The Maxson Family

A few more cute pics of Hannah...

2008-10-11T22:12:00.006-04:00

Grandma Roper just sent us some really cute pictures of Hannah from when we were visiting them in Colorado. I thought you all might enjoy seeing them!

2008-10-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

We're home!!!

2008-10-07T16:07:00.004-04:00

As some of you may have gathered by now, we've been "home" for about a week. Right now, we're staying with some friends while we transition to our home. That really sounds weird to say, but a Christian brother has bought us a home! We will be using it while here in the states and then renting it out while in Malawi. The money from renting will then go toward our support! We are very excited to have a place of our own, even if it's only for a short while. Our plans are still to go to Malawi in November, but of course our plans may change:)

Right now, we're working on the details of the house (I'll try to remember to post pictures if I can) and also packing to go and working on those details.

We had a wonderful trip and God richly blessed us. Hannah travelled REALLY well and even though I dealt with my usual morning sickness, it wasn't as bad as it was with Hannah. Victor did a wonderful job (I thought!) at speaking and presenting the work, as well as interacting with those we came in contact with. As far as we can tell, it looks like all of our support will be provided. Praise the Lord!!

I will try to do my best to keep this blog up-to-date, we'll have to see! We probably won't have internet at the next house, so we'll have to go to the library. So... my posts may not be very often, but I'll try! Also, I posted more pictures from our trip below. Just scroll down past the pictures you've already seen, and you see the new ones.

And... one more giveaway!!

2008-10-06T16:37:00.006-04:00

I have yet one more giveaway to do. This is one of my favorites because it's ... MUSIC!

This giveaway features a CD by the Marini Sisters. This paticular CD is entitled "This is the Day". It is a beautiful CD of harp music celebrating the joy and beauty of godly marriage. Out of 16 songs, it includes titles like:

He Has Chosen Me for You
As for us
How Beautiful
Servant Song
Make Them One
Jewish Wedding Medley
And so many more....

I have thoroughly enjoyed this as well as some others of theirs. If you would like some beautiful peaceful music to bless your home, I would really encourage you to get some of these CD's. Here is the best place to buy this:
Old Christian Music.com

To enter to win the CD I'm giving away, go to this site and tell me what your favorite CD by the Marini Sisters would be. Then go to Marini Made Harps.com and tell me which of their harps is your favorite.

This contest will be open through Monday, when I will randomly select a winner and announce it here!!

Also, watch for more pictures soon when I get some time.

Our Trip Photo Album

2008-10-05T21:32:00.003-04:00

In Texas at last:) The state capitol!

Grandma and Grandad Turack (aka Mom and Dad) with their two granddaughters and their youngest son at the moment (#10 on the way in March).

Grandad with Hannah... She really took a liking to him!!

Hannah with her Uncle ... she liked him too

Angie, me and Ruth S. holding Hannah. My family hosting a music night at Mr. Sid's house. It was a lot of fun!

2008-10-05T20:12:00.002-04:00

During our drive from Texas to Iowa helping my family move, one of the trucks had some engine problems so we were delayed a few hours here at this truck garage.
As you can see, after a few hours of waiting, everyone started to get a little anxious to get back on the road.
Because of the delay, we didn't get in till 2 in the morning. I'd forgotten to take a picture of the truck we drove before then, so I took one here. It was 26' long, and we had a trailer on back with our car. The cab was big enough, so that Hannah and I were able to ride with Victor the whole time. That was fun!

2008-10-05T19:40:00.004-04:00

Hannah with my Uncle Dave
Hannah with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa at breakfast.
Hannah being held by Aunt Angie on the hammock.

