We had our first Family Ministry Trip and it was nothing like I thought. Not a "bad" thing.....just something to look "forward" to. Let's get real! I have an 18 month old and a 12 year old. And, 2 "HIGH LEADERSHIP" girls in between (a.k.a. strong willed). There were those few times the "estrogen terrorism" made its appearance. But all in all....we all had a great time. So thankful for the opportunity to travel and minister with Mark. Who knows how long this season will be for? But since we have it, we're gonna have a blast with it! Here are some highlights and memorable things:
Tuesday, March 8 -
We leave for Fairbanks. A good friend of Braxtyn's comes with us too. Total ratio of boys vs girls in our Ford Expedition?......6 vs 1! Mark loved every minute of it!
- we check into our favorite hotel in Fairbanks and at 9pm and the girls head straight to the pool.
- Long drive.....good night
Wednesday, March 9 -
- Visit some friends in the area. Pastor Paul McDonald and his staff. What a great staff he has there.
- Then we hit up Pastor JR Markle and his staff. My goodness....my girls loved their church! They love to explore (or be nosey)! Pastor JR and Shaina gave them the THUMBS UP! They had a blast. Pastor JR took us to an amazing WING place. Def loved the honey ones. These were HUGE and only $1 each (Wednesdays only)!! Needless to say.....we'll be going again.
- Mark and I ministered at Unashamed Youth with Pastor Shaina and Caleb! WOW! They have a great thing going there. Lots of non-believers....which always makes us happy! What a blessing they are to so many youth in Fairbanks. So proud of them.
Thursday, March 10 -
- Stopped by North Pole AG and visited Billy and Aubrey Welch and their staff. Amazing to see what God is doing there. So proud of them! The facility is looking great and they're doing great things for God by reaching their community.
- Stopped by Santa's workshop and chilled there for about ....10 MINUTES! Not much going on there...and my little one was wanting EVERYTHING!
- visited with Ron and Yolanda Pratt. My girls would say this was the HIGHLIGHT for them. They loved hanging out with Jovahnna PRatt. She's pretty COOL! They danced, dressed up, put on make-up....you know...Girly stuff. Thanks Jovahnna! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Yolanda. What an fabulous woman. Her house is so warm and everything about it screams....LOVE. She's a blessing.
- Mark had a blast talking to papa bear. Those two together can be quite interesting. We appreciate all he does with his TGM team!
- Headed back to the hotel, swam, and rested. The northern lights were out...so Mark gathered all the girls around 11:30pm to see them. I stayed with the baby in the hotel and that's when I heard the horrible news about Japan's earthquake. We prayed.
Friday, March 11 -
- We had breakfast/coffee with the Davis' . Such an incredible POWER PACK couple. Always love hanging and dreaming with them.
- Mark had lunch with Brad Lowery (another great youth pastor in Fairbanks) and I went shopping with the girls.
- Took the girls swimming at the pool and Paityn decided to join in. In the matter of 2 seconds....Paityn got a little "in over her head." Since I was the first to see her emerged in the water (Macy was near her), I ran in...jeans, boots, and all....and I pulled her out. Don't worry - She's doing fine. What seemed like minutes....was actually 4 seconds. After I patted her back and got whatever water she did swallow out...she smiled and pointed to go BACK in the water! Crazy dare-devil girl.
- Mark and I ministered at the northern sectional winter camp. THis was AMAZING and fun! Love youth ministry and I love this section.
- Thankful for Jeremy and Cherie who were willing to watch our little ones. We were able to hangout with them after the service. Cherie made some great cookies. We devoured them!!
Saturday, March 12 -
We made our way Tok and had a grand time with the Pastor Joel and Anne Krise. Talk about an amazing family. Mark and I were spoiled while at their house. Anne can THROW it down when it comes to cooking! My daughters had a great time (especially the younger ones) with Mya. Dylan shared a lot of his knowledge about dinosaurs and animals with me.
- Ended the night with great fellowship and ice cream!
Sunday - March 13 -
Mark spoke at Tok AG. What a great church!! Anne is a real deal ROCK STAR! She plays the guitar great and tops it off with her amazing voice. This church body is so REAL! My 9 year old didn't want to leave. She said, "Mom, I like this church...they're so funny and friendly." Something every kid should say when they leave the doors of a church.
- Made the long drive home from TOK and we're so glad to be back in Anchorage. God is so good!! So glad He watches over the Zweifel's.
Now it's time to unpack, do laundry, head to costco, carrs, pay bills, call clients, make a dinner for a friend who just had a baby, and somewhere in all this...get an iced vanilla latte! Peace out!
1 comment:
Wow Mija, your vacation was so exciting I wish we were there too. I love the way express yourself. I wish I would do write the way you write. What blessing it is to read your events..You should think about reading a book about how you feel inside.
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