Packing...

Our weekend has consisted of boxes, boxes, and more boxes. We still haven't heard from North Adams, but we have to be out of our apartment by Aug. 1st. Our lease will be up and we can't go month to month. So, we trust that God will take care of us and we pack.

We still have a bit to go...but it is starting to make a difference. :) We've been blessed to have friends who are more than willing to pack a few boxes with us. And then we willingly take breaks with them. Yesterday Dustin and Beth were here to help. After some grueling hours we all went to see Batman. What a movie...my packing doesn't seem so horrible after the darkness of that movie. But we had a blast and even unloaded a couple items on Dustin. All's fair in friendship and packing.

Well, it's time to go in search of more boxes...we've filled all we have.

Love all!
Melps

Back from Mass

Well, that had to have been the fastest trip I've ever been on. We are back and the time was great! Now we are just waiting to hear back from the church as to whether they want us or not. :) As we wait, enjoy some pictures.

This was looking out the window of the apartment we stayed in.
The big steeple is First Baptist Church's steeple.

The windows in the church are amazing! All of them were stained glass.

Do you see the amazing pipe organ? Some one actually plays that.

More stained glass..still waiting.

Welcome to camp. The chapel sits up on the hill overlooking everything.

Boats boats boats...just for A. ;)

Looking out at the lake...there's even a water trampoline!!!

The cross is at the vesper circle.

Four square and a cabin...6 bunks in that little thing.

More waiting...

Coffee anyone?

The decor in the Cup & Saucer was old fashion...and totally fit the atmosphere of the town.

Hubby enjoying the quiet.

We took a walk in the rain and looked at all of the amazing old churches.

Looking back at First Baptist.
You can see the steeples of all the Churches just about from every part of town.

This is the library...it's the old Mayoral mansion.

This is a church just across the street from First Baptist.

Yup...still waiting...

St. Francis Assisi

Mary was behind the Catholic church.
We met a man who said she had been there about 100 years.

I know that I fell in love with North Adams and First Baptist Church.
So no matter what happens that town will always hold a place in my heart. It was beautiful.

We just hope they welcome us.

What a day!!!

So, do you ever have one of those days where you feel so overwhelmed that it all seems a blur? That's been today.

We were up at 3:30 AM to leave for the airport at 4:30. Our flight was delayed in Portland due to weather in Chicago. Though as Hubby so studiously pointed out, "If Chicago wasn't having 'weather' they wouldn't exist...so it's a good thing they are." (Smart alack). We landed in Chicago at 12:30 PM their time, grabbed some lunch and loaded another plane bound for Albany, New York, which was scheduled to land at 4:30PM eastern standard time. We arrived only half hour late which was fine 'cause Pastor Dave was also a half hour late getting through storms here. After collecting our baggage we departed in the big blue truck for an hours drive to North Adams, MA. It was a beautiful drive...but me being so sleepy and still a little sick from the plane ride forgot about my camera till 45 minutes into the ride. (I promise to carry the camera constantly tomorrow). As soon as we arrive in North Adams we were escorted into a living room full of people waiting to meet us. We partook in a delicious meal and were given the grand tour of the church. You've got to see the sanctuary on this thing...I'm so taking pictures tomorrow. After that it was back to the house for more talking and me starting to daze in and out. And finally now it is time for bed. Which is good...I can't spell right now or even think straight... :)

So tomorrow is another busy day. Meeting people at church and touring the camp. I'll update you all again then!

So good night all!

Pool fun!

Saturday was such a BEAUTIFUL day! We enjoyed the great outdoors (a.k.a. the To's pool). It was a wonderful time of sun, water, and berries! :)

And then after lots of hours in the sun and being scorched...the Frasier parents arrived! We had a cruise reunion over dinner and fondue!

I hope you had as relaxing and sunny and wonderful weekend as I did!

Love ya!

Melps

BIG NEWS!!!

Hubby had an interview on Tuesday with a church in Massachusetts. The job would be an associate pastor/camp director position. The interview went great! The pastor wasn't able to be in on the call and even called Hubby later that evening to talk to him about it. SWEET!

First Baptist Church of North Adams
(Isn't it a COOL building!)

And today.... Today, they called back. They want to fly us out to Massachusetts! Not only that...but I already have a job interview too.... Crazy! God totally answers prayers. So, as of right now we are flying out to Massachusetts next weekend. It's all happening so fast!

Garage Saling!

So this weekend being the fourth and all required some extensive garage sale shopping (or "saling"). Hubby joined Z & A on Friday morning while I slaved away at work. ;) Then on Saturday we got the late start (noon) and hit as many as we could in the couple of hours after the rain. We were dissapointed by a few "large, multi-family" sales which consisted of a few boxes of nothing interesting. BUT we did hit the jackpot when A got a bike for FREE!!! I also snagged a GREAT brown dress!

We did have a couple more great finds like a total 80's style fondue pot, a massage mat (not pictured), the original "deluxe" Scene it, a Frank Sinatra album, a couple of kids books and who-but-Mike-knows-why tragedy & comedy masks.


Mike also found some rollerblades in pretty good condition. They did come at a cost though...in entertainment. Z tried them on and promptly fell down a sloping drive way. After we made sure he was in one piece with no broken bones we all had a good laugh...for the rest of the day.

Good friends, good finds, and laughter...the recipe for a great day!

In the beginning...

Hello all! It has finally come to pass that I, Melps, have decided to start a blog about the great adventures of hubby and me. Especially since the next few months will bring so many unknowns into our lives.

And what a time to start. With the great Fourth of July weekend! What an adventure that was. Last night was a time of feasting, laughter, and big booms (quite literally). We had a BYOM/BYOeverything at the Banker household. Followed by fighting the crowds at the waterfront for viewing space of the fireworks. We settled on a nice little section of grass, thinking we would end up having to move just to see the fireworks...how wrong we were.

The barge was directly in front of us on the river and we received the full force of the show. As BD put it afterwards, "I'm glad I had my ear plugs." We could feel the explosions. But we all agreed they were the best seats in the house! And so...on with the show!

And thanks to A for all the wonderful pictures (dorky me for got the camera in the haste to get to celebrating).