2008-10-05T18:56:00.003-04:00

From Iowa, we travelled to Colorado to visit with Victor's grandparents and Uncle Mark.
Here's a picture of them down in the Roper Canyon.
While in town, we also got to visit with Victor's Aunt Lois and her husband and Uncle Paul and his wife on Sunday. Hannah with Victor's Uncle Paul. She really took a liking to him.
We also got to see great sites like the Royal Gorge. Here Hannah was driving a train with some help from Daddy!
And here's a picture of us in the Roper Canyon. I hiked all the way down with Hannah on my back (Victor was carrying fencing) and then Victor carried her back up. As you can see, I gave up early this time and started wearing maternity clothes at twelve weeks. It's really just more comfy:)
Here is a picture of the Beulah United Methodist Church where Victor's Great-Great- Grandfather was a minister in the late 1800's. There's a lot of Roper history in these mountains and we enjoyed seeing it and hearing about it.

2008-10-05T15:59:00.002-04:00

The last family we stayed with, was the Pierce family. I have known Anna for about five years and we've become very good friends through writing letters. We enjoyed our time with them!

By this point in the trip, Hannah was ready to be home.
"Are we really HOME!!!"

From Sweltering Texas to Breezy Iowa

2008-09-16T16:39:00.002-04:00

Lately our updates have been sporadic due to our extreme busy-ness, and the scarcity of good internet connection along the way. Now for a long overdue post . . .

Indiana
Our time in Indiana was short but special. We stayed with the Johnson family. Michael Johnson is a pastor of a Baptist church south of Indianapolis, and we were humbled and blessed by their hospitality. We left early in the morning and got as far as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where we stayed at a sort of run down Howard Johnson, which was fairly reasonable.

Texas
Leaving Oklahoma early the next morning, we arrived at Beth's parents home in San Antonio late Wednesday night, September 3rd. We spent a busy week with Bethany's family, helping them pack, and prepare to move. Some highlights of the time were as follows:

Sing Along at Sid Sytsma's house
On Friday, September 5th, we had a sing along at Sid's place, with the Shorts, the Wallaces, the Walkers, Carolyn Christian, Ruth Helms, and Chance Winberry. It was very special to spend time with friends and worship God together.

Baptism at Fredricksburg Christian Fellowship
Sunday, Sept. 7th, we attended the baptism service at FCF which was held at the Clarks house in Boerne. Bethany's brothers, Seth and Joseph, were two of the ones baptized. It was a beautiful setting to testify to one's faith in Christ, and we were encouraged as various ones stood forward sharing their personal testimonies with the group.

Travel to Iowa
On Wednesday, Sept. 10th, we left Texas for Iowa sometime in late morning. The last couple days had been full of packing the two 26' Penske trucks the Turacks had secured to move their belongings. Finally all was cleaned and packed, and closing date on the house had come! Mom and Dad Turack went up to the north of town to sign papers as we finished up some details at the house. We followed later and made a big caravan, with a 15 passenger van and trailer, and two huge trucks pulling a car each. John Hamilton and his wife Connie joined us, and helped with driving one of the trucks. We spent the night in southern Oklahoma, and then headed up to Iowa. The second day was really long as we had a breakdown in Pryor, OK, and it took about 3-4 hours to get the truck fixed! Praise the Lord for His great mercies! We were totally exhausted but happy to be there when we got in at 1 in the morning!

Now we have been helping unpack and work on the "new" house Mom and Dad got, which actually is an old farmhouse which needs a lot of repair. We have been able to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa and the family which is very special.

Our plans are to leave on Thursday and spend some time with my grandparents in CO before heading back to FL.

We appreciate ya'lls prayers!

A quick update...

2008-09-01T08:34:00.003-04:00

Just a quick update... we've been without internet for the last week or so, so thus the lack of posts. We were in Ohio for a week and really enjoyed ourselves. I'll give more details when I have more time. From there, we went to Michigan to share with Alton Bible Church yesterday. We stayed with a sweet family in the church who runs a dairy farm we were able to go see the farm and really enjoyed that. On Sunday we enjoyed lunch with the Benjamins. They were a sweet family with lots of little ones that Hannah enjoyed playing with. As usual, I forgot pictures!

