It started with discovering, reading, and posting comments on one another's blogs. Then followed getting acquainted at the Vision Forum History of the World Mega-Conference in Hampton, Virginia, - a shared meal, a field trip together, and chatting between sessions. A new friendship started.
Then, a month later, we received "the email"...
The Serven Family (known as the Serven Clan in the blogosphere) hails from the Midwest, where they moved a little over a year ago to be a part of a family-integrated church and where the dad, Marcus, is serving as presiding pastor. These folks love the Lord Jesus and one another. They have a sweet, joyful demeanor which makes us feel very at ease and encouraged just to be around them.
And they are a pretty awesome bunch - they travel all over the place and know loads of people; they produce 4-part psalm-singing CDs, refurbish houses, devour books (especially history with stories), write articles, encourage and counsel the saints, shoot guns (even the girls), produce films, minister with hospitality, play multiple musical instruments, work on Eagle Scout rank, grow gardens, keep up a couple of web sites - whew - all for the glory of God. (They are probably blushing a bit at all these accolades, but we are most blessed by their Christlike character and kindred spirit.)
So, we received "the email" from them a couple of weeks ago, saying they were traveling to a wedding in NC and suggesting a visit with us on the way. We said SURE, come on, we'd love to have you! So, after driving all day last Thursday, they arrived at our home in the Valley that night. Even though they were kind of tuckered, we enjoyed a couple of hours around a meal and blessed conversation.
The next morning was filled with a leisurely breakfast, more visiting, a look at our garden and the surrounding mountains (ooooh, aaaaah), and guy conversation about history, books, and alternative means of education.
Then, the time came when they had to get back on the road to fit in an afternoon tour of Lexington, Virginia, before heading to NC that evening. They graciously invited us along with them to Lexington, and we toured the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery and Lee Chapel together before we had to leave and let them go on their way.
Joel, the youngest Serven, placed a tribute to Traveler, horse of General Robert E. Lee, outside Lee Chapel & Museum.
THANKS very much, Serven Clan, for being who you are and for sharing a slice of your life with us Easterners!
~Tom
Looks like you all had fun!
Posted by: Tammy | Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 07:13 AM
Sounds like you had a perfectly lovely time together. How wonderful that God has provided kindred spirit friends. Thanks for sharing the photos and story!
Posted by: Dorothy | Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 08:07 AM
That sounds like a wonderful visit and wonderful family!
Posted by: Randi | Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 09:38 AM
What a joy to fellowship with like-minded friends!
Posted by: Susan P. | Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 09:42 AM
how fun!! what a blessing!
Posted by: amanda | Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 01:23 PM
How fun! I've occasionally read the Servens' blog, and I quite enjoy it :).
Posted by: Susan | Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 06:56 PM
Oh, the Serven Clan! I can see how you had such a grand time with them since our family had a wonderful time staying with them a couple weeks ago. They are indeed a precious, joy-filled, godly family. I was amazed at how organized their house was for having all those people living within. They are superb when it comes to showing hospitality. I know our family picked up several excellent tips from them.
Thanks for sharing of your time together.
Posted by: lydia | Friday, September 01, 2006 at 06:55 AM
What a blessing! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Sherrin | Saturday, September 02, 2006 at 04:39 AM
Dearest Girotti family,
We have just returned home from our travels around the south! And some of the dearest memories we have are with your family in the Shenandoah mountains. What a treat! You are too kind in your post : } but we must say we are so thankful to God that he has crossed our paths and brought us together. We are counting on a return visit to St. Louis soon!!
Keep on keeping on,
Rebecca for the Clan
Posted by: Rebecca Serven | Saturday, September 02, 2006 at 05:58 PM
Rebecca, so glad your family made it home safely and had a good time in your travels. We enjoyed seeing your post on inside-the-van activities while traveling and look forward to more reports of your time away from home. We'll keep in mind your kind invitation to visit you in Missouri. :) Hello to all.
Posted by: Deb | Sunday, September 03, 2006 at 11:29 AM
Just found out from another blog that the wedding they attended was in Wake Forest-the church is about 2 minutes from my house.
Small world in many ways!!
Posted by: Tammy | Monday, September 11, 2006 at 12:26 PM