We're in Barcelona

We headed out from home at about 3:30 in the afternoon on Thursday and arrived in Barcelona about 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening. After several problems we got to our hotel about 10 p.m. Needless to say we slept in this morning and then headed out for some sightseeing this afternoon. After a delicious lunch of paella and salad we headed back from the pier and Columbus Monument to the hotel and are now in our room ready for a good nights rest and then being ready for a great day tomorrow and heading to the ship and our cruise

Guest Entry By Ken: We're in Barcelona

For some reason I can't get my computer to hook up to Internet but Peggy's did. We had 2 of the worst flights we've ever had to get here, plus a fiasco getting our baggage and getting to the hotel. More details later.
We've already gotten together with Jim and Sherryl Ford, our close friends who we are cruising with starting Sunday.
Hope this all comes through. Everything on the blog is changed to Spanish here.

Adios, Ken

Church at Battlefield Last Night/Ken's Niece

Heard and saw a great sermon last night at Battlefield Assembly of God last night by Marc Cerce. Black light can add a lot to the dynamics of your sermon and Marc did a great job. The new building is going to be wonderful and they are planning to use the new facilities next week with The Stamps Quartet singing in the evening service. The church is also participating in the "Make a Difference Day Convoy of Hope" next Saturday. All in all it should be a full and exciting weekend.

We heard from Beverly Ken's niece last evening after church and they had arrived. We hope to get to spend some time with them but with our vacation coming up we are not sure when or how much.

THE BRYANTS VISIT

Beverly and family were able to meet us for dinner on Tuesday night at the Cracker Barrel. We really enjoyed getting to see them and take some time to visit. Just sorry the time is so short because of our trip. They are staying at Michael's mothers home and visiting sisters, aunts, and more family than we realized they had in the area. They were enjoying their time and looking forward to the rest of the week.

Lots Going On

Getting ready...




...for Ken's niece and her husband and son to arrive from California for a visit. Beverly and Michael and Ricky are headed this way to visit Mike's mother and us. Last we heard they were in Arizona and should arrive on Sunday (10/21.) Not sure how much time we will get to spend together but great they will get to be in the area and visit.

...for our cruise. We are excited and anxious to be away on vacation. The excursions are planned and the leisure time is looked forward. Lobster anyone?! We will be visiting many ports and have searched out the things to do, the sites to see, the treats to eat, the treasures to buys(!) and of course all the photos for Ken to shoot.

...for Perkitty and Mother to be without us for the time away.

...packing 101.

New Hair Do

Well I wasn't sure what Ken would do when he came home, but when he went out and came back in, things didn't change, I was still a redhead! Yep, I decided I needed a change, and I really got one.

Mark Thallander in Town

Childhood friend, Mark Thallander, was in town today for an organ concert at King's Way Methodist Church. We picked Mom up and enjoyed the hour-plus concert where Mark and others showed us their God-given talents. Mark lost his left arm two years ago on a rainy night in a single-car accident and is still praising and honoring God with his talents. The concert was fantastic and Mom enjoyed hearing him play and talking with him after the concert.

His table with his CD's also had the Pentecostal Evangel open to the story about his accident. What a way to get the Pentecostal Evangel in the Methodist church!

Mom's Home and Off Again...

Mom is home and really enjoyed her trip. She's had her hair done and I got a call this morning that she's off to Branson to see Shoji Tabuchi. It's a great show and I know she'll love it! Go Mom! Oh yes, and Tuesday she's headed to Branson once again for a 40-mile train ride.

Talked to Mom today...

I called Mom today since I hadn't heard from her and she was on the top deck of a boat on the river on a two-hour cruise. She was thoroughly enjoying the trip and having a wonderful time. They had been to a sports museum and she mentioned a souvenir she had bought! She had also purchased a flower for Daddy's grave at one of the locations and it really sounds like she is having fun. I will try to keep you up on all that is happening but I think I will have to call her if I want to hear the updates!!

Mom's on Vacation

Well, Mom headed out yesterday on a trip with the OASIS group from her church. There were 18 of them packed in two vans and they were laughing as the vans left the parking lot of the church. They are headed out to Kentucky and Indiana for sightseeing and just plain old fun. Visits include Churchill Downs, Fort Knox, Belle of Louisville Riverboat, Amish areas, the Indianapolis 500 Museum and much more I'm sure.I've had one day with no phone call from her and, don't tell her, but I missed it!

