Our friend and Penpal.

Today started out awful for Darla, because she woke up with an awful stomach ache and we were both pretty homesick... So off to class we went and did the usual routine, except today we were told that we had a package for us! We instantly were excited and when we asked where the package was, we were corrected and told that there were 3 boxes! We ran to the foyer where we were overwhelmed by the multiple boxes and how they were each pretty heavy. As we started to open them, we didn't know who it was from, but then we realized it was from Hannah Jeanne! We enjoyed the mid-day surprise and encouragement. We got a ton of snacks, school supplies, fun activities, the Prince of Egypt, and other random things. We LOVED it all! Thanks SO much Hannah!!!! 
Love, Darla and Erin

We are all God's creation and all PEOPLE.

Again, I was taken out of my comfort zone and thrown into a van that I'd spend an hour in before helping out with a fall festival at Lighthouse, a home for 12 mentally handicapped men and women. We were assigned to run different games. I was put in charge of the Bouncy Ball game where a child would come and roll 3 bouncy balls down a board and see how many points they could get at the end. So many people came through the games, bought food, and donated money to help Lighthouse run and operate. As the festival started to end, we helped clean up, but then were given nothing to do, but sit. So we sat and talked to many of the residence of the home. There was Jayme, who was super sweet, talkative, and celebrating her birthday... There was Ryan, who loves football, basketball, and hangs out with the cows... There was Sarah, who was quieter but so kind, and loved looking at the pictures through my camera... And then there was Michael. I felt bad for him because he was just sitting there getting hit by the balloons that Jayme was holding and not being talked to, so I went over and started asking him about his day, favorite holiday, his family, and helped him get some candy. Unlike any of the other residents at the home, Michael was even more special in my eyes. He was blind. Normally I would be a little stand-offish when coming in contact with a blind person, because I feel like I act and treat them weird. Who knows... Maybe I don't. Maybe it's just me being insane. Even though I felt awful today from all of the sun, the Lord definitely blessed me and also our time there. Please keep Lighthouse, the residents, and also all of the staff there in your prayers. Pray they continue to get support and keep God the center of the ministry. Thanks! Love you all!!!

they say, First Impressions Are Most Important

(Sorry I know the picture is creepy but you need the vibe.)

I was going to tell you about my day of classes and Albert Einstein teacher but then I met Skull Church and everything else just pales in comparison. Yes, it's as bad as it sounds. So let me tell you about the church named after Golgotha:

One, it's in a movie theatre. I've been to a church in a movie theatre before so that wasn't too bad. It was everything hidden inside that creeped me out. When you walk into the auditorium you're greeted with at least a dozen skulls. Drawn skulls and digital skulls, thank God no real ones. The background of the stage was a picture of a creepy man with half of his face normal and the other half a skull. I wouldn't have been surprised if there were a few skull tatoos going around. Please count how many times I say skull in this post because that's how many there were. The music playing in the background was half screamo half rock. It was so obvious they were trying