From here, this morning we're headed to Indianapolis on our way down to Texas to help my family move. When we stay at a hotel, I'll try to upload some pictures and write a little more about our stay in Ohio.

Just wanted to update ya'll...

A cute Hannah picture...

2008-08-18T12:26:00.002-04:00

Here's a cute picture of Hannah that I thought you all might enjoy seeing. We were in the car on our way to church yesterday, and she was really sleepy and holding her doll so cute!!

Another trip update...

2008-08-18T12:02:00.004-04:00

After we left Williamsburg, we travelled on to Wakefield, NC to visit Hope Baptist Church where Scott Brown is the pastor. Unfortunately, the Brown's were out of town, so we were unable to visit with them. We really enjoyed staying at their house, though and visiting with the church where Victor shared the work. (Sorry, I forgot the pictures here.)

On Thursday, we headed on to Robbinsville, NC to visit with Victor's grandparents. We had a really nice visit with them. They paid for us to stay in a really quiant little hotel in town. I DID remember pictures here:)

After we left Victor's grandparents, we travelled on to Linden TN to visit with the Courter family as well as to visit a church in the area to present the work. I haven't gotten any pictures so far, but if I do I'll try to post them.

Well, that brings you up to date. I'll try to continue to keep up with the posting...

Our Williamsburg Excursion...

2008-08-12T12:09:00.004-04:00

Here are just a few pictures from our visit to Williamsburg. It's a beautiful place rich in history.

The Gardens at the Governors Palace

A beautiful arch made of trees

Victor wanted to take "at least one picture of me" :)

Ok... one more:) Hannah was such a good girl for us

A royal carriage going down the road

Our sweet little girl in her stroller

The governors palace!

My beloved husband and daughter!

The coat of arms on the palace

Trip update #1...

2008-08-12T08:43:00.004-04:00

We've had a good but very busy trip so far. We left for our trip on Thursday afternoon. Originally, we were going to leave on Friday and travel the whole day to Virginia. Thankfully, Victor was wise and knew that I was a little too ambitious when I said I could do it in one day fine. I think I was remembering back to my pre-motherhood days when I didn't have a seven month old and I wasn't expecting number two:) Anyway, I was very glad we split it up into two days. It made it much easier.

On Friday evening, we arrived at my Aunt's house in Virginia Beach. We really enjoyed spending the next few days with her! She was a very gracious hostess, and made sure we had comfortable accomadations, delicious meals and plenty of visit time.

The highlight of the day on Saturday, was visiting my grandma (Dad's mom). She seemed to be doing well, and she really enjoyed seeing Hannah.

On Sunday, we visited two churches in the Virginia Beach area. The first, Covenant Heritage Reformed Fellowship, was actually in Newport News. Victor shared the with the church and after the services, we were invited to the home of Marc Moss, one of the elders. We were overwhelmed with the hospitality, and it was a wonderful time of fellowship with other believers!

From there, we went to Suffolk to a smaller home church, Suffolk Christian Assembly. The elder, Scott Wilson, is a full-time farmer with his family. Their farm is called Full Quiver Farm. Everyone greeted us so cheerfully and made us feel very welcome. Victor was able to share here as well, and everyone was very receptive. It was a delight to visit with these two churches and share the work. I wasn't able to get any pictures of the churches or fellowship, but I did get some pictures of Hannah all dressed up for church.

On Monday morning, we had a slow morning and got packed up and headed to Williamsburg for some family time and to learn about our country's heritage. We are staying a couple nights in the Governors' Inn, which is fairly economical for this area.

Here is another couple of pictures of our cheerful little girl excited to be in Williamsburg!

We're on our way...

2008-08-08T22:47:00.002-04:00

We've left on our long trip. We'll be travelling for at least six weeks and visiting in at least 8 different states during that time, it should be fun and exiciting. Please pray for me, as I'm in the first trimester and haven't been feeling real great the last few days. We'll try to keep you all up-to-date as much as possible. I'm not sure how often we'll have internet access, but we'll see.

