Our newest friends in the past few months - We love you guys!
Ron Landis - Yeah, it's official. They are married to us and each other!!!
Pamela and David Popkin - Also newlyweds. Welcome home, Pam.
Rebekah Daniel - What a sweet addition!
Rosanne and Carl Ferreri-Feske - Like old friends after just a few weeks.
Just a note to tell everyone of all the activities going on in the Dowdy Dunham Group. Mark your calendars for the Thanksgiving Missions Banquet, the Christmas Class Party, and Room in the Inn. Note the dates listed here on our site.
Also, we are helping with money for rice and beans for The Toy Store. Marcus is collecting donations.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Hearts and Lives Intertwined at Woodmont
Friday October 24 was a special night for Ron and Sandra as they exchanged vows in the Fireside Room in true Woodmont style.
Dr. Jon Roebuck and Rev. Richard Dickerson officiated at the lovely candlelight event. Jon gave a moving depiction of the Biblical meaning of marriage and Richard united the two in holy vows. Katie Milligan strewed the path with red rose petals. Carol Dickerson, Russ Dickerson and Jennifer Milligan set the perfect note for the event with moving solos.
Sandra, beaming and beautiful, was attended by the ever lovely Lil Cook. And Ron, standing tall and proud, was attended by Calvin Dunham, who in true Calvin style gave away Sandra, in the name of family and friends.
Richard reminded Ron of a long past conversation when Ron had hoped that God would provide a partner to share his life. And Richard had said that he would be there for that moment to join then in matrimony.
Only in God's plans and Only at Woodmont could such a special event happen.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Loss of My "Little Fellow"
On July 21, I wrote my first blog to memorialize the death of my grandmother. She had lived a very full life of 98 years. Despite her long life, my family and I grieved our loss.
Today, I write to memorialize another tragic loss. Most of you were not aware that Windy and I had undergone in vitro fertilization this past summer and were sucessful in getting pregnant. From the beginning it was a rollercoaster ride of despair, anquish, excitement that seemed to never end. Yesterday, the rollercoaster ride ended in the death of our 11 week old future child. Windy and I went for our fourth ultrasound yesterday full of hopes and expectations regarding our lives as parents-to-be. Our hopes were dashed when the ultrasound indicated that our child's heartbeat had stopped and that he (I had referred to our future child as our "little fellow") had most likely died two days or so following our last ultrasound. To add insult to injury and further challenge our emotions, the doctor informed us that Windy needed to have a surgery today to remove the unborn child. To undergo a natural misscarriage at this stage of development could be very painful and dangerous to Windy and may not occur for several weeks. Today, this whole experience was finalized as Windy underwent a D&C procedure. Our "little fellow" is no more. We grieve!
Our only tangible sign of her pregnancy are our photos of the little fellow at day 3 (8 cells) and at weeks 7 and 8. These photos previously gave us great joy. Now they serve as a reminder of what might have been. We look at these photos and we grieve!
Despite both of us being under 40, both Windy and I have undergone our share of grief. Windy's grandmother died prematurely (early 60's) when Windy was in high school. Her dad suffers from pulmonary sarcoidosis, sleep apnea, seizures, and has had a couple of heart attacks. Windy has a host of other ailments that have caused us to grieve--multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, thyroid eye disease. The endometriosis has caused fertility issues for Windy that are compounded by my own fertility issues.
Windy and I have longed endlessly to be blessed with a child of our own. To attempt to become pregnant has posed risks of its own as Windy must halt all treatment for MS in order to try to become pregnant. Imagine risking severe disability for just the possibility of having a child. That is what Windy did. IVF offered Windy and I the opportunity to become parents and overcome all of our other issues. The IVF process consisted of approximatley 2 months of preparation which consisted of daily and sometimes twice daily injections of medications, invasive ultrasound procedures as often as 3 times per week, numerous blood tests and to cap it all off a discovery that Windy is a carrier for cystic fibrosis. The preparation was followed by the transfer of 3 heaven -sent embryos into Windy on July 29. About two weeks later, we were informed that we were pregnant. The subsequent weeks were filled with the rollercoaster of emotions that I mentioned previously combined with 2 months of daily intermuscular injections following the discovery we were pregnant. We were faced with fears of an ectopic pregnancy which ultimately were unfounded. The first ultrasound didn't detect a heartbeat which was caused despair. The second ulrasound was completely normal and the little fellow's heart was beating. The third ultrasound confirmed continued normal growth and development of the little fellow that provided us with immense joy and set our expectations to new heights. We even began thinking about baby clothes, furniture, etc. Without our knowledge, this little life was apparently cut short just days after our elation.
Now we grieve. Windy wonders aloud why God is punishing her. I am dumbfounded by our loss because against my nature, I've been optimistic about this process all summer. Windy and I, with what I believe to be God's providence, had overcome over 12 obstacles with which we were faced in getting pregnant. I was certain that God was in this process and that he was blessing us with His special child for us. Now, I'm left wondering not only "why me?" but also "why anyone?". How can a child that is so loved and desired be lost so early? What does God have planned for us? How can this tragedy fit into God's plan? We ask these endless questions to which we have received no ready answers. Maybe they can't be answered. Still, we grieve!
