A busy couple of days

We've been busy these past two days, lots to do before Sunday comes 'round again! Charles spent a good deal of time over the past two days, cleaning up several classrooms at the McCamey church. Now all we need is people to fill those spaces!

One of the projects Charles completed was the organizing of thousands of greeting cards that had been donated several years ago to the McCamey church. We're hoping that getting the cards out of the storage area will get them into the hands of people who will share the gift of a greeting with their friends and families.

Belinda was busy as well, proof-reading a book her brother Rob is working on. Nice to see Rob's experiences finding a voice in print! Belinda also was busy in the kitchen, baking coffee cakes for the fellowship breakfast at the Iraan church tomorrow morning.

Charles has enjoyed watching the final weekend of the Winter Olympics - tonight he's watching Finland vs. Slovakia in men's hockey - Go Finns!

An Afternoon of Painting at the Parsonage

There is Pastor Charles -- enjoying his painting project this afternoon!

Yesterday's snow is gone!

The light dusting of snow we had yesterday morning had melted by lunchtime. Today, it is hard to remember that spring had not already sprung! This afternoon, Belinda oversaw the final touches taking place on the repairs to the plumbing. It sure is nice to have the bathroom sinks working again!

When Charles finished at the church (more cleaning), he spent some time in the beautiful late afternoon weather painting along the front of the house. He is painting a bit at a time, often waiting for the next weather front to pass before continuing the painting project. He is hoping to have the entire house painted before Easter.

The Dynamic Duo to the Rescue!

The parsonage's bathroom sinks were clogged. Who to call? Only the dynamic duo of Ted and Jim! They came to the rescue! They located the place in the hall closet (lower right wall) where they needed to open the pipe to snake it clear. Hooray! Praise be to God for folks who are willing and able to respond to a call for help! Now we are "all clear!" Yea, God!!!

What a beautiful scene: a "snow day!" The pictures show our backyard -- from outside -- and then from inside... in the kitchen and the breakfast nook. Praise God for the beauty of this season!

Special West Texas Gift!

Jim Witcher surprised Belinda with a very special gift yesterday after the church service in McCamey.

He crafted a cutting board from mesquite and branded the back of it with his father's brand: a "J with a side-ways "D" above it. (Belinda is holding a picture of Jim who is holding this brand. The mark of "JD" represents his father's name James Douglas. Jim is Jim Jr. Not only does he carry his father's name, but he also continues to honor his father by including this legacy brand on the special cutting boards that he crafts.

Our Sunday in Iraan and McCamey

We enjoyed another busy Sunday here in west Texas, enjoying the terrific weather while it lasts! Our day began in Iraan with a new fellowship time before the service (so that Belinda and Charles could have time to be with the people there before rushing back to McCamey). It was wonderful to have time with such friendly people! We have been enjoying higher attendance at Iraan, a sign of blessing if ever there was one!

Back in McCamey, we had another wonderful time of worship. Belinda has become a fixture in the choir, and her presence has been appreciated very much. After lunch at Elena's Cafe`, it was time to go to the convalescent center to lead their weekly chapel service. It is a real blessing each week to spend time with these wonderful souls!

After a quick rest, it was time for Charles to head back to the church here in McCamey for the monthly meeting of the administrative council. Following that, it was time for the first session of our Lenten study, "Christianity & World Religions." We were thrilled with the response to this first session and are looking forward the remaining weeks leading up to Easter.

Pastor Charles Painting Parsonage Garage

Pastor Charles took advantage of the great weather this afternoon. He began the project of painting the outside of the parsonage... a little bit at a time.

Ash Wednesday

A busy day for us, today was "Badgers for Christ" with over 45 students coming to the church in McCamey for pizza. This evening, we observed the beginning of Lent with a service at the McCamey church. It was a special time as we began our Lenten journey together.

It was a beautiful day here in west Texas, clear skies and low 50's, which made for a great start to the work week. This evening, we attended the McCamey church's finance committee meeeting; it was wonderful to see so many turn out to do the work of the church. Belinda helped Bobbie hang clean curtains in the children's Sunday school room. Tonight Belinda attended the semi-monthly Woman's Study Club at the Santa Fe Depot. As always, everyone enjoyed spending time together.

The Winter Olympics @ Home

Charles is really enjoying viewing some of the activities of the XXI Winter Olympics from Vancouver, British Columbia, especially ski jumping, speed skating, curling and ice hockey. Since our last name is "Alkula," a good Finnish name, Charles is really enthusiastic about all the Finnish athletes (hence, the shirt, Finnish flag and Finnish mug). He has many memories of his time spent at the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, in 2006 and has been enthusiastically ringing his cowbell from the Torino Olympics all afternoon.

Visit to the Mendoza Trail Museum Today

Today Belinda and her mother visited the Mendoza Trail Museum located here in McCamey. It is a wonderful museum!

Our Valentine's Weekend

Our Valentine's weekend has run its course, and a busy weekend it was. Belinda returned early Saturday evening from her visit to San Angelo, accompanied by her mother Sheila.

Charles had been busy during her time away, doing more painting at the church and getting ready for Sunday services. This morning involved two worship services, a fantastic potluck at First UMC-McCamey and receiving a number of parishioners at the parsonage who came by for a tour (including Charles' button collection!).

We hope your weekend was special and the week ahead is super!

Let the games begin!

Charles is ready for the XXI Winter Olympics from Vancouver! He is excited to have been able to watch some ski jumping already, including the return to competition of Janne Ahonen (from Finland, of course!).

This afternoon Charles was in his office at the church here in McCamey when he glanced out the window and saw a Road Runner checking out the church's courtyard. What a neat surprise!

Staying with Mama in San Angelo, Texas

Tonight Belinda's mama took her to the Rio Concho West's monthly birthday dinner party at the club-house. The food was delicious! They always have fun entertainment. This month, Shirley led everyone in singing some of the oldies and goodies. A fun time was had by all! The director Blaine and his wife surprised the ladies with beautiful red carnations. The last picture is of Belinda's beautiful mama! Praise be to God for loving mamas!!!

Here and there...

We've had a busy couple of days around the parsonage here in McCamey. We were excited when an electronic garage door opener, it will really make our coming and going a lot easier!

Today, Charles attended a meeting of the local ministerial group and then we made the drive to San Angelo where Belinda will be spending a couple of days with her mother.