Wards come to London

Kirk, Sarah, and Joanna came to London as part of a group from their church to work with the World Harvest team. We had the privilege of caring for Joanna off and on during that time and then they stayed with us for a few days afterwards. Here's a few photos of our time with Joanna.

One thing Joanna loves is fish so since we have seven in our garden pond, she loved feeding them with "BaBa".

Rinnie gave us a child bike seat so Paul put it on my bike and that was another thing we did together.

But mostly we just went for walks, played with toys, read books and had a wonderful time. If you would like to see more photos you can follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9829&l=5b48c&id=624702564

Rain, Rain, Go Away!!

On Friday, 20th July, we were hoping to visit some friends and colleagues about three hours west and a little north of us. We'd been planning for ages to go on the motorcycle but it was raining, with no indication it would stop, so we took the car. When we saw this sign, we should have realized it's warning.... As you can see, the water levels were really high, even on the main road going through town but we were doing fine until a bus passed us and caused a wave of water to cover our hood. The car sucked in water instead of air and that was it for our car. We couldn't get it started again. Paul got out to push it to higher ground and ended up part of a crew that pushed other's cars as well. Here's some pictures of what it was like.


All this happened about 2pm. We called the RAC (equivalent to AAA) and began to wait. The local pub gave about 30 of us a spot on their floor with blankets for the night. We finally heard from RAC at 1:30am telling us they wouldn't make it, roads were closed. The next morning people started leaving our room around 4:00 since the roads were clearer in some directions but since our car was dead, we tried to sleep more and finally gave up trying around 5:00. We waited for the pub's office to open to use their phone and began trying to call RAC again. After what seemed like hours of waiting we were told that most likely it wouldn't be until midnight that they would get to us. We sat in our car, walked up and down the main street, had some lunch, walked some more, waited, wondered how the day would end up knowing God already had it planned, learned that a watched cell phone never rings, thought about Noah being stranded for a year... At 3:00 we noticed a RAC van in the parking area where we were. Paul asked if they were looking for our car but we were told we weren't on his list. But, he said he'd take a look at the car and within 10 minutes, he had it running! As he was working on the car we noticed the sign on the building behind where we had providentially pushed the car.

Our God-send mechanic, David, probably wondered at our celebration when he got the car going. We had been told it was probably a "write off" and RAC was not even sending a recovery van to see if they could get it started but a tow truck. So, we got home early evening on Saturday. Paul was to preach the next day and I was doing Children's Worship. Guess what we were reviewing....Noah and the Flood! I realized how impatient I felt during those 24 hours of waiting, compared to Noah who waited over a year to be rescued. I do thank the Lord for a husband who does stay calm and confident in the Lord's care during times like this. Looking back we see why there was such a delay in the tow truck coming. We give thanks to the Lord for not answering our prayers the way we wanted (bringing the tow truck) but giving us needed grace to wait for what He had planned. It reminds me of a favorite quote from the book Peaceful Living in a Stressful World, "I am not designing a day but discovering a day He has already made."

35 Years of Marriage

We had a great time celebrating 35 years of marriage with a trip to Scotland. A lady in our church owns a home in Nairn and that is where we headed for a week. We'd "won" a week there through an auction our church had to help raise money for a team from the church going to Ethiopia. Nairn is a little town along the coast near Inverness. We actually have MTW missionaries there so it was fun to visit their church and visit with them.

We followed some of the history concerning the Covenanters and went to places like John Knox's house and the church where he preached. We especially enjoyed seeing the oldest Presbyterian church in Scotland as well as many other churches. Wandering through their graveyards and reading the markers made me so aware of "that great crowd of witnesses" waiting for us in heaven. We biked, walked, and drove...it was great.

We also enjoyed visiting the Cawdor Castle, Fort George, the Isle of Skye and searching for Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. Actually just driving along the four Lochs (lakes) was incredibly beautiful. We had time to read about some of the martyrs during the Covenanter days and the history so tied to us as Reformed Presbyterians. We biked around 20 miles one day and that was really fun (except for a path we took that turned out to be overgrown and only for walkers).

