July 16, 2011 – Sabbath

What a wonderfully refreshing day this has been!!! After I got up at 7 am, I enjoyed a blessed time as I finished studying the Sabbath School lesson. Since “Susan” was our navigator to church in Joplin, we didn’t leave until 8:45. As we were following her directions, I joyously discovered the simplest way to get to Joplin—WHOOPEE!!!!!!!!!!!! This confirmed my evaluation that some of the signage in the area is less than straightforward & actually downright confusing.

One of the first people I saw when we arrived at church was one of the members who delivered our vegetarian lunch one day last week, Jeanne Simmons. She was the Sabbath School Superintendent & had an interesting presentation. When she described the different classes available, I chose to join the discussion class & Andrew visited the youth class.

Pastor Dwight Seek had a very inspiring & thought-provoking sermon. After church they had fellowship lunch. Andrew & I sat with another visitor, Sam, a man from Louisiana who came to Joplin to see if he could help some people with small home repairs. Pastor Seek & his wife, Jenny, both made a point of visiting with us & expressing their appreciation for our work at the WH.

When I checked my e-mail, my sign-on information for AidMatrix arrived, so Monday I’ll start learning & using this software that is designed to track inventory that comes into & goes out of the WH.

The temperature is REALLY hot—I think my van’s thermometer read over 100° this afternoon. When we got back to the motel, I turned on the A/C, my music, laid down & rested/slept. It felt so good to have a leisurely afternoon & evening. After a light supper, I worked on yesterday’s blog. I already gave Andrew notice that I’m sleeping in late tomorrow.

We’re having a GREAT experience, but starting on Monday Andrew will be the WH manager Carlene is planning to be there part of the day in the office with me, but as far as we know, we will be operating without any other trained and/or experienced volunteers. We’ve made it a prayer priority to petition Heaven for the special people & their individual gifts that will make things run smoothly.

PLEASE keep us in your prayers!!! Your prayers for the people of Joplin & also those serving the survivors are powerful & encourage us to “Be strong & of good courage!!!”