

By morning flow or evening shade, 

His watchful eye ne'er sleepeth.

Though all may toil along the way, 

I'll sing aloud His praises, 

That men may hear the grateful song, 

My voice unwearied raises.

Sing praise to Him,

The God of all creation, 

The God of power and love. 

Sing praise to Him, 

For He is the great I Am. 

"I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;

I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."

Psalm 104:33