For Glenwood

I love you Glenwood family.

The story of our coming to you fills me with joy, hope and faith every time I recall it.

We remain, all these years later, exceedingly grateful to run this race with you.

Prologue

My Uncle Tommy and Aunt Pat moved to Tyler when I was really young. I remember that we all thought it was very far away. I mean it was EAST TEXAS for goodness sakes! After they moved and began work we got Uncle Tommy's church bulletin every week. I read it, oddly enough. The bulletin was mostly full of names that I didn't recognize, but I would read Tommy's writings at the front and then scan the youth group news and announcements for any mention of my cousins or aunt and uncle. This was a regular, weekly occurrence throughout my youth. We received many church bulletins and I read them hit or miss for the most part, except for Uncle Tommy’s. The Glenwood church of Christ bulletin was a part of my every week.

Fast forward some years to Christmas 2001. Jeff and I and our two toddlers were in the States to raise money and search for a new supporting congregation. While fundraising and traveling, our family was simultaneously enduring a very heavy season of grief and loss. We had not only made a major job transition but we had also lost Jeff’s grandfather and my best friend within months of each other resulting in two very important funerals that we were not able to attend because we were on the other side of an ocean. As the holiday season nestled into American homes, we ended some difficult weeks of travel that had taken us across the entire United States where we had made contact with all the congregations that had supported us in the past. We were warmly received in each church family we approached, but over and over we were told "no" to our request for oversight.

I was newly pregnant (SURPRISE!) and very sick. We landed in our Texas home for a large extended family gathering over the Christmas holiday.  As the festivities came to an end and everyone prepared to return to their homes, my Uncle Tommy gave Jeff an email contact for a man named Jack. Jack was the mission committee chairman of a church in Tyler and Tommy said that it was worth a try. Tommy said that the church, Glenwood, was a wonderful place and that they loved missionaries.

Over the next few weeks, we sent requests and information to several different churches including Glenwood. There were no immediate responses so we settled into the next season which would include more loss, more sickness and much opportunity to wait.

Part 1: McDonald’s

My most memorable McDonald's meal took place in Abilene, TX in February of 2001. What was meant to be a mere six week fundraising jaunt had blossomed (like my swelling abdomen) into an overextended test of endurance. Our search for an overseeing church had grown very long.

Our family had pushed through to attend the lectureship at Abilene Christian University despite Jeff’s recent pneumonia diagnosis. I drove us to Abilene so that we could meet with several potential supporters, among them a couple named Jack and Tootsie who had recently been in contact with us concerning the information we had sent to Glenwood. We looked for Jack and Tootsie unsuccessfully for the whole lectureship but finally, on the last day, we met them face to face. They invited us to have lunch with them.

We were meeting with these new friends to discuss the landscape of our life. Our dreams. Our struggles. Our hopes. Everything really.

And we decided to discuss these very important things over greasy McDonald's burgers because, of course.  Jack and Tootsie were patient with us. We chose McDonald’s because of the play place.

I remember telling Jack so many stories while Tootsie madly tore open ketchup packets to keep our kiddos happy and stuffed with french fries. My Dad very mercifully joined us to corral our kiddos at the play place so we could visit with Jack and Tootsie in peace for just a bit.

I remember feeling tired and weary to my bones. Jeff shared all that we had been witnessing in Uganda. I listened to my husband tell stories I had lived and re-lived so many times, wondering if anybody would ever embrace this ministry as we had. Share the passion with us.

I couldn't read Jack's mind. He was thoughtful. He used few words and made no promises but he did say that he would pray.

We hear that often when we talk about the work here: "We will pray." Precious commitment. One we do not take for granted.

That day, at McDonalds, I learned several things:

1. Tootsie is the world's fastest ketchup packet opener---seriously!

2. Jack and Tootsie are Kylee's grandparents (long story)

3. When Jack says he will pray, he means it.

It was just a visit at McDonalds. But, oh, how it changed my world.

Part 2: Wednesday Night Supper

A few weeks later, Jack emailed us that the church in Tyler wanted us to visit over Easter weekend. He didn't know exactly what we would be able to do while we were there, or who we would be able to meet but could we come?

