Go to www.singingrevolution.com

Go to www.singingrevolution.com and sign up to have this documentary shown at a theatre near you! It is the story of the Singing Revolution that brought freedom to our beloved Estonia! Let us know if you signed up!!

An apology - this picture (below) is out of order - It was taken in Delphi not Athens. Two times on our trip we heard the Estonian language being spoken and both times we interupted with our best Estonian and had wonderful conversations - We haven't lost it yet!! We met these two ladies as we were walking up the mountains amongst the ruins in Delphi, Greece - They even complimented us on our Estonian! (they were being exceedingly kind!) Anyway, it made our day and our trip to Greece even more special -if that is possible.

Our new Estonian Friends!!

We found our thrills on Mars Hill!

A Greek cat relaxing in the Plaka of Athens

Good Friends in a Great City - Athens

Thessalonikki

The view from the high above Thessalonikki where it is assumed Jason's house was. We have just learned that The Salvation Army has just opened its work in GREECE and it will begin in THESSALONIKKI!!

Phillippi - Lydia, the slave girl, a beating and praise in Jail!

A beautiful, warm, sunny day in Phillippi - Acts 16 - Periodically you would see traces of the Ignatian Way - the actual road Paul and companions would have walked and travelled on - the road where the slave girl, day after day hounded Paul until he cast a demon out of her (her day of Salvation, I am convinced!) - Scripture is truly alive!

Not sure what Steve and I were acting out here!!

Oops - not so chronological!!

As we retrace our steps through Greece and Turkey we meant to go in order...oops....These would be the first pics - in Neapolis, modern day Kalamaka in Greece - where Paul and his companions landed after following the call of God through circumstances and the Macedonian vision!

consistant flow brings a smooth stone

The surroundings were simple. After being surrounded by antic white marble crumbled by the years gone bye, and dry ground every where, we found ourselves what seemed like a different land. It was quiet, far from the crowds, it was deep in lush green and fresh moving air. Listening you could hear the rustling, rippling water pass bye. Here was the place, many believe to be Lydia's moment of moving from death to life. She received Christ Jesus and then was baptised...proclaiming the inner change and transformation of every part of her being. The first convert in Europe, and here we stood. Here we prayed for Freedom from all that binds us. As we sat in small groups together, we were proclaiming with all those who came before us, and those who would follow, that we too receive this same Christ who is alive and active. As active as the water rushing down.

The thought came to me, how the water was fresh and new...not the same as that which Lydia stood in. The rocks would have been around back then, but they have moved from the spot they found themselves in so many years ago. Could we be walking on the same rocks? I say...no.... Why? Because, if we did stand upon one of the original rock of that day, it has changed. It would have to, due to the water and it's friction in the movement of it all. I identify myself with one of these rocks. I have known Christ since 16, and I am not the same. I find myself in constant need of a fresh flow of God's moving and active Spirit in me, washing me down to being smooth in His hands. Some waters have come down like that of a storm, and the friction created moves me from one place to another. At times my rough edges have not had full access the the waters healing as I have hid under other well meaning rocks of Christ. Now I seek to scoot from the protection of man and lay myself bare before the waters flow. Flow over me anew, flow over me and make me like You. God I thank you for this amazing opportunity to stand in your Waters flowing from Your thrown of Grace. I love you my Lord and I trust You completely. May I be smoother still this very day.

NICOLE NORDEMAN wrote this song, and it is one of my favorites;

River God

Rolling river God

Little stones are smooth

Only once the water passes through

So, I am a stone

Rough and grainy still

Trying to reconcile this rivers chil

Chorus:

But when I close my eyes

And feel You rushing by

I know that time brings change

And change takes time

And when the sunset comes

My prayer would be this one

That You might pick me upAnd notice that I am

Just a little smoother in Your hand

Sometimes raging wild

Sometimes swollen high

Never have I known this river dry

The deepest part of You

Is where I want to stay

And feel the sharpest edges wash away

Rick and James at Phillippi

Susan at Phillippi

Phillippi - Probable site of the baptism of Lydia

THE CELEBRATION!!

WALK OFF HOMER IN THE 10TH!!

Ryan Howard approaches third base after hitting a walk off homerun in the bottom of the 10th to beat the METS!!!

Jake at Citizens Bank Park

Thanks Dave Burgmayer for the Phillies tickets!! They were awesome seats - we had a great time! See the picture above to see the final act in a dramatic victory against the METS!!

J

Camp Ladore

Jacob near the waterfall at Camp Ladore.

SUMMER BELOW - FALL ABOVE

Below you will see some updates of our summer - above are some recent pics from this fall. Susan bought me a wonderful new digital camera for my birthday (thanks Pia for this inspiration - its the same one you have!) - so enjoy some pics from the new camera.

Grandma Waits Patiently!

As we were soaring in the sky above the zoo and Philadelphia - Grandma waited patiently on the ground!

A DAY AT THE ZOO WITH GRANDMA!

We spent a day at the zoo with Grandma - this included a trip in the hot air baloon overlooking the city of Philadelphia....the wind made the adventure even more exciting!

Stand back 10 feet - enter at your own risk!!

John and Darien after a storm took down part of our tree!!

