togetherwecanmcc

November 28 thru December 19, 2010

2010-12-30T21:30:00.006-05:00

Loren left on Nov. 26th for Cameron, Louisianna and I met him there on Nov. 28th for a three week project with MDS. Loren was a crew leader and i was a cook along with two other couples from Manitoba, Canada. Our project directors were Carl and Laura Dube from Michigan. When you go to a project like this you leave thinking that you are going to help and give, but the amazing thing is, we come back home being so very blessed. the volunteer group one week was from Ohio and Indiana, the next week from PA, and this group the third week was from PA and the young men were from Manitoba! and also a father and son from Manitoba. God is good! It brings back many memories of out milking those cows, and hearing Loren say " 'some day' i hope we will be able to do what Clarence and Turie Alwine did, and be able to share with others, because of what God has done for us!" and we are so thankful! the other picture is the other cooks, two amazing ladies, Helen and Mary from Manitoba, Canada, their husbands Benny and Adolf were also crew leaders along with Loren.

also a picture of one of the four houses that they were working on! Amazing what they can do in three weeks time! God is Good!

November 24, 2010

2010-12-30T20:55:00.003-05:00

I am a very happy gramma....

my granddaughter, Tayler, was invited to be on a field hockey team, the other girls on the team are from Selinsgrove and State College, and they went to the USA Field Hockey Festival in Phoenix, Arizona from Nov. 24-28, there were over 3500 players with, i think at least 13 different fields.

AND Marsha and Tayler invited me to go along, what a way to celebrate a '60th' birthday! Thanks much, Tayler and Marsha!

Photos: the team dressed for the Thanksgiving Dinner, a game (Tayler - #14), the team

photo, and my daughter, Marsha, and granddaughter, Tayler!

October 31, 2010

2010-11-05T17:42:00.001-04:00

Welcome to our new visitors sunday

morning.....

thanks MYF!!!! :O)

October 30, 2010

2010-10-30T19:55:00.001-04:00

A beautiful evening for a hay ride!

July 20, 2010

2010-07-20T16:38:00.002-04:00

We have been so blessed by having many of our friends
that we met on our MCC Meat Canner Journey stop
to visit us. this past week the Redekop's were here from
Winkler, Manitoba. the visit was great but not long enough,
thanks to the Redekops for taking the time to stop to see us! and
especially for the "Tim Horton iced cappachino" :O)
safe travels on the rest of your journey!

God's Miracles!

2010-07-04T15:32:00.002-04:00

I know, it has been a loooooong time. but here i am and with a miracle to tell all of you!
If you look back on my blog on Nov. 26th, you will remember the young couple that we
had the privilege of visiting in Freeman, S.D. on our journey with the MCC Mobile Meat Canner, and if you have my book, the story of our visit is on page 30. I received an email from a friend and i asked her if i could put this on our blog. She said "telling the miraculous healing of Maynard is a way to praise the Lord and to give testimony to God's working miracles and share the story with others"
she received this email from South Dakota, "About 5 years ago, Maynard Yoder had a farm accident in which he was caught on the side of a manure spreader and suffered a stroke. His right side was paralyzed and he lost vision in his right side. This past Sunday, Maynard read the scripture from Jeremiah, "I know the plans I have for you." When he was finished, his wife helped him stand and he walked to the back of the sanctuary. His automated chair was left at the alter. There was not a dry eye in the congregation. His parents had come from Iowa to witness the event. God does answer prayer and he does perform miracles!"

May 23, 2010

2010-05-23T19:36:00.003-04:00

A beautiful busy week! God is Good!

May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T15:23:00.002-04:00

Here I am, no pictures, BUT a 'big' question......
does anyone know of anybody else that thot it was so great to collect
all that McDonalds "stuff"? plates, glasses, dolls, toys (that this gramma
would not let her grandchildren open and play with?????)
anyone? anywhere?
HELP!!!!!
......working in the attic and finding all these 'treasures'
Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!!

May 15, 2010

2010-05-17T15:03:00.008-04:00

Tayler and Kirstin in the center of picture....

a wonderful evening with my granddaughters,

I am a very blessed to be their gramma!!!! love you much,

Kirstin and Tayler

May 12, 2010

2010-05-17T14:46:00.003-04:00

A delicious breakfast served by Rudi at the Resource Center in Ephrata! Was in honor of Tim and Karla..... enjoyed being with friends! Love you, Tim and Karla! Our prayers and thots will be with you both as you plan for your new journey in life! love ya!

May 8, 2010

2010-05-17T14:43:00.003-04:00

Was so happy to be a part of a 'beautiful' wedding! Our daughter, Marsha, far left, and Lisa grew up together. Thank you, Lisa and George for giving us the blessing of being a part of your special day!

May 2, 2010

2010-05-17T14:31:00.004-04:00

A super time with the 'canner boys' again.... on our way we stopped to watch a volley ball game, i just wish i could have recorded it, they had music playing by the Beach Boys!

And, thank you, Steven!

was so happy to meet Kendra!!!

like 'canner dad' told you "she's a keeper!" :O)

May 1, 2010

2010-05-16T21:13:00.002-04:00

A beautiful saturday morning,

walking for the Tri-State MCC Relief Sale.

