The Whole Family

Nieces and Neph's 

Uncle Dan and Aunt Becke

Mom and Dad

Guess who!

The down time in Illinois

  


     Last Saturday, my (Becke) family got together at Anna Page Park for a family photo session with everyone. I think what strikes me as amazing is seeing the nieces and nephews grow up and realizing you have not been a part of it. Sure we are a part of it, but in a distant way.

     We are sitting here at Panera Bread during lunch time, and the noise level is so high. I think we are used to the quiet European settings so this is a sensory overload. We are almost in a mute status cause everyone else is talking. Are we sensitive or what... crazy. Its the little things that are hitting us the most.  Things like ordering a drink without ice, or forgetting and having my teeth freeze. Also things like the post office, or stores where you don't need to show an id.

I never really realized how much my senses are triggered by things.  I still am feeling a bit like  "Squirrel".  I can not go anywhere without senses being overwhelmed and we are in a small town per say. 

Tomorrow we are headed to St. Louis area to visit with Dan's youngest brother and sister-in-law. So excited to see them. Last time we saw them was on their wedding day a little over a year ago. 

So, we are off.... 

the first part of our journey we will head after St. Louis is to Branson. We will be there Fri-Sun. On Sunday we head to Memphis area where we will stay with a family that moved there from Wiesbaden. Will be so good to visit with them. Upon leaving there we head to Little Rock where we will meet our friends at the airport and head to the Maciel's house!! Super excited!!!  We will be there a week.

I will post about our adventures throughout our journey. 

Feel free to leave comments with ideas of what to do around the places we are going. 

Ending with a bang

The past two days have been a bit rough. As Dan and I traveled down to my mom and dads house, we made it safe and relaxed that night, but the next day proved to be dramatic. We started off slow and had a meeting with one of our supporting churches as a great place. Dan and I shared a goat cheese, spinach, and tomato pizza. The conversation was great as we were able to share with the Interim Pastor and the missions board.  Our hearts were filled as we shared about what God is doing in Wiesbaden.

Dan and I headed out to do some yard sale  shopping which proved to be short. While sitting at a red light all of a sudden the car lurched forward and Dan and I looked at each other like- "You're kidding".
Dan got out on the busy parkway and both cars pulled into the CVS parking lot. We called the police but they told us they would not come unless its over 1500 in damages.  So we exchanged info, well the lady basically gave us her info. As Dan and I left a bit frazzled we headed over to see my mom at work.

We waited till she was done, (about 10 minutes) and we then headed to Panera Bread!!!!! YES! Just what we needed to take away the anxiety of the last hour. We ate, had great conversation and then headed home. At home, we were making phone calls to people we will visit, and our phone provider canceled the plan or something. So mom and Dan went to walmart to figure out what happened and it turns out that when they sold it to us, they sold us the wrong plan or something. They felt bad, so they gave the right plan to us free. SWEET!

As Dan and Mom returned I noticed that I couldn't find my itouch. I had it at Panera and now couldn't find it. I looked everywhere, and so then decided to go in and change all our passwords. I was thinking, Satan, you do not win.

This morning I went on a breakfast date with my Dad which we like to do when we see each other. We went to a little mom and pop shop where I had biscuits and gravy! YUM! Dan went with mom to Denny's.  As we headed out after breakfast  to turn the car in to the collision place, I looked in moms car one last time and found the itouch slid under the foot mat in the back! I was so excited!!!

We were able to get a rental for a few days and then mom and I headed out to go to some Garage Sales. I found a few things, but she really took in the hall.  After taking a rest at a place called "Flat Top Grill" we headed to get some groceries for our family photo session tomorrow. After we drive up 2 hours to Rockford we are having a big family photo taken with different pictures taken as well. As we will be at a park we are planning on having a family picnic afterwards.

I was in awe the grocery store, as I couldn't believe how much stuff there was.

All in all, as the last few days have been a bit crazy, God has really given us peace in the midst of it.

Getting love from little ones.

