The Journey

Fishing

Last Monday, Paul Serb (Royal Ranger Senior Commander at my church) took me out fishing.  I had a blast.  I caught only two (a large mouth and a small mouth bass), but it was fun. 

Update

As you may know I was in an accident on Friday that totaled my van.  My injuries were not serious, but I feel sore all over.  Here are a few pictures of the van that I took on Saturday when we were getting all of our "stuff."

My First Car Crash

Well, it finally happened.  Yesterday, as I was driving to the District Men's Conference, I was in an accident (my first ever).  I was at a stop light, and a truck behind me ran into me full speed (about 50 mph).  It felt like I was in an explosion.  The air bags deployed, and smoke and other stuff was all over the cabin.  The force was so strong that the car in front of me (also stopped on the light) was knocked all the way through the intersection to the other side.  I had the wind knocked out of me and received some lacerations on my leg and burns on my arm.  I was taken my ambulance to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.  All the X-rays and CT scans revealed that there were no serious problems.  I hurt all over, but I am so glad my kids and wife were not with me.  The way the van looks, there would have been a very serious outcome.  I am planning to come back to Manhattan later today once I make the arrangements.  Thanks for your prayers.

Happy Birthday

Well, on Wednesday, April 16th, the Walker Household reached a milestone.  Matthew, our youngest, turned one year old.  Angela and I were a bit sad--no more babies.  Matthew is a walking and talking toddler now.  As I look at my family I consider myself so blessed of God.  I have a beautiful wife, and four healthy children. 

The only hick-up to the days event--we are all sick--allergies I think.  Fortunately, my mother-in-law is in town and several people in the church have helped us through all this "fun."  Even with all the sniffling noses, it is a good day at the Walker's.

Family and Easter

For the Walker family, Easter is a special time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and to enjoy a festive atmosphere at the home.  A few days ago we went to Topeka to shop for Easter dresses.  I was amazed at the price.  Angela and I decided to go to Wal-mart to get clothes for Ethan and Matthew (it was still expensive).

On Wednesday, Angela's mom and dad came up from Wichita to be with us for Easter.  Today, Angela's sister and her husband will join us.  On Sunday, after morning worship, we will gather around the dinner table and have a traditional meal of baked ham, yams, corn, green beans, rolls, and a salad.  I can't wait!

Home Alone

Well, it has finally happened.  Angela will be going to Wichita to speak at a ministry convention.  So, I will be home alone--with all four kids.  I must admit I am a bit nervous.  There will be spills to clean up, kids to wash up, stuff to pick up, and--well you know.  My goal is to have the house cleaner than my wife left it, and the kids uninjured during Angela's absence.  In other words, I want my wife to be proud that I can do a small part of what she does everyday.  Who knows, I might get a sermon illustration out of this experience.

Latest on the Home

I want to show you a couple of pictures of the home we are contracted to purchase.  Although the house is   thirty years old, the owners did a great job in making it look new--with new carpeting throughout and an updated kitchen.  We are scheduled to close on Tuesday, January 29.  There are still a few hurdles to overcome, especially scheduling the VA appraisal and passing inspection.  I'll keep you updated on our progress.

We Got a House

It looks like we got the house we were wanting.  Angela and I will be signing a contract tonight.  Keep us in your prayers!  Praise the Lord!  As soon as we get more information I will post some pictures.

The "Joys" of House Hunting

As we begin the transition from Granite City to Manhattan, Kansas, Angela and I are discovering the ups and downs of house hunting.  Last Friday we spent seven hours looking at homes in the Manhattan area.  I must confess that a trip to the dentist office would have been more enjoyable.  Our goal has been to find a home that we can grow into as our big family grows up.  In addition, we want a home we can entertain in and have various church groups over for fun and fellowship.  We found a home that seems to meet our needs, so now we are in the negotiation stage.  How fun!  Keep us in your prayers.

I also want to add how proud I am of the Board and congregation of Tri City.  They are adjusting well to my departure.  The transition is doing well--and I believe God will bring a wonderful pastor to lead them.  Although we find it difficult to say goodbye to so many friends, we are so excited about our new ministry assignment.  The people of Manhattan First Assembly have been so kind and have sent words of encouragement and peace.  I give all the glory to God for sending us to such a great church.

Preparing the Family for a Move

The Walker family is moving!  That is the easy part.  The hard part is saying goodbye to so many good friends from Tri City Assembly of God.  And, the hard part is packing.  Packing--the thought gives me such "joy"--actually it gives me an overwhelming feeling of "can I get this done?"  Yesterday we spent time working on the boys room.  The funny thing was that the faster Angela and I packed, the faster the kids unpacked.  Angela's mom is supposed to join us next week to help with the kids. 

Also yesterday, Angela had the kids pray.  Amariah prayed for the church that we are going to--Manhattan First Assembly of God.  Ethan prayed for the church that we are departing--Tri City Assembly of God.  McKenna prayed for her eight-month old brother, Matthew, that he would make "right choices." 

Well, this Friday we will be in Manhattan looking for a new house.  Keep us in your prayers that God will give is favor.