We have finally hit the Northeast! Yesterday, we drove through North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and into Maryland. We’ve seen some beautiful farmland and been amazed at the history that peppers this area. One of highlights was our drive through Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Chris has a goal of seeing every National Park in the United States, so he was excited to check that one off his list. To say that it was beautiful would be an understatement. The breathtaking views of the mountains on one side and the valley on the other was something that cannot be described…it MUST be experienced. It was like an oasis for these weary travelers. In just one short hour, we saw a black bear, two deer, and countless other wildlife. God’s creativity is definitely on display in Shenandoah. 

The next highlight was being able to visit with a former roommate, Julie. She and her husband, Zach are two of the neatest people I know. They live, work, and play with the Gospel in the forefront of their minds. They rearrange all parts of their life in order to maximize their effectiveness for the Kingdom. How encouraging to hear how the Father is using them in their sphere of influence and what He is doing through them as a couple! 

It’s so easy to get sucked into the American mindset of busy schedules, endless hours of work, and limited time for relationships. You have to make a decision to live intentionally for the sake of the Gospel, and this couple has made that decision. I was challenged to think differently about the way I do life, raise my kiddos, and do ministry. The Father has given us the mandate to make disciples of all the nations, and I need to be more intentional in making that a reality in my life. Living in a college town, the nations have literally come to us. If we aren’t living life on purpose, then we will miss the blessing of meeting and reaching these people. 

Zach and Julie, thank you for encouraging our hearts towards our Savior. Thank you for sharing your life with us and allowing us to see all the Father in doing in and through you. You are a blessing to our family!

The great states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland

Chris, Amanda, Julie, and Zach

Shenandoah National Park

 

The best ride in town