Memorial Day. . .

Memorial Day. . .what does that mean? This year it means something a little different to me, or maybe I just have looked at it a little differently. I spent today finishing up the quilts for our second phase of this project, adding labels, printing the information flyers, stitching the names of the soldiers receiving the quilts onto pillowcases. As I did so something was different, I was stitching names of several who have given their lives for me...and for you...the first time I did this project, it was for the men who served with Travis, all still with us, thank the Lord. Six of these quilts will go to family of men who didn't come home...I don't ever want to take for granted the sacrifices made by the men and women and their families who serve and protect us on a daily basis. I found myself thinking of the men I met in February, and thanking God again for their lives, and their willingness to go where I won't. I thought of Travis, so young, so full of life, and he gave it all, willingly. Today his mother buried her father...so much sadness in a year's time. And I will unashamedly admit, I wept...tears of sorrow for the losses we have faced, and tears of thankfulness for those who have served in the past and who do so now. Saying "Thank-you" just doesn't seem like enough. I did something else today I don't normally do, I put flowers on my daddy's grave...he's been gone for 35 years now but he proudly served his country during WWII. I honored his service and his memory today. Whatever your beliefs, there is one thing nobody can deny, without the soldiers of the past and present, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy today. So, the next time you see a man (or woman) in uniform, take time to shake their hand and say thank-you. For me personally, I want to say "Thank-you" to Kyle, Patrick, Ron, Mike, Brian S., Brian D., Chris, Tony, Ramone, David, & Luis for allowing me to put a face to those who serve, you are all special and unique and I am honored to know you!
I will be leaving tomorrow evening for North Carolina to deliver quilts, 31 total. So many people have pitched in and helped make this possible, it is incredible the way it came together!! I am excited to be able to visit Ft. Bragg and honored to be attending a memorial service while there. I will also, along with the Hunsberger's, get a chance to spend some time with Travis' unit again. Can't wait to meet their families!! I will post pictures of quilts and the trip when I get back.
God bless you all, and God bless America!

Quilt countdown

Donations of money, quilt tops, quilt blocks, and completed quilts have been coming in faithfully! Thank-you, thank-you! The number needed is 25, and if I've counted right, we are at 22. That is awesome!!! Tentative plans are to leave for North Carolina Tuesday May 26th. I will take all that are finished with me, hopefully that will be the whole 25. If you are working on a quilt and it won't be done on or before the day I leave, that's OK, it can still be used! I will try and post some pictures of the completed quilts so far, next week. Again, God bless you for giving to those who serve our country!

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!