We're home! The power-steering part arrived, our mechanics set to work -- and the bus was back into commision without complications. Yipee!

We arrived back in Seward on Wednesday evening -- just in time to unload the bus before the approaching rain. [smile] Oh, and many thanks to our grandparents who extended their Branson trip so that we could have the blessing of their company and a vehicle to run for parts. Besides, we even discovered that Grandma can still make her famous cookies in our bus 'kitchen'. Mm-m-m-m! Love you both bigger!

And on the home front, the last few days we've been preparing for our part of a special Father Daughter banquet hosted by our church family. With the elegance of yesteryear, we had a grand time preparing music with choreography -- complete with hats and parasols! For more pictures, visit Bethany's Blog. In all, it was a very special evening with Daddy. We are so grateful to be his daughters!

Ah, the fun of dress-up!

"...to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,

and the hearts of the children to their fathers."

Malachi 4:6

Stranded...

...Well, sort of, anyway! The power-steering pump went out of our bus in Branson this weekend, so we're stranded until we get a specialty part mailed in and installed. Please pray with us that this process won't be long or complicated. It's beautiful here, -- but there's no place like home! [smile]

Family Time

Finally an update! [smile] After a wonderful few days on the 'home front' -- gardening, sewing, cleaning out a swimming pool, and music practice -- we headed out on the road again. This time to southern Missouri, Branson area.

To give a little history behind this trip, one would have to travel back 27+ years to when Dad and Mom first said "I Do" on a warm summer afternoon. Their honeymoon destination was a craftsmanship/amusement park nestled in the Ozark mountains -- Silver Dollar City. They dreamed of one day taking the whole family to enjoy it together.

Growing up this has always been talked about like a far-off dream as our large numbers generally equal a pretty hefty entrance fee. But this year (for Dad's 50th birthday!) the Lord worked it out that we could be part of a 'talent showcase' including complimentary tickets. A special treat, to be sure -- and especially for Dad and Mom!

Doubling the memories, all three of our grandparents and Dad's sister came along for the weekend. Love ya'll!!!

Hannah, Susanna, Alaythia and Nathanael got their first taste of roller coasters on this small track. It wasn't long, however, before the older girls were riding with the bravest of us!

Hillbillies from the Ozarks!!??

Marvel Cave -- one of the largest cave entrance rooms in the world.

Exploring the tighter passageways.

Preparing for our part of the showcase.

We're thankful for this opportunity to share and for the warm reception by the folks listening -- especially as Dad shared Scripture in addition to our songs.

"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord!"

Psalm 117

Random photo

For any of you who wonder what has happened to the 'non-blogging' Wissmanns this past week, we are all alive and well. [smile] For now, here's a random photo -- with more to come soon!

Daddy

Happy 50th Birthday Daddy!

Okay, so we usually don't leak out our parent's ages but this occasion is just too grand to pass by the opportunity. Yes, our Daddy turns a half-century today!!!

I wish I had the words for a fitting tribute. There are so many qualities I love about you, Daddy -- and special memories that would fill a book. Thank you for your devotion to God's Word and for daily taking time to instill this love in our hearts, too. Thank you for the special way you treasure Mommy and show us the beauty of love and commitment. And I personally am grateful for your listening ear and wise counsel over the past years. You have worked countless hours of physical labor to provide for our family -- many times letting us come to work along side you (the highlight of our week!!) You've taught us to take such delight in simple pleasures!!

I'll never forget the times we.....played 'tackle on Daddy' (before there were so many of us!), ...worked long hours scooping sand out of swimming pools with you -- and the excitement of 'eating out' afterwards!.....got stuck spending the night in our little van at that squealing pig farm.....saw your patience during the 36+hour bus marathon......and other memories too numerous to count. We love you dearly, Daddy -- and thank the Lord he gave us to you!!!

Little known facts about our Daddy --

• He is the fourth of six children -- names all starting with 'L' (Larry, Leon, Lela, Loren, LuAnn, and Lyle)
• He grew up on a dairy/crop farm and still prefers to drink whole milk
• His childhood dream was to become an astronaut
• His first car was a 1972 Dodge Challenger
• He was the Nebraska state tractor driving contest winner in 1974 (a skill he's used many times since!)
• He started Portablast Sandblasting in 1986 -- a business he continues to manage today.
• He likes pineapple/ham pizza
• He committed his life to the Lord at age 12 at a Bible Camp and later came to a full surrender at age 21.