April 30, 2010

2010-05-16T21:08:00.003-04:00

Time to plant flowers, will try to keep you updated on the flowers at the rock, BUT, as for now, (may 16th) no photo now, it seems i used too much plant food for some of them and it burned them, so have to replant some. Until next time......

April 25, 2010

2010-05-16T20:41:00.003-04:00

A great evening of great music and entertainment, food and fellowship! Thanks to Valley Harmony for a great evening of music. It was a great fund raiser for MDS! Thanks for all the support!

April 23, 2010

2010-05-16T20:37:00.003-04:00

Spring, what a beautiful time of year, God is so Good.....

a happy hubby having the corn and sweet corn planted!

April 21 and 22, 2010

2010-05-16T20:18:00.003-04:00

What a great time in Richmond, VA with James and Marian Payne.... had the opportunity to share our MCC Meat Canning journey with their friends! Thanks to Zelda for riding along down with me and being a terrific navigator, much appreciated, Zelda, Thanks! Also, was able to get an autographed copy of Marian's book "Marian's Life...as told thru a Cookbook" ($25. plus $3. postage) it is excellent! and by the way, BMS class of 1968... she even has our first grade class in the book! You need to get one, I have them available here, and then, you may want one of mine also!!! "Together We Can" a story and pictures of our journey with the MCC Mobile Meat Canner Oct. 2008- April 2009 ($20. plus $3. postage)

April 21 and 22, 2010

2010-04-29T14:40:00.000-04:00

April 20, 2010

2010-04-29T14:30:00.001-04:00

It is just great to be able to go to Tayler's track meets.

yep, she came in first!!! great job, Tayler! love ya much!

April 2010

2010-04-23T21:05:00.001-04:00

While Loren was working in the field, he looked over at the next field,

and this is what he saw, Craig is there by the hole, about 5 foot round, 12 ft. deep, and out, he said maybe about 15 ft. very thankful

it was not in the field where he was

working.

April 1, 2010

2010-04-01T17:42:00.003-04:00

Children and Grandchildren,

what a blessing!!!!

Tayler is 16!!!!! Love you, Tayler!

....and tomorrow April 2, our daughter, Jaylene will be 39! Happy Birthday, Jaylene! We love you!!!

March 24, 2010

2010-03-26T21:00:00.002-04:00

And then it is back home again!
Came home to our first new little black Angus calf for the spring!
Then Loren and Craig bringing in the corn fodder round bales from the field. Spring is here and I started to clean up the yard with Craig's help. We wanted to make it to the canner in Ephrata this week, but didn't get there. Hoping to get to Myerstown next week one day. And then to Sterling, Ohio, and Penn Yan, N.Y. It is hard to believe that another year is just about over for the canner again. God is Good!

March 19 - 20, 2010

2010-03-26T20:52:00.003-04:00

Then on to Elmira, Ontario for their MCC Meat Canner Fund Raising Breakfast. We had the privilege of sharing our journey on the meat canner and also Loren's trip to Bosnia/Serbia.

The breakfast was delicious, pancakes (with fresh maple syrup), sausage, ham, eggs, fried potatoes, muffins, fresh fruit.... and served over 370 people! What great organization these people have! A superb time there also. Thank you!

March 17 - 18, 2010

2010-03-26T20:33:00.002-04:00

A wonderful and exciting two days in Leamington, Ontario, Canada. Meeting our friends again, and they were so kind to have an open house at a church where many people stopped by to see the MCC Mobile Meat Canner Quilt and also my books, and had delicious food there from 2-9 p.m. thanks so much for all the work and time that went into making that day a success. We really appreciated it. Also Uncle Jack took us to the local Retirement Community to display our quilt and had lunch there. Thanks!

March 4, 2010

2010-03-04T21:22:00.003-05:00

Good Evening, Friends

Spent Tuesday and Wednesday at the Hinton, VA canner site.

How great to be with our friends there again. and was good

to see the canner guys again too. They are four great guys!

Many volunteers, doing a great job!

We really enjoyed staying at our hosts family again and also

to see the new addition to the Knisley family! A beautiful little

girl!

February 20,2010

2010-02-27T16:19:00.002-05:00

A fun evening at our granddaughters school play "Annie" fantastic job, Jalesha!

Jalesha and her mom, Jaylene!

February 13, 2010

2010-02-27T16:16:00.002-05:00

My favorite..... yellow roses!!!
How kind of my daughter and granddaughter to stop in and give me these beautiful roses!
I am one happy and thankful mom and gramma!
Thank you, Marsha and Tayler

February 12, 2010

2010-02-13T09:16:00.006-05:00

What an exciting time! Yesterday went to Masthof Press (in photo, my publisher and my cousin, Lois Ann (Zook) Mast and picked up 100 of my books. Just in time for the canning next week. They were so kind to do this many for me now, so i would have them in time for the canner here in Belleville! Thank You, Masthof Press!!!The Canner pulled in Thursday afternoon and is set up ready to go Monday morning! Looking forward to having time with the 'canner boys' again! and will be great to work on the canner again also! Looking forward to a fun and busy week!