Sure we would visit, but at that juncture I felt cautiously optimistic--heavy on the caution. We'd been through this so many times. I often found it painful to get my hopes up.

We drove into Tyler in the late afternoon of our scheduled arrival date and we were immediately directed to the church building where the church ate together on Wednesday nights. The evening meal fellowship would give us an initial opportunity to meet folks. I smiled at many kind faces while trying to feed my 4yr old and 2yr old chicken spaghetti.

The associate minister was visiting with my husband while we all ate and I overheard snatches of the conversation. "We’ll give you about five minutes...question answer format...really informal...intial introduction... etc."

After we finished dinner, we were directed into the auditorium and shown seats towards the front (mother-of-toddlers nightmare: the FRONT of an auditorium of people you'd like to make a nice impression on!) As the minister began to introduce my husband, I noticed three stools in the front. There was one for the minister, one for my husband and who is supposed to sit on that other one?

Yep.

As the congregation filled the pews, Rob invited over the microphone, “Cheryl, we’ve got a seat for you up here!"

I quickly gave stern instructions to my young ones who I left in the care of Aunt Pat and then elegantly waddled my pregnant self up to the front of an increasingly full auditorium. Once I had clambered onto the stool, my loving husband handed me the microphone FIRST. Gulp!

I’m pretty sure I said something about world peace. I can’t really remember. But the sweet folks in the audience smiled at me when I finished and I passed the microphone off to Jeff. Jeff said some good things, we passed the microphone around a bit and then Rob asked if the congregation had any questions.

The first question came from an older gentleman (precious Jim Welch) near the back. He said simply and directly, "What can we give to you?"

We answered some things about prayer and encouragement to which the older gentleman replied with a firm shake of his head.

"No. I mean financially. What would it take for this church to take care of your family in every way?”

Jeff and I sat stunned while Rob responded for us, "Jim, we'll get Jeff to write the details of his financial needs down for us."

I remember hands going up all over the auditorium while we proceeded to answer questions left and right. Rob eventually ended the time with prayer and people came to welcome us from every direction. We talked and hugged and were loved on and embraced.

As we drove away from the church that evening, Jeff asked me what I thought about our first introduction to Glenwood.

I replied simply, "I feel like we've come home. And how can that be exactly?"

With tears in his eyes, Jeff nodded his assent as we found our way back to Jack and Tootsie’s house.

We both agreed that we had never experienced anything quite like that Wednesday evening at Glenwood.

Little did we know that there was a whole lot of that exact same awareness just ahead of us.

God had been planning and purposing all along, even in the midst of our losses. What a glorious moment when our eyes were finally allowed to see.

Part 3: Tell Me the Story

Jack and Tootsie's phone rang non-stop after our first evening at Glenwood. Jack smiled alot.

Things began to take shape. We were to meet with the new mission committee chairman, speak at a group dinner Thursday, participate in casual sharing time Friday, have lunch with Greg, have lunch with Jim, and the Goodes were eager to share time and pray for us.

We met many people. Faces, names, quick smiles and hugs. We sat in many circles and told many Uganda stories.

As Jeff would talk, I would watch the faces of those listening. They were passionate. Spell-bound. Interested.

They couldn't get enough.

I was amazed at this. Most people enjoy a story or two, but these folks would CHOOSE to listen for hours at a time. We'd stop when WE got tired. Usually, it was the other way around.

It seemed to me, and I was still cautious in my assessment, but, it did seem God was building in these people a deep love and passion for the Fort Portal work. I wanted that to happen but could it really? Congregation wide? Kids to adults? Elders and mission committee? I was watchful, but still hesitant a bit.

At night, after another day full of introductions and testimonials we would return to Jack and Tootsie's. Over bowls of cereal we would talk about what we were experiencing. Jack would smile. Remind us he was praying. And somewhere in the talking, Jack would repeat "If God makes this happen, you're going to be loved like you've never been loved before. Because Glenwood will TAKE CARE OF YOU. I just know it."

Then Jack and Tootsie would ask Jeff to tell just one more story....

Part 4: Home

We flew out to Tyler twice after the initial visit and following two pretty incredible meetings and oh, so many prayers we were invited to stay in Tyler for several months to become Glenwood's missionaries.

