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Published: November 10th 2008
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Bakyard Retreat
A favorite place to relax at the Upchurch home. We've covered lots of ground since we last posted a blog. We've been on the move a lot, and it's been difficult to take the time necessary to post, but here's an overview of the last month or so.
Our last blog left off with spending a few days in Alabama. Here's where we've been since then: Oct. 14-17: We arrived in Hattiesburg, MS. We had the privilege of staying in the home of Ken and Carolyn Upchurch. Ken is one of the elders of the Hattiesburg congregation, and he and Carolyn are always hospitable to those traveling through. George gave his presentation to the Kensington Woods congregation Wednesday evening, the 15th. We left there the morning of the 17th, and headed to our next destination - White Bluff, TN.
Oct. 17-19: We arrived in White Bluff Friday evening. The congregation treated our family to a nice dinner and one night's stay at the nearby Montgomery Bell State Park. Saturday we met up with Joy's uncle and aunt, Karl and Janie Craun. Karl is one of the elders at the White Bluff church of Christ, who is one of our supporters. We enjoyed a nice visit the Karl
and Janie, and George gave his presentation to the congregation Sunday evening.
Oct. 20-21: We met up with some friends with whom we became acquainted years ago, Wayne and Debbie Miller, along with one of their sons and his wife, and had an enjoyable Cracker Barrel lunch. We then made our way to Memphis. After checking into a hotel, we quickly changed and headed over the the Spiritual Sword lectureship. We also spent all day Tuesday attending the lectureship, where we enjoyed some great lessons, as well as seeing some friends who had also come to the lectureship.
Oct. 22: We drove to Belle, MO Wednesday, and George gave his presentation to the Liberty church of Christ, who is one of our supporters. We stayed in the home of Russell and Carol Heck. Russell is one of the elders of the congregation, and they also happen to be the parents of David Heck, part of the family with whom we've been good friends for a number of years. We enjoyed a good visit with them, and were also appreciative of their gracious hospitality. David's wife, Debbie, along with their kids, came up to be with us, since we
were with their family.
Oct. 23-26: We traveled with Debbie and the kids to their home, which is not far from Independence, MO. We spent a couple of days with them, then headed to Higginisville, MO, where we spent Friday and Saturday night with another family who are good friends of ours, the Leonards. Jerry Leonard has his own meat processing business, and so while we were there, he and George spent a few hours making some brauts, which we enjoyed later that evening. The morning of the 26th we worshiped with the Higginsville church of Christ, who is one of our supporters. George gave his presentation during the Bible class hour, and preached for their A.M. service.
Sunday afternoon we headed to the Chipman Rd. church of Christ, in Lee's Summit. They also support our work. George gave his presentation Sunday evening, and afterwards, there was a fellowship. The congregation gave us a card shower, which included many generous money gifts from various individuals of the congregation. Also, during the congregation's VBS, the children were challenged to earn money to give to us,for Swahili Bibles. We were also presented with a check for $225, which represented a
lot of hard work on the part of some very motivated children! What a great example they are.
Oct. 27-31: Monday morning we made our way towards Iowa, with a brief detour at Cabela's in Kansas City, KS. We spent the night in Des Moines, then Tuesday we drove to our old stomping grounds. We got a hotel in Stuart, then went out to our house in Guthrie Center, where we lived before moving to Tanzania. Our house is still up for sale, and we needed to check on things, do a bit of cleaning, etc.
Wednesday morning Julia and Joy had a doctor's appointment, then had a bunch of blood work done. They were happy to hear that all is well, although more iron and calcium needs to be added to our diet. Wednesday afternoon we drove back to Des Moines, where Lindsey had a consultation with an oral surgeon. Lindsey needed to have her wisdom teeth removed, and we thought it would be great if we could use the services of a Dr. who already worked on the other three kids, and did a great job. Wednesday evening George began a short meeting for the congregation
in Menlo, where he previously preached.
Thursday morning George, Joy and Lindsey were up early and headed back to Des Moines, and Lindsey had oral surgery. We got her back to the hotel, and Julia stayed in with her for the evening, and the rest of us went to the gospel meeting. Friday evening George gave his presentation to the church in Menlo, and there were several visitors who came as well.
Nov. 1-6: We drove most of the day, from Iowa down to Van Buren, Arkansas. Sunday we worshiped with the Dyer congregation. As most of you know, Dyer is our overseeing congregation, and they have been very supportive of our work. George gave his presentation during the morning Bible class. Sunday afternoon Julia, Jacob, and Luke were picked up by the Purdoms, who are friends of our family, who live about an hour north of Van Buren. Tuesday afternoon George, Joy and Lindsey drove up to the Purdoms, spent the night, and then all of our family returned to Van Buren Wednesday, and we worshiped once again with the Dyer congregation.
Thursday morning Dan Walker, one of the deacons of the North MacArthur church of
The Jensens and the Hecks
...enjoying an afternoon hike Christ drove to Van Buren, picked up the six of us, along with a mountain of luggage, and drove us back to Oklahoma City, and we flew from Oklahoma City, to Sacramento, CA that evening. George's brother and sister-in-law met us in Sacramento, and drove us back to their place in Angel's Camp.
Nov. 7-9: We spent Friday and part of Saturday with George's brothers and sister, and their families. Saturday afternoon his brother took us down to Stockton, and we invaded Joy's parents once again. Sunday morning we were up early, and drove about an hour to worship with the Brentwood church of Christ. George gave his presentation during the morning Bible class, and preached for the morning service. This is another of many congregations who are very supportive of our work, and welcomed us very warmly. We enjoyed getting to see Barney and June Roe, whom we have known for many years. They were members of the Pacifica church of Christ in years past, where George preached for eight years.
Whew!!! As you can see, we have been busy. From Sept. 23 to Nov. 5 we traveled 5,800 miles. We will admit that we are tired,
but are thankful for the safe travels we have enjoyed, and for the many fine people who have opened their hearts and their homes to us. For that we are very humbled and thankful. We have 11 more days in the States, and we will enjoy this remaining time with our family here. November 20th is the day we begin our journey back to Tanzania.
Until next time...
the Jensens
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Patrick Swayne
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I'm glad to hear that your travels are going well. Sorry to hear about Lindsey's teeth - I've had that done (not fun). You all are still in my thoughts and prayers, and we have been praying for you at Eastside as well. -In Christian Love, Patrick