It's good to be back in London. We are thankful for the work the Lord has for us and are continuing on...

Last Meiners Graduates From Covenant

On May 5th Anna graduated from Covenant. We were very proud of her as she was one of three who finished with a double major. She is working for New City Fellowship in a leadership role with Chattanooga Sports Ministry, helping to mentor young inner city girls through teaching them soccer skills.

All our kids (except Meg in Tanzania and Rinnie's husband, Erik, who had to work) came to Chattanooga for part of the time we were there. One day we all went biking with our four grandchildren being pulled in two bike trailers. It was a really fun time together even though Anna's chain kept coming off her bike.
We got a pretty nice family picture that day.














Now we are back in London. No more sleeveless shirts and shorts for a while. It's been in the low 60's or lower since we got back except for a few warmer days. As I got ready to bike to the bank I actually thought about getting out my winter coat again! With all the rain, at least my garden is growing well.

Spring 2007

We've had such lovely weather here in London. The leaves are finally coming out on the tress, flowers are in bloom and the weather is warm and sunny. Last November our daughter gave us a box of tulip bulbs and it has been such fun watching them come up and bloom. I have a great view of them out my kitchen window. Thanks so much, Sarah.

The blue bells are also in bloom so with them, the tulips and our fish, we are really enjoying our little garden these days. We've been busy preparing the soil and planting some annuals--a nice project to do together.

Yesterday we went for a long walk and picnic along the Thames with Hampton Court Palace in the background. It was great being with old friends. Our schedules often do not put us in country at the same time so this was a special day.

Battle, England

On Monday, Paul and I went by motorcycle to Battle where the Battle of Hastings took place. It was a three hour cycle ride, much of it through the country. The sun was shining and it was fun, at least most of it was fun. The ride back on the motorway at 70+ miles per hour in gusting wind was a little unnerving and I found myself praying, singing hymns, reciting Scripture, all in an attempt to stay calm. It really struck me what little protection we had and I had a very real sense that we were in the Lord's hands. I was so relieved when we got into the city and were able to slow down and be surrounded by buildings, blocking the wind. Paul admitted he was a little scared at times too so I didn't feel so bad.

Anyway, back to Battle. William the Conqueror built an abby as a monument to the thousands who died during the battle of Hastings in 1066. Although it is in ruins, you can still see much of how it must have looked. Here's Paul standing on the spot where, traditionally, it is said that Kind Harold of England fell during the battle.

It was a facinating audio tour as we walked around the battle grounds, learning the differences between how the Normans and English fought and how the day of battle progressed. It did seem the English had the advantage and were well on their way to victory when William came up with a way to trick them and the English soldiers fell for it. It is said that this is the most famous and most important battle in English history. Here's a picture of us in front of the Abby sitting in the battlefield.

Women's Retreat in Spain

If you have looked at our blog recently, you might notice that we have had to change the address and delete some of the entries. So some of what I am saying, has been said before. Because this retreat meant so much to me, I wanted to write about it again.

In February I had the opportunity to go to an MTW Europe Women's Retreat in Spain. Actually, I also had the priviledge of serving on the committee who planned the retreat. I say "priviledge" because the other women on that committee encouraged me so much and I thank the Lord for all the planning times we had together.

We stayed near Malaga which is located on the Mediterranean Sea. The weather was beautiful--sunny but not too hot. The forcast had been for rain so we know that the Lord sent the sunshine just for so many of the ladies who live in very dark places, spiritually and weatherwise.

Two special friends were there. Jenny came from my home church to run a book table. The church really got behind this retreat and did all kinds of things for us from lovely canvas bags full of goodies for each of the women to sending Jenny with wonderful books to sell at a very low price. I also got to spend time with Patty, who is from my home church but working with MTW in France. We knew each other as teens so have a long history together.

