The March Gang

I would like to wish our first born daughter a very Happy Birthday today.  Peyton is 12 years old today.  She is very excited about this birthday, because she is now in the youth group age.  Although, we don’t have a youth here she is still excited.   I want to take this time to thank you Peyton, for being a great young lady.  I know God is going to use you mightily.  Sometimes, you would rather be back home in Doniphan, but God sees your sacrifice and will honor and bless you for it.  You have been great through all this.  Thank you baby, and Happy Birthday.  Daddy and I love you very much!!!

Happy 12th Birthday!!!

I will post another blog tomorrow, but I wanted to dedicate this one to Peyton.

Yesterday we took a field trip to Tollymore National Forest and Newcastle.  Since it was technically a school day we deemed it an official school field trip.  We had a lot of fun and seen a lot of beautiful scenery.  We went with the McFarland’s (Bro. & Sis. Mac, Shawna, Ashley and Caleb)  and our newly arrived AIM’er Dennis Conway.  Dennis is from a great church pastored by Jermery and Tom Suey in Herrick Illinois.  Dennis traveled back with us from the Men’s Conference and is going to be with us for a couple of months.

The kids had a blast on the trip.  Tollymore looks like you walked into a Robin Hood fairy tale.  There is a stream that runs through the park, and it is beautiful.  Peyton found out first hand how cold the water can be in March.  She and Caleb were out exploring ahead of the rest of us and she slipped and fell in.  Because those two were out running around we didn’t get many pictures of her.

After Tollymore we headed off to Newcastle and drove down the coast.  We stopped at the harbor and watched the fishing boats come in.  We also got to watch about five seals play in the harbor.  The kids thought that was really cool and have been talking about it ever since.  After we left the harbor we drove on down the coast and enjoyed the rest of the day.  Believe it our not the day started out with crazy weather.  Within an hour we saw hail, sleet, snow, rain and then sunshine.  We were glad to see the sun as it turned out to be a wonderful day.

Take a look at our Flickr site to see all our photos of the day and as always we love your comments.

Our Flickr Site

A few or our favorites:

I am back in Ireland after spending a week in Herrick, Illinois.  I didn’t get to make it down to South East Missouri and I wish I could have, but time just didn’t allow it.  Seven of us from Ireland were able to attend the conference and we had a great time.  We were able to hear some awesome preaching from T.F. Tenney, Anthony Mangun, Thomas Suey and David Shatwell.  We also enjoyed some great music and worship services.  Bro. Tom Suey and his son Jeremy are the host pastors of the conference and every year it seems to just get bigger.  This year there were over 700 men who attended.

Kyle Harvey was one of the men who got to come with us.  He is our very own bagpiper and used to compete professionally.  He is awesome and he played at the conference.  Needless to say he was a huge hit and did an excellent job.  My Dad also showed up for the conference and I was glad I got to spend time with him.  He and I shared a hotel room and other than his snoring we had a great time.   I also got to see my second cousin Bobby Gentry and his son Marcus.  I was happy for that as well I just wish we could have had more time to visit.

Tara and the kids survived another week without me, which I didn’t have any doubts that they would.  I was very glad to get home to them.  The kids were happy too and I am pretty sure Tara was as well.  Towards the end of the week I got an email from Tara that made me laugh out loud.  Tara said that the kids were getting pretty rowdy and stressing her out.  She had to get on to them several times and even sent them to their rooms for a little while.  Later that night they sat down for dinner and Simeon prayed for the meal.  After asking for blessings on the food he said “Oh and God please help Mommy to calm down”.  Tara quickly followed by asking God to please help Simeon not be a brat.  He is our in house comedian and always keeps us laughing.

I almost forgot we are also happy to have with us for the next couple of months Dennis Conway.  He is from Bro. Suey’s church and is here as an AIM’er.  He is staying with us for a few days until we are able to get the AIM Flat in order.  We moved it a few weeks ago on the church property and still haven’t’ got the power and water hooked back up.  This guy is amazing and his testimony is just as amazing.  We are glad he is here and welcome the extra help.