Right now we're in Virginia visiting with my Aunt, Grandma and Cousin. From here, we'll head to Williamsburg on Monday, Lord Willing. If you are interested in seeing where we will be when, you can go to our site and click on calender. We'll try to keep it up to date!

Help my brother out...

2008-08-04T19:37:00.002-04:00

Dear readers...
My younger brother Dnaiel has entered a contest to try and win a scholarship. The way you win, is be making a 30 sec. video, posting it on YouTube and then the video with the most views wins. You can help him by going here and watching his video. But... you must resist the urge to watch other videos there as well, because if you do, that makes it harder for him to get enough:)

We all apreciate your help in this. You can also leave a comment with feedback for my brother here!

Thanks! Bethany

An awesome deal from the Money Saving Mom!!

2008-08-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

Have you heard the big news? TODAY ONLY you can get an incredible ebook package from MoneySavingMom.com--over $100 worth of money-saving ebooks, homemaking helps, and encouragement for only $11.97! I'd highly recommend you run over here and check it out. What makes this deal so good is that this ebook package includes the ecourse Supermarket Savings 101--this course alone is worth much more than $11.97 and will teach you how to drastically reduce your grocery bill. If high fuel and food costs are discouraging you and leaving you strapped for cash, you definitely need to buy this ecourse. You'll learn how to cut your grocery bill by up to 50% or more and have fun saving money at the same time! I took this course myself, and it was SO helpful. I would highly recommend it. Go here to read more about this huge sale! Hurry, though, the offer ends tonight--get this money-saving ebook package at a ridiculously low price while you can!

Number 2 on the way...

2008-07-31T09:17:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to share with y'all that we found out yesterday that number 2 is on the way for us! We're very excited and trusting the Lord to give strength in the coming months. I'll keep y'all posted!

Delight thyself in the Lord... part 5.

2008-07-30T08:41:00.006-04:00

(If you're new to this story, go here!)

And so... I moved on with my life. It wasn't easy. I was continually wondering 'was I too hasty? Did I make the right decision?' And for some reason, I couldn't get it out of my head that Victor would be very dissapointed and discouraged. But then I would ask myself 'Why should I care?'. The next few weeks, were very difficult for me. But finally, things were about to change... let me give you a peek into my journal to tell this part of the story.

Ocotber 20, 2006
One month from today, I'll be 19 years old. It's so hard to believe. I feel like I'm getting too old too fast.

A month from now we'll also be in Williston. Who knows what that will hold.

In so many ways lately, I've really wished I hadn't said "no" to Victor. Did I answer to hastily? I pray daily that he would ask again. Oh, if he only knew that if he asked again, I would say yes (to a correspondence)! I just keep turning everything over to God. In the end of it all I want to find myself in the middle of God's will, whether that means marriage to Victor or not.

God, Give me patience to wait...

October 28, 2006 :) 1:30 a.m. :)

Tonight has been so crazy! And it's not over yet!

We went to Beth w.'s Bridal shower tonight. I enjoyed talking to Ruby C. during dinner. She's such a sweet and Godly lady.

We brought Jessi home with us cause John had dropped her off at the shower and then gone home to visit with dad. Once we got home, we visited for a while and then they headed home.

After they left, Daddy and Mommy went to pick up the twins from working at the Hamiltons. When they got home, Daddy sat me down and told me that Victor had been on his heart lately and said he also sensed a change in my heart and feelings toward him (Victor). I was a little surprised, cause I had decided that I would just pray and wait on God. The only person I'd shared my feelings with was Angie (my sister). Who knows where this will go. God has changed my heart and life so much lately. Only He knows what will come of all this! He is so good to me.

During the devotional tonight, Sis. Jodi made a comment that really stood out to me. She said "God promises that those who trust in Him will never be ashamed or disappointed. The only times we are ashamed or disappointed, are when we place our hope and trust in ourselves."