The retreat theme was "Ordinary Women and an Extra-Ordinary God" and we looked at different women from the Bible. Each of those talks were very helpful to me. A church sent over their worship team and the singing was amazing. We offered different seminars and each seemed to reach the needs of the women who attended. I did a joint one with two others on raising kids on the field and talked on the teenage years.

Several of the ladies there came up to me to tell me that they went to Covenant College with our children. That certainly made me feel my age.... But I was struck with how God is raising up a new generation of missionaries and I was priviledged to get to know some of them. It was fun to see one young woman who is serving in Bulgaria. She is from one of our supporting churches and we had a small part in getting her onto the field. We both brought mugs from our countries and exchanged them as reminders to continue to pray for each other.

Now I'm involved in leading a Bible study in our church on women in the Old Testament so I'm taking out my notes from this retreat and reliving it again. I do thank God that I work for an organization that is committed to the spiritual growth of those who work for it.

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Sarah and Joanna come to visit

Sarah and Joanna have been with us 11 days now. A big thankyou to Kirk, Sarah's husband, for giving us this time together. They leave on Wednesday. Joanna is 14 months old. We've had such a great time together. She quickly warmed up to us and we've had all kinds of fun together. One big event in her day is to visit our fish and feed them with Grandpa. She often wakes up in the morning signing for "fish", looks for her Grandpa and out they go.

Sarah gave me some fabric and pattern to make Joanna a little outfit so we've been working on that while they are here. Of course, Joanna was a big help!?!

We've been to town, to a park, on lots of walks, made a trip to IKEA, spent lots of time talking and just being together. Here's a few more pictures of some of those events.

Snow!!!!

This morning we woke up to snow!!!!! It was so beautiful and fun to see. We also started reading Isaiah together and guess what is in the first chapter....."Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shalll be white as snow..." Now how appropriate was that! Here's a couple of pictures of us in our back garden. How do you like our little snowman?????

Holiday Bible Club

We had a great week helping with Holiday Bible Club. I think overall there were 35 kids registered. It may not sound like that many until you realize only two of them were from our church. Paul worked with the younger kids ages 5-7 and I worked with the older ones ages 8-10. The last day we invited the parents to come and see what their kids had learned and have a picnic with us. So many came. One mom said that they didn't have a Bible in the home so they went on the internet to find the answers for the worksheets. Many of these kids are unchurched. We studied the life of Peter and so were able to clearly present the gospel, really, every day during the story time. It is definitely a highlight of our summer. Now, I'm looking forward to helping with a new kids club the church is starting called 24/7 from Jer. 24:7. It's for kids 9 to 12 and will meet each Thursday evening. Here's one of the kids who'll be coming--Reece. We had a lot of fun at Holiday Bible Club. He loved mimicing my American accent!

Another Book

Last Sunday we reconnected with a couple we had known in Kenya a long time ago. They were in the church we attended. Although they live in Britian they are still very involved in a child sponsership work in Kenya with a man we have known and Paul mentored since he was a teen. What fun we had recalling old times. Anyway, they are trying to get another charity started called "The Giving Tree", a reforestation project. Anyway, today when I was jogging I saw a tree that had fallen over and it reminded me of the book "The Giving Tree". OK, what's the point of all this......that book is definitely one that made me cry and it is only a children's story but one well worth reading as an adult. I think I'll try and find it and get a copy for myself!

10 questions about books

Ok, Meg tagged me to answer the following about books. I love to read so this shouldn't be too hard! I could answer The Bible to many of these questions but I've decided to leave that book out as I answer but it is definitely in there.
1. One book that changed my life: What's so Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancy. He has two chapters on forgiveness that taught me how to forgive someone at a time that I was really struggling. It has helped me ever since and I find myself going back to those chapters and recommending them to others.

2. One book I have read more than once: Little House on the Prairie and Ann of Green Gables.

3. One book I would want on a desert island: Well, I gotta say the Bible here but I just can't imagine being in that situation with out it and then maybe the Trinity Hymnal so I could sing to myself and not be frustrated that I couldn't remember the words to songs.