On our first Sunday at Glenwood, the elders announced that they had decided to take on oversight of the Fort Portal work and some folks in that generous congregation erupted in applause. Applause?!

I sat in that very full auditorium and sobbed many thankful tears. I felt so loved, so amazed and so hopeful. And it had been a long go since those exact emotions had flooded me so obviously.

Tyler became a healing haven for us. A place to re-charge and regroup. A place to belong.

Our Isaac was born, loved on, prayed over and blessed.

Our support team came together in a beautiful way as six precious couples agreed to serve the Uganda work from the States.

We worshipped and prayed and shared and planned.

I was overwhelmed every day I was there.

But especially, on our very last day before departure, there was this one elders’ meeting. It was a moment that something very important shifted in me. Here’s the story:

In our last few weeks with Glenwood, before we finally made our return to Uganda, we hit a bit of a snag in our communication with the leadership. It was an easily resolved issue in the end but as these things can go, our conversations had grown acute and painful. My trust in church leadership had taken a tremendous beating in the years preceding our joining with Glenwood, so when the conversations with our new leadership labored into the zone of our previous wounds I began to despair in my heart.

To settle the storm stirred in the discussions of those last few weeks, we were requested to attend a leadership meeting on the last Sunday of our time in Tyler. I dreaded it all week. Jeff and I arrived at the church building early and were asked to wait just five minutes in the lobby before we came into the meeting. We sat quietly while my stomach churned and I tried unsuccessfully not to glance repeatedly at the men gathered in the next room. I was thankful to see them all engaged in prayer together. My heart rate slowed a bit as I witnessed their seeking supplication.

We were brought into the room with warm hugs and hand shakes and with very little delay their appointed spokesman began. With tears in his eyes he offered these life giving words:

“Jeff and Cheryl, we have spoken our minds to you on this issue and we also know where you stand. Having openly shared our opinions we now only have this to say to you: We trust you. We believe in your wisdom, your insight and the Spirit work in you to make the best decision in regard to this issue. We will not require anything of you in this matter. We only want you to know how very much we believe in your ability and your strength and our God who is at work in you. You are so very loved. Know that you have our blessing and our complete support.”

I was stunned to silence and deeply effected. I weep even now.

With tears flooding from our souls we sat that day vulnerable and embraced among a church leadership that deliberately chose our relationship over the issue. Their resolution was submissive and sacrificing. It absolutely reeked of Christ.

And it definitively made all the difference. For very many years.

Our connection to Glenwood, especially in those abundant early years, was more than I ever dreamed possible. Some of our very best friends, to this day, came into our lives in that season. 

Among those brothers and sisters my faith was renewed and my hope was restored.

We were, by God’s grace and mercy, home in a way we hadn’t experienced before.

Glenwood had become our church family. Our support. God's Embrace.

Jack was right.

Glenwood would continue to love us well for years to come. 

We are so very thankful.

God be praised!

The Tent

Not enough words in the world to describe the journey to this moment.

Fort Portal Church of Christ. Worshiping on their land. In the tent.

Of course, there will always be a next step. The church land committee is working towards the laying of a cement floor.

The full length tent will be set up on this floor.

But for now, in true Ugandan fashion, we set up what we can. Meet on our land. And, mpora, mpora, (slowly, slowly) we complete the place for the full tent.


The first morning brought me to tears. Long awaited. Much appreciated. Well received.

Please, Holy Father, be honored in this place. It is truly our deepest desire.

Thank you Glenwood.

(smile)

How deep our grateful hearts feel love for you.

PRAISE!!!

The Blessing of Fellowship

We were so delighted to welcome Brian, Kristin and Grace Robinson for a visit during March. The Robinsons are members of our overseeing congregation and dear friends. They brought with them loads of goodies and tons of love from our Glenwood family. As usual, when we welcome Glenwood-ites here, it made us long for our Tyler home.

Brian and Kristin are fellow sojourners in our parenting journey. They have four offspring all around the ages of our own. I find an understanding ear in Kristin. She supports, encourages and believes in me. All Mommies need that.

