Loving the Dakotas

Big hearts and big water slides. Big fun and big encouragement. Big love for missions and for missionaries. That is the Dakota District.

This district is a church family excited about their mission to the world. We heard so much about new church starts with a variety of creative approaches to ministry. Nazarenes in the Dakotas are serious about God's call to missions everywhere.

We were overwhelmed by the love and the interest in Bulgaria. So many people asked about the work there, about our family, about life as missionaries. It was an encouragement in every way. Barb Jandl, NMI President, and her husband Steve were amazing!It was such a blessing to be a part of the Dakota family for a short time.

It was fun to be invited to a farm where we got to know a two-generation farm family. We heard stories of the great grandfather's sacrifice to open the Nazarene church in Ellendale, North Dakota. In Valley City, North Dakota we were touched by the pastor and his wife who met us at the hotel with a air mattress already inflated in the room. This kept the girls from sleeping on the floor or sleeping three to a bed. What a thoughtful gesture. Both of those congregations gave significant deputation offerings and we pray that the Lord will bless them abundantly for their great generosity.

The Dakotas were generous to us in so many ways. The churches showered us with gift certificates to Walmart, Target, Old Navy, and Barnes and Nobles. They will never know what a tremendous encouragement that is to a missionary family. We will be able to stock up on syrup, Dr. Pepper, licorice, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and cake mixes before we leave in September. Even more exciting will be a shopping spree for the girls where they will be able to pick up some toys, books, and back to school clothes. An incredible blessing!

Our memories of the Dakotas are filled with so much more than the financial impact they made on us and on Bulgaria. It was the sense that these folks love Jesus and they have grasped the core mission of sharing his love - not because they have to or because they are supposed to but because they themselves are on a spiritual journey that envelopes others.

Not to be forgotten were the very fun days at the waterslide in the hotel. The girls couldn't get enough. Jenny was undaunted by the size of the slide after big sisters Lexi and Sophia paved the way for her. Lydia stuck to the safety of the lilly pads interspersed with frequent trips to the hot tub.

Our season in the Dakotas ended with a scenic drive through the Badlands and a memorable trip to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument. Awesomely majestic pages in the American chronicle.