My Hippie Parents Surprise Me Again

My upbringing was pretty unorthodox compared to today’s standards. I would have rather spent time at home, with my brothers and parents than anywhere else.

My parent’s had no health insurance, no credit cards, occasionally a t.v. set, one car (with a one car garage), and all our dinners were made from scratch-which we had together every night.

 


On top of that, my dad left a “stable” career being active duty military to pursue what God had asked him to pursue. My dad is not a fan of change-so this was not a flippant decision. Let’s just say the man duct-taped his flip flops when the broke, because the new ones probably were “too different”.

So, for several years, they left every weekend to preach and sing at tiny churches all over the midwest. They barely made anything, but they made enough.

 


Eventually, my little brother and I joined them-Daniel was on the juice harp and piano, while I sang duets with dad or the occasional solo when I could muster up the courage.

 


No matter what back road we were on, there was always time to pick sunflowers and explore barns.

 


While in college, my parents moved to El Paso for a few years to teach at a christian school just north of the border and then on to St. Louis to be with my Grandma (my dad’s dad).

And that’s where I thought they would land-forever. The had put down roots for almost 15 years, teaching at another christian school, opening a business and remodeling Grandma’s house.

But when you seek God as my parents do, you never know where He’s going to take you.

 


In two weeks, they are moving to Mississippi (which is awesome because I love to type all those “s’s”) to live and work here-The Baddour Center.

It’s a Non-Profit center that offers those with intellectual disabilities a safe place to live and work. It’s a cool program: they play intramural sports together, perform dramas, offer continuing education and music programs and even have a beautiful garden center.

 


(Photo Source: Baddour’s Website)
My dad has taken the job of Choral Director for the Center’s choir called, “The Miracles”. The group’s goal is “to glorify God, demonstrate the abilities of persons with intellectual disabilities, and tell the story of The Baddour Center.”

This job is going to fit my dad like a glove. He gets to put to good use his music and touring skills, taking the group to 90 different concerts throughout the year.

 


Just when I think I’ve got their future all figured out for them, God shakes things up and moves my hippie parents to another state.

Throughout all these changes in their lives, one thing has been certain. Their hearts seek after God-over comfort and familiarity. And they will go where He leads-no matter what.

What more could a girl ask for?

 

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5 Responses to "My Hippie Parents Surprise Me Again"

  1. Linda says:

    Beautiful story, thanks for sharing this morning….p.s. I’ve been on a hunt for the ultra pasteurized powdered milk to make crock pot yogurt… I can only find the non fat and it says nothing about being “ultra pasteurized” I’ve looked at Albertsons, Walmart, and Smart & Final…what should I do ?

    Reply
    • Rebekah says:

      Linda-
      The powdered milk is to be used only if you are using 2% or lower milk or ultra pasteurized milk. You aren’t needing ultra-pasteurized powdered milk.

      Here’s what the recipe says:
      -*1/2 Cup Powdered Milk (if using 2% or lower milk, or ultra pasteurized milk)

      Sorry if that was confusing. Let me know if this makes sense!

      Reply
  2. Denise says:

    It is wonderful that your parents are following God’s leading in their lives!

    Reply
  3. Dad says:

    “Hippie” Parents? What’s up with that?
    Love, Dad

    Reply
  4. Linda says:

    Morning Rebekah,
    Ok I get it now !!! Thanks…just a little nervous about messing it up. I’ll start the yogurt today then.
    Wish me luck !!
    Linda

    Reply

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