February 6, 2010

2010-02-10T12:04:00.002-05:00

A beautiful snow, especially nice when we do not have to go out and milk those cows!!!!

Some of us work to keep warm, others are working, but cold!!!!

January 29,2010

2010-02-10T11:45:00.002-05:00

What a great weekend in Spartansburg! Beautiful snow and enjoyed our time with

Susan and Ron, and then Sunday, giving our presentation of our journey with the MCC Mobile Meat Canner at two local churches there. With a delicious fellowship meal at church, before heading back to Big Valley. Thanks!

January 19, 2010

2010-01-19T14:15:00.002-05:00

What an exciting time in my life. Thank you to so many friends, and especially to James and Marian for helping me to make a dream a reality. We finished my book "Together We Can"
last weekend, a story telling about our journey with the MCC Mobile Meat Canner 2008-2009. And to Mastof for all the help in taking it yesterday to publish it for me! I am so blessed with all the encouragement and help of so many friends! thank you! i'm sure you will be hearing more about it! Have a great week!

January 7, 2010

2010-01-07T21:26:00.002-05:00

No, this is not Mandy, this is Jake

Jake is the friend of Lee, who we purchased the 5th wheel and truck from to go on our journey.

His wife, Linda passed away three years ago, and this was her dog, and Jake has been a friend to Lee, especially for the past three years.

Jake died yesterday. Love you, Lee!

January 7, 2010

2010-01-07T21:14:00.003-05:00

A wonderful evening of exercise at our church fellowship hall. I must admit at times i was saying "i think i can, i think i can" and i did!!! but it was great! looking forward to next thursday eve.

This week, tuesday and wednesday Loren and I spent in Lancaster County, he was asked to give a presentation of his Bosnia trip at the White Horse Canning Committee meeting. We had a delicious meal in the home of JB and Lydia's(along with Mandy who is pictured here) and spent the night with David and Martha. Was a great time visiting in their homes. We also took time to visit two of the butcher shops in the local area, the one in Myerstown and the one in White Horse canner sites. They both gave us a fresh pan of scrapple! are we blessed or what???? i thot i knew what good scrapple was, but wow, this scrapple is delicious, come on over and will fry up a pan of scrapple for you!!!! Loren was on the computer and saw that in Iowa, (where the canner is now) some places are having -51 wind chill..... so take a minute and say a prayer for the canner guys! they are in Kalona, Iowa now.

January 5, 2010

2010-01-05T07:53:00.003-05:00

Ladies Sewing day at church, having a pork and sauerkraut dinner for them today!

what a wonderful group of ladies....

January 4, 2010

2010-01-05T07:47:00.003-05:00

Good Morning, wishing you all a very happy and blessed new year!

Our family had a wonderful Christmas together, was great having our family all

here at our home on Dec. 27, which was also our son, Craig's 35th birthday!

and seeing our grandson after 17 months, well, there are no words to describe

that wonderful experience. meeting him at the airport with the family was

a night i will never forget, i am so blessed with my children and grand

children, so very blessed!

saturday continued....

2009-12-19T17:43:00.002-05:00

For those of you that know i am writing a book
about our journey with the MCC Mobile Meat Canner
you can see the book i am working on laying there
on the table.... trying to work at it while baking!!!!
notice, i said, 'trying'
have a safe weekend!

Dec. 19, 2009 Saturday

2009-12-19T17:31:00.003-05:00

A beautiful snow today, especially from inside! smells of bread (white and cracked wheat) and cookies (raisin puffs), thot about

walking out for the mail, but somehow the couch looked much more inviting!!!

One more day until our grandson comes home!!!!! so excited!!!!

Dec. 17, 2009

2009-12-17T21:34:00.002-05:00

Good Evening, just came home from having supper at
an amish friends home,
had sweet bread,
it was 'o:k'???? not sure if i will try it again or not, Loren liked it!
we also had bean soup and moon pies and elderberry pie and
vanilla ice cream... very good! Spent yesterday and today working
on my book, also talking with my publisher...
it is getting very exciting... I cannot thank those that are helping
and all the encouragement they have been to me!
Three more days until i get to
see my grandson, i am sooooo excited! will be a wonderful
Christmas being with my family this year.... i am so very
blessed!

December 13, 2009

2009-12-14T22:12:00.002-05:00

Just finished baking 6 dozen dinner rolls and 2 loaves of bread.....

making a Christmas dinner tomorrow for a sunday school class of 29 at church

looking forward to a fun day! so thankful for my good help, the Frenchs' and Sandy!

December 12, 2009

2009-12-12T21:12:00.001-05:00

O:K, one more tonight....

thanks to Rozella from Henderson, NE

she sent me this photo of the canner boys having dinner in their home (Larry and Rozella Swartzendruber) thanks Rozella for sharing the photos!

December 12, 2009

2009-12-12T21:08:00.002-05:00

Christmas is a very special time for me, and this year it is amazingly extra special.... since we were on our journey last Christmas, i was not home for Christmas, the first time for that! and i am so excited this year to have our whole family join us here....and especially to have our grandson home for Christmas. He is in Alaska in the Army and looking forward to seeing him in a little over a week! I am so thankful for my children and grandchildren. they are all a true blessing!

