Mid-March seemed late enough in the winter to schedule a visit to the UP (Upper Peninsula of MI) to visit our ministry partners there.  Not this winter.  It’s been called “snowmageddon” and the UP got more snow than we did.  Still, the trip up to the UP to visit our ministry partners was wonderful!

It’s not often that we “trolls” (MI residents living under the Bridge) venture across the bridge.  Not the Yoopers (MI residents living in the UP) are threatening by any means!  They have excellent fudge, tourist attractions, nature sights, and even a Mystery Spot!  It’s just far from GR.  So when we go, we relish every minute — and go mad taking pictures!

 The lake — or straits, as the water under the bridge is called — was so calm… and so … white!

On closer look, that’s not water, it’s ice!  This is the first time ever we’ve seen the water under Mackinac Bridge completely frozen!

In fact, the only water visible was this trail between Lakes Michigan and Huron made by an icebreaker.

The drive was lovely along Highway #2.  There’s virtually no traffic this time of year, unlike peak tourist season in summer.  Below is a view of Lake Michigan, taken on our way back home, showing how deep the snow has been this winter.

In fact, with no one else on the road, Ron was able to stop and back up to get a better look at this beautiful creature perched in a tree next to the highway.

While driving along the lake in the UP was a beautiful experience, it wasn’t just a pleasure trip.  Our destination was the wonderful folks at Mission Covenant Church in Foster City, MI (3 hours west of the Bridge).  We had a lovely dinner at the home of Pastor Carl and Mary Beth Hammer which gave us an opportunity to get to know several members of the congregation.

On Sunday we had a chance to share  about our ministry in Cameroon with the congregation during the service as well as during the Sunday School hour. Ron was with the adults and I had the privilege of being with the children’s class.  They had raised funds at a bake sale.  During the class, they gave me the money they’d raised.

So I told them I’d send the money to our friends the Melone family who have a ministry to street kids.

In expressing gratitude to the Sunday School Class Mrs. Melone said, “These are the kids from the neighborhood God has provided me with the means to feed.  Most often they used to stay a whole day with very little or nothing to eat.  Now, every child is sure of a meal a day.”

It was fun to connect the resources in Foster City, Mi with the needs in Yaounde!