Our Love Story ~ Part 2

     I made it home safe and sound! I was enjoying being Home. While, for the most part. Ya know how you have to readjust  and get use to change but it was good. 

    August 19th, 2004 I was on the phone talking with a friend when the caller ID showed that it was Emerson Martin. I wondered who in the world that could be but I just kept talking to my friend. It wasn't till later that night I was talking to my good friend (Becky from Camp) and she wondered if anything more had happened and I said, "No, although this weird number and name came across caller ID tonight. So I told her that it said, 'Emerson Martin!'"  Becky said, "Rhoda that was Mikes real name I'm sure of it."  Ok so I went into panick attack. I was glad I kept talking with my friend earlier in the day.

    They didn't give up that easily though. On August 20th, yep the very next morning the school children just left for school when the phone rang. It was just my dad and I home. I went to answer the phone and my heart started pounding. I answered the phone and knew instantly that it was Mike that I had stopped in at the Camp. He talked to me a bit then asked if he could talk with my dad. I said, "Sure!"  By this time I was a bundle of mixed emotions. My father very rarely talked on the phone but he was that morning. Then I heard him giving out our snail mail address (and for those that don't know my father was paralyzed from a stroke when I was 10 and it also affected his speech and sometimes he knew what he wanted to say but it would come out different then he wanted) and he was giving him our old address. He was looking at me like is that right and I was fighting with in if I should help him or just let whatever it was get sent to the wrong place. While, I felt bad for my dad so I told him the correct address. My father talks a bit longer then hangs up. I said, "Dad, what did he want?" He said,"While his son wants to write you and wondered if it would be ok?" I said, "And you agreeded?" He got the biggest grin on his face and said, "Yeah, how else would you get to know his son?"  

      At this time I went through alot of emotions. I couldn't understand why the father was calling my dad instead of the son who was supposedly interested in me.  It was later explained to me that it was because they knew that my father didn't talk on the phone often and they decided it might be better if Mike called my dad since they had met before and sorta knew who each other was.  Anyhow, I still didn't know that and I was trying to decide if their son really wanted it or if the parents did only.  Since, my father gave him permission to write me I decided I'd wait and see what the letter held before I worried to much but it was sure hard. I did alot of praying and not much eating.
       On Aug. 25th I received my first letter from Elmoine (Moine)! Okay, so I was ever thankful I was home when the mail man went that day. But was I ever so shocked when I went out to get the mail and not only was this letter in the mail box but also another envelope stating that there wasn't enough postage on that specific envelope to please leave 60cents the following day. I should maybe include here that the envelope was one of those 4x6 brown bubble envelopes.  My thoughts raced again, "Is this a sign from God that I am not to except this guys friendship?"  I hadn't even opened the letter yet and my mind was spinning.  I should add here that Moine told me later that he figured if it wasn't enough postage it would be returned as that was still the normal procedure at that time. he soon realized that wasn't so.  I open the letter with the biggest butterflies fluttering inside my stomach. I pull out 3 photos along with the letter. Now I know I'm strange at times but I was like what photos already??  I was just really starting to question alot of things. My dad was the only one home so I took it to him as he knew right away when I flew to my bedroom and shut the door that I had received the letter.  I showed him the photos and gave him the letter and was going off about how I exactly felt about all this and my dad looks at me and says,"I think hes a nice looking, handsome man!  You'll never know until you try."   
       My mother on the other hand was alot more hesitant about the whole thing. I myself was still really torn. I made some phone calls to Bemidgi, Minnesota where I had helped out in the Kitchen at Camp Chippewa. I had plans on going back out to Minnesota to help at Family FOCUS on Aug. 29th. I was to help teach one of the children's classes which, I was thoroughly looking forward too.  On Aug. 28th one of the youth guys were found and he had already passed away. i was so torn do I stay home now or do I still go so that I don't leave the others short handed on teachers. Besides I was really looking forward to going and I'd be driving to Arthur, Illinois and meet up with some wonderful friends there and go on with them to FOCUS.  So that is what I did I went to Focus although I struggled to keep my mind where it needed to be and the head cook from Camp Chippewa was now cooking for us at FOCUS. She couldn't understand why I wasn't eating much and I wouldn't say a word.  
       Moine thought about coming to Focus but since he hadn't heard back from me yet he decided he didn't want to make it awkward or ruin anything so he decided to just stay home!         
 I spent a good hour or more talking with a dear lady & friend (Krystal Yoder) who gave me some good advice and I went off to pray some more. Right, I knew this guy must be getting pretty antsy I mean I got the letter on the 25th and till I got home from Focus it was the beginning of September. I still felt like I needed a bit more of a comformation so I talked with some dear friends (who were like mentors to me while I lived in Mississippi) who I felt would give me some great insite as well.  After talking for quite awhile my friends (Phillip & Mary Ellen Knepp) agreeded theyd make a phone call and see what they could find out for me. In the mean time my mom seemed to question it all quite a bit (but what mom wouldn't, right?) although my dad seemed to be all for it. I finally decided that Moine had waited long enough even though I hadn't heard back from Phillips (Yes, I was trying to get ahead of God. To my shame.) but I went ahead and wrote a letter got it all ready stamped and all and that night I headed to Michigan to meet some friends. On my way I dropped the letter off at the post office.  I got home like real early the next morning (about 3 or 4am) and I was so tired that I fell to sleep in the car. About 7am my phone rings and it was Phillip Knepp calling. We talked for a good bit and he encouraged me to give the young man a chance. He had talked to Moine's neighbor and he also would of been a pastor at the church where Moine would of went at one point.  I was shocked and I was like what am I going to do now? Why didn't I wait?  What was another day?  So I didn't even go into the house I flew out the drive and went straight to the post office where I had mailed the letter. I went up to the desk and told the clerk where and what time I mailed my letter the night before and would there be anyway that I could get that letter back right now before it even got mailed out?  I knew my chances were slim but I was praying.  She said, "Give me a bit and I'll go see what I can find out!"    Stay tuned for part~3.....