EMMA'S 7TH BIRTHDAY!

Emma celebrates her 7th birthday in true Estonian fashion - with 7 lifts in the air on a chair -What is that look on her face....fear or joy or a mixture of both?

EESTI MAJA NEW YORGIS!

During our adventure is New York City with Keit, Kristi and Pia we drove by the Estonia House in New York City Thank you ladies for wonderful visits!

An Experiment in the blogosphere!!

I have no idea if this will work or not...but it is a new feature on our blog...Is anyone seeing a video here??

PREPARING FOR THE CLIMB!!

Lovely Susan, precious Emma and handsome Jacob prepare for the climb up "Jockey's Ridge" in North Carolina!

EMMA UNDER THE SAND - NORTH CAROLINA 2007

As it our family tradition - We climbed "Jockey's Ridge" on our annual pilgrimage to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Is that a peaceful look on Emma's face or what?! We also discoverd "Five Guy's Burgers!! Mmmmm...................!!

ITS BEEN A VERY LONG TIME SINCE WE POSTED!!

Yes, we know, it has been a very long time since we posted; I (Phil) am going through a period of blog fatigue - It is a clincially proven malady whose only cure is to have people post comments on your blog - so if you want to see me return to wholeness - say anything!! We will post some pictures from the summer and early fall then bring you up to date with SUSAN AND PHIL'S RECENT TRIP TO GREECE AND TURKEY!!!!

Our 5th Avenue Adventure

Keit, Emma and Jacob from this summer in front of the Disney Store on 5th Avenue....Keit, are you still a Zach Efron fan??

A week at the Pengelly's

Brothers in law/good friends play a friendly game of football. Not sure who won:)
One of life's funniest moments. Can't explain, but if brought such laughter and tears of joy. In the picture you will find one family. Pengelly's, Hart's and Wittenberg's.
My sister Kelly catching a moment to sit and be still. She is such a blessing to me and I thank God for her.
My brother Doug and his wife/my sister Judy. An added blessing to have time with them in South Carolina. They too are a gift to my life journey and I thank God for them.

A sliver of Tom smiling. Thank you Tom.
Don't know his name, but Tom and Doug found him wondering hungry and thirsty. The kids loved playing with him...so much fun.

Every day we fed the turtles right out of our hands. Jacob loved this almost as much as boogie boarding.
Dad has yet another birthday while at the beach.

The last moments Phil and Susan have a private moment on the beach. They reflect and take in so many blessings. A self portrait.

A week at the beach

Patrick made it to the top of the dunes.








Brother and sister enjoy the relaxation of floating on our pond
On top of the dunes, Emma gets buried by mom and brother Jacob. For mom it was just nice to sit down on the cool sand and catch a breath after our climb
Philip caught this beautiful moment in time, as the sun set beyond our pond. Breathtaking view of God's glory magnified.

sarah and pia

We miss you

Lyrics for the pictures below

In My Arms - Plumb

your baby blues
so full of wonder
your curley cues
your contageous smile
and as i watch
you start to grow up
all I can do is hold you tight

knowing clouds will raise up
storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down
waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms

story books full of fairy tales
kings and queens and the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
you'll someday see the truth from lies

knowing clouds will raise up
storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down
waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms

Castles they might crumble
dreams may not come true
but you are never all alone
because I will always
always love you

clouds will raise up
storms will race in
but you will be safe in my arms
rains will pour down
waves will crash all around
but you will be safe in my arms

I'm still standing

A good father will take the spill in order to protect His own. Mission accomplished with joyful heart. The child unaware in joyful bliss

catch a wave and your sitting on top of the world

Jacob found the inherited gift of boogy boarding. He really became a pro, following after his fathers footsteps.

The last day at the beach, he was ridding the waves for 3 and a half hours. What joy;)

My Fathers Arms

As I watched Phil carry our youngest into the waves of the ocean I observed her face. She was so brave and excited to learn what it means to catch a wave. She had been testing the waters by sticking her toes in, then ankles right up to her knees. Now she was going in.

She went to the person who was the best wave catcher in our family and in her eyes over all. Her father. Daddy. He would take her to deep waters and not let harm come to her. He would be the one close at hand to hold tight when needed, to loosen when little one was ready. He would be the one to experience first hand her joy in accomplishment. Yes she was brave because her daddy was her personal bravery for her.

I reflect upon my relationship with my Heavenly Father. He has taken me places both physical and places of the heart. I can move forward because it was He who is holding and loosening. He is life's expert, the One I can trust. When stepping out in faith there is a bravery that is not my own, it is extended to me by the one who is my personal bravery. He is my Strong Hold. My Rock on which I stand when waves of life swirl around. He rejoices with me first hand when I experience His joy in freedom of catching life's waves. The ability and even the faith to step out into deeper waters does not come from, initiate from me....It is extended to me by the Loving arms arms of my Father.

Touring New York

A day of fun in new york.
We have to cross many bridges to get to New York, and through life. I am grateful for the bridges we crossed in order to meet new friends and new places. today we share these bridges with Pia.
Our Fearless leader. Navigating by car and by foot. Treating us at the end of the day to the best Italian ever. Thank you Phil.