NOLA 3 on the road!

Well, we are off and running!  We left a snowy and icy St. Paul, MN this morning.  The final count is 12.  Jeff, Jim, and Pastor Carolyn were unable to come because of health issues.  We are praying for their quick recovery.  

Usually, we stop and eat lunch someplace outside on the way down.  Today, it was just too cold when it was lunch time.  We got out of the car for gas I think just south of Cedar Rapids, around 2:00pm.  Finally, when we got to St. Louis, and got gas again, it was time to take off the jackets and sweatshirts.  

We left a little earlier and drove a little farther than usual.  Right now, I am in La Croix United Methodist Church, in Cape Girardeau, MO.  And I am in awe.  Absolutely astounded.  This church is HUGE!  And what a set up.  I'm not kidding when I say it is the most exciting United Methodist Church I have ever seen.  Their education wing is done like a jungle, complete with fabricated trees and vines etc.  Their areas are clean and well done and they have spent some money.  Their sanctuary/worship center could host concerts or plays, and they probably do!  Jake S.-  their media booth probably launches rockets.  You would be amazed.  I will try to take some pictures in the morning.  

What do we do in the van all day?  -  well, one person drives, (hopefully!), sometimes we play games, some people sleep, some read, some do homework, some do Sudoku puzzles, some eat chocolate chip cookies or chex mix or other stuff.  Some just sit.  Some do all of the above.  It's really one of my favorite parts.  

Kim has been shooting a lot of video that we intend to use to make some DVD's.  I haven't seen anyone take any pictures yet, so I can't give you any here.  

Shoot us a note, or make a comment on our blog (www.rodscof.blogspot.com).  Or give us a call while we're on the road.  

Tomorrow, we get up and leave for New Orleans around 7:30am.  

Prayer requests:  the sick folks that aren't with us, Erin C.- former team member traveling with the Youth Encounter ministry, Pete D's knee.  Apparently, he twisted it getting into the van today, and continued safe travels.  

Peace and thanks for coming with us!

R

--
The spiritual life cannot be made suburban.  It is always frontier, and we who live in it must accept and even rejoice that it remains untamed.
--  Howard Macey