December 12, 2009

2009-12-12T20:57:00.003-05:00

Sorry i do not have any photos.
Today was a great day. We were invited to Tim and Karla Friesen's for brunch this morning. Karla's parents from Iowa were here visiting and we had the privilege to be in their home when we canned in Cantril, Iowa. Tim's parents were there also, from VA, so was a great visit there and a wonderful brunch, thanks Tim and Karla! In the afternoon we visited with a couple that we met while we were canning in White Horse, David and Martha, had coffee and cookies at their home and then went to Lapp's Valley Dairy for an ice cream cone, took them back home and headed back to Belleville. A wonderful day!

December 12, 2009

2009-12-12T20:51:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe it has been so long since i have posted anything on the blog. Sure hoping there are still friends out there that will decide to check this out to see if i am still around!!!!
I will try to do my best to update more often....
right now i am busy working on writing a book about our journey while volunteering on the canner. Last sunday thru wednesday, 2 friends of mine, Zelda and Iris went with me and we drove to Richmond, VA, where we visited in the home of my first grade teacher! how wonderful, her and her husband have been so kind as to help me with my book, it was so overwhelming to even think that i would be able to accomplish this, but they have been so gracious, encouraging, and so very helpful and it is very exciting. will keep you all updated.
until next time...
.....and it will be sooner than two months!!!! I promise!

Home from trip, Oct. 19,2009

2009-10-21T12:17:00.002-04:00

Loren is back home from his trip to Bosnia/Serbia with Tim Friesen, MCC, and four other men

they had a wonderful trip. Loren and Tim went on to Germany for a few days and was

very excited to spend a couple days with Viktor, (Viktor was on the canner 2008-2009) when Loren and I volunteered with the canner.

October 11, 2009

2009-10-11T19:58:00.002-04:00

Tim and Loren arrived at Korny's this morning. i understand they are having

a bar-b-que this evening. They will spending the week in Germany with friends

and on thursday will be going to see Viktor and spending time with him. This

is a photo of Korny and his family!

Bosnia/Serbia Trip with MCC

2009-10-11T19:47:00.002-04:00

October 2, 2009

A safe trip and having some wonderful experiences and all enjoying their time!

Bosnia/Serbia Trip with MCC

2009-09-29T19:44:00.003-04:00

A trip that Loren as been looking forward too!

He leaves tomorrow with Tim and 5 other men for their trip to Bosnia/Serbia. Doesn't he look excited to be packing???? not one of his favorite

jobs. But everything is ready to go! He has a few odd jobs to get done here on the farm yet tomorrow morning before he leaves! He is not one to call home, but if i do hear from him, i will post it! Wishing you all a great day!

July 9, visitors

2009-07-09T20:15:00.003-04:00

It was great having friends here from Indiana the past couple days!

Lee is a very special friend of ours and is also the man that made it

possible for us to have a 5th wheel and truck, thanks again, Lee!

and, yes, Jake loved it here on the farm too!

July 9, busy on the farm

2009-07-09T20:11:00.003-04:00

Having beautiful weather and getting alot of field work done. Have so very much to be thankful for.

July 5, MCUSA Convention

2009-07-05T21:44:00.002-04:00

Our Church Youth Group and Loren and I enjoyed our week

at the Convention in Columbus, Ohio. We had the opportunity

to display our MCC Mobile Meat Canner quilt at the MCC booth

and was great meeting many persons that we met while on

the canner journey.

June 25, 2009

2009-06-25T16:25:00.002-04:00

Our daughter, Jaylene, and granddaughter, Jalesha

Had the privilege of being at Jalesha's 4H Fashion Show

a great job, Jalesha!

Also a fun afternoon with Johnny, Julie, and Jordan!

June 18, 2009

2009-06-18T16:36:00.002-04:00

SO MUCH FOR THE SAYING

"GOOD HELP IS HARD TO FIND!!!"

our granddaughter and friends are here making woopie pies!

June 15, 2009

2009-06-15T16:00:00.002-04:00

Here is the quilt again, on the frame that Loren had especially made for it! We will be
taking the quilt to the Mennonite Church USA Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Today was a very
relaxing day, had time to have lunch with Craig out on his back porch. Then this afternoon
Loren and I had time for a lemonade!!! It is so great to be able to do things and not have to
stop and milk those cows!!!!! He was weed wacking today and got alot done!
It is a beautiful day here. Again 'thank you' so much to each of you that helped to make
this weekend a success. We had asked friends of ours to take photos of the weekend, so
this evening we are planning to go to look at what they have! Looking forward to seeing
the photos. Until next time.....

photos from MCC Quilting Weekend

2009-06-14T21:43:00.003-04:00

photos from MCC Quilting Weekend

2009-06-14T21:36:00.002-04:00

The quilt will be on display at the Maple Grove Mennonite Church!