On furlough, we always enjoy sharing a meal with the Robinsons in their home. Our conversation usually turns to missions and the Robinson’s desire to participate personally in foreign work. We’ve prayed for them and loved sharing “the call” with them.

How delighted we were to hear that God’s call was reeling them in. Not just whispering to them anymore! We pray for them as they take on a huge endeavor…moving four kids and a life across an ocean. Let me just say, this is not something for the faint of heart.

But, also, let me say, “Brian & Kristin, you can do this! Because YOU will never walk this path alone. He doesn’t call you down a path and then abandon you. He will never fail.”

Thank you for doing all those dishes, folding my laundry (we are soul mates now!) and unloading (Brian) so much stuff without a break. Chaos of the container overtook us at the end, but your bright spirits and willingness to jump in and help saved my sanity. Truly. I hope you found the blessings you needed for this time as well. We love you and are so proud of you for your choices and your courage.

We are also VERY thrilled that you will be on our side of the ocean! Come see us anytime. I promise I won’t always make you do the dishes! 

Many thanks to Madeline, Samuel, Aaron and all the Grandparents who made this trip possible. Thank you for sending your precious Mom, Dad and sister to us. We pray they carried blessing and encouragement back to you.

We've Come a Long Way

Cell phones in Africa still amaze me.

When we first moved to Ft Portal acquiring a land line phone was of top priority. Jeff had been going on about this new thing called “e-mail” and I for one, thought it would never go anywhere. Especially anywhere in East Africa. But Jeff had high hopes for it and knew the first thing we needed was a land line.

Phone wires and electric wires were delicately draped through trees, tied in knots around poles and, in many other ways, creatively strung all around our town.

But, there were a limited number of phone wires available. We applied for one of the wires and after several months of waiting were given one.

Jeff was with the phone technicians as they ran the wire directly from the phone office to our house. We celebrated victoriously when the dial tone could be heard.

We passed around our phone number and rejoiced in our new accessibility.

Expressed joy…that was only short lived.

Dialing was a test of patience. We had one other friend with a phone line and to call them might require an hour long dial-fest. Driving to their house took less time.

Calling internationally was impossible. First, each call cost a mere $8 per minute (ouch!). Second, dialing and redialing yielded little fruit. Many times, the call just would not go through.

When our families would call us we expected to be cut off numerous times. I would make a list of important points to share and then rattle them off quickly before we would get cut off.

Then came the phone line “issues”. Many times there was a fault in the line. We would call the phone company and they would send the trusty technician carrying…hedge trimmers. We watched in shock as the technician began to cut our line in pieces. His plan…cut and test the line to see where the fault existed.

We lost three phone receivers due to lightning. One of the strikes came through the phone and lit up the hallway. Thankfully we were not on the phone or in the hallway at the time.

Then there was the stealing. Jeff went to investigate the line for himself after a rather long period of phone deprivation…only to discover the entire line was missing. When he reported this to the phone company they only replied that people sometimes steal the wire and that we should just wait until they could secure more wire.

Sigh. Those were the days.

All of a sudden…and I don’t mean that as an exaggeration…

Cell phones. Jeff bought one quickly when they became available and we were shocked at its reliability and function. Eventually, our cell phones connected us to more reliable email services, better communication with our parents and friends overseas and to each other.

For years, when Jeff would head off to the village, I would watch him go, knowing there would be no way to contact me if he was delayed or held up for any reason. As more and more cell phone towers went up around the country, Jeff was able to make contact with me even from remote areas.

We still live in the third world... Which means that unpredictability and dysfunction creep in...always. The cell phone lines are now very over used and the connections can sometimes be the pits.

But the fact that a little piece of machinery with NO WIRES attached to it can somehow link us to people all the way around the world…astounds me.

Over the last few months, as we struggled through rough times, that precious cell phone was a life line.

Jeff and I would squeeze close with our ears pressed against the phone as dear friends and fellow warriors prayed over us and spoke His words of comfort, exhortation and peace over our heads.

One such call was from our Glenwood support team. It was a conference call full of debriefing and sharing…then a prayer.

Our entire family stood in a huddle in our kitchen. Jeff’s cell phone opened in the middle of our circle. One precious voice after another spoke to our Father on our behalf. With each voice we heard, Jeff and I would mouth to the children the name of the person speaking.