Our Love Story ~ Part 1

    Ya know how sometimes you just have this feeling that you shouldn't do something but yet you really want to?  While, that's how it started for me. I was teaching school in Goshen, Indiana and they had asked me to return as a teacher the following year.  I loved teaching there and I so bad wanted to teach another year and as bad as I wanted to I still couldn't find a peace about doing what I wanted to do but neither could I figure out why I shouldn't either. I finally said, "No, but if they couldn't find a teacher 2 weeks before school starting Id reconsider."
     That summer (June 5th~2004) I moved out to Bemidgi, Minnesota for the summer (this was my second summer there) to help cook at a boys camp. I decided that i was going to go out just a bit earlier so i could spend time with the many friends that I made at the church we attended on Sundays (Kitchi Pines) so I happened to be there for the Sunday that they had their church camp-out (June 6th). While there was this couple there sitting with Bob & Doris (a couple from the Kitchi Church) well I had Bob's grandaughter and had just taken her back to her mom and I then headed through the potluck line. While this couple followed me. They said, they heard that I was from Indiana and that they use to live there. So we talked briefly and when they heard that my dad use to milk cows before he had a stroke we figured out that this man was a salesman and briefly knew my dad. Their youngest daughter was along and her and Judi were sitting under a tree talking and it wasnt long until a bunch of us girls joined the circle.That afternoon I had to move on over to the Cabin where we stayed while cooking at the camp.
      July 30th this couple (Mike & Evelyn Martin) came back to visit and it just so happened that they knew the head cook at the boys camp where I was helping to cook at.  While, I was kind of known as the cake decorator. If one of the boys had a birthday id make a cake and decorate it. Mary Kiley (the head cook) had asked me to make sure some other things got started for supper that night well she ran to her sisters place or maybe it was to town. I'm busy working on this cake and all of a sudden this couple steps into the kitchen. They had come back to visit. They knew the head cook and wanted to stop in to see her (or thats what they said!)  I told them she would be back but it would be a bit and they were welcome to wait or come back.  Well they kept talking to me and asking me many questions. I was starting to feel really uneasy.
They wondered if I was dating? I said, "Nope!" They asked me if I'd stop in at their place in Hayward, WI on my way home. I dont remember what I said but I do remember thinking, "Are they crazy their is no way I'm stopping there!"  They told me that they have a son that's my age and they'd like for us to meet. And they gave me his number and their 1~800 number.  I tried to be polite but um I was a wreak in my head. Honestly I don't remember what I said. I'm not sure I want to know (lol.)
      A dear friend (and co-worker) Becky walked in near the end of the conversation. She is also from Indiana but from the Goshen area. I was so glad to see her!! I was also glad that they started talking to her and gave me a few minutes to quickly cry out to God. Becky could tell by my face that I was flustered and distraught. We had youth that night but we did some quick clean up and I called my mom. I was a mess. I talked with Becky for a long time that night. Till I went to bed I hid the card that they had given me with the phone numbers and decided Id get rid of it and just forget this ever happened. Although I talked with a few of my close friends and tried to find out as much info on this couple and their son that they told me about just in case something more would happen.
      While on July 31st It was my last day at Camp Chippewa working in the kitchen.  I wanted to spend a couple days with a good friend (Bess) before heading home for a wedding so this was the day I moved over to her place.
       August 4th, 2004 I headed home to Kokomo, Indiana and made NO stops in Hayward!  I was going HOME!!! I still had that card so I could show my parents but I wasn't going to make NO PHONE CALLS!!      I'll add here When you think you know whats best while leave it to God...He will show you WHAT IS BEST even if you don't think so!!!            Stay tuned for part 2 of our love story....  






