Through snow and ice...

And we thought it was a little squished in the van we borrowed recently from our pastor, Bro. Terry Cumberland and his wife. That was nothing compared to this past weekend! Our van was "missing" after taking it home from the airport on December 3. It had been due for a change of spark plugs, so Dad took it into the shop and had them replaced. However, it was still making strange noises after returning back home. Trying to get it into another shop was fruitless as some key automotive people were gone. Besides which, time was running out. We were expected to be in Mercer, Pennsylvania, the next weekend. Renting a vehicle was out. Taking the old van (to load our junk in...has no seats) and our car--which would have given plenty of space for all--was out, as a snowstorm was expected that weekend. Finally it was decided that we would just have to squeeze into our faithful Subaru and make the trip. Without a few things. The P.A. was left behind as well as a few instruments. Though things were a bit tight, we made it with plenty of time to spare. Friends of ours--the Whalen Family--came from Ohio, bringing a P.A. system and extra instruments. Though it was not what we were used to, we managed to make do. We were very thankful to have anything, and we were especially thankful that they drove all that way to bring it and set it up. It was good to see them again. Services Friday evening went well in spite of it all. There were quite a few visitors in attendance. What a treat to see the Royaltys again...it's been a while! They are always a blessing and a refreshment to be around. The next day we went with the pastor's family to invite folks out to church. The weather was quite cold, but we still managed to talk to some people. In the afternoon a progressive dinner was planned. The first stop was a bit of a distance away, but all made it safely. While everyone was enjoying the first course, the snow started to come down in earnest. By the time the group loaded back into the church van, there were several inches on the ground and more was coming fast. Instead of going on to the main course, it was agreed that dessert would be the next option...at the pastor's house where we were staying. Later we grabbed some extra food...too bad the "progressive dinner" turned out to be a "regressive dinner"! Oh, well. We still had fun! With the weather giving us some concern, it wasn't until the following morning that we knew for sure services were still going to be held. (Weather problems seem to come up every time we head to Mercer!) We did have a good group in the morning. Dad preached all morning and we sang. Pastor Schwartz decided to keep the Christmas program that evening on the schedule. Attendance was quite low in the evening, but it was still a special time. We had some time of prayer and though our group was small, we were blessed by being together. Next time we'll probably be heading to Mercer on a sleigh!