“Bill, Dewayne, Cynthia, Charles, Joan, Lori, Kyle, Jana, Jack, Tootsie, Scott…”

Big smiles would follow and nods…

The prayers spoke over many miles overwhelmed our spirits with strength, mercy and hope.

The gentle, peaceful tears flowed from my eyes for awhile after we had ended the call.

We needed what those prayers provided. Available to us, through the miracle of a cell phone.

We have come a long way, in these twelve years…

And I’m not just talking about the phones….

The Box People

On our last furlough, we had safely arrived in Tyler, TX and were worshipping with our supporting church for the first time on our visit. During the worship time, we were welcomed and asked to stand.
Isaac, then four years old, asked, “Mom, how do all these people know us?”
Alex, the more informed 6 year old replied, “Isaac, these are the Box People!"
Isaac, then smiled knowingly, "These people love us!”

About 5 years ago, God brought us to a Church and made it our home. Glenwood. We love them so. They pray for us faithfully. They welcome us warmly when we return for a visit. They generously loan us cars, open their homes, and fill our tummies with Tex Mex like there is no tomorrow! They eagerly listen to our reports and surround us with verbal blessing and exhortation. They support us financially. And they send us
huge boxes full of yummy treats, easy meals, worship music, good books, toys and many other treasures when we are back on the field. They have stolen our hearts.

We get boxes often. Each Bible Class will take a month, collect money and purchase goodies. The treasures are boxed and mailed. And eagerly awaited on our end…

Every time I go to town and return home, Isaac asks, “Did you get a box today?!?!”

The celebration when I say “Yes!” is explosive!!!

The dining table is cleared, scissors are found and the family gathers around with much fanfare.

The box is opened with shouts of “Can you see anything yet?”
“I wonder what they sent this time?!?!”
And of course, “WE LOVE GLENWOOD!”



We lift out each item one by one and exclaim. It is now our tradition and we can’t do it any other way.

Jeff: “Macaroni and Cheese”
Children: “YAY!!!!!!” (hear claps and whistles)
Jeff: “Brownie Mix”
Children:gasping “oooooooooo!!!”
Jeff: “Velveeta Cheese”
Children: “awwwwww!”
Jeff: “M&M’s”
Children: “Give them to Mommy!” (what darling cherubs!)

Out come cars for Isaac: (thanks R.R. !!)


Out come the bag of Tootsie Rolls: (thanks Ms. Tootsie!!)


Pickle relish: (we got them Trisha!)


Arts and crafts for Kinley...


The joy overwhelms us.

You see, we can’t pick those things up at our market. And while we have learned how to make and prepare treats that keep us fed and blessed in this place…

Those packets of treasure remind us of home and a fellowship of Christians whose embrace holds us and sustains us… over and over again.

The items you see pictured arrived recently during a season of trudging. With handfuls of M&M’s and the smell of fresh brownies baking…reprieve found us… What a quickening in our step…

Thank you Glenwood! God multiplies your treats and fills our hearts to overflowing!


We love you!

Embraced...again

I don't really understand it.

It's not normal, actually.

And its regularity astounds me.

At first, I eyed it with suspicion.

I analyzed it and pondered it's implications.

I investigated agendas and motives.

And...then...I cautiously accepted it.

Hesitantly...on my guard.

Overwhelmed by the obvious authenicity...unsure of its reality.

But now...I'll openly confess....

I've come to depend on it.

Lean on it.

Need it.

Miss it desperately when we are gone.


Our Glenwood church family.

Their love. Their support.

The gazillion hugs and smiles.

The gazillion offers to help...

Food, invitations, gifts....

Prayers.

Precious Glenwood,

Your interest and passion for our friends in Uganda amazes me. Your abounding love for me, Jeff and our kids bolls me over.

I don't know how we ever did this without you.

You are, over and over again, God's sustaining embrace on our family.

Love each other. Passionately. And never, never quit.

I need you now. His work through you continues to hold me up and press me on.

...to the goal...for the prize...

I'm exceedingly grateful to run this race with you.