Here are a few pictures of our trip to Herrick this past week…

I know, hold on to your seats we have made a post within a week of the last one.  I always have good intentions, but seem to get distracted.  Tara has really been doing good with this thing.  We truly are thankful for all of you who stop by and see how we are doing.  We also love the comments you leave especially any you leave for the kids.  It lets them know they haven’t been forgotten and someone back home is thinking of them. It lifts their spirits and puts a smile on their face.  I assure you Tara and I appreciate it very much.

I got back from Scotland on Friday night after a long week.  I must say that at first I was a little on edge about the whole “teaching at a college” thing, but after the first day it went great.  The students there were also great and a lot of fun to be around.  I enjoyed getting to know them and the time spent with them outside the class room.  There is a large variety of nationalities represented at the school.  I also enjoyed my time with Bro. & Sis. Kelly.  They have been missionaries to Scotland for at least 25 years now, and have a awesome work there.  The church is running on average now  100 plus people and no signs of slowing down.

I did have a little bit of excitement on my flight to Glasgow from Belfast.  We boarded the plane and was taxiing onto the run way when one of the passengers got sick.  I wasn’t paying attention real close because I had my iPod on, but by the time I realized what was going on we were heading back to the terminal.  They have this guys laying flat down in the seats and have given him oxygen.  We sit for awhile waiting for the EMT’s to show up.  They arrive and check the guy out and then take him off the plane.  That is when the real excitement began.  All the stewardesses gather around the seat the man was sitting in and make everyone in the three rows in front of him and behind him get up.  They then tear all the seats apart.  They take all the coverings and cushions off the seats and then make everyone standing claim all the baggage in the overheads.  The thought didn’t even cross my mind until they started searching for possible planted bombs.  They were making sure the guy didn’t plant something and then fake an illness to get off the plane.  I was glad they searched, but since they brought it to our attention I was hoping they didn’t miss anything.  We were delayed about 40 min, but finally was cleared for take off again.  We arrived in Glasgow without a hitch.

Tuesday I am leaving to attend the Central Illinois Men’s Conference held in Herrick.  There are seven of us from Ireland that will be attending.  We are looking forward to it and know we are going to have a great time.  I of course am leaving Tara and the kids.  She is a trooper I tell you that for sure.  God has blessed me with an awesome wife.  I will say that the next trip to the states everyone will be with me.  My father-in-law has given me strict orders to the fact.   We are planning on coming home for a visit around the end of May, first of June.  That is when we actually have to come back and raise our new budget.  Lord willing that wont take long, but the time spent home will be good.

What a busy weekend. Some times it feels like all we do on weekends is run at full speed. This weekend was no different. Riley helped the Bunch’s move out of their house. They came back last week to finish packing up, so they could move back to Louisiana. They had to be out of their house on Saturday, so they stayed the weekend with us. We enjoyed having them here this weekend.  We want to say “Thank you David & Farrah for all the food and items from the container that you donated to us.” We will keep you in our prayers.

We had great services on Sunday at both churches. Bro. Jim Connolly from Belfast ministered in the services. Sasha was baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus. This is a young lady that is Peyton’s age. She has spent the night with us before. She is a really sweet girl, who is becoming good friends with Peyton and Kirsten. We were all excited that she was baptized. Then it was off to Dublin for the 1 1/2hr drive, along with a stop at McDonald for lunch in the car, because we have no time to sit down and eat. After a awesome service there we loaded back up for the drive home, along with a stop a Dominoes for pizza, to once again eat in the car on the way home. Most of the time we pack our own lunch, but this week it just didn’t work out. So, as you can see we feel as if we run all weekend long. It is worth every minute though. We have precious saints at both churches and we really enjoy the work at both.

We had to get Riley packed yesterday to go to Scotland. He flew out last night, so that he could teach at Harvest Bible College this week. He is teaching two classes a day for fifty minutes each. He was nervous about it, but I am sure he is doing great. He flies home on Friday night. Then flies back out on Tuesday to go to a men’s conference in Herrick IL. He is the world traveler. While the kids and I get to stay here by ourselves. My dad told him he better not come home after this without his daughter and grandchildren.

Bro. & Sis. Mac and I took Peyton to have an x-ray of her hand today. She has two knuckles on her right hand that have been swollen for a month. Riley took her to the Doctor on Friday and he wanted her to have x-rays. We now have to wait for two weeks for the results to be sent to the Doctor. I am just thankful that I had the Mac’s with me. I know that I wouldn’t have found the place by myself.  Please keep Peyton in your prayers that God will take care of this for her.