May you have a wonderful birthday, Daddy! Let the rejoicing begin!!!

All We Like Sheep...

‘Twas a sheep, not a lamb, that strayed away in the parable Jesus told.
A grown-up sheep that had gone astray from the ninety and nine in the fold.

Out on the hillside, out in the cold, ‘twas a sheep the Good Shepherd sought;
And back to the flock, safe into the fold, ‘twas a sheep the Good Shepherd brought.

And why for the sheep should we earnestly long and as earnestly hope and pray?

Because there is danger, if they go wrong, they will lead the lambs astray.

For the lambs will follow the sheep, you know, wherever the sheep may stray;
When the sheep go wrong, it will not be long till the lambs are as wrong as they.

And so, with the sheep we earnestly plead, for the sake of the lambs today;
If the sheep are lost, what terrible cost some of the lambs will have to pay!

Author Unknown

News from the West

Has it been almost a week since my last post already?! After a weekend rich with music, Bible preaching, late night activities, and fellowship we have pointed our bus eastward once again -- heading toward the homeward trail!

But not before stopping to spend Monday through Wednesday with our dear friends in Cody while sharing a few services in the area. With the warm sunshine and lots of 'farmyard' activity', the days simply flew all-too quickly. Thank you, Atnips!

"Give me the love that leads the way,

The faith that nothing can dismay,

The hope no disappointments tire,

The passion that will burn like fire,

Let me not sink to be a clod:

Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God."

Amy Carmichael

Thank you for your prayers for each of our services on this trip! We have really sensed the Lord's blessing and presence as we've shared in many 'first-time' places -- and also rich fellowship with friends from years past. We are so thankful for the Lord's grace.

And after the service tonight in Moorcroft, Wyoming, our hearts and minds will be turned towards.....
"Going home!" [smile]

Together in Christ

With many thanks to our gracious host family here, we do have online access for a few 'quiet' moments this afternoon. After driving through a May snowstorm yesterday (above), and working on school and various 'bus projects' (quilting!) we arrived safe and sound in time to set up and prepare for the evening revivals.

This is our fourth year sharing here in Bridger, which almost has become a reunion of sorts. Each year we look forward to hearing how the Lord has been at work in the lives of families -- and watching all the little children grow and change. What a beautiful thing it is to have fellowship among the brethren!

Over our ladies luncheon this noon I was reminded of the following verses from Colossians 2:2-3 --

"...that [your] hearts may be encouraged,
being knit together in love,
and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

God knits our hearts together in Christ's love -- drawing us to a deeper knowledge of Himself -- enabling us to carry out His purpose for our lives.

We're looking forward to this weekend. Pray with us for the Lord's working! Also -- one additional prayer request -- we really desire to get some new music worked up. We need wisdom, direction, and creativity! [smile]

Update from Montana

We're back to the online world with time to post an update! [smile]

It's been a very full weekend for our family -- driving through California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho in only a few days. As my previous post gives evidence, northwestern America is incredibly awe-inspiring, and even the long miles in the bus have been enjoyable as our 'bus picture windows' shout the handiwork of our God!

The beginning of this week we've been staying in a small Amish community in western Montana. It's been both educational and encouraging -- getting to somewhat experience their slower-paced lifestyle, and to hear the testimonies of how the Lord is at work in their hearts.

Seeing their hunger for the ways of the Lord and meeting a local pastor who takes Bible memory seriously has again re-newed our passion to spend time in God's Word! As I read in Psalm 119:103 -- "How sweet are Your Words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth." Oh, that God would deepen our daily longing for His Word! This truly is our prayer!

Today we are loaded in the bus again and after a service tonight we'll be headed for eastern Montana and a weekend of revivals. We are looking forward to these annual meetings and time with friends in the area.

We'll do our best to keep updates posted here -- although Bridger, Montana is known for it's poor cell service (thus, no online access)! Ah, how we rely on these modern conveniences! [smile] But whether we'll be able to post or not, do remember that we're so grateful for your prayers and we look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store....from across the miles!

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
For the Lord is a great God."
Psalm 95:1&3

How Great Thou Art

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur;

And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!