Epilogue--Embraced

I got a box today. Jana packed it. She is my "jump in the car-go to Canton" friend. :-)
The box had all our favorites. And now those precious treasures are carefully placed on our freezer so we can walk in the pantry and see the delightful items all laid out!

We got a box last week and four boxes the week before that.

This morning I put on lipgloss Kristen bought, mascara Dana bought and the same perfume that Trisha wears.

I read a magazine over lunch that Lynn and Marjorie sent, gave each child Tootsie Rolls from Tootsie, and let them listen to Odyssey tapes sent by Greta.

I have pictures on my email from Cathy, and I made a chocolate cobbler recipe from Thyme and Traditions cookbook.

I told a story about Alex's Rescue Hero Station that he got from Glenwood last Christmas.

I REVELED in the SHEER DELIGHT of driving that beautiful LANDCRUISER to a village outside of town.

My pantry is stocked with Rotel, Velveeta, microwave popcorn, chocolate chips and Goldfish crackers. (NOT items available in the local market :-)

...tonight, as I stood in my kitchen corner, with all the lights out, and had a quiet moment with Our God...I remembered that I shared this secret worship place with 35 of my closest friends :-) at ladies Bible class.... and all of a sudden I wasn't worshipping alone anymore...

I know, that somewhere in Tyler, someone is praying for our family, the church in Ft. Portal and God's Kingdom in Uganda.

Glenwood church building is thousands of miles away from where I sit right now. But they have dramatically impacted my day today in a million ways.

They are our church family. Our Support. God's Embrace.

Jack was right...

I love you Glenwood. The story of our coming to you fills me with joy, hope and faith everytime I remember it.

I'll say it again, God is good.

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." 1 Thess 3:12-13

PartIV---Home

We flew out twice to Tyler after the initial visit. And after two pretty incredible meetings...and oh, so many prayers...we were invited to stay in Tyler for several months to become Glenwood's missionaries.

On our first Sunday at Glenwood, the elders announced that we had been taken on as missionaries.Some folks in that generous congregation errupted in applause. Applause.
I cried. Besides being overly hormonal..(reminder...HUGELY pregnant) I felt so loved...so amazed... so...hopeful...

Over the next months, I learned this about Glenwood:

1. Everyone is related to someone else at Glenwood---truly!
2. Glenwood LOVES to feed its people!
3. Glenwood LOVES children and became Home to my little ones very quickly.
4. Glenwood SEEKS...God, Jesus,the Spirit's leading... and they seek PEOPLE who are broken...people who are hurting..
5. Glenwood LOVES to WORSHIP!!!!!
6. Glenwood was God's chosen place for the Cash family and the Ft. Portal work.

Tyler became a haven for us. A place to re-charge and regroup. A place to belong.

Our Isaac was born, loved on, prayed over and blessed.

Our support team came together in a beautiful way as 6 precious couples agreed to serve the Uganda work from the States.

We worshipped and prayed and shared and planned.

We experienced the Glenwood Generosity in spades. Cars, an apartment, food, baby stuff, friendship...fellowship...love...our cup did runneth over!

I was overwhelmed every day I was there. Glenwood was more than I ever dreamed possible. My faith was renewed. My hope restored.

We were home.

Part III---Tell Me the Story

(this is fourth in a series of blogs...if you are just starting to read, scroll down to the prologue and start there...)

Jack and Tootsie's phone rang non-stop. Jack smiled alot.

Things began to take shape. We were to meet with the new mission committee chairman...group dinner Thurs...sharing time Friday...lunch with Greg ("he's the greatest guy..."Jack said)... lunch with Jim...

We met alot of people. Faces, names, quick smiles and hugs. We sat in alot of circles and told ALLLLOOOOOTTTTTTT of Africa stories.

As Jeff would talk, I would watch the faces. They were passionate. Spell-bound. Interested....

They couldn't get enough.

I was amazed at this. Most people enjoy a story or two...but these folks would CHOOSE to listen for hours at a time. We'd stop when WE got tired. Usually, it was the other way around.

It seemed to me...and I was still cautious in my assessment...but, it did seem...God was building in these people a deep love and passion for the Ft. Portal work. I wanted that to happen...but could it really? Congregation-wide? Kids to adults? Elders, missions committee....I was watchful. But still hesitant a bit.