June 12-14, 2009

2009-06-14T21:22:00.006-04:00

What an overwhelmingly wonderful weekend! the Quilt is quilted! Friends here from canner sites to help with the quilting and to join in the weekend activities, from Elmira and Leamington

Ontario Canada, Henderson, Nebraska, Kidron and Sterling, Ohio, White Horse, Kirkwood,

Ephrata, Myerstown, Chambersburg, Hatfield, and Belleville, PA. A huge "thank you" to all

who came and to all the friends that did so much to help make this weekend a wonderful success!

Breakfast with sisters and cousins

2009-06-06T21:49:00.000-04:00

My sisters from Alberta, Canada, and Lancaster County

having breakfast with our cousins, Sue, Jane, and Sandy!

Great time!

June 1, 2009 monday

2009-06-01T20:38:00.003-04:00

Picture taken towards the sun, so not very clear!
Loren finished mowing hay today! Also got the carpet laid out at Craigs.
I am getting so very excited for the weekend of June 12th! As of now,
there should be over 50 here on Saturday to help quilt and be here
for the evening meal and ..... you should see the quilt. Just picked the
top up today, it is beautiful!!!! Believe me, it is one of a kind! thanks
again to all of you for helping to make this dream of ours come true!!!!

May 23, 2009

2009-05-25T18:44:00.003-04:00

Also enjoy going to auctions!

Thanks Gib and Joyce for allowing us to be a part

of your weekend!

update from Big Valley, May 20, 2009

2009-05-25T18:16:00.004-04:00

Great to be back and cheer for my grandchildren!!!!

and to attend their sporting events again!

May 22, 2009

2009-05-22T21:21:00.003-04:00

Good Evening, we are so very much looking forward to the MCC Meat Canning Quilting
weekend! Still waiting to hear from many of you! but, i have very exciting news.
I have received a patch from every canning site, and just want to say a huge thank you
to each of you for helping to make this quilt complete! It will be an awesome quilt and
one like no other!!! Wishing you all a safe and happy Memorial Weekend!
smiles, from Wanda

Party for Viktor!

2009-05-11T20:46:00.003-04:00

What a great evening with the "boys" and Tim and Karla.

Tim and Karla had a delicious supper for all of us and was great to meet

Viktor's cousin Benn from Germany. Had a wonderful evening together!

Thanks Tim and Karla, Viktor, Josh, Peter, and Steven!

what are we doing now????

2009-05-08T09:42:00.004-04:00

Many of you have asked if i would keep up the blog when we get back to Big Valley?

Well, here we are....It is soooo good to be able to attend our granddaughters sporting events! She will be going to Districts next week. Looking forward to that also! As many of you know we are moving our son, he bought his grandmother's house, here is a photo of moving day for his clock shop and also i have been working on the 'exciting' weekend for the MCC Quilting. If any of you who have been following our journey, locally or away, and did not receive a letter, PLEASE email, phone or mail us, we want very much to have you join us for the weekend! .... also if the sun stays out, there is plenty of lawn work!!!

Until next time.....

smiles, from Wanda

MCC Quilting in Belleville, PA

2009-05-06T07:42:00.002-04:00

Greetings from Big Valley: We are keeping quite busy around here. A big thank you to the

many family and friends who have had a wonderful warm welcome home for us! We are so

very blessed, and also to those of you who have emailed us since we have been home. Please

keep in touch, it is great to hear from so many of you! I took the patches up to our church and displayed them for the ladies sewing yesterday. Hopefully these photos of a few of the

quilt patches will start you planning for your weekend here in Big Valley with us! Plans are

for the weekend of June 12-14, I will be very happy to send you more information, email or

phone us and I will send it right out, or email me your address and I will mail it to you. To those of the committee that I already emailed to

a few have emailed back that they can not open my attachment, please email me back and

I will send it a different way. sorry about that! We are very excited about the weekend!

Looking forward to seeing many of you then!

J.Loren and Wanda

Home Again!

2009-05-02T09:53:00.004-04:00

So good to be back in Big Valley. and especially to see our family again! Looking forward to

tomorrow evening to go to see Jaylene and her family in Gettysburg. God is so Good!

The flowers were a beautiful welcome home from the children!

Had a good trip back from Elmira, Ontario. Again, how can I find the words to express

our gratitude to each of you for so many, many experiences, blessings, hospitality and 'food'

We are looking forward to seeing many of you here in Big Valley the weekend of June 13th

Give me a few days to get unpacked and see many of my friends. and then i will try to get

busy with updating you all concerning the weekend of the quilting. Again, many Blessings

to each of you, and PLEASE keep in touch!

So very grateful!

Wanda and Loren

Elmira, Ontario

2009-04-25T12:27:00.002-04:00

Hi from Canada
A beautiful sunny warm day here in Elmira, Ontario
We are sight seeing and stoped at a number of yard sales this morning and a farmers/flea
market.
well, one more week. Cannot quite imagine what it will be like to be back
home and 'stay' home! but sure getting excited to be back in Big Valley
with our family and friends again. Thanks again to all who are keeping
in touch with us across the U.S. and Canada, we sure do appreciate it.
Wishing you all a great weekend.
Loren and Wanda

Penn Yan, New York

2009-04-15T15:43:00.002-04:00

Peter made a new friend, Kevin! and a beautiful sunrise this morning here in Penn Yan,

New York, and also Loren working on the canner at the sealer.

