Visiting Pennsylvania

This past week, me and my sister traveled to Pennsylvania for my aunt's funeral. It was a sad time saying goodbye to a wonderful person. The nice part was getting to see so much family again. No matter how much time goes by or the differences you have - it is so nice to see family and catch up.
On our last day- me and my sister took a day to wander around and see some things. We first headed to Lancaster, PA (amish country). It is so beautiful there and the first Ellmaker (my maiden name) homestead is there also. We enjoyed driving around and shopping. We then headed to Reading, PA for some shopping. After lunch we went to track down an old ice cream parlor that our grandparents would take us to every summer. With the tracking talents of my sister, we were able to find it and enjoy some icecream.
We then tracked down our grandparents old house. There is a huge farm behind it and we always loved being there. We ended the day with a dinner with our aunt and two cousins. It was so nice to see them and spend some time with them.
I just hate that it takes funerals to get family together. Family is so very precious.



Farm behind my grandparents house

Coventry Ice Cream Parlor

A carriage in Amish Country

Having Faith

Faith... Do we really know what this word means until we are called to have it and have it alone? This past week has tested the faith of many in our family. We have had to have faith that God's plan is the perfect plan, even when we think it is the wrong plan. Some of us are not there quite yet, but are working on it.

I think the hardest thing is knowing that we have told others when they are going through rough times that God is with them and he will sustain them through it all - but boy it is different when you are going through those times yourself. It is a real eye opener to whether you believe your own words or were they just simply words? I want so much for them to be real and to know that He is with us and His plan is perfect. The words in Psalms 34 were placed in my life this week from just a random thing - but they spoke straight to my heart.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

We have had deaths in the family this week, and deaths of relationships. May God continue to speak to us and comfort us through this and continue to guide our steps as we heal our hearts. Also pray that I can have faith in Him especially in the things that are out of my control.

Michele