I've included a picture of Mom and Dad from last year's trip. They really enjoyed it. Notice that hat he's wearing, his favorite restaurant in Concord (North's). When Mom and I visited in September it had changed to his really favorite restaurant, Home Town Buffet!!!

Happy Anniversary Don & Rita

Since this blog is for family and friends I thought I would take advantage and wish my brother and sister a happy anniversary tomorrow. This comes from all of us here in Missouri wishing you a very happy anniversary day and a wonderful cruise. For those of you who don't know, they are headed out for a fun cruise and Don says after Rita putting up with him for all those years (40),, she deserves it! I think it's love!!

Well, once again, happy anniversary, love...

Mom, Peggy and Ken, & Perkitty

The Husband!

I just wanted all of you to see the type of pictures Ken posts on his blogspot while I am out of town. He also calls himself a "Convoy of Hope widower." I would feel sorry for him but when he uses ploys like this I just figure you should know to feel sorry for me!! Let's just give him a round of applause for effort and the bravery for putting out a picture of himself looking like this!

Love ya' honey, be home soon, maybe...

Concord, California, Convoy of Hope

The people came out and we had a fun and exciting day. Nearly 4,000 guests attended the Convoy of Hope and with 500+ volunteers we were able to treat each one as a "guest of honor" from the moment they entered the site until they were helped to their vehicle with their groceries. God really blessed us with great weather and people were blessed in many ways as they were shown His love. One hundred and forty children gave their hearts to Jesus and over 100 adults accepted Him. Seeds were planted and the work is only just begun. God did a mighty work and I believe everyone was excited and happy at how the day went. Free haircuts were given, medical and dental exams, community services and job information was given out, tri-tip sandwiches and a fantastic kids area with bounce houses and climbing thingies!! It was fun, fun, fun!

Joyce St. John, is that you in there???
Joyce Pryor my long time friend handed out over 5700 lunches! Okay, she did have help. There I am with the truck. And Ken's sister Ellene and her girls, Beverly and Pamela, came to see what I do. It was great to see them and great to see many people I know from Calvary Temple.

Mom & I Head to California

Mom and I are headed to California for the Convoy of Hope and to visit friends and family. Looking forward to a great trip together.

Mom's New Home, Part 7

The last of the tour.

Mom's Address & Birthday

Just in case you missed it, I am readying some address changes for California and thought I'd include mom's address here once again along with a picture. Today is her birthday, the first one without a card from daddy. We will be taking her to Lambert's the home of the throwed rolls! She still can't catch one but Ken will do that for her! Call her if you can.

New Address for Virginia:

Virginia L. Paul
3195 N. Circle Lane #315C
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 833-3310
cell: (925) 212-1065

Mom's New Home, Part 6

Tired, but Excited

What a weekend. I am sitting in the airport and I am tired but I am excited over what God did this past weekend at the women's retreat at Glorieta, New Mexico. I ministered with some beautiful women and God moved in His mighty way. We had an awesome time. Greater Vision from Louisiana did praise and worship and Barbara Naranjo also shared in worship. We had a beautiful banquet Saturday night followed by Jewish Seder and then a service where God definitely had His way and we just followed His direction. I believe the women attending the retreat went home having been met by God and filled with His presence and needs met and hearts filled.

I enjoyed spending time with my niece Debbie and being used to minister to the women at the retreat, thank you Jesus for your move.

Pictures show some of the ladies from the retreat, the fun flip flop craft and Debbie and I.

Speaking in Glorieta, New Mexico

I am sitting in the Springfield airport waiting for my flight to Albuquerque. I will be speaking at a women's retreat this weekend at Glorieta. I am really looking forward to this and excited to see what God has for each of us as He uses me and touches each of the ladies in attendance. I will be rooming with Debbie Burns my niece and look forward to spending time with her. Well, praying for an exciting time and looking forward to what is ahead for this weekend. Will let you know.

The picture is a hint of one of the sessions and what I will be sharing on!

Mom's New Home, Part 5

Mom's New Home, Part 4

Mom's New Home, Part 3