Memories #2– Cousins

I don’t even know how to begin in describing the memories in this post. Uncle Fain’s family have been just like real family to us. There is a bond stronger than just cousins with us 9 young people. When we came back from the mission field to actually live here in the States is when we actually grew to know Uncle Fain’s. Daddy always jokes in our programs that it took 2 couples to have as many children as Grandpa and Grandma.:) But really I wouldn’t trade all the experiences we have had with them and the bond of friendship that we have for anything. We stayed with them many days when we still were in Curwensville and came down almost every other weekend. Then after our house burned and we were working on the house in which we are currently living, they graciously kept us for several weeks. Now we have been traveling and playing bells together for 2 Christmas’ and hope to continue for now.

Family photos before our second trip to Africa. So many precious memories.

Our first missions trip to Guatemala as two whole families. There have been many trips with just a few of us but this was a special time with everyone able to go together. Nathaniel is missing in the picture but he was there for several days. We played bells at 12 churches and did 2 VBS’s with around 160 children all combined. There definitely were some rough spots in that trip but God helped us and we are so grateful for the opportunity. Hopefully more trips like that are in the future.

We were asked to play bells with a group of singers for a concert and we needed an official picture. We absolutely loved doing that and would welcome another opportunity to play with a choir. It was just magnificent.

We needed a new and updated picture with everyone in it and showing all the instruments we play and use in a program. We like working together and producing Godly and wholesome music. Traveling together is also really nice. We are both missionary families so missions and traveling is in our blood.

God has blessed us all with varying talents and we love using them for His glory. We have an amazing godly heritage and God has been so gracious to us. The original Morleys traveled many years with their bells and singing. It is not always easy. There are hard times, many opinions, sometimes intense discussions, but our goal is always the same. It takes dedication, hard work, much traveling and tearing up and tearing down. To glorify our Heavenly Father and be a blessing and minister to people’s hearts.

Answers to questions that we get…..

What’s the best part of the program your two families do?

I don’t know that I actually have a favorite part but seeing peoples faces as they enjoy the music and worship God is one of them. Blessing others and serving others in one of my favorite things to do. I love playing bells and singing also. It has been harder this last year for me personally to really put myself into programs but I still love to do it.

How long does it take to set all the bells and everything up?

I think the shortest time we have set up is 15 minutes. There is a lot of things involved in setting up but when everyone works together it goes very quickly. Usually the men have to move things around so that everything fits. Every church is different so every time there is something different to rearrange.

How often do you practice?

We practice 2-3 times a week and average 6-8 hours of time. Especially at the beginning there are a lot of things to discuss, music to arrange, selecting music etc. A lot of time goes into things that aren’t actually practice time but are very important.

I hope you enjoy these memories as much as I enjoyed writing about them. It takes some time sometimes with my foggy brain but it is still a joy to write these things down.