Syracuse, NY to PA and My 1st Father's Day

At Hope Print House in Syracuse

A day after my first Father’s Day and I still cannot believe how God continues to show up in our lives.  We have explained to many of you that due to being on the road for three months we would not have any doctor’s visits to check up on Gracie.  It seems that lately the more opportunities we give to our good Lord above, the more He keeps working and we really could not be any more excited…especially me (Dad).

We are currently in Pennsylvania staying with some family friends who just so happen to have an ultrasound machine to look at Gracie…ON FATHERS DAY!  I mean are you kidding me?  My first Father’s Day and I get to see my beautiful daughter sucking her thumb while still inside my bride the most beautiful woman on the planet.  I am in awe.  In the video you will see a straight on shot of Gracie with the umbilical cord going straight down the middle of her face.  

Ever since finding out we were pregnant we have held Gracie with open arms not worried about what may or may not happen.  Many doctors will not see us for a one time check up because of the liability that comes with seeing a pregnant lady one time, but somehow through our friend in Michigan we were able to get an appointment for the crucial diabetes check which is a total blessing.

On Saturday we made the trek down I-81 from Syracuse and we were reminded of how awesome it is that so many of you are praying for our safe travels as we continue to cover many miles of road.  It was about noon as we witnessed a head on collision just 100 yards in front of us.  Doing 70 mph it was only a few seconds before we passed the scene and pulled over to check on the passengers of the two vehicles.  After all of the victims were taken care of and there was nothing more we could do, I cleared some debris from the freeway (including beer cans) and we were on our way.  Still shaking from the nature of the scene I prayed for all the people that were injured.  It was a prayer of praise.  I praised the Lord that no one amazingly enough was killed and for keeping us from being a part of the accident.  Again, we cannot thank you enough for your continued loyalty in surrounding us with prayer.

As I grow older I have become more appreciative of learning about my family.  Shortly after leaving the accident scene we met up with one of my dad’s friends who reminded me of my grandfather making gunstocks for Abercrombie & Fitch back in the day and a few other stories of my dad.  It was such a great time so I definitely needed to put up a picture of the two of us.

Thanks so much! Know you all are in our prayers as well... 

Blessings, 

Will, Nan, and Gracie Jane

In The D!

Well, we have been to Utah, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, and now Michigan.  We have been spending so much great time with so many friends, new and old that we have not had time to blog. 

 One of the highlights of our trip came when we were able to visit mom Grant in El Paso on mother’s day.  It was so great to see mom, the new house, and help in the process of getting settled.

As we continued our journey east we settled in to the city of Austin.  Now if anyone knows me at all they know that I am not a huge fan of Texas the state or the football program, but as we met people and caught up with family we began to fall in love with the city.  The sun, the people, and the food (Rudy’s BBQ, Chuys, and Freebirds to name a few) were all part of the amazing experience of Austin.  We both agree that we will be going back there when we come back into the states.

Getting a Rudy's BBQ hand washing experience!

As we traveled over to Louisiana and up to Missouri we were able to see a little bit of the damage that had been done by the tornados, which was a first for the both of us.  We also managed to go over the Mississippi River and not through it.  As we think of all the disaster in the area and all the miles of road we have covered it truly has been the Lord’s protection to get us safely here to Michigan.

So does anyone know where Panera Bread started?  Well, I did not know either until going through St. Louis.  In the picture you will see that Panera was in fact started in St. Louis.  I have this thing I do with coffee there now that it is summer and blazing hot.  I buy a coffee, fill the cup with ice, cream, sugar, and then pour coffee on it.  About eight cups later I am ready to hit the road again.  So now I am sure you wondering “Wouldn’t you just have to hit the bathroom just a few minutes down the road?”  Well, yes but I will anyway because of the ever growing baby girl riding shotgun.

In St. Louis I was able to meet more of Nan’s family which was so great!  Among others I met the original “Jane” which is where Nan gets her eyes…and a few other characteristics ;)

With Grandma Jane

 It has been such a blessing to see so many great people, have so many great conversations, make a ton of new friends, and be able to share how Christ has brought us to this point in our lives.  We are honored to have the partnership team that we do so thank you so much for all of your prayers and financial support!  

In the Detroit area celebrating a cousin's graduation