NEW PROJECT!!!

We have a new project!!!
I have been corresponding with LeAnna the wife of one of the men in Travis unit who helped arrange our first quilt project. When the men were here in February, we talked about the quilts and what it meant to them, and several expressed the need for others to receive the show of support and encouragement such as they did. I have learned of two units who have each suffered three losses. One of those lost 3 men the day after Travis died back in June. The other also lost 3 men this past October. One of those men was the father of a newborn. LeAnna and I talked and tried to decide which unit to bless with quilts...how do you choose? I feel God tugging at my heart telling me to take on both. That would mean around 25 more quilts. Right now I have 4 complete, 2 in the process of being made. That leaves 19. Obviously, I cannot sew them all myself. Lord knows I want to...I'm asking once again for your generosity of time, talent, and finances to see this next project to completion. I mentioned it a month or so ago and had no real idea where the next batch would go. Now that I know, I feel more compelled to get moving. What's my time frame?...well...I REALLY would like them finished as soon as we possibly can. Originally I was hoping for mid-April, that isn't feasible anymore, so I'm going to say end of May. I'm flexible, but that's my goal. We made the last goal in 2 1/2 months, surely we can do it again :) You may ask what's the rush...Travis' unit is deploying again and I'd like them to be in on the quilt-giving before they go. (They don't know I want them to do that yet.) So...will you once again partner with me to show honor and respect to the men and their families who give so much for each of us every day? Thank-you in advance, and God bless you. And as always...God bless America!

More pictures from our first Quilt Project. . .

I apologize for my picture postings being out of order, but I have put them on here at the time I receive them. I've had these for awhile, just haven't had a chance to do anything with them. I figure most of you don't care, you just enjoy looking at them :) These pictures are from Steve, Ronda, and Kelsey's visit to Ft. Bragg in January when the men returned to the States. It was great for me to see some of them with their quilts. Hope you think so too.

Pictures from the visit of ODA 7132

We were treated to an amazing meal on Friday evening at the home of Steve and Ronda. On Saturday evening, Jeff & Peggy and their Sunday School Class hosted another fabulous meal. Each included family and friends of the Hunsberger's. Both were wonderful times of sharing and getting to know these awesome men, and hopefully, letting them get to know us as well. On Sunday they were honored during our service at Wakarusa Missionary Church. It was a whirlwind weekend full of many activities! I know that saying goodbye on Sunday was difficult, I felt as if part of my family were leaving me. I can only pray they know in some small way what an impact this visit has had on my life and on the others as well. I also pray this won't be their only visit, that they too felt like they gained a new "family". God bless you ODA 7132, and thank-you again for serving and protecting....

A visit from the Men of ODA 7132...

What a privilege and honor to meet the men Travis served with! They are in town for the weekend visiting Travis' family and friends. They returned to the US the end of January, and made the 13 hour drive to Wakarusa to connect with this part of Travis' life. To say this group is amazing is an understatement. They blessed me with a couple of unexpected and very special gifts as a thank-you for this project. I am deeply humbled by their show of appreciation! Thanks again guys, I will cherish always what you did for me :) If this is what the rest of our military is like, then folks, we are in good hands!!! Not that I ever doubted that, but there is something about meeting in person the ones who on a daily basis are out there serving and protecting the rights and freedoms we hold dear. They are committed to what they do...they believe in what they do...and they are grateful for our support. Please let us never forget that freedom is not free...somewhere someones son, husband, father, nephew, cousin is doing his duty to uphold what this nation stands for. And they are striving to help other countries have what we have. Sometimes at a great cost...so the next time you see our flag waving, stand a little taller, and when you see a soldier in uniform, thank him (or her) for doing what most of us can't (or won't) do, and for heaven's sake, when our national anthem is played place your hand over your heart and sing along! Keep praying for these men and their families and the many others like them, and for our nation that we would remember the principles we were founded upon and bless God, so He will bless America...

I will have another update with pictures in a day or so. For now, we're getting ready to go meet up with this awesome group of men and spend a bit more time getting to know them. Remember, this project is not yet complete, there are more who need to see our love and support...won't you help?

a Wedding. . .

I also have not had a chance to post pictures from the wedding of Travis' brother Kyle. Congratulations to Kyle Hunsberger and Samantha (Sam) Lewis who were married on December 20th, 2008!! Kyle has enlisted with the Indiana National Guard and is currently at Basic Training in South Carolina. Please pray for Kyle and his new bride as well as Steve,Ronda,& Kelsey as they make these new adjustments in their lives. Kyle has a strong calling to also serve his country. Enjoy these few pictures from their reception and one of them with a quilt I made as a wedding gift/going away gift. May the Lord bless you both with a long and happy life together!

Finally!!! Pictures from the Quilt delivery to Ft. Bragg!

Yes!! I have pictures from the first Quilt Delivery to Ft. Bragg! I am SO EXCITED! The slide show includes pictures of the men's families receiving their quilts, along with Greg Birr & Toby Yoder from Wakarusa Missionary Church who delivered them. You will also see a few pictures of some of the Military personnel from Ft. Bragg. The gentleman holding the quilt with Greg & Toby is the Chaplain. Also included is a memorial stone for Travis. Here they are...

End of 2008. . .

My sincere apologies for the delay in posting. . . the end of December was hectic, as I'm sure it was for most of you. I trust you all had a blessed Christmas. We enjoyed our time and it was filled with mixed blessings :) A time of sadness for those no longer with us, but also a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and the reason we live!

I have yet to make contact to receive the CD of pictures of the quilt delivery. I am as anxious to see the pictures as alot of you!! Hopefully this week. . .


What is in store for 2009. . .as I have stated many times, I feel this project is to continue. We still have funds thanks to many generous people, to carry us for awhile. I have several people who have offered to make quilts once the holidays are over so I'm praying they don't forget :) I am also offering something new. Beginning January 12th, you will be able to stop by the store and ask for a Quilt Block Kit. You can pick up as many as you like, I only ask that you return them in a timely manner. . .completed. Once enough have been returned, either myself or another volunteer will assemble them into a quilt. Hopefully this will involve more people, especially those who want to help but have neither the time or funds for a whole quilt. Another option, while my supplies last, is a full Quilt Kit. I will need to know in advance if you'd like one of these and my number of these are limited. I do need these completed and returned within 30 days. I'm willing to work with anyone who wants to help our project :) My next goal is 30 quilts by April 1st. I'm sure we can make that or even exceed it.


I'm adding a picture of Travis that has become a favorite of mine. It shows that tremendous smile that those who knew him, loved so well and miss so much! Hope you enjoy seeing it too. . .




We love and miss you Travis!!