Will try to do better with keeping up with the blog.

Blessings to all

from Loren and Wanda

Hatfield, PA

2009-04-15T15:39:00.000-04:00

Here are a few photos of the guys busy at work!

2009-04-15T15:33:00.000-04:00

2009-04-15T15:28:00.002-04:00

Hi again, well, going to try to update this blog with a few photos....

the young man in the first photo made my day, first of all i was so happy because

Jaylene, our daughter came to see us while we were in Ephrata and this guy

thot we were sisters!!!!! :)

and then another exciting eve. was when the Yutzy's and Rheams came to have

dinner with us! Thanks again for the great evening!

until next time...

Easter Sunday, April 12,2009

2009-04-12T13:50:00.002-04:00

A special Easter Greeting to all our family and friends!
We had a nice visit with friends in Spartansburg over the weekend.
We are now at a Rest Area along Route 86 in New York.
Have about a 3 hour drive to Penn Yan. Looking forward to our
week there, working with their committee and community.
Do not have time here to look for many photos, so just wanted
you to know, i did not forget. Not sure if we will have access to
the internet next week or not, so until next time.....
J.Loren and Wanda
Loren just came and told me it is to get down to 26 tonight!

April 7, 2009 Tuesday

2009-04-07T13:07:00.002-04:00

Good Afternoon! We are here at the Library in Orrville, Ohio.
A beautiful white and sunny day. Woke up to a coating of snow on the ground.
Having a great time with many friends that we have met and worked with
here in Sterling last October. It is so exciting to visit with them again!
It makes me think how great it would be to go back to each location again
and have the privilege of seeing all of our friends again!
Blessings to each of you and may you all have a wonderful
Easter Season!
Until next time.....
J.Loren and Wanda

Saturday, April 4, 2009

2009-04-04T11:16:00.002-04:00

Just a note to say Hi to all and to let you know we are on our way to
Sterling, Ohio. Left Meyerstown, PA this a.m. the canner is
finishing up there today and we will meet them on monday
in Ohio. Looking forward to seeing our friends there. Sterling was
our first stop of our trip in October and we had a great time there
and looking forward to seeing them again! It is hard to believe that
this is April already, in October, i must admit April seem along
ways off, but here we are and the God has blessed us in soooo
many ways! The quilt patches that we are picking up at each
location, have been amazing! I am so anxious to hear from you
all how many will be able to come and help us quilt it the
weekend of June 12-14. Will try to send some photos again
soon. You all have a great weekend!
In Service for Him.....Together we can
J.Loren and Wanda

March 23, 2009 Monday Epharta

2009-03-23T05:24:00.005-04:00

Good Morning from Lancaster County

Looking forward to meeting many new people again this week.

A wonderful relaxing weekend here with Parke and Louann Good and family.

Had a great week at Kirkwood and meeting many new friends. We also

found a place that makes "wonderful" good cheese. Loren also had the opportunity

to ride on the steam engine. I had the privilige of having a buggy ride!

What a very exciting week again!

Blessings to you all and have a great week!

In Service for Him.... Together we can!

J.Loren and Wanda

March 23, 2009 Monday Epharata

2009-03-23T05:24:00.001-04:00

Friday, March 13, 2009

2009-03-13T13:54:00.003-04:00

Just a few more photos of some family and friends who came to help

with the canning here in Chambersburg. A former Dairy Princess and

her mother, then her sister knotting comforts and as for 'family'

our daughter Jaylene and her husband were here, but realized i do

not have the photos downloaded off the camera yet.

so will put them on later.

have a great weekend everyone!!! :)

our daughter

Friday, March 13, 2009

2009-03-13T13:42:00.003-04:00

Good Afternoon, just finishing up here in Chambersburg, another great week.

The car is packed up and we are about ready to head for Belleville. Looking

forward to being home with family and friends for the weekend. Loren wants to

work outside some and clean out some heifer pens. Craig is doing a great job for

us at home. We really appreciate it! Photos of Loren's new "buddy" Ryan, and

a photo of the ladies busy sewing, and of their machine that replaced me in

putting labels on. Again thanks to all of you for keeping in touch with us.

We sure do love hearing from each one of you!

March 12,2009

2009-03-12T09:34:00.005-04:00

Another beautiful day here at the Cumberland Valley Resource Center.

Many volunteers are busy, cutting meat, on the canner, washing and drying cans,

and boxing them. The sewing room is also full of ladies, quilting, knotting comforts,

making rugs, and many more exciting things. This sure is a "busy" place here. There is a

continuous buzz of happy contented people doing things for others!
We are enjoying it very much! We also had the privilege of having having four former canner

guys here visiting. The two with this years are John Hillegass from Johnstown, and Anthony

Beery from Hinton, VA and later Erick Thomas and Aaron Yoder joined us. Was exciting to

chat with Eric, he just finished hiking the Appalachian Trail! He hiked over 2000 miles and then biked back over 2100 miles. What a guy!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

2009-03-09T17:53:00.002-04:00

Was great to be able to visit with Steven (second from left) and his family today. Was at their home for sunday dinner and they gave us a tour

of their farm too. Thanks to the Brickers!

