THREE STRANDS - Warsaw, IN

As the majority of our trip is now in our rear view mirror, it is fascinating the little things that bring about joy.  Seeing things that hold a familiarity to home, a truck stop with an open shower, conveniently located laundromats, and comfortable nighttime weather all brighten our day on the road.  Today, we found joy every where we looked.  In Cleveland, Ohio we had a chance to visit two wonderfully noteworthy locations.  First, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...

Juliann

Jason

Shiloh

Parked out front of the museum is the tour bus owned by Johnny Cash that he used while touring the country, performing his music.  It's crazy how similar it is to our bus.  They are both 1983 MCI Greyhound buses.  An immediate connection for us to the one and only Johnny Cash, and the city of Cleveland. 

Shiloh with Johnny Cash's bus

Juliann with the Johnny Cash bus

Johnny Cash's bus

Johnny Cash's bus at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Johnny Cash's bus at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

I had a great time in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame immersing myself in the rock legends I grew up listening to.  

Jason

Juliann

Jason

Juliann

The museum gave great insight into Jason's passion for music.  It was evident how real and how raw the feelings were inside of him with regard to the history and culture of rock and roll.  It takes so much heart and soul to pursue a career in music, often leading to a difficult and lonely journey to the top.  The words to one of Jason's songs came to mind as I thought of the struggle it takes to succeed when pursuing this passion.  I admire his dedication to what he believes in his heart to be his calling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7SpzaQWLas

Jason

The other landmark in Cleveland that we made a point to see was the house used for filming the movie, A Christmas Story.  The kids watched the movie last night so that they would be able to appreciate and recognize this home.  Other than the lack of snow, it looked exactly as it did during the filming of the movie. 

Christmas Story House

Tate, Ryder, and Juliann at the Christmas Story House

Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, and Choice

Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, and Choice

Both of the before mentioned locations were planned and looked forward to.  This next site was a surprise that was too good to pass by.  We pulled over and celebrated the artistry of this sculpture for a moment.  A slice of bliss.

Jason and Juliann

Ultimately, we were heading to our visit in Warsaw, Indiana.  This was a very special visit for me. In a couple of different posts, I have shared the encouraging words of a friend who I was yet to meet face to face.  Today was the day that I was going to meet Sheree and her sweet family and thank her for her ongoing support.  

We met at the Warsaw Community Church to attend service with them.  It was a great reconnection to our spirituality and a way to learn more about Sheree and her family.  As I listened to their pastor and watched them take detailed notes of his message, I felt a great admiration for their dedication to God and the betterment of themselves.  

Choice, Joanna, Juliann, Myra, Shiloh, Mike, Tate, Ryder, Sheree, Sophia, Kolten, and Rachel

Following the service we went with them back to their home for a spaghetti bake.  It was delicious!  It reminded me so much of the family dinners that we would enjoy with my side of the family on Sundays in Prescott.  With the exception of one sister, the entire family was there to share a meal and visit with us today.  Father and Mother: Mike and Myra; Children: Rachel & John, Kristen, Joanna, and Sheree; Grandkids: Sophia and Kolten.  

Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, Tate, Kolten, Sheree, Sophia, Ryder, and Rachel

Choice, Shiloh, Juliann, Kolten, Sheree, Tate, and Ryder

We had a blast at their house! The kids felt comfortable being themselves and playing with Sophia and Kolten.  Tate and Choice had fun playing with the grown ups...

Tate and Jason

Choice and Joanna were playing Chinese Checkers and they were cracking everyone up.  Their giggles and smiles were contagious.

Joanna and Choice

I am not exaggerating when I say that this was one of the closest, most unified and compelling families I have ever met.  Their love for each other and for God were evident in everything they did and said.  As I learned more and more about them, the reason for this unmatched strength and Christ-like compassion was better understood as well.  

In 1989, Mike and Myra felt a call on their lives to move to a country with great need, the Central African Republic (CAR).  Mike quit his family practice job as a Physicians Assistant, and with their daughters Rachel and Rebekah, they arrived in the CAR on the 5th of July 1989.  While living and serving in two remote villages, they soon fell in love with the people of the CAR.  While in Africa, their daughters Kristen and Joanna were born. 

They continue to split their time between Indiana and Africa, being of service to people in need in both places.    

Mike and Myra

After dinner and Joanna and Choice's wicked game of Chinese Checkers, we all sat in the living room to share our messages with each other.  The kids and I talked to them about "Be Better" and gave each of them Be Better bands to remind them of why we felt compelled to stop in and see them today.  

Mike then shared with us about their organization...Three Strands.

 www.three-strands.org

The three strands represent COMPASSION, COMPETENCE, AND CHRIST-FOCUSED health care focusing on the physical and spiritual needs of the neediest people in the developing world.  Three Strands leaders have 25+ years of experience working in the CAR, which at times seems all but forgotten,  In spite of violence and insurrections, their teams stick to it.  Mike explained that this scripture is the bedrock for their missions statement,

 "A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT QUICKLY BROKEN". Ecc. 4:12.  

They have established a healthcare facility in the CAR that is committed to the treatment and prevention of disease and to health education.  Three Strands provides healthcare to anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, tribe, religion, or social strata.

They gave us white silicon bands with their organization's name printed on them.  These are the only other white silicon bands I have come across.  What a beautiful coincidence. They also gave us a Mud Mug with Three Strands etched on the side.  My mind was heavy in thought and admiration for this inspirational family.  

It caused me to reflect on the words shared by their pastor today about giving yourself fully to God. He rhetorically asked if there was any area of our life where we didn't allow God's guidance and will. He contrasted the individual who loves God and goes to church while reserving aspects of their life to the individual who has surrendered their self fully to the will of God.  In every conceivable way, this sweet family has turned their gifts, talents, strengths, education, and hearts over to the Lord.  They act as tools in His hands to bring about his will on this Earth.  What a refreshing and humbling reminder to rely on Him at all times.   

Sheree, Sophia, Ryder, Kolten, Myra, Juliann, Tate, Mike, and Joanna

We had a delicious dinner with incredible new friends.  What a blessing this was for all of us.  The kids had to be yanked away as they would've liked to stay with them forever.  I assured them that this would not be the last time we would see them.  I look forward to exploring ways in which I can be involved with Three Strands. I encourage you to visit their website and contribute in whatever way you can to provide aid to those who truly are in need.  

 www.three-strands.org

Jason, Choice, Juliann, Shiloh, Myra, Mike, Tate, Ryder, Sheree, Kolten, Sophia, and Rachel

Choice, Joanna, Juliann, Myra, Shiloh, Mike, Tate, Ryder, Sheree, Kolten, Sophia, and Rachel

Our journey moves forward as we make our way to a different Indiana city.  That will tie up our trip on the bus and after tomorrow's visit, we'll be making our way back to Arizona.  Hard to believe it went by so quickly in so many ways.

Rusty and Tate

Rusty

This may be our very last night walking into a truck stop shower.  Funny how these little things have brought us the most joy.  I will miss this, believe it or not.

Last Truck Stop Shower Stop - Choice, Ryder, Shiloh, Juliann, and Tate