.

Prayer Is The Answer...

Prayer is the answer to every problem in life. It puts us in tune with divine wisdom which knows how to adjust everything perfectly. So often we do not pray in certain situations because from our stand point the outlook is hopeless. But nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is so entangled that it cannot be remedied. No human relation is too strained for God to bring about reconciliation and understanding. No habit is so deep rooted that it cannot be overcome. No one is so weak that he cannot be strong. No one is so ill that that he cannot be healed. No mind is so dull that it cannot be made brilliant. Whatever we need or desire, if we trust God, he will supply it. If anything is causing worry and anxiety, let us stop rehearsing the difficulty and trust God for healing, love, and power.          R. & H.  October 7, 1865

People & Life

                               Have you ever stopped to think about the people you meet?? 

    The cashier at the store who was rude to you as you went through check out...It might of been their first day back to work since they lost of their dear spouse. And they had no choice but to return to work.

    The little child who set on the bench crying her eyes out and screaming at times....They might of been abused and watched something horrible happen just that day or previous days before.

    The little child who hit your child and mouthed off to you...They might not have a good home life and were never taught to handle things that happened to them better then that cause that's how their treated.

    The old couple whose walking so slow in front of you with backs bent low and whispering...Just a few days ago they buried yet another child of theirs.

    

    The man in the store holding a small child and another child in the cart and their both crying their eyes out and hes trying to grab a few quick items and your irritated cause his children are crying so loud and he doesn't seem to care....His wife his fighting for her life due to cancer and he only left to go get what they had to have.

    The lady who stands in front of you trying to decide which meat to buy and you get impatient cause you know what you want and your thoughts are would you just get out of the way...she might only have enough money for 1 kind and she has to make each penny & move count or her family will have to skip a meal.

   The teenager who flew around you and raised your blood pressure....He might of been trying to get to the hospital with a loved one who needed immediate care.

   Do we really care about the people we meet?? 

 

Mind Spinning....

My mind is spinning!!  Not always a good thing...But I'll share my spinnings....
 Child training...spanking...age to quit spanking...other forms of disipline...
Weddings...Beautiful...lovely...and a great reminder of my commitment to my dear husband....
Life...why some people are abused...have to grow up with a terrible home life....
Why theres Divorce....
What happened to true LOVE....
A true and unwavering relationship with Christ....
Who has all the piecies of my heart?...
Foster homes...
Hurting children...
Every wants to b loved and accepted...
What people won't do for attention...
Family....
lifestyles...
Death....
If I died What would be said at my Funeral??...
Dreaming..
One place we'd love to go is Jamica....
Children how sweet and Innocent they are...
In 5 years how will life be??....
Trucking...Semis.....
Babies...Why they have to die before they're born??.....Born with health issues and rushed to NICU....
Babies...sweet and cuddly and loveable...
And on and on this mind spins....I want to cry...I want to laugh.....
Does anyone else mind thing of so many things in less then an hour???

Michael Edward Martin

     Michael Edward Martin

It is way past time to introduce our next child to you!  Our oldest son but second child is Michael Edward. Michael was named after his dad as that is his dads middle name! His Grandpa Martin is called Mike be most people so he was also named after Grandpa Martin. Michael was also named after Grandpa Gingerich as my dad's name was Edward but often went by Ed. And Michael thinks this is pretty special to be named after his daddy and both grandpas!!  