At night, we would return to Jack and Tootsie's. Over a bowl of cereal we would talk about what we were experiencing. Jack would smile. Remind us he was praying.
And somewhere in the talking, Jack would say. "If God makes this happen, you're gonna be loved like you've never been loved before. Because Glenwood will TAKE CARE OF YOU. I just know it."

Then Jack and Tootsie would ask Jeff to tell just one more story....

Part II--Wednesday Night Supper

(This is the third blog in a series of blogs...if you are a first time reader, scroll down to the prologue and start there!)

Jack emailed us that the church in Tyler wanted us to visit over Easter weekend. He didn't know exactly what we would be able to do while we were there, or who we would be able to meet...but could we come?

Sure. I was cautiously optimistic. Heavy on the caution...we'd been through this so many times. It was sometimes painful to get your hopes up.

We drove into Tyler in the late afternoon and were directed to the church building. (Thank you, Tanner) The church ate together on Wednesday nights and it would give us an initial opportunity to meet folks. I smiled at alot of faces while trying to feed my 4yr old and 2 yr old chicken spaghetti. (Did I mention I was HUGELY pregnant!)

The associate minister was visiting with my husband and I overheard snatches of the conversation. "...give you about five minutes....question answer format...really informal...intial introduction..."

We were directed into the auditorium and sat down towards the front (mother of toddlers nightmare---the FRONT of an auditorium of people you'd like to make a nice impression on---egads!) As the minister began to introduce my husband, I noticed three stools in the front...one for the minister, one for my husband and... who is supposed to sit on that other one?....oh no! Yep.
"Come on down Cheryl. We want to put YOU on the spot!" (many thanks Rob!)
I waddled up to the front and my loving husband quickly handed me the microphone FIRST. Great.
I think I said something about world peace. (thanks for the tip Aunt Pat)
Jeff said some good things, we passed the microphone around a bit and then Rob asked if the congregation had any questions.

The first question came from an older gentleman near the back. He said, "What can we give to you?" (precious Jim Welch...in Heaven right now....giving to someone, I'm sure....)

We answered something about prayer and encouragement...

The older gentleman shook his head and said, "No. I mean financially. What would it take for this church to take care of your family in every way?"

Uhhhhmmmm....what did he say? Rob said, "Jim, we'll get Jeff to write the details of his financial needs down for us."

I remember hands going up all over the auditorium and us answering questions right and left. Rob ended the worship time with prayer and people came from every direction. We talked and hugged and were loved on and EMBRACED.

As we drove to Jack and Tootsie's house later that night, Jeff asked me what I thought.
I said, " I feel like we've come home." He said that he felt the same way.

Home.

Part I--McDonalds

My most memorable McDonald's meal took place in Abilene. I was hugely pregnant with our third child and we were trying to survive an extended furlough while looking for a new overseeing church.

Jack and Tootsie. We'd been looking for them for the whole lectureship and finally, on the last day, we met them face to face. They asked us have lunch with them.

Jack was the head of the mission's committee at a church in Tyler. We were meeting to discuss...well...our life. Our dreams. Our struggles. Our hopes.

Everything really. And we decided to do that discussing over greasy McDonald's burgers. Jack and Tootsie were patient with us. We chose McD's because of the play place.

I remember telling Jack alot of stories while Tootsie madly tore open ketchup packets to keep our kiddos happy and stuffed with french fries!

I remember feeling tired and weary to my bones. Jeff told all we had been witnessing in Uganda. I listened to stories I had lived and re-lived so many times, wondering if anybody would ever EMBRACE this ministry as we had. Share the passion with us.

I couldn't read Jack's mind. He was thoughtful. He used few words and made no promises but said he would pray.

We hear that alot when we talk about the work here. "We will pray." Precious commitment. One we do not take for granted.

That day, at McDonalds, I learned several things:
1. Tootsie is the world's fastest ketchup packet opener---seriously!
2. Jack and Tootsie are Kylie's grandparents (long story)
3. When Jack says he will pray....he means it.

It was just a visit at McDonalds. But, oh, how it changed my world.