Year End Catch Up!

Update:

Trumpet news, Archey is lovin’ his trumpet. He played “Silent Night” in jazz style for me…sweet!  We totally blessed his socks off! Thanks all who helped get the trumpet to Iraq.

First round of Christmas boxes arrived full of good stuff. I’m sure Dan loves his PS2! Shipped another box on Dec 28, should arrive in 3 weeks.

 

Wreath laying was “Moving” as Sid put it. Sid is veteran of Vietnam War served in the Merchant Marines. This was the first time Sid had been a part of a ceremony honoring his service to our country.

The Blue Star Mom’s were out and enjoyed laying the wreaths. Many were touched with the fact that only 2800 wreaths were purchased, not near enough for every grave site. We all hope to do more next year. Goal is 5500, a full truck load!

Skyping with Dan during out Christmas Celebration was tons of fun, with Tannisha on the phone it was a riot! Missed Jason, Shannon and the kids; I got to see them on Dec 23.

Bonnie and her friends took part in wreath laying in Phoenix, AZ. There event was not covered by any media groups so she wrote a letter:

A tribute to our heroes who have given their all, those that serve today and the families and all who love and honor them was held today at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona and across America.  This was sponsored through a local organization led by Ron and Lea Eppic (last name I believe but you will find it on wreathsacrossamerica.org) with that website the originator of this event, a man with a mission who is a hero and treasure too.  The hour long ceremony touched us all. 

We had a group of friends there to honor two cherished loved ones buried here; supporting a mother of Joey and a daughter of Sunny, both our beloved friends.  We laid the wreaths with others doing the same on their resting place surrounded in unified love and gratitude to our heroes.

Everyone is touched by someone who served or is serving and who sacrificed all...my sister who has her youngest son serving in Iraq, took a group to the ceremony at Rosecrans in San Diego...what an amazing untold story I believe today was here in AZ and I pray I am wrong about that.

This yearly one day national mission to honor all heroes across America is a story all should know about.  Freedom isn't free but those who serve freely give to us their all with their lives in every way.

Guitar to get painted – Matt picked it up on Dec 31, it will be painted and sent to Dan in about a month. Sorry for the long wait Dan…it will be worth it!

Happy New Year! more pics on Loretta's Facebook pages.

A Vessel of Blessing!

God is good!

Here's the story, my friend was so excited, she had news regarding a trumpet!  She said, "you won't believe where it was found?"  A young man the Lord is healing and restoring to his family, whom many including Loretta have been praying for, was cleaning out his storage unit after about 10-15 years (maybe more) and her son was helping; he called to report what had been found....this, that and a trumpet. She was beside herself...a trumpet??  Funny thing, this young man doesn't play the trumpet nor does he recall how or why it was in his storage unit. Truly a miracle added to the many miracles that God is performing in his life.  He and the trumpet became "vessels of blessing" to a soldier in Iraq. 

I was privileged to meet the young man on Sunday afternoon and had a brief conversation.  He said to me, "to keep doing what I'm doing."  I receive these words of affirmation and encouragement. Oh the joy to see him laughing and being with his family and taking time to speak with me.

Specialist Michael Archey will receive a trumpet just in time for Christmas!

She's not much to look at, but her sound is sweet!  The young man at the music store checked her out, played a few notes, oiled the valves and gave a 15% discount on the fresh oil. With her safely in her case with a few Christmas stuffers, and the help my sister Bonnie to tape the box, Robert carried her along with 3 boxes for Dan into the Corona Del Mar post office. With a prayer of protection and thanks to God for all those who helped, the trumpet is on her way!  I'll be tracking her stops along the way, first stop was the Santa Ana main post office, which we drove by...funny lol!

I hope to add more stories about Mike and the trumpet...pictures too.

Thank you to all who prayed, looked and gave! God uses us individually and collectively, let Him use you this season and always to be "vessels of blessing!"

Blessed to be a blessing!