08/08/2013
May-July 2013 Update for OMIA
We left California on May 17th as planned and we ran into multiple problems with blowouts, trailer repairs, car repairs and weather. But God supplied all of our needs, amazingly, which totaled way over $10,000.00. He brought us through struggles, He moved mountains and He went before us to prepare a way.
Our 7-8 day trip took 11 days and we showed up in Richmond, VA on Memorial Day at midnight. We spent the following week preparing for Nathan and Ashley's Wedding and visiting with family. On June 1st they were married and it was a truly amazing time. I could just go on and on about all my children and their wives/girlfriends and our grandkids... lol
On June 3rd, Gary moved our RV to the Williamsburg KOA and I started my old job at my new office in Hampton, VA.
It took us about a month to re-adjust to our new surroundings and enjoy some much needed R&R in Nags Head thanks to our friends The Charltons.
Prior to leaving California, Gary had been having major issues with his gallbladder and thanks to lots of prayer and a strict "no fat" diet, he held out until July 10th, when he had his gallbladder removed. He is recuperating nicely and feels so much better.
During the past month we have been preparing for out last (Shelby) child to leave the nest. We attended orientation at Liberty University last Monday. We will drop her off on August 14th (sniff, sniff). We will then head for a mini family reunion with our PA family on August 16-18th. Happy Birthday to Nathan, Gary and Collette who were all born in the month of August!
This whole time, Gary has continued to work through his own company, providing for our needs and more importantly, using his unique gift of gab, to minister to people all over the USA.
In between all the excitement of the last 2 months we have devoted time to praying regarding our next adventure. Below I am listing some of our options:
1. Finding a new local church.
2. Gary was offered a job with the shipyard in Newport News vs continuing with his current advertising business.
3. Deciding whether to buy (cheaper) or rent a bungalow (home).
4. Where to live?
5. Whether to buy a new car or keep pouring money into the old one!
6. OMIA's future and what it will look like.
We have been asked to speak at several churches regarding outreach. We feel that God is leading us to spend several hours a week formulating a "Biblinar". For those of you who know me, you know that I like to make up words, therefore a "Biblinar" is a bible based seminar where we outline what has worked and what we see God doing and expecting of the Church in regards to reaching busy, hurting, hopeless sinners such as ourselves! With hope and encouragement, of course!
Please pray for us as we move into this new "season" and let us know if you have needs we can pray for or meet.
We love you all,
Gary, Collette and Shelby of OMIA
