Tour Scrapbook

Sunday, October 20
After the wonderful welcome and support we received at Timberline Church in Fort Collins, we returned to Golden, and the Dakota Ridge RV Park. The kids enjoyed hiking up the mountain trail and playing on the playground. We had planned ahead to attend Foothills Bible Church on Sunday… this was the first church in the Denver area to host us and we had heard great things so we were looking forward to returning. They had a great praise and worship choir and orchestra and we enjoyed the pastor’s sermon on being a team player.

The Hilliards stopped by the Red Rocks Amphitheater and admired the beauty on their way back to the RV park. Then later Charles replaced the water pump on his bus while the kids and Laurie carved pumpkins. Abby's cross pumpkin aroused the curiosity of RV neighbors, Jim and Julie. We found out they are believers from Orange County, California as we toured each other's buses.

That evening, we returned to the home of Alec and Kris Cameron and their four children. Kris is the coordinator for the Foothills night MOPS group and had us over for the kids to take baths in early Sept.… (remember, showers only on the buses!) We had brownies and good conversation with our old friends (of 6 weeks!)

Meanwhile, Charles and Laurie had plans for a big date night. It started well at Mimi's Cafe until construction workers knocked out the power to the entire block...which also knocked out the movie for which they'd pre-purchased tickets. So on to Plan B - another theater, but it wasn't showing their movie ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding"). As they approached Plan C, ice cream, the owner locked the doors. So, they returned to the RV park for Plan D - laundry. Later they found out that their 2MOMS magnetic door signs were stolen - probably during the blackout.

Monday, October 21
After the disappointing night, the Lord's promise that "joy comes in the morning" was fulfilled yet again as He refreshed us - this time through the neighbors, Jim & Julie. They left both families a whole chicken on our picnic tables ... and a check for $249!

We left the RV park and parked overnight instead at Arvada Covenant Church, where we were to do their MOPS group on Tuesday. It is wonderful to wake up, get ready, and walk across the parking lot to work! Monday evening, Brittlea insisted that her 2nd tooth was “really loose” and asked me to pull it. No problem, it WAS really loose and she has now lost 2 teeth in about one week!

Tuesday, October 22
Since we have been in the Denver area for almost 8 weeks, the group of about 60 ladies had heard much about our ministry and were excited to hear us. †Both Sharon and Laurie had meaningful conversations with several ladies as usual! Sharon spoke with Mary, a mom of four, whose husband has been in overseas in the military for several months and will remain there until at least March. She is - and she isn’t - a single mom and said she NEEDED this message today!

We left soon after lunch for Colorado Springs and stopped by an outlet mall on the way where Charles' parents met us for their Colorado visit before we head further west. The older and younger Hilliards struck up a conversation with the shuttle driver at the mall. She was a believer with the gift of encouragement and she showered the "E" on us!

On the way to the Springs, it started SNOWING! A LOT! We stayed in the parking lot of Fellowship Bible Church in Colorado Springs Tuesday night and again walked across the parking lot Wednesday morning to work.

Wednesday, October 23
Fellowship Bible is another in a long line of wonderful churches who have hosted us in a very encouraging and caring manner. God brought a wonderful group of ladies there who were ready to hear His message. At the end of the program, the kids introduce themselves and today, 2-year-old Crislynn decided to tell everyone “Hi, my name is Crislynn and I’m FIVE!”

Wednesday night, we set up camp at an RV park in Colorado Springs. We had a few days planned to rest, recover, and prepare for our last program on this trip to Colorado. There was still lots of snow on the ground, so there were several snowball fights today and snow ice cream with Johnie, Charles' mom. We plan to celebrate Brittlea’s birthday several times during this break as well. She is about to be SIX years old!

Thursday, October 24
We went to Old Colorado City for lunch and a tour of the Colorado Creamery. This was a GREAT field trip for the kids… especially because it ended with free samples! We returned to the buses for a quiet evening “at home.” This was also the day that we decided I should go home to support the band at their area contest appearance. Yea! I can’t wait!

Friday, October 25
We went to the North Pole today… well North Pole, Colorado anyway. It is at about 7000 feet and it was COLD! We went to Santa’s Workshop where the kids and adults enjoyed Christmas in October. Charles had been here with his parents when he was a child and now they are here to accompany their grandchildren this time. The kids saw Santa and everyone enjoyed the Christmas music.

Sharon took me to the airport so I could fly home to support the band kids. I arrived in time to surprise them during 4th quarter of the football game. It was great to see all of you – kids, parents, and friends. Thanks for the hugs and the welcome!

Saturday, October 26
The band performed at area during the first group of bands and looked and sounded GREAT! Then they had to wait and wait and wait for the results to be announced. In fact, by the time Mr. Cude found out, I was already back at the airport, but he called me from the results room. I think we were both in shock. I am so proud of the kids and their efforts. The band in Whitesboro continues to be a great place for kids to feel safe. Thanks to God for bringing a godly man to take my place.

While I was gone to Texas, some of the crew in Colorado visited the US Olympic Training Center and some continued to battle a stomach virus.

Charles and Laurie shared some good times with a college friend, Karen Bryant Gwinn, as they caught up on the past, viewed her wedding album, and enjoyed some great food at TGI Fridays!

Please pray for our health as we travel! As always thanks for your prayers – it is obvious to us that people are praying!

-Pat