When I was growing up, my dad preached in many places, all around the world, but for our family, the journeys I remember the most, are the ones during summer vacations...We left within a week of school ending for the summer, and we traveled by car, the 5 of us (dad, mom, my sister, brother and me)... all around the country. Dad had his schedule all typed up (from his hunt-and-poke typewriter), to churches he had been invited to preach in, so he had the whole summer scheduled, and off we went!
I could write a book about those days, and fill a lot of pages. I've been jotting down some of the stories and will share them from time to time. They were days of teaching, preaching, singing and fellowship, as God 'took the wheel' and lead us all over the country.
In all honesty, even though I knew God was using my dad, (and mom right alongside of him), for me... it was always an adventure! Each new place held new faces, friends, experiences, and... GOOD food! Really... church people are family people and these women could cook! Lots of what we ate was grown on their own farms and baked in their kitchens. Most of the churches were small, and many were out in the country or in a small town. Each place we came to had lined up their own members to have us for dinner... we feasted!
I'm losing my train of thought... :)
We went from California, to Michigan, Oregon, Iowa, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and more... and we traveled in a car with all 5 of us, 3 kids in the back seat! We drove through the desert at night, no air conditioning, and usually there were 6 legs hanging out the back window trying to cool off!!
One time we asked our mother, during a particularly HOT day...hoping to tease her into being tempted by something that was 'off limits'... 'what would you do if someone brought you a HUGE ICE COLD BUCKET OF BEER right now??... she didn't even blink an eye. She said ...'ohhhh, I would SOAK my feet in it!'... we have laughed about that for years! In the middle of the desert, without air conditioning, that cold beer on her feet was a delight for her to think about. :)
...more chapters from time to time...
18 comments:
Sonja, You have a wonderful Christian heritage.
Now I see where you get your sense of humor. Your mother seems to have passed it on to you :-)
~Ron
Oh Sonja, I want to hear each one of your stories. I can just imagine you three in the backseat with no air conditioning. Love the beer story too.
I had to laugh because as you were getting off track when you began to tell about the food, so was I. I'm hungry right now. I just finished reading Lea's post on my letters to emily and felt determined. But I'm still hungry! LOL. And frankly, the church dinners sound better than fruits and veggies right now.
I love your stories; keep them coming.
Love you sis,
Debbie
I love your stories. This one reminded me of the times we went to visit my grandparents in Californis. I remember crossing those deserts in the middle of the night because it was so much cooler. We too did not have air conditioning in our car. This post brought back many memories!
ha ha! that's the best use of an ice cold bucket
of beer i have ever heard.
keep these wonderful stories coming. i'm addicted.
These are precious memories. I look so forward to hearing about your growing up years! I'm so glad the Lord is leading you in this topic.
What precious years... I would love to experience all that country cooking in the little country churches! I imagine the hospitality would be as big as their hearts!
I am new to visiting you blog, and I have enjoyed it!
I loved the beer story... sounds good to me lol!
Sonja I admire what you have learned throughout your years. Even though I am sure there were some down sides, still the hands-on experiences and the places you traveled and the main thing God being the center. Blessings to you!
Oh friend, I love that...she's soak her feet in it. I've heard it's good for hair so perhaps feet??? :)
I love reading about your family and you know how GOD is using your Dad even now, to encourage my life through you. I love you dear friend.
Keep writing...
" ... great adventure." Isn't that always the way it is when the Lord's involved? I can just picture the lot of you headed out; and your parents praying that each of their children would somehow, someday being impacted. And here you are with stories of the impact.
What a treasure trove of memories they bequeathed to you. God bless godly parents!
Hugs,
Kathleen
What wonderful memories you have of that season in your life. I loved this story. We traveled (JUST ONCE) as a family (we had 6 kids!) across the desert at night with no AC...OH MY GOODNESS, so NOT good, haha...a bucket of beer for your feet would have been WONDERFUL, hahaha....Looking forward to more stories. Blessings & hugs, Debbie
I really enjoy and love this...and your mom, what a jewel. It also lets me have a glimpse into what life was like for my grandfather. He was a traveling preacher with five children. God took him home at age 33, but I am sure the earlier days with those five small children was a lot like what you describe.
My grandmother went with him and sang. She is the one who took us to singings...with her second husband.
I hope you write it all and put in a book...I would love a copy!!!
Hello Sonja, thank you for stopping by my blog today and leaving such an encouraging comment.
I really enjoyed your story and look forward to reading more.
You know...you really should put it all together in a book!!! I'm so anxious to read about your adventures.
Sonja,
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comments.
I enjoyed reading about your childhood travels. That would make a fascinating and humorous memoir!
Blessings,
Anita
Oh, I love that story. Thanks for sharing. I think I'll follow... blessings your way, bobbi
Oh Sonja....I love your family adventures! You always bless me and bring a smile to my heart!!
Love and Hugs!
Jackie
SOnja,
You lust have so many wonderful stories. What a wonderful heritage you have. Both my grandfathers were preachers, and I was blessed to be raised in a the lovliest Christian home. I'll be exploring your blog.
Mimi
Dear Sonja,
Please, write a book about your very special childhood.
It would for certain be a feel-good story with lots of laughter and prayers in it.
I just can't wait.
I'd love to meet you in Norway, anytime. You will be cordially welcomed in our home. My best also to Carol Ann.
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