Oh how very true that is...
...Nevertheless, Father, not my will, but Thine be done!

October 29,2006
Daddy emailed Victor yesterday, and got a response this morning. He said he will pray about it and then get beck with us.

Later that day...
I'm beginning to understand what Victor went through back in the beginning of September. I have nothing to do, but wait and pray. I only hope I don't have to expierience the same response. God, grant me the grace to accept your will!!

My biggest prayer and goal, is that God would be glorified no matter what the outcome!

He alone is worthy of our honor and praise.

Oh, that I could come even close to giving Him the glory due His name.

October 30, 2006
Still no word! Oh, my soul, why are you so anxious? Put your trust in God!

I went out walking tongiht at 8:30. It was simply me and my blessed Savior. I poured out my heart to Him as I slowly walked over the moonlit gravel. It was a wonderful time, and I earnestly besseched my loving Heavenly Father for wisdom and guidance for Victor. It was then that the thought dawned on me, that Victor would be beginning his day with our heavenly Father at that time.

Oh God, grant us wisdom and patience! Help us bring glory to your name! Help me to put my trust in you and to wait patiently!

November 1, 2006
Well, we recieved an email from Victor this morning...

Now that I have time to finish this:) Daddy got an email from Victor this morning that said that his (Victor's) feelings had not changed and that he is open to a correspondence. Daddy has begun and I'm really excited to see what will come of all of this. The Maxson's plan to return to the states (they had been doing missionary work in Africa) either late December or early January... I'm really looking forward to seeing them all again!

And so, Daddy's correspondence with Victor had begun. They covered many issues and yet, found agreement! And so... what comes next?

(To be continued...)

Giveaway # 4 ... Garlands of Grace headcovering!

2008-07-28T14:41:00.009-04:00

Congratulations to lady_MSnow for winning the Blue Cecily! The Garland's of Grace girls also gave me a bonus headcovering to giveaway. Ruthann was the winner of that one! Congratulations ladies!!

The sisters over at Garland's of Grace have sent me one of their beautiful, feminine headcoverings to give away. This one is called Cecily's Light Blue and Lace and is valued at $10.99. To enter this giveaway, go to Garlands of Grace and pick out your favorite "garland". Then come back and leave a comment stating which is your favorite!

This giveaway will be open through Friday morning when I will randomly choose a winner.

(Also be sure and check out my post about this AWESOME deal!!)

Giveaway # 3... The Chic Sisters Apron Pattern!!

2008-07-28T09:56:00.009-04:00

Congratulations to MamaHill for winning the Chic Sisters Apron pattern. For the rest of you, you can always go to MarieMadelineStudio.com and buy one for yourself. It's only $9. Very reasonable and you can use it over and over again! I would highly recommend it!

It's time again for the bloggy giveaway carnival. For those of you who entered my last giveaway but didn't win the apron, you now have a chance to win the apron pattern!! The Long ladies emailed me and said they would like to giveaway an apron pattern to one of my readers.

They sent me this pattern (along with the cottage pleated apron) to try and review and let me tell you, I LOVE it!!! The pattern is easy and the finished product is adorable. I'm sure mine didn't turn out half as pretty as the ones the Long ladies make, but I was still very happy with it. I'll post a finished picture of it as soon as I get Victor to take a picture of me in it (I keep forgetting to ask:). In the meantime, you can enter this contest by going to Marie Madeline Studio and clicking on the fabric link. Then scroll through their fabrics and choose two that you would like to use (if you had your choice) to make a Chic Sisters apron. NOTE: you can only choose two, not a set, so open the set link and get the names of only two fabrics. Then come back and leave a comment with your name and two favs!

This giveaway will be open through Friday morning when I will randomly choose a winner. This contest is only open to US residents!

Thanks! Oh, and be sure to check out my other giveaways by clicking on the header at the top of my blog and scrolling through the posts!!

(Also be sure and check out my post about this AWESOME deal!!)

Giveaway #2 winner is...