Now, where do we go from here? Windy and I are convinced that we would be great parents. Any child of ours, would of necessity, have to be a little confused as Windy and I disagree about many things. We are very different people with very different personalities, but we were united as never before in our desire for this child. We grieve at the loss of this child. We grieve at what lays in store for us. How might we in the future be blessed with a child? How might MS affect this future. Now, not only do we grieve, but we have fear about our future.
Please pray as we grieve that God would illumine His path for us and help us to understand how this tragedy fits into his plan. Pray that we would not be overtaken by anger at God. Pray that God would somehow bless us with His special child.
Today, I write to memorialize another tragic loss. Most of you were not aware that Windy and I had undergone in vitro fertilization this past summer and were sucessful in getting pregnant. From the beginning it was a rollercoaster ride of despair, anquish, excitement that seemed to never end. Yesterday, the rollercoaster ride ended in the death of our 11 week old future child. Windy and I went for our fourth ultrasound yesterday full of hopes and expectations regarding our lives as parents-to-be. Our hopes were dashed when the ultrasound indicated that our child's heartbeat had stopped and that he (I had referred to our future child as our "little fellow") had most likely died two days or so following our last ultrasound. To add insult to injury and further challenge our emotions, the doctor informed us that Windy needed to have a surgery today to remove the unborn child. To undergo a natural misscarriage at this stage of development could be very painful and dangerous to Windy and may not occur for several weeks. Today, this whole experience was finalized as Windy underwent a D&C procedure. Our "little fellow" is no more. We grieve!
Our only tangible sign of her pregnancy are our photos of the little fellow at day 3 (8 cells) and at weeks 7 and 8. These photos previously gave us great joy. Now they serve as a reminder of what might have been. We look at these photos and we grieve!
Despite both of us being under 40, both Windy and I have undergone our share of grief. Windy's grandmother died prematurely (early 60's) when Windy was in high school. Her dad suffers from pulmonary sarcoidosis, sleep apnea, seizures, and has had a couple of heart attacks. Windy has a host of other ailments that have caused us to grieve--multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, thyroid eye disease. The endometriosis has caused fertility issues for Windy that are compounded by my own fertility issues.
Windy and I have longed endlessly to be blessed with a child of our own. To attempt to become pregnant has posed risks of its own as Windy must halt all treatment for MS in order to try to become pregnant. Imagine risking severe disability for just the possibility of having a child. That is what Windy did. IVF offered Windy and I the opportunity to become parents and overcome all of our other issues. The IVF process consisted of approximatley 2 months of preparation which consisted of daily and sometimes twice daily injections of medications, invasive ultrasound procedures as often as 3 times per week, numerous blood tests and to cap it all off a discovery that Windy is a carrier for cystic fibrosis. The preparation was followed by the transfer of 3 heaven -sent embryos into Windy on July 29. About two weeks later, we were informed that we were pregnant. The subsequent weeks were filled with the rollercoaster of emotions that I mentioned previously combined with 2 months of daily intermuscular injections following the discovery we were pregnant. We were faced with fears of an ectopic pregnancy which ultimately were unfounded. The first ultrasound didn't detect a heartbeat which was caused despair. The second ulrasound was completely normal and the little fellow's heart was beating. The third ultrasound confirmed continued normal growth and development of the little fellow that provided us with immense joy and set our expectations to new heights. We even began thinking about baby clothes, furniture, etc. Without our knowledge, this little life was apparently cut short just days after our elation.
Now we grieve. Windy wonders aloud why God is punishing her. I am dumbfounded by our loss because against my nature, I've been optimistic about this process all summer. Windy and I, with what I believe to be God's providence, had overcome over 12 obstacles with which we were faced in getting pregnant. I was certain that God was in this process and that he was blessing us with His special child for us. Now, I'm left wondering not only "why me?" but also "why anyone?". How can a child that is so loved and desired be lost so early? What does God have planned for us? How can this tragedy fit into God's plan? We ask these endless questions to which we have received no ready answers. Maybe they can't be answered. Still, we grieve!
Now, where do we go from here? Windy and I are convinced that we would be great parents. Any child of ours, would of necessity, have to be a little confused as Windy and I disagree about many things. We are very different people with very different personalities, but we were united as never before in our desire for this child. We grieve at the loss of this child. We grieve at what lays in store for us. How might we in the future be blessed with a child? How might MS affect this future. Now, not only do we grieve, but we have fear about our future.
Please pray as we grieve that God would illumine His path for us and help us to understand how this tragedy fits into his plan. Pray that we would not be overtaken by anger at God. Pray that God would somehow bless us with His special child.
Monday, September 8, 2008
New Study for the Old Testament
Well, we finally found it! The study that answers the class need for a greater understanding of the Old Testament - Step by Step through the Old Testament. And, of course, it has a Nashville connection. The study is co-authored by a dear friend Tom Hudson. Maybe we can entice him to make a special appearance in class one Sunday.
