On Monday 12 October, we made our way to our 6th State - ALABAMA!!! I wished we had stopped to take a photo of the sign as we entered Alabama - of course it said "Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama!".
Our main purpose for visiting Alabama was to catch up with the Crawford family. As many of you know, Kelly Crawford did a skype interview for us leading up to the ENGAGE 2015 conference. Kelly is a Home-Educating mother of 11 (one in the womb - not long to go!), who writes to encourage mothers on her blog, Generation Cedar (www.generationcedar.com).
The time we spent with the Crawfords was very special indeed. Our children instantly all got along as if they had known the Crawford kids for years, and we had some very sweet fellowship with Kelly and her husband Aaron.
The time we spent with the Crawfords was very special indeed. Our children instantly all got along as if they had known the Crawford kids for years, and we had some very sweet fellowship with Kelly and her husband Aaron.
Kris & Becky talking with Kelly & Aaron after a YUMMY dinner!
Our children spending time talking with the Crawford children.
Kris, Becky, Kelly & Aaron - what a blessed night of fellowship!
The Crawfords have an amazing story to tell, how they lost their home due to a devastating tornado, and how the Lord carried them through that time. Right where we met with them, we were in their home that was built on the site where the previous home was literally destroyed, except for the basement. The Crawford's had some good friends 15 or so minutes away, who during the same tornado in 2010, experienced great tragedy. The father in that family, a father of 13 children, was killed in the tornado, dying as he laid across his oldest son to protect him from harm. That family were described by the Crawfords as an amazing family who love the Lord, and in spite of tragedy have continued to serve and glorify God with their lives. The Crawford's had the challenge of living with all their children in a caravan for 1 year while their home was rebuilt. I have included some links below that tells more of their story and we encourage you to check them out - such a testimony of God's sustaining grace.
Our time at the Crawford home reminded us that what really makes a "sweet home" in Alabama, is the presence of Christ in the family, and a desire to cling to Him, and honour Him in life, no matter what trials come our way.
Our time at the Crawford home reminded us that what really makes a "sweet home" in Alabama, is the presence of Christ in the family, and a desire to cling to Him, and honour Him in life, no matter what trials come our way.
The Crawford's home after the tornado.
Click here to read Kelly's posts about the Tornado, and their journey through the aftermath.
Check out the video clips below to see interviews with Aaron, and the eldest son from the family who lost their father in the tornado.
Check out the video clips below to see interviews with Aaron, and the eldest son from the family who lost their father in the tornado.