I promise I am going to get to the end of this anniversary trip before too long, so thanks for bearing with me on our journey.

We left our camper very early on Sunday morning, June 19, bound for Ellicott City, MD.  We arrived there around ten o’clock and found the church pastored by Dan Crow. Now, it's important to know that we go back a very long way with Dan and his lovely bride, Becky Cade Crow.  So far back, that’s another whole blog in itself, having originated in Kentwood, LA in the late 1960s, early 70s.  

For starters now, though, Dan pastors The Church at Covenant Park in Ellicott City, and we had been wanting to see those “kids” for a very long time.  So, since we were in the general area of the US, our time had come!  To add more sweetness, we would also get to see Del and Connie Morgan – another whole story that is way too long and involved for one simple blog entry.  Del is worship leader at the same church.  Double blessing.

We arrived between the first and second services, and as soon as the first was dismissed we received a robust welcome by Jonathan, Stephen, David (and his fiancé Krista), and Allen Crow!  (4 of the 5 sons of the Crows)

Soon thereafter we were engulfed in hugs from Connie Morgan, along with son Michael and his wife; also Danielle and her husband; and daughter Rachel.  Lana was unable to be there because of an obligation at her church in Washington, DC.  (She and Danielle attend the same church in Washington.)  It was Father’s Day, so all the Morgan “kids” were present (except sweet Lana) to lavish their love upon their father Del, and the Crow kids did likewise.

I was so moved at the realization of being united with all these wonderful friends, who are more like my family, most of whom I had not seen in years!  The Morgans came into our hearts and lives when Del came to Kentwood (LA) FBC.  They lived next door to us; Rachel was only 3 - and there she was, singing and praising the Lord!  She is now nearing 30 and graduated from Wheaton, working on her master's.  Then there was Michael, a bundle of pure energy, sweet Danielle who was the sweetest, most lovable baby in the world!  And then little Lana came along! Oh, how we enjoyed the Morgan kiddos!  Connie is a wonderful mother and recently received her master’s in writing children’s literature.  Del and Connie are Louisiana natives from Cajun country!  In addition to his music and worship duties, Del founded a wonderful ministry, Lamplight Artists; from his website: Del founded and is currently Executive Director of LAMPLIGHT ARTISTS, a non-profit organization committed to raising up artists who are passionate Christ followers. Sharing Christ through music and the arts continues to be a life-long pursuit. Taking others along on the journey has deepened the joy of knowing Christ.



Connie and Del Morgan

As I mentioned, the Crows go way back to days in Kentwood when Becky, a young girl who had recently lost her dad, came to work for Bill at our store.  Bill became a surrogate father of sorts and even gave her hand in marriage to Danny Crow whom she had met while both were students at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS.  (After Danny was thoroughly vetted, of course!) Through the years we have followed them and their FIVE SONS, and now are watching them as they are proud grandparents!  Becky and Danny (we still call him Danny!) have blessed us immeasurably through these many years.

Becky and Bill (don't miss Bill's cap! Had to have a taste of home!)

Following church, we enjoyed a wonderful Father’s Day of feasting on steamed crab and all the sides at the hospitable home of Adrian Crow, the first born son.  Our elbows and mouths were moving 90 to nothing.  Delightful weather allowed us to enjoy the outdoors.  Emeril Lagasse would have been proud, 'cause we definitely kicked it up a notch - or two.  Actually, I got pretty good with those pliers!

Beth, Colton and Velta


Jonathan Crow, proud father of Colton

We returned to our camper after having an unbelievably great day of sharing with dear friends and recounting our blessings.  A few final words about Becky Crow: for as long as Bill and I can remember – we’re talking 35 years or more – she has faithfully, without fail, remembered each of us on our birthdays, Father's Day, etc.  Each card has words spoken from her sincere heart and causes us to pause and thank God again for Becky and her devotion to us.  She is a rare jewel, and we treasure her and her family.  Professionally, she is a nurse; however, as I recall, she has chosen to spend her time guiding and nurturing her sons, homeschooling them, and by being a constant companion and helper to Dan in their ministry.  Currently, she is very active in a non-profit ministry in addition to the women's ministry at Covenant.

We have been blessed by so many who have touched our lives and hearts; the Crows and the Morgans are etched there.  We were so thankful for the opportunity to visit them and have a true picture of where they live and work.  Our cups were full and overflowing.