Right now, Thomas and Ruth, are on their way to Missouri to help due to all the flooding down there. Bishop Joseph asked, one Sunday, if any would volunteer to go as their is a bad need down there. The Old Order Mennonites were trying to get at least one bus full of folks to help.
Thomas and Ruth came to David and I telling us they want to go. Being a newly wed couple, they usually don't go this soon after they are married. Thomas said that the Lord had been good to him. He never thought he would have parents and a family, but the Lord had it all worked out so we became his parents. He never thought he would be able to marry at his age because either his parents or her parents would not allow it at their age - but we did and they did. He never thought he would have a farm for him and Ruth to live on and they have one. He and Ruth had prayed and felt the Lord wanted them to go. It was their time to help the Lord.
David and I thought about it and prayed about it. You have to be 18, which they are, before you can go to an out of state mission, like this. They could have gone without asking our opinion, but they did. What made our finally okay was Kevin and Bridget are going, too. Kevin and Bridget have been before and the two couples know each other and will be together at least on the bus and where they stay.
Thomas and Ruth are using some of the money they were given at their wedding for transportation, meals and a hotel room. Kevin and Bridget advised they stay in a hotel and be bused in every day rather than staying where the mission provides.
So off they went. I am, of course, a worried Mother, but the Lord will watch them and provide. Old Order Mennonites have two buses going down from New York State. They will be down there two weeks and come back. Mennonites hope to have two more buses to be there when these two leave. David said now I know what my parents went through when we went on our first mission out of state.
Michael and Edward wanted to go, too. But they can not go until they are 18, which is fine with me. I said it is hard seeing two go, as I feel Ruth is my daughter, I couldn't let all four go at the same time. Michael told me, they are coming back - they will just be gone for two weeks. Michael and Edward will be taking care of Thomas' farm while they are gone. Michael is also filling in for any jobs that might come up for Kevin's shop while he is gone plus handling his own jobs. Kevin's brothers will take care of his farm. David said this is really the time of the year to go as it is not planting season or harvesting season. Of course, if we are called, we go any time of the year.
Michael Edward, Susan, Katie and David Jr. are hoping that we get some snow. They would like to go skiing, or sledding, but so far this year, haven't had a chance. Of course none of the ponds are frozen enough to go ice skating. I asked Michael and Edward with all the work because of Thomas being gone, would they have time. They said they would find time, if they get the snow. As I give this post to Marilyn, it is snowing right now, but I don't know if it will be enough.
Be With God,
Jean
14 comments:
Good morning, Marilyn. Please let Jean know that I totally understand!! My son moved 2000 miles away to finish his education. I still worry and he is 28! LOL Moms are moms...we never stop watching out for our children. On the other hand, what wonderful parents she and David have been that their children have a heart for community...
Have a great day!
Good Morning Angela,
Will see that Jean gets your message. Glad you understand. Moms worry about their children. It is also good tat the children want to help the community.
It is cold here this morning. We had snow and it is 15 degrees this morning.
Marilyn
All good mothers worry!
Good Morning Tom,
You are right.
Marilyn
Hi Jean+Marilyn, Great post as usual! I find it wonderful that Thomas+Ruth would ask David+Jean's opinion on going on mission to MO. Even to this day I will call Dad(now that Mom has passed on) and let him know if I'm traveling elsewhere. I've always considered it common courtesy out of love for my parents. We would also ask our parents for advice when we felt we needed it. It's always good to get another perspective on things. My Mom always said that those who are smart ask questions, the dumb ones don't. Get all the info you can, evaluate, then make your decision after prayer.
I don't think we'll see more than 16 degrees today. Maybe some snow on Sat and it'll be in the upper 30's. This winter is still pretty odd so far!⛄️❄️😉
What a beautiful post to start this New Year. Thank you to Jean for sharing with us. What a blessing their family is to community, larger than just near home. Praying for Gods protection in their travels and work in MO.
What a nice post. I enjoyed getting caught up with what is going on.
We have about 10 inches of snow just sitting around for a week already. It is cold, so it is not going anywhere.
Hi Anonymous,
When my parents were alive, I always use to let them know where I was going, too. Wish my parents were alive so I can ask their advice.
It is 9 degrees outside. I am suppose to go some place but am trying to decide if I want to go out, clean the car off and drive in this weather.
Marilyn
Good Morning dynnamae n,
Will sell that Jean gets your message. It is a blessing on the family and work they are doing. Thank you for your prayers, I know they appreciate them.
Marilyn
Good Morning Vickie,
Will see that Jean gets your message.
We only have a few inches snow, but it is so darn cold. Of course it is suppose to be in the 40's by this coming weekend.
Marilyn
I commend Thomas and Ruth for going on the mission. What a learning experience for them. Of course Jean is worried! She shouldn't be. They'll be just fine. Does everyone pay their own expenses? How are the buses and drivers paid for? Is there anyway for a person to donate. Perhaps Thomas and Ruth can tell us about their trip and what they did. Maybe more than one post.....I learn so much from reading your blog!!
Excellent post! What a blessing for them to come to MO. There is unbelievable damage here and much work to do to get things habitable again. Thank you for coming!
Hi Anonymous,
I think it is great what Thomas and Jean are going too. I know that each person pays their own expenses. Will have to ask Jean who pays for the buses and drivers as I don't know about that. Somewhere I have the Mennonite organization that organizes people to go, supplies the buses and drivers and also sends tractor trailer trucks with water, food, tools, supplies, cots, etc., etc. If I can't find the information, I will ask Jean. Am sure they would accept donations. Will ask Thomas and Ruth if they would tell about their trip and what they did. Jean worries because she is a Mother. All Mother's worry even though she knows they will fine. Am so glad you learn so much on this blog.
Marilyn
Hi Anonymous,
So glad you liked the post. They should be somewhere in your state. They came in either last night or this morning - I'm not sure which. Also, I am not sure exactly what town or city they are in. I will see they get your message. Know they will appreciate it.
Marilyn
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