Tour Scrapbook

Sunday, March 2

After an incredible week at Mariners, finishing the week with an invitation to their MOPS and POPS event last night, we awoke at the Anaheim RV resort this morning. Checkout was by 11:00 so we hustled and moved the buses to Wal-Mart - our home away from home! The Autrys went to Disneyland to see the final presentation of the Princess Fanfare Processional. I bet you can imagine how dreamy THAT is for young girls! Unfortunately, the Hilliards dealt with a low bus tire all afternoon and much of the evening.

We arrived in Corona late afternoon to prepare for a 20-minute program at Crossroads Church "Elevation" service. We did the MOPS groups at Crossroads in early December and they practically adopted us - storing our buses over the Christmas holidays and generally taking us in. Some of the MOPS moms spoke with Jud, the pastor for Elevation, and he invited us to join them for the conclusion of his series "Help, I Had Kids!" What a time of celebration of parenting and releasing our worries through Christ. Pastor Jud always has a COOL service - this time including a live phone call with his parents (from Amarillo, TX) during the message.

Afterward, Sharon prayed with a newly single mom who is struggling to raise children alone. Our message is that Christ is hope in every situation.

After "Elevation," we drove to Aliso Viejo, where we stayed overnight at Coast Hills, getting ready for the second of FIVE events this week.

Monday, March 3

The first of three MOPS meetings this week at Coast Hills was this morning. As always, a wonderful group of ladies was moved to laughter and tears by the music and message of 2MOMS.

Afterward, we drove to Mariners where we had lunch on the bus in the parking lot. Pat and Sharon sort of (with emphasis on "sort of!!") gave Charles and Laurie the afternoon off (so they could work !lol). Date night was tonight at Gulf Stream compliments of Ron and Camille Howorth who also kept the kids while we went - WOW! What a blessing - one of many from the people at Mariners!

Tuesday, March 4

We left Mariner's for a lunch meeting with the Lavin's, who we also met at Mariners MOPS last week. They are going to help with some of our graphic art needs. After lunch, we checked in at the Pomona KOA Campground, then shopped at Wal-Mart and met the Hilliards at Faith at 5:45 for our first night MOPS in a while.

Night MOPS is a little different - fewer kids in childcare, maybe more kids at home with dad, more ladies on time, a little less stress overall because we've all made it through the day. We had a blast and were made to feel SO welcome. They blessed us as God blessed them through us. We were glad to be a part of such a ministry and outreach minded group of ladies! Melodi and Kristin, you are tops!!

After the group, many moms visited with Laurie and Sharon, asking questions about specific parenting issues. They really enjoy the opportunity to share what has worked for us and find out what works for others.

Wednesday, March 5

We spent the day at the KOA getting chores done around the house - I mean bus - washing, cleaning, repairing, etc. Then we drove the buses to Wal-Mart and left them there while we had dinner with a new friend that we met last week at Mariners Church. What a wonderful evening of fellowship with Mark and Shannon and their kids and her mom, Shirley. We will have the opportunity to see Shirley again in May as we will be speaking at her church. How amazing God is to let us meet her before the fact! Some would call it coincidence, but we know better! We really appreciate the support and encouragement we receive from wonderful people along our way! Later we returned to Coast Hills to prepare for the next morning.

Thursday, March 6

Next was another MOPS morning - this time back at Coast Hills. Charles and Pat mixed things up during the program with different kids doing different parts. It definitely kept Laurie and Sharon guessing! Crislynn was the ballerina, Brittlea was the Jungle Baby, Abby played the saxophone and Alec was Tarzan! What fun!

Pat spent the afternoon tracking down some new tires for the tow dolly. Sharon and Laurie and the kids went shopping for some much-needed clothes. Later, we spent one more night in the parking lot at Coast Hills.

Friday, March 7

Another MOPS morning - still at Coast Hills. They have a beautiful view from their parking lot and this area has lots and lots of retail so we could shop, which we haven't had time to do because we have had so many groups in the past two weeks.

All week, Laurie and Sharon heard comments from ladies about how they felt we were there for them or we were talking just to them. It is amazing how the struggles are so much the same. We all face the same problems in parenting! One lady said she sometimes felt like a bad mom but appreciated the message today to forget what is behind and make it different from now on! What an encouragement to us to know that God has used our willingness to serve to make a positive difference in the lives of parents and children!

Later in the day, there was heavy traffic on the 5 freeway because of a wreck so by the time we made it to the RV park it was time to leave to go to the airport to pick up Dinina. For those of you who don't know, Dinina is Diana Sharber and she has been our number one babysitter for about 5 years. A former band student of Pat's (since 1992), Diana is now a junior at Austin College in Sherman Texas. We are so excited that she has joined us "on tour" during her spring break.

Well the airport has probably not ever seen this much excitement - 2MOMS, 2 dads, and 6 kids waiting patiently outside security for an airplane to arrive. Signs were made to welcome her and we were all excited and ready. After a short wait, her plane arrived and there was whistling and shouting and the signs were held up and hugs were exchanged! Yea! We enjoyed a dinner out at El Torito at Fashion Island and had a movie night on each bus.

Saturday, March 8

Abby's 6th birthday was March 1, but was held until today to celebrate with all of us, plus Dinina! After a restful and productive morning, we went to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. A full afternoon of hands-on science - tornados, earthquakes, the laws of nature, building blocks, a magic show, a bed of nails and more - was enjoyed by all! Later, we had Papa John's pizza, birthday cake complete with ice cream and presents! Abby is now a well-celebrated six years old!

-- Sharon