Chambersburg, PA March 9,2009

2009-03-09T17:38:00.003-04:00

Greetings from Chambersburg. The canner is set up at the Cumberland Valley Relief Center.

Another great place to work..... would you believe, this is our 29th stop and this is the first

place I helped wash cans! It has been alot of fun here this morning, I got to do different things,

like do laundry, and also as the photos show, they make laundry soap here also. I was helping

to wrap and label the soap. We had a great weekend visiting with our daughter, Jaylene, and

family in Gettysburg. We are looking forward to a great week here in Chambersburg!

Hinton, VA

2009-03-06T11:54:00.002-05:00

A few more photos of new friends!

...and yes, we are still pushing those

dairy products!!! :)

Our plans are to leave Virginia, and head

for Gettysburg, to visit with our daughter, Jaylene and family. sure looking forward to

spend some time with them! Then will be ready to set up in Chambersburg tomorrow afternoon!

Thanks again to all for keeping in touch with us,

we sure do appreciate hearing from you!

Hinton, VA

2009-03-06T11:51:00.003-05:00

This guy made us late for work one afternoon, he just took his time going up the hill in the middle of the road......

We did get by him then, with no problems!

Hinton, VA

2009-03-06T11:45:00.002-05:00

There is a story that goes along with the first photo, but for now, this is Ken and Betty's

grandson! Then Anthony and Mark, two

former canner boys. and of course many

busy volunteers!

Hinton, VA March 1, 2009

2009-03-06T11:38:00.002-05:00

A wonderful welcome to Virginia!

This has been a week full of many memories

and wonderful people! We have been so blessed on this trip. Again, like our pastor told us,

every day there are "unexpected blessings"

and this week was full of them!

The photos, what can I say, besides "fun"

monday morning snow, and Josh on the job!

Leaving White Horse, PA

2009-03-04T12:53:00.002-05:00

A great time in White Horse and what delicious food, AGAIN!!!!!

great pretzel log sandwiches! We finished up here on friday late afternoon.

Made so many new friends. Beautiful weather and a great time!

Josh and Steven on top of the truck, the photo take by Loren on top

of the silo! And I got my ride in the truck with Tim and Josh....thanks!

until next time....

White Horse, PA, Wed., Feb. 25

2009-02-25T12:51:00.004-05:00

Just a note to say Hi and we are back on the road again! What a great stop to start with after

a great week at home in Big Valley! I have had alot of new experiences here at White Horse.

I have the opportunity to help pack lunches in the morning for about 24 different schools in the

area. We do around 200 every morning. The children are here bright and early to help also.

What fun! And the food???? Every day we have bacon, egg, and cheese, or ham and cheese,

or hotdog with cheese logs (they are all made inside a pretzel dough) they are great!

Last evening they made special ones for the canner guys and committee people, AND

for Loren and I... they were steak and cheese with onions and a sauce, WOW, were

they good!!! and then of course they have warm soft pretzels all day also!

Also, yesterday we had the opportunity to visit with Oksana Oleynikova from the Good

Shepherd Shelter, from Ukraine. She told us that they had received some of the canned

turkey that was canned here in White Horse, PA. now that was exciting to hear!

Well, thanks to my neice, Katie, here in Leola, and her precious little Josiah, they allowed

me to use there computer to update my blog! And to my sister, Carolyn, we had lunch together

today, a fun time! We are canning at a farm/butcher shop and with generators. A great time

here in White Horse!

Sure hoping to hear from you all, love to get those "comments"

In Service for Him... Together we Can!

J.Loren and Wanda

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009

2009-02-22T16:44:00.002-05:00

We were invited with Ken and Betty Hartzler to

attend a fund raiser dinner in Chambersburg to help cover the expenses of the PA Relief Sale. The photo is of Steven Bricker's parents (Steven is one of the canner guys)

also the model truck that was made by Edgar

Lehman from Chambersburg, which is being sold at the PA Relief Sale in Harrisburg this Spring.

Enjoyed the evening very much.

Thank You!

2009-02-22T13:20:00.002-05:00

Just a note to say a 'big' thanks to all of you

for your prayers and encouragement. It was so good to be back in Big Valley again with family and friends. We are looking forward to starting out with the canning again tomorrow morning.

And to see what "unexpected blessings" God has

for us the next few months. We sure would love to continue to hear from you all as we travel, will do my best to keep up on the blog. Thank you again, for all the comments on the blog and emails, it sure help me from getting too homesick, by being able to keep in touch!

And for all our friends across the U.S. and Canada, we would love to continue to hear from

you all too. The quilt is going to be awesome!

In Service for Him, Together we Can!

J.Loren and Wanda

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009

2009-02-17T10:01:00.003-05:00

Another beautiful day in Pennsylvania!

A busy morning at the canner site

with many wonderful volunteers. Thanks

to all of you for caring about us, I am feeling

much better, but we are both fighting with this

cough. We are so thankful to be back to work again!

It is great having the canner guys here in our home with us. They are the best!!! :)

Elizabeth (in Missouri) do you recognize a former

student of yours? What a guy, he has been

begging for moon pies ever since I came back!!! :)

Monday, Feb. 16, 2009

2009-02-17T09:47:00.003-05:00

What a great day at the Canner site. The wonderful cookies from the Maple Grove Chruch

were very much appreciated by all! And was also exciting to have some of our church family there to help! Also want to give a special thank you to Mennonite Financial for the donuts

each morning, they are enjoyed by all! Thank you!

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009

2009-02-14T12:39:00.003-05:00

Cookies, cookies, and more cookies!

Oh, so good to be back at Maple Grove and

to have coffee with friends again! The cookies

are great! Thanks to each of you for helping with this project!

Very much appreciated!

How many? close to 80-90 dozen!!!!!

Spartensburg, PA

2009-02-13T15:42:00.003-05:00

A "big" thank you to all the fine

people in Spartensburg. My hubby

had a great time there and is talking about coming back and bringing me along :)

A special thank you to Sue and also for the beautiful quilt patch!.....

.....and just wondering????

if just maybe one of those "special"

sticky buns would make me feel much better???? :)

Also, thank you for the cookbook, how kind of you!

smiles, from Wanda

Feb. 13, 2009 Friday

2009-02-13T14:30:00.002-05:00

Yes, how great to be back in Big Valley.

God is Good!

Here it is almost a week at home already and all I have done has been

trying to fight this flu bug! so far, it sure seems to be winning!

Tomorrow our church is baking cookies for the volunteers at the

canner. Sure am praying that I can be a part of that special day!

Feb. 1, 2009

2009-02-01T20:09:00.005-05:00

Good Evening, half time of the super bowl, so thot I would send a note.

What a beautiful day here in Anderson, IN. Loren has the 5th wheel ready to go, so we plan to head for Berne, IN, tomorrow morning.

Looking forward to meeting and working with their committee and

community. Also thot I should share with you about another lady

bringing Loren a surpirse in on friday... what is better than one

banana cream pie? two banana cream pies!!!! :)

....and how about two "wanda's" too!

Have a great week!

smiles, from wanda

Feb. 1, 2009

2009-02-01T20:09:00.001-05:00

Uh-Oh!!!!!

2009-01-29T09:35:00.002-05:00

Sorry, forgot to attach the photo of Loren and his banana cream pie.

Some people around here think it is time I prove that I am working

also!!!!

Smiles, from Wanda

Thursday, January 29, 2009

2009-01-29T09:02:00.003-05:00

Good Morning! A wonderful evening with family... and a great Chinese dinner! Thank you Merv and family for a wonderful

evening! Merv is my first cousin. I have been very fortunate

to visit with many cousins here in Goshen and also making many new friends! Yesterday they served 216 here for lunch. That is

alot of volunteers!!!!! Loren is getting quite spoiled..... the photo is

of a banana cream pie a lady brought in special for him! but then

so am I, she also brought me a cookbook! :)

Had a super delicious breakfast this morning, a local hog farmer brought in fresh smoked sausage! Delicious!!!!!

Have a great day Friends!

smiles, from wanda

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

2009-01-28T14:53:00.003-05:00

Yes, we sure had a great time with Les and Gwen and family and Rose. A delicious dinner and good fellowship, and also a nice surprise! Another cousin.... Ron and Judy Zook (from Lancaster

County) stopped in to see us! so a special "Hi" to all the Zook Cousins! from Ron, Les, Rose, and Wanda!....and what fun seeing all Les' original handmade instruments.

January 27, 2009, Tuesday

2009-01-27T16:08:00.004-05:00

Good Afternoon,

Loren and I had a great time over the weekend, Saturday morning we were invited to a friend

that made kettle corn.... very good!!!! then on to Ft. Wayne for

the weekend with friends that we met when we were at a MDS project last July in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Had a great time with them and attended their church, North Leo

Mennonite Church. Tonight we are invited to Les and Gwen's for supper and Les' sister from

Oregon will be there, Rose. Looking forward to that! This morning a friend invited me to go with her from 5:30 - 7:00, to do water aerobics, what fun! I think i could get used to that!!!

(sorry, no photos of that)?????

The other photo is of Paul Payne's son, he attends the North Leo Church.

We ask for your continued prayers for dry roads in the next couple weeks! Looking forward

to being back home again with family and friends!

until next time....

Smiles, from Wanda

reunion after 40 years!!!!

2009-01-26T10:07:00.003-05:00

Loren and Keith meeting after 40 years! They had a great time reminising! I had the privilege of having lunch with Shirley Roth and then she and a friend came to see us at the canner site.

Also my cousin, Les, on the right photo, you can't see where his right hand is, but he came out and played us tunes and we sang along, made an instrument using one of the empty turkey cans. Also on the photo is Peter, and also Rudi from Akron, he is a former canner! Enjoyed visiting with him too. Until next time.....

In Service for Him.... Together we can!

J.Loren and Wanda