4. One book that made me cry: Definitely What's so Amazing About Grace since it pointed out the sin in my heart. Also C.S. Lewis' Narnia Tales because they just hit at what your heart longs for. I could name many others--I get kinda wrapped up in what I'm reading.

5. One book that made you laugh: Any of our Calvin and Hobbs cartoon books.

6. One book you wish had been written: More hints on how to be a long distance Mom and Grandmother.

7. One book you wish had not been written: I gotta agree with Meg--The Constant Gardner, what a waste of time and I never did finish it. It wasn't cheap to buy either!!!

8. What are you currently reading: Love Walked Among Us: Learning How to Love LIke Jesus by Paul Miller and Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith. It's one in a series of books that take place in Bostwana about the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I definitely recommend these books for those of you who love Africa. They are fun and an easy read, for sure!

9. One book you've been meaning to read: You're Wearing that? Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation by Deborah Tannen. My sister recommended it in reference to my relationship with my Mom and since I have four daughters and a daughter in law and four granddaughters, it seems a good read for me.

10. Tag 5 people. Sharon Bressler, Sarah Taylor, Rick Cruse, Evelyn Reith

July in Chattanooga

We spent the most of the month of July in Chattanooga working on our house. We were between tenants and decided it would be a good time to get some needed projects done on the house. Our oldest daughter, Rinnie, and her three girls came to "help". They were there for two weeks since her husband was away in Kenya. We were able to repaint two long sides of the house and remove a drop ceiling in one of the bedrooms and sheetrock a new ceiling and paint as well as numerous other smaller projects. It was a lot of hard work in the hot sun but very rewarding as well.

Kirk and Sarah and their daughter came for five days and during that time Anna arrived back from Tanzania and Wil and Amy came over for a day. We were missing Erik (Rinnie's husband) and Meg (in Tanzania) but grateful to be with everyone else.

It was fun seeing all four of our granddaughters together and we had some special times with each one. We are very thankful for our children and the closeness our family feels. God has blessed us in more ways then we can begin to say.

At the end of the month we spent a few days with Wil and Amy in Murphy, NC. It was a nice way to end a month of hard work. Of course, Paul did have to replace a water pump and starter in our truck and Wil a starter in his car but at least they could work together.

Anna's Visit

It's been fun having Anna with us for a few weeks before she heads down to Tanzania to be with Meg for about a month. Due to a debt she owes us (which I won't go into here), we've got her making bookshelf units. We've had the boards since 1981 so it's about time. They are unique to Kenya--Elgon Olive. Paul made five units years ago so it will be nice to have a few more.

But all work is no fun so we've also been able to ride our bikes along the canals, plant flowers in the garden, and just hang out together. We'll miss her when she goes but are glad we'll meet up again in the US where we will be in July to work on our house in Chattanooga.

Book for Lauren

I've been having so much fun writing a book for my granddaughter, Lauren's 4th birthday. I've been planning to do this for a long time so everytime we are together I've been taking pictures of us doing some of our favorite things. I'm putting the pictures in a book form and have titled it "My Granny and Me" so it's written from Lauren's perspective. I'm hoping that it will remind her often of me since we can't be together very much. Below is the first page of the book.

Another New Granddaughter

February 28th, Coriena Pam Hersman was born to Erik and Rinnie (our daughter). She weighed 9.4 lbs, exceeding the birth weight of both her older sisters, Lauren and Meredith. I was able to visit the family March 3-13. (a special thank you to some friends in Annapolis whose Christmas gift paid for my ticket). March 5-9, Erik had to be away for business so Sarah and Joanna came to visit as well as Anna. We had a great time together. Here's a few pictures: Coriena in a dress that Rinnie wore; Rinnie and Coriena; Sarah and Joanna; Anna with her two baby nieces; the four cousins.

Our New Granddaughter!

Joanna Elizabeth Ward was born to Kirk and Sarah Ward on Thursday, December 15 in the evening. She was 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 20 inches long. She want home Saturday am and we have been enjoying her since then, since Liz, Anna and I are staying with them through Christmas.