Michael is very artistic. He loves to draw and he has an imagination far beyond what I though was capable. He has a very tender heart especially for other hurting children. He loves to get a box together to send to friends and family and cousins who are in the hospital or laid up due to difficulties in their lives. 

A highlight of Michael is getting to go with daddy in the semi! He loves it and has a memory far greater then I ever imagined my children having. He definetly gets his memory & really good drawing from his Daddy! He could tell you how is dad had 3 piecies of equipment loaded on his trailer 6 months ago.  He is daddy's side kick 24/7 whenever possible.

He enjoys playing semi and loves the outdoors.  He enjoys making things. He is in Kindergarten and does very well. Although he really doesn't care for writing he does do really well in it. I homeschool Rachel & Michael  together.

Hauling an oversize load just like daddy!

Another load...crackers were wheels.

I want to be just like Daddy!

Michael with a writing paper. Sorry I haven't
learned how I can turn these photos once I've
got it on my blog.

Learning electrical info from dad.

Our little Fireman!

A semi with I'm not sure what hooked to it.

Michael ready for my sisters wedding!

Another excavator...

Excavator...

A log truck just like Uncle Rupert
in Wisconsin.

  A picture Michael drew. Its suppose to be
my sister on her honeymoon. See them
sitting in the hammock between the trees.

Prayer & Lessons on Prayer from my children...

                                                                 ~Prayer~
So Prayer has been on this heart of mine!  
What is Prayer?
 How dear is Prayer to you??
  If you haven't read The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Ortman Id highly recommend it!  I just bought the cds for my husband, "The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie Ortman also.  He is throughly enjoying it as well. He told me this morning now he sees why I really like her books and he is looking forward to listening to the rest of the cds.
Are you quick to pray?
I love listening to my children pray.  Especially for their daddy!
     As I was putting my daughter to bed she said, "Mom, I miss daddy" and started crying. She said," Mom, Will you pray?" I said, "Sure!" So I prayed asking God to protect daddy and keep him safe. Once I was done praying she said, "But mom you never prayed for my side. And it hurts." I apologized and then took a moment and asked God to help her side not to hurt. She then curled up in my lap and went fast to sleep.
     At lunch today I asked my son to pray. He said, " Lord, Be with daddy and keep him safe and we thank you for his work so we can have a place to rent and food to eat. Thank you that He can provide this food for us to eat. Amen!"
    At supper I asked my daughter to pray. She said, "Lord, help us to be good and not fight and help us to share and help us put our toys away right away so that our floors don't get dirty! Amen!"
     And my youngest son loves to pray too and I just love to listen to him and see him squeeze those eyes closed tightly. And after hes done praying he will always recite the Lord's Prayer.  Once he forgot and started eating and he all of a sudden remebered and he said, "O, I forgot to pray God's prayer!" We said, "It's okay you don't have to every time but he insisted that He wanted to pray that prayer even if we all went on and ate with out him.
    And my other daughter loves to pray as well and she struggles of knowing where to quit praying cause she wants to pray for everyone and everything but yet she wants to eat so its hard for her to say a short prayer. Which is ok. It has just been amazing watching my children grow and how differently they each pray but yet how they each pray!
    I just love listening to my children share their hearts in prayer with Jesus! They have been a good lesson to me in prayer. We pray for a bunch of people and a bunch of situations and a bunch of things. What an awesome God we Serve!!  
    Do you pray for your children by name?
Do you pray for your spouse?
Do you pray for specific areas in your spouses life?  Like their job, financies, hobbies, language, struggles, their mountain tops and etc...???
Do I have such a love for God and Prayer that I could Pray all day and talk to God about everything and find it hard to quit praying rather then eating or feeding my face???  
      When I first read the book "The Power of A Praying Wife" I was shocked at how it changed me. It changed me enough that my husband said to me, "I don't know what your doing but don't change. Keep it up I really like it! I thought he was changing. But it was God doing a work in me instead. And I'm very thankful for that!!   I have reread that book often and still enjoy it!
      This has been a challenge to me again to keep Praying and talking with my Heavenly Father and I hope it has done the same for you!