Sunday, April 30, 2017

April 30 – “…something he gets from you guys”

We had a pretty fun, crazy day yesterday.  Started out by driving out to Jamaica Beach to check out the community garage sale day.  The way they did it was to leave everything up to the homeowners to set up sales in their own driveways.  The city then promoted the day city-wide.  I think it must have been pretty successful, too.  We saw a lot of signs as we drove through the town.  We even found some Seasiders, so of course we stopped to talk to them.  One of them was the Mom of a girl I recently baptized.  Trina gave me one of her works of art that says “Jamaica Beach.”  I think I’ll hang it in my office.

Next stop was Sea Isle.  Their community rummage sale was set up completely differently.  I guess the proceeds are all going to the community coffers, because everyone brought their salable goods down to the local fire house.  Tables were set up in the truck bays in about six rows of six or seven tables in a row.  Much more stuff overflowed into the driveway and onto the lawn outside.  They had a silent auction happening, and they even had a bake sale going on at the same time.  I nabbed some snickerdoodles, one of my all-time favorites.  Good, good stuff.  I saw a canoe there.  Also saw one of those Viking hats with the two horns.  I would have bought that one, but unfortunately it was already standing in line with its new owner.  While Chris waded through the hundreds of people, I snuck inside to say hello to the fire fighters on duty.  They were amazed at just how many people were there.  Oh, and speaking of people, I saw quite a few Seasiders there as well.  They were working hard, helping people load up their new-found treasures or checking them out. 

From there we hustled over to the softball fields for Cailyn’s closing ceremonies.  Her regular season is at an end, but she made the all-star team, so they start practice soon for a season of tournament play.  I’m glad Cailyn likes to play softball.  This is a lot of work. 

Finished out our day at the fire fighter’s union hall.  Nathan threw a little bash for April’s birthday.  Lots of people.  Big water slide.  Chris and I even teamed up in a game of washers.  And we won.  Feel free to pat us on the back when you see us.  At one point a random Chinese family who lived in the neighborhood, Mom and Dad and two little bitty children, wandered in through the gates.  Nathan went over to greet them (One of his buddies said to us, “Yeah, that’s something he gets from you guys and his church going background.  Nathan will walk to anybody and start talking.”).  They didn’t speak a word of English, however, so he found an app on his phone that enabled him to type in a question, and it translated to the people.  He found out their name and told them they were welcome to stay.  Nice job, Nathan.

Oh, there was one other thing.  As we were getting ready for bed I received a phone call from Kel.  Everything is fine, so don’t worry.  He just wanted to check in and say that they were on their way home in their new Ford Expedition.  They finally found a car they could afford that fit their whole family, car seats and all.  All the children were in the new car, so Kel was driving the old minivan all by himself.  I think he was lonely, hence the call to dear old Dad.  I get it.  Take one for the team, Kel. 

Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”


Father, thank you for answering Kel and Christina’s need for a vehicle.  Amen.

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