We will begin studying a 13-week course on the Old Testament that should be enlightening for all. It provides a framework for understanding and interpreting the Old Testament, and teaches biblical background material. What is particularly interesting is the combination of geography, history, and Biblical stories that give perspective on all our future studies. We hope to have workbooks for everyone on Sunday.
We will begin studying a 13-week course on the Old Testament that should be enlightening for all. It provides a framework for understanding and interpreting the Old Testament, and teaches biblical background material. What is particularly interesting is the combination of geography, history, and Biblical stories that give perspective on all our future studies. We hope to have workbooks for everyone on Sunday.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Jimmy and Mary Alice camping in Canada
We've had the greatest time camping for the past few weeks. We spent about 7 days in Prince E dward Island biking and exploring the gorgeous coastline. Sunday we were biking along the Confederation trail and stopped to chat with a couple from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Before we said goodbye, the man mentioned an old Baptist church nearby that lots of people liked to visit. " You might enjoy just seeing it", he said, and we thought we might stop by and take a look.
When we stopped at the church, we noticed there were folks going inside-not to tour, but to worship. The pastor waved at us and said ," service starts at 11, come on in" , so we did.
The small sanctuary was packed with maybe 150 people from all over the world as well as many locals(most dressed very casually like us) The couple we had met on the trail waved us over to sit with them. The singing was truly amazing. EVERYONE was singing!
WE learned that this tiny church only held services 2 months out of the year as a summer ministry and we just happened to be at the right place at the right time to learn about it.
It was truly one of the most powerful worship experiences we've shared in a long time. We had just prayed for our Sunday School class over breakfast earlier and then God saw fit to lead us to a group of believers on that beautiful morning to meet HIM.
WE miss you all and look forward to seeing you soon. Love you, Mary Alice and Jimmy
When we stopped at the church, we noticed there were folks going inside-not to tour, but to worship. The pastor waved at us and said ," service starts at 11, come on in" , so we did.
The small sanctuary was packed with maybe 150 people from all over the world as well as many locals(most dressed very casually like us) The couple we had met on the trail waved us over to sit with them. The singing was truly amazing. EVERYONE was singing!
WE learned that this tiny church only held services 2 months out of the year as a summer ministry and we just happened to be at the right place at the right time to learn about it.
It was truly one of the most powerful worship experiences we've shared in a long time. We had just prayed for our Sunday School class over breakfast earlier and then God saw fit to lead us to a group of believers on that beautiful morning to meet HIM.
WE miss you all and look forward to seeing you soon. Love you, Mary Alice and Jimmy
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Craigs and More
The Craigs were with us on August 10. What a great time to share with them and learn what is happening in Zambia. We just couldn't talk enough or hug enough. Or even eat enough. What a great potluck lunch we had after church. Thanks to all who helped and brought a healthy appetite.
Let's be in prayer for the Craigs and Zambia. Marcus reminded us this morning that the Zambian president died this week.
We are coming to a close on our study of The Shack. This morning we talked about the spiritual poverty of our times. So many are seeking a spiritual relationship and don't know that it is found in the presence of God. We studied John 3 and talked about Nicodemus, a man full of theology but little spirituality.
It was great to have Pam and David visiting our class this week. Give them a big hello next week. Virginia was back from her travels safe and sound.
Prayer requests for the week: Valerie's friend, Steve's father, Jana's sister, School starting, the graduates at Christian Women's Job Corps, the election and world situation and our kids in Sierra Leone.
Jamie will be gone Labor Day weekend and Larry will be teaching.
Let's be in prayer for the Craigs and Zambia. Marcus reminded us this morning that the Zambian president died this week.
We are coming to a close on our study of The Shack. This morning we talked about the spiritual poverty of our times. So many are seeking a spiritual relationship and don't know that it is found in the presence of God. We studied John 3 and talked about Nicodemus, a man full of theology but little spirituality.
It was great to have Pam and David visiting our class this week. Give them a big hello next week. Virginia was back from her travels safe and sound.
Prayer requests for the week: Valerie's friend, Steve's father, Jana's sister, School starting, the graduates at Christian Women's Job Corps, the election and world situation and our kids in Sierra Leone.
Jamie will be gone Labor Day weekend and Larry will be teaching.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
What you missed this morning
If you weren't at Sunday School this morning you missed quite a lively discussion on The Shack. Have you ever experienced a Great Sadness? Many in the Bible have and reported it to us. Read Psalms 42 and Psalms 88.
Next Sunday some of our class will be involved in collecting tuition for our school kids in Lunsar, Sierra Leone. As you know,
Jim Kearley, Keith Tobias, Calvin Dunham and Tim Siktberg have all traveled to Sierra Leone, and last year, we were blessed with the opportunity to support more than 150 students around the area where our group has participated in the rebuilding of the Lunsar Conference Center. To keep up with what is going on -- visit www.sierraleonechildrensfund.blogspot.com.
And don't forget -- Potluck Lunch after church - celebrating the visit of the Craigs back from Zambia. The Fulcher class will be joining us for lunch that day.
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