These are my two Nieces on my side. Natalie & Kate. They are such beautiful ladies. I can't believe how fast time goes by. When we left for Germany, Natalie was in Kindergarten. Now, she is entering 4th grade, where did the time go???

Was fun to spend time with them, and of course take photos cause that is what I do!! 

We did have lunch with the pastor from one of our supporting churches today, and wow, what a blessed time. Was so good to here what the Lord is leading in each of the members and within the church. The Lord is moving.....

This Grandma White. She is the only living grandparent that Dan and I have left. She is a special lady whom I love dearly. She has taught me how to be hospitable and to entertain guests. She also has taught me the art of cooking.  I love her so much....

Culvers, a midwest favorite. Was a good meal, but alas Dan and I are paying for it, as well, food here doesn't sit well. Never the less, it was yummy. We stopped here for dinner on the way to my mom and dads house. We are taking a few days of rest and tomorrow meeting with another missions pastor from a supporting church. Please be in prayer that we would share what the Lord is doing in military youth here and around the world. 

These are the other photos of my brothers kiddos! 

They are such hams! 

Our Mission

The Oriental Dragon. 

We went to this Chinese, Japanese place last night while meeting with the Missions committee of one of our supporting churches.

This was a treat, as we were able to share stories of what God has done in the past 2 years. There was great joy, and tremendous respect for those of you who serve both here and abroad. I found myself loving what God has called us to do even that much more.

We shared stories of God's faithfulness in so many lives. It's amazing to me that we get to be on the front battle lines fighting for souls. 

We were able to share also about our trip to Asia and what God is doing there, both with the Military and the Japanese! 

As I was reflecting yesterday on all that God has done in my life, I stand in awe. I can't help but praise Him, as He is the one who is in all and is through all. I was thinking of all the places we have been, and all that we have seen God do and stir. I am amazed when I hear people say they can't believe God is real. God is all around us, we just need to open our eyes and see Him. I here lots of people as what is God's will for my life? Answer: To Glorify Him in all you do. 

Find where He is working, and join in! 

Ah, thrifting...

Thrifting, how I forgot how much I like you.  Dan and I went into Walmart this morning and had sensory overload. I was like the dog on the movie "UP". I would walk, and say SQUIRREL. Dan had to focus my attention on what we needed.

Then Salvation Army Family store! Although we didn't buy anything, again with the sensory overload, we had one purpose in mind. Buying an outfit for Little Rock Airport where we pick up one of our best friends. But alas, we came up short. On to look for more!

We made it!

After traveling in 2 cars, 2 planes, and a bus, we finally made it to our first destination. We are staying with Becke's grandma in Rockford for a few days and meeting with the missions committee to share stories of what God is doing.

No, we did not travel in first class this trip, but oh, walking by this going to our seats makes you really want the luxury. 

We went to the Stockholm Inn, (favorite Swedish Pancake house ever, and in my childhood)

Great memories, and great breakfast. It was nice to have thick home style bacon unlike the German bacon. I thought before this trip we were going to go RAW eating, but I think we have decided to just eat smart. 

Ah, remember childhood meals! Those meals that bring back the happy times growing up, or the gatherings of family. We had the tradition of going after Thanksgiving each year, or was it Christmas... hm... I am getting old, can't remember. Well at least I remember the taste!!!

We are heading to Elgin, IL to get our car, and then relive some of Becke's college memories. 

The Adventure continues

So we are setting out on another adventure....
First we fly into Chicago, and see some family, then we set out to travel to Memphis, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and back to IL. But, in those times, will be sweet down moments, and sweet moments of fellowship with other believers.

Please be in prayer for great connections, down time (for Dan and I) and travel safety. We will keep you updated on the blog. Please pray as we are in need of raising additional team members who would join the HAAS TEAM monthly. We need to raise about 2000/ month.
Praise the Lord, he has already risen up 3 new team members.

If you are interested in knowing how to join, please email us at
Becke.haas@cadence.org

Next time I write, I will be in Chicago! Sweet home Chicago!