Happy Reunion in the Airport

Melissa Gresham just sent me these pictures we took Saturday night when we met the guys' flight at Columbus airport. This is the official end of the Philippine saga. (We made it, Melissa!)

Melissa and me -- smilin' cause the men are back!

Duane & Steve -- our weary warriors (though a little goofy from the flight home.)

He's Home!!

After 10 days, Duane is back. The kids and I are so glad to have him home. We met him at the airport in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday evening and celebrated with a meal at Cracker Barrel on the way home. He was tired and is still adjusting back to sleep patterns after being on a schedule 13 hours ahead of us while in the Philippines. But, regardless of the jet lag, he is home and the parsonage is feeling "normal" again.

I was sick with strep throat while he was gone, and spent a couple of miserable days. A sweet lady from my church helped me out though and several of them called to check on me. I am much better now and hope I never experience that illness again.

As you will see from the pictures below, Duane had a lot of wonderful experiences while he was overseas. He was impressed with the ministry going on there and had a great time with our old friends from Alabama, David and Christina Black, as well as our newer friends Tim and Becky Keep who had just returned from the States on deputation. They took great care of him while he was with them. He got to experience riding in a "jeepney" on the Filipino highways and the wonders of the market. He had fun shopping for souvenirs and getting the "lowest price" from the vendors. He and Steve Gresham also played basketball with the missionaries and the Filipinos, ate in the college dining hall, and most importantly were privileged to worship with some of our Filipino brothers and sisters in Christ as well as teaching several sessions during the Shepherd's Institute (an annual ministerial for Filipino pastors). It was truly an unforgettable trip, and he was enriched by his time over there.

Now, he is back here where we have snow falling and quite cold temperatures. Having him gone makes me realize again how much I love him and how good it is to have my man around the place. Now, there will be no more cheating on the meals -- since Daddy is home, mom is back at the stove again cooking real food........and I'm happy to do it!

Duane, Tim Keep, & Steve Gresham with hand-carved gifts they were given.

Duane and Steve with Filipino pastors who attended the Shepherd's Institute

at the Bible Methodist Bible College in Villiasis, Philippines.

One of Duane's sessions during the Institute with Brother Forto interpreting.

Duane, Steve Gresham, and Tim Keep with the Bible Methodist Filipino leaders.

Calling home -- this is how he talked to me while he was gone.

Soaking up the Philippine Culture

Duane having lunch with Brother David Yucaddi (Filipino leader.)

A pig for sale in the market.

Duane buying souvenirs in the market.

Having lunch in the market with Tim and Becky Keep.

A Sunday in the Philippines

Duane and Steve Gresham on Sunday in the Philippines in

front of church where Pastor Steve preached.

Duane eating Sunday dinner at the Filipino pastor's house.

He said it was good and he had second helpings.

Duane with the pastor and his family.

Duane preaching through an interpreter on Sunday

in the Philippines.

Pics from the Philippines

The Bible Methodist Church where he preached on Sunday.

Having a traditional Philippine dinner with the Blacks.

Taking a taxi in Manila.

At Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan.

Of blogs and trips and Sunday

Just a quick note. I am having "blog block." (something akin to writer's block, but much more serious for the blogging community). Maybe eventually I will get around to posting pics from our Christmas.

For those of you who don't know, Duane is in the Philippines to speak to Filipino pastors at the Shepherd's Institute this coming week. The kids and I are doing our best imitation of Little House on the Prairie with Pa gone on a trip. I tell you that there are few things emptier than a pastor's house on Sunday when the pastor is gone. Sunday dinner was not fun at all. (It's amazing to me how little I feel like cooking when the "man of the house" is gone. Know what I mean?) Anyway, I get to talk to him in the mornings (which is night for him because they are 13 hours ahead of us). He and Pastor Steve Gresham from Auburn, Ohio made the trip together and are staying at the home of David and Christina Black, our Bible Methodist missionaries. Tim Becky Keep and their family have just returned from their furlough in the States. The guys are doing well, although they did experience an earthquake on Sunday afternoon.

It is snowing like crazy where I am and it will soon be time to wake the kids from their nap and get ready for Sunday evening church. Wishing you all a good Sunday and pleasant week.....

The Q Girls in a Wedding!

My girls were in Lyndsay McLaughlin Paisley's wedding on December 15. Ashley and Autumn were junior bridesmaids. Kaley was the flower girl. They looked very elegant and had a lot of fun. I wanted to share some pictures with you.