2008-07-22T15:46:00.002-04:00

Candice!! Congratulations on your new Chic sisters apron! I will contact you shortly.

For the rest of you, stay tuned on Thursday for a new giveaway (or two!).

Giveaway #1 winners are...

2008-07-21T16:03:00.002-04:00

Lisa, from Homestead Simplicity has graciously agreed to give two of my readers a copy of her ebook. So... the winners are Christy and Butterfly211. Ladies, I've emailed you your ebook copies!

If you haven't entered our apron giveaway yet, please do before tomorrow night when I draw a winner!

Delight thyself in the Lord... part 4.

2008-07-18T10:00:00.001-04:00

The next morning, I woke up with that fresh sense of the love of my Heavenly Father for me. We were heading on to Florida that day and I was excited at the prospect of seeing old friends. Little did I know what was about to happen.

I sat down with my bible and a glass of water for my morning devotions. I was really enjoying them, when my cell phone alerted me that I had a text message. I read it. It was from mom and it said "Call dad when you get a chance and can talk in private." Hmmmm.... that's funny.
I finished my devotions and then went to the room where I was staying. It was empty and so I sat down and called Dad.

I can remember being really uncertain and a little nervous but trying not to sound it. Dad asked how I was, asked how our trip was going, and then asked if I was in a private place where I could talk. I said Yes, and he began by telling me that he had recieved a letter from a young man who was interested in me. My heart began to beat a little faster, and I began to wonder who it could be. I thought of a couple of younger guys that we knew that daddy might even consider, but the answer came soon enough and it took me totally by surprise. Here's what Daddy read:

"Dear Mr. Turack,

I am the oldest son of Frank and Evelyn Maxson, missionaries in Malawi, Africa. Your daughter came to visit us late last year with the team who came with Pastor Harding. I am writing you because I have a serious interest in your daughter Bethany. I have observed her quiet godly manner, servant heart, and desire for serving God. After prayer and discussion with my parents (who are aware and approve of my writing), I want to ask if you will allow me to correspond with you about this.

Since I understand that you may know little about me I will try to explain what I can. Any questions on what follows or any other matters I will be quite willing to answer.

As I said I am the eldest in the family. I am 26 years old. Though I realize that there is an age gap between myself and Bethany (7 1/2 years:) I do not believe it would prove to be a real barrier.

I have been homeschooled from kindergarten all the way through high school, and am very thankful for it. The Lord has given me godly and wise parents from whom I can learn a lot!"

Daddy ended reading the letter there, and there was silence for a minute. I was totally shocked! Of all the people I'd ever known, he was the absolute last one I would have guessed... I had a knot in my throat and could hardly speak. I really didn't know what to say.

(Let me take a little break here to give you a little history on my reaction... you see when I visited the Maxson's in Malawi, I saw very little of Victor. What I did see, he seemed quiet, withdrawn and very serious. When all the young people were playing games, he would go to bed with the adults and things like that. He even told me the other day, that he used to be more the "hermit" type before we got married.)

And so, with that background, you will understand my reaction. And yet, I was torn... You see, at the age of eight, I had commited my life to mission work, wherever that might be. Victor had plans to marry and return to Africa as a missionary... I struggled with that letter for the rest of the trip. There was a continual nagging thought in my mind 'Could this really be it? Could Victor really be the one I've been waiting for?' I would push that thought out of my mind though, and try to focus on the events at hand.

As I said, I was struggling for the rest of the trip. When I got home, it didn't get any better. I was so confused. Part of me was all for it, part of me was totally against it. Finally, knowing I had to give an answer to Victor, I told daddy that I had no peace. Here's a short exerpt from his response letter to Victor:

"Dear Victor,
Thank you for your communication last week concerning Bethany. We have talked and prayed about this and though Bethany loves your family and enjoyed her time with you all she does not have peace from the Lord about pursuing a marriage relationship with you. "

And so, it was all over... or so I thought!

(TO be continued...)