Visitation, Ordination, Revelation

For the past few weeks life at the swamp has been hectic and exciting to say the least. I am just now catching up from everything. Rob's mom and dad came in a few weeks ago from Kansas City for a long weekend visit culminating with Rob's ordination at Crown Point. We hosted some of the deacons and their wives for a great BBQ and some time getting to know us. Since Rob's parents had left the snow and lovely winter weather behind, we wanted them to feel comfortable so we arranged to have the winds pick up and the temps to drop while we all huddled under blankets and made s'mores over the fire pit. It was a great night and almost everyone left without marshmallow on their face!

The next evening (March 22) was a very special one for all of us as Rob was ordained at Crown Point Baptist Church. It was such a touching service as the deacons all shared words of encouragement and prayers for Rob becoming an Army Chaplain. Once again, it hit me that I was becoming a pastor's wife. Yikes!

Last week we drove up to Columbus to make the Dude Ranch (Doug and Margot's) our base of operations while we tackled Army Chaplaincy issues. We dropped the bug at the bark-n-park at the ATL and then flew to the chilly north of Minneapolis, MN for Rob's ecclesiastical endorsement interview with IMF. What a wonderful organization and a great group of people. Ron and Stephanie Brevold took us out for a wonderful dinner where we truly felt like we were spending time with old friends even though we had only met that day. We look forward to our next visit north and are hoping/planning to make it to the big "MORE Celebration" in July for the ordination ceremony which Rob would be a part of.

From Minnesota we were headed back Atlanta, picked up the bug who refused to give momma a kiss, and then did a stealth attack on the Chaplain recruiter to get final documents in order. From there it was back to Columbus and Ft. Benning, GA to meet up with Command Chaplains, Brigade Chaplains and Battalion Chaplains. I think it is pretty safe to say we were surrounded by very Godly men all week. From start to finish, the Chaplains at Ft. Benning could not have been more welcoming, gracious and encouraging. The Brigade Chaplain and Rob have put together a plan of attack that will hopefully kick into gear come July. It is amazing the things that can get accomplished over food. (note to self--always ply the holy guys with food)

Our thanks to Dr. D and Margot Dudewicz for hosting a fantastic dinner on our behalf and for their undying support. It is looking good that Margot and Muff will be together again much to the dismay of the two dudes.

We made it back to the swamp on Good Friday in preparation of services to be held at church. We made tons of Resurection Cookies to share with the children of Crown Point on Holy Saturday. Came home and then made over 100 scones for sunrise service on Easter Sunday. I'm not a morning person so I had to give myself a project to get me going in the morning. When we arrived at church we had a little sunrise tailgate going on before and after a beautiful service by Pastor Steve. As if on cue, the ducks we had heard about for the past few weeks flew overhead to make sure we were all paying attention.

Rob and I have absolutely fallen in love with our Crown Point family and will miss them so much when the time comes for him to assume his appointment in the Army. This blog was really created for them so they can stay up-to-date on what we are doing in Rob's ministry.

God has truly revealed Himself to us through good friends who have shown so much love and support as we prepare for this calling to serve Him and our country. We look forward to what lies ahead and for those who will join us on our journey.

Much love from the Swamp! M