Road trip...out east

I appreciate so much about my girls, but one thing that stands out during this season in our life is their ability to be at ease during travels and to make new friends wherever we go. We have been told so many times that our children will open even more doors for ministry and it is so true. Though it takes Gabi a little bit more time to warm up to others, Emily can instantly make a new friend and seem to never forget one. It is precious. In July we had the opportunity to take a road trip out east and visit with many people. Not only did our girls make great friends, we did, too!!

Our first stop was in Pennsylvania where we stayed for a night with Terri and her son, Josh. Viktor had known Terri back about 10 years ago when she went to Hungary on a mission trip. Though she and I had connected through Facebook, we had not had the opportunity to meet until now. It was great fun to listen to she and Viktor share stories and reminisce about the good ol' English camp days in Hungary. Gabi loved chasing her cats around the house and Emily loved doing crafts of all kinds with Ms. Terri. Such a sweet time of connecting.

From there we traveled on to New Jersey to spend a few days with several of our friends. Jim and Mandie opened their home to our crazy, growing family and we absolutely had a blast. They have 3 super great kiddos, so there was never a dull moment with the 5 of them running around. Viktor knew Jim and Mandie from his days at CBC and I worked with Jim at WGM...it was so fun to reconnect with them now that we are married and have kids.  We also reconnected with some friends that Viktor had met during a previous visit to NJ about 10 years ago. Our time together with them was precious. We enjoyed sharing with their church on Sunday and then Viktor cooked a large pot of Hungarian gulyas for about 30 people who came over for a little impromptu pool party that afternoon. It was a great way to connect with others and share about the ministry in Hungary. It was such a great visit and we miss our NJ friends dearly!

After a few days of visiting we packed up the van and made our way back to PA for camp meeting. Thursday was missionary day at camp and so we had the opportunity to share in two services that day. In between services we had a lot of opportunities to visit with and encourage the youth at camp. We love youth and loved those precious, casual times together with them! Emily made some great friends and followed an older "Emily" around most of the time...and it turns out that big Emily lives just down the road from us and will even come babysit for us this week!! God is so good to us!

From camp meeting we made our way to WV. Saturday was a family day for us...we toured a wild game park and enjoyed some quiet time at our hotel. We enjoyed some down time after a busy week. Sunday morning was another busy day for us and I was thankful to have a day to rest in between. We spoke in Stonewood on Sunday morning and met an amazing group of people who are excited about missions. After the service we realized we had several mutual friends through Seminary and WGM. Such a fun blessing to encounter on our way!! After church we shared a meal with the pastor and his family and spent well into the afternoon getting to know one another. We just reconnected with Pastor Sherman this week when he was down in Lexington for a training event.

That evening we spoke at another church in Fairmont and enjoyed a time of fellowship there as well. We not only got to share our story, but we enjoyed getting to hear many of their stories as well. We are thankful for the opportunity to pray with them and their needs as so many of them committed to pray for us. We wrapped up around 7pm and made our way to our friend's home in Point Pleasant, WV (about halfway to our home in KY). We met our friends, Chip and Karyn (and little Gabby), here at Asbury a couple years ago. Just 3 weeks prior to our trip they took an appointment with a church that moved them to Point Pleasant. It worked out perfect for a stopping point on our way home. As I look back on all the logistical details of this trip and the many amazing people we met along the way, I am in awe of God's ability to knit together such a wonderfully beautiful time of travel and connecting. And, for those of you who think of us, pray for us, encourage us, and help us as we travel..we cannot thank you enough!! We traveled 1700 miles on this trip and could not have done it without you. Our hearts are so thankful!

Here are a few photos along the way...

Our first night in NJ...enjoying some pool time!

Viktor and Bill prepping the gulyas!

Em at Brigantine Beach, NJ. (IT was HOT!)

Trying to keep cool...

Viktor and the Ashe boys having some fun in the sun!

Jim and Mandie blessed us with a date night during our stay (something we don't get to do very often!). We enjoyed an amazing *quiet* dinner at this restaurant!

We stopped to visit Bill at work (Chick Fil A!) and shared a box of brownies with him. Years ago Viktor babysat his oldest son and fed him a large amount of brownies...needless to say, Viktor had some parenting skills to acquire in the years to come.  :) And thankfully, Viktor has never done such a thing to our children...ha.

The girls enjoying the playground upon arriving at camp meeting.

Viktor dressed as Moses for his evening teaching at camp meeting! It was only 95 degrees and he had all this extra garb on...

Gabi found herself in the mirror at the hotel and would not stop giving kisses...haha.

Ready for our hike through the game park.

By the time the second Sunday morning came around the girls were TIRED! I'm not sure I can even recall the last time Gabi fell asleep on me...she couldn't handle it anymore and this is how we spent the morning service. I didn't mind the extra cuddles. :) 

Emily even got up in front of the church with the rest of the kiddos to do their morning hymns!