Like everything else in Ireland, we only got a “wee” bit of snow.  It started last night and we thought we were going to get a big snow.  When we woke up this morning, it was barley covering the ground.  We did get enough for the kids to build a snowman, or more like a snow woman.  They were so excited this morning to get to play in it.  Simeon was so excited that he dressed himself, which included his pajamas and a coat, and then went out to make a snow angel.  I had to make him come back in and get properly dressed, so he could help make the snowman.  Peyton and Kirsten worked really hard to get it finished to surprise me.  Simeon, however, lost interest and came back in to warm up.  He then went out to take his picture with it.  It was a very wet snow, and is almost gone already.  It did provide a couple of hours of fun.  Peyton and Kirsten were upset that they could not have a snow day and take off from school.  We told them it would have to be pretty bad for them not to make it to school, since they are home-schooled.  It was a good effort, though.

Kirsten lost her first tooth around a year ago.  Then in a week she lost three, two of them in one day.  Her two front teeth are now missing.  I wanted to show you how adorable she looks.  We love to hear her talk. 

I am a little late in writing this, but I wanted to share it with everyone.  Last Tuesday, we had “American Day.”  This is a very exciting day for us.  It is when we receive a package from family, that contains lots of  “American goodies.”  Peyton’s favorite thing was Juicy Fruit gum, and Funyuns.  Kirsten’s favorite was beef Ramen Noodles.  They have Ramen noodles here, but not plain beef.  Simeon’s favorite was Funyuns, and a toy truck  to go with his “Cars” collection.  Riley’s favorite was a can of jalapeno almonds.  My favorite was beef soup base and shortening.  All of us were so glad to get microwave popcorn.  They have it over here, but it cost around $6.00 US dollars for a package of three.  Peyton & Kirsten also loved the Pet Shop pets that they received for their collection.

I know this sounds like ordinary things, but when you can’t get them, they become very special.  It is amazing how great something taste when you haven’t had it for a long time.

We would like to thank Paw-Paw & Maw-Maw March, Aunt Eleisha, Uncle Lynn, and Aunt Becky for going together and shipping us this package.  I know it is expense to ship these items to us, but we really appreciate it.  I would also like to thank my Dad & Mom for past packages they have shipped.  The kids were on cloud nine, when they received the package from Paw-Paw & Mee-Mee, that contained Little Debbie cakes, and Mt. Dews.

Hello, to everyone.  I have not posted a blog in a long time, so Riley thought it was my turn.  I am so grateful to everyone who has been reading these.  We are always so excited to see where every one is coming from.  Some of the times we have no idea who you are.  Please let us get to know you, by contacting us.

Many different things have been happening in our lives.  We have now been in Ireland almost four months.  At times it seems to have flown by, and at other times it feels like it has been so long.

As you know, we are now involved in two different churches.  We travel three hours and almost two hundred miles every Sunday.  Fortunately, we get to sleep in on Monday.  Sunday we had two awesome services.  Riley ministered  in the service at Gilford.  He talked about us being “God’s aftershocks.”  How we need to go out and let the world feel us, by witnessing, and shaking up the Spiritual world.  We had a great move of God in the altar service.   I believe unseen things were taking place, and that we will be reaping the harvest soon.

We then were very privileged to have Bro. Roland Baker, from Pontiac Michigan, minister to us.  Now, I have heard Bro. Baker at West Point, and knew we were in for an awesome message.  I was not disappointed.  He talked about “Looking to the hills, where our help cometh from.” Psalms 121:1-3.

I was thinking about that today.  I started remembering things that God has done in our lives.  Fifteen years ago God called us to the mission field, and here we are today.  Prophesies have been made over Riley and I.  We are now starting to see them fulfilled.

A great woman in our home church, had a dream that I was holding an Asian baby.  The work in Dublin has many precious “Filipino babies.”  I had a dream that someone gave us money, and it has happened.  God has proved over and over that this is His will for our lives.  I can not understand an Atheist.  How can someone not believe that there is a God?  He not only cares, but has our best interest at heart.  I am reminded of the scripture found in Psalms 37:23  “The steps of a good man are ordered by God.”  Does that mean that everything will always be grand and go our way?  No, but God does have it all in control.  When we go through storms, and we will, He will either speak to the storm to stop, or He will speak peace to our soul.

God had promised me things, that as of yet have not come to fulfillment.  I do know that they will in His perfect time.  Do I ever wonder or get down because they haven’t?  I am human, so yes, I have.  I will however, hold on to those promises and know that He is faithful to fulfill them.

This year I want to be closer to God than I ever have.  I want to be totally in His will.  He died for my sins.  How could I not give him my best?

On a funnier note:  Simeon is such a clown.  He can say some of the funniest things.  The other day I was in the kitchen.  He came in and grabbed a towel and put it in front of him.  He said, “Look, I’m the mom.”  I said, “Good, now you can cook, clean and do laundry.”  He then said, “No, I’m the dad.”  I said, “What does the dad do?”  He immediately said, “He checks on his computer.”  Out of the mouths of babes!!!

I also have to stop sending my husband on errands alone over here.  Since we have been here different woman have flirted with him.  Even though he is wearing his wedding ring.  The other day I asked him to go to Tesco for some cheese.  When he came home he told me that I have to stop sending him out by himself.  He was standing in line behind a woman and her twelve or thirteen year old daughter.  The woman had placed her groceries on the conveyor belt, but got his attention and said he could go first.  He thanked her and moved ahead.  The cashier looked at him funny, so he said that these nice ladies said he could go first.  The woman then said, “With that accent you can do anything.”  Riley said he didn’t know what to say, so he just told them to have a nice day.

The McFarland’s and I have laughed and laughed about this.  Poor Riley, the burden he has to bear.

Can you believe another year has come and gone?  2008 was probably the biggest year of change the March Gang has seen ever.  I am sure I can go back and find a few other moments that stand out as well, but as a whole ’08 was a big one.  We decided to follow God’s call and leave all the things that were comfortable and dear to us and embark on a adventure of a life time.  There have been days that I think I kind of know what Abraham must have felt like when he began his journey to the promise land. We are not sure where we are going to end up, but are excited to be on the journey.  We miss home and miss it a lot, but what we are doing right now has been worth it.   I want to thank all of you who are supporting us with your prayers and finances.  Both are invaluable to us and seriously we couldn’t be doing what we are doing without either of them.  Thank you!

We had two awesome services this past week.  It started off at our home base in Gilford and ended in Dublin.  Bro. Mac preached a wonderful and provoking message in both services. Bro. Mac preached on “Continuing Steadfastly”.  Took his text from the book of Acts on what the Apostles did after they received the Holy Ghost.  During his message he made the statement that “It is time to draw the line…in ’09″.  We are serving the enemy notice that we are on the move and nothing he can do will stop us.  We are tired of his tricks and tired of all the things he uses to bring us down.  We are drawing the line and saying “NO MORE”.  God is about to do some amazing things in this country.  We started this week off with two weeks of focused prayer and collective fasting.  We know good things are going to come of this.  They always do.

During our service in Dublin we had two men come down the stairs and sit in front of the front doors to take a smoke break.  However they were smoking a little more than just a Marlboro.  Peyton told Tara that those guys cigarettes smelled really funny.  The enemy was trying to distract us on the outside, but God moved on the inside.  Like I said we had a wonderful move of God in each of our services. Please keep both of our churches in your prayers. (Greater Life in Gilford and New Life in Dublin)

Simeon got a really bad “boo boo” the other night.  He was trying to get into Peyton’s room while she was getting ready for bed and ended up getting one of his fingers smashed in the door.  I truly believe that if it had been his “pinky” finger it would have cut it off.  It was his third finger and by the next morning was completly purple and twice its size. (we will spare you the photographs)  The poor guy was crying and the whole time he was just laying in our bed saying “Jesus, Jesus, I need you”.  I am going to be honest here it just about made me cry.  I hated to see him hurting.  We went ahead and took him to the doctor the next morning and they found no broken bones and said it was just bruised really bad.  By the end of the day he barely even acted like it was hurt.  He has healed up very quickly and for that we are very thankful.

We hope all of you had a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year.   We pray that God blesses you all.

Here are a few pictures of the services in Dublin: