Welcome

O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Bruce and I always find ourselves planning the tour for next year while we are still on this year's tour!  A common phrase to us is "next time we will do this, or see that". Such was the case on our CFI tour in 2008.  Early in 2009 as the trip was definitely in high gear in our minds, we thought that the "Up to Jerusalem" tour 2009 would be a perfect time to start the celebration of our jubilee year of marriage.  Fifty years of marriage is a very special thing, but especially to me.  For many reasons, this special time had eluded my family.  This would be our 13^th trip to Israel, and our anniversary would be only two months away, so the timing seemed just right.

Excitement was all around us as we met up with old traveling buddies, and also we were able to meet brand new "first timer friends".  The adventure began once again, only this time we had no idea of how much of a surprise awaited us in our beloved Israel.  The tour was wonderful and inspiring as always, especially with our dear friend and guide Naftali Cohen leading our steps.  On May 11 as we were heading for our lovely Sharon Hotel in the lower Galilee, we made an extra stop in Cana.  We often will make a side trip to see an interesting place so Bruce and I didn't think a thing about it.  We had been there before but not for many years, so we looked forward to seeing the charming small town again.  Our little group of 15 were guided around the beautiful Shrine of Our Lord's First Miracle Catholic Church.  We then went into a truly lovely Chapel where the surprise came to life.  We were asked if we would like to renew our vows, and I remember saying that we would be honored.  Pastor Mark DeVito spoke to us about what a true Biblical marriage stood for.  He lead us in the inspiring vows that were not given to us the first time around.  We could hardly speak due to our emotions.  Our dear friend Jerry Ginn played his guitar and sang a beautiful song based on Corinthians 13.  Our witnesses gathered around, and laying hands on us they blessed us with many heartfelt prayers.  We then had a little reception with baklava as our real treat.  All the ladies and myself carried our pretty roses back to our bus as we heard congratulations all along the route.  As Bruce and I sat down, we looked down only to realize that for our very special wedding we both had on jeans.  If we had known the plans we could have dressed nicer!  What was important was not the clothes, but the wonderful occasion that was a complete surprise.

My sweetheart was in the Marine Corps for 20 years and is a Viet Nam veteran, and because of this we have never taken our lives together for granted, and we cherish every day that God has given to us.  We appreciate our marriage and do thank God for His gift to us.  He has now served Reedy Creek Baptist Church in Cary, N.C. for over 33 years, another real blessing.

We want to thank CFI and especially Hannele.  Pardain for everything that they have done for us, not just now but all through the years.  And, oh yes, we have already started planning our 2010 trip!!  May God bless you all.

Blessings,
Viki Johnson