A new week

This past week seems like it went by very fast. The biggest thing that happened is that we got rid of our big red van and bought a mini-van - a Dodge Grand Caravan. It is silver. My brother, Kevin, told us about dealer we bought it from. We put new tires on it, it needs a new EGR valve, and needs new front breaks, but we will still come out less then the maximum we thought we could spend on another vehicle. God provided the money so we could pay cash for it. I am thankful that God gave Doug the ability to save and budget (sometimes it is a hassle) so that we don't have to go into debt to buy things like another vehicle.

JOanna should finish her school work this week, then she'll have two weeks before CYIA training begins. Bethany continues to work at the daycare. It looks she will get extra hours to make up for some of the hours she is taking off to go to Cedar Point and CYIA training. Philip is still waiting to hear about the job interview he had.

Doug and I are preparing for CYIA training - we are teaching the Bible Lesson classes this year so there is alot to get ready. I am also using the same Bible Lesson notes at SMA for our second year students.

Sherry Harris, our pastor's wife, goes to U of M on Friday for a second opinion concerning her brain tumor. Please continue to pray for her.

There is another family in our church that just recently lost a sister-in-law (Aunt to the kids) from cancer, and just this past week, the father (and grandpa) died after having a brain aneurism. ONe daughter, Danielle, is about 14 and having a very difficult time with these deaths. She has other struggles already, but this just adds to her rebellion and anger at God. Please pray for Danielle.

I think that about updates you on the Hammar Family. Thanks for your prayers for us.

A long week

This has been a long week. I have been sick for a couple of days - but am feeling better today. Our pastor's wife, Sherry, found out she has a malignant mass on her brain. They will find out more on Monday.

Today was the Homeschool Music Association Spring Concert for Beginning Strings, Beginning Band, Cadet Band (the one I conduct), Intermediate Strings, elementary Music, Concert Choir, Concert Band, and Jr. Orchestra. My band played very well today - I was so proud of them. Monday I found out that my student clarinet player wasn't going to be at the concert, so I asked Joanna to play with us. She did a great job.

Monday night the Symphonic Band, Senior Orchestra, Chancel Choir, and combined groups will have their Spring Concert at Holt High School - 7:00 pm.

Philip has a little contact with Zach but isn't "hanging out" with him like he used to. That is a good move on Philip's part, but he needs other friends to hang out with. As for his cold/bronchitis - he seems to be getting better slowly.

I just want to say - I praise God for my children. They all have a strong faith in Jesus Christ and a firm commitment to live for Him. They each are at different levels in that process, but are learning each day how to trust God for things.

Pray for Bethany and Joanna as they prepare for CYIA and for teaching the children this summer.

Home from Conference

We arrived home from the CEF International Conference at about 3:15 pm on Tuesday, May 6. We had a great time seeing family, friends, and being enriched from God's Word.

I will attach pictures once I download them onto my computer.

We left Monday night at 9:30 pm and drove all night to Kings Mountain, NC where my oldest sister and her husband live. We arrived there at about 2:30 pm then got right back in the car to

go to Charlotte, NC to the Billy Graham Library. The first picture was the house Billy grew up in. In the middle is the entrance to the Billy Graham Library. The last picture is inside, where Billy's story begins, as a farm boy.

Wednesday morning we went to Charlotte again to have lunch with my niece, Becky, and her husband, then left for Ridgecrest Conference Center for the CEF Conference. First is Deb and Sam, then Becky and Craig. The last picture is at a restaurant in Charlotte, NC where the appetizer is peanuts and they let you throw the shells on the floor.

Some of the highlights were: This Hope providing special music, Dr. Walt Kaiser as Bible speaker, workshops for CEF workers, Kimber Kaufmann (brother of CEF President, Reese Kaufman) preaching on personal repentance, The choir and orchestra from a church in Statesville, NC, Children of the World concert, seeing friends and fellow CEF workers from all over the world - Africa, Korea, Canada, US, Mexico, Ireland, etc. Doug and I were also recognized for 25 years of service with CEF.

The first picture here is of the choir and orchestra from the church in Statesville. Next is Tom and Evlyn Bump - State Director in Delaware. They used to be in Michigan and Tom was the Director of our SMA program. Next is the Children of the World Choir. Finally, just a bit of scenery on the grounds of Ridgecrest.

On Saturday, we visited friends we knew from Detroit who now live in Canton, NC. We were able to spend the afternoon with them.

We left Ridgecrest Monday morning at about 8:00 am and arrived in Springfield, OH where we stayed with some other friends we knew from Detroit, then traveled the rest of the way home today.

Philip and Bethany did well at home while we were gone, and Joanna stayed with a friend, and did well.

We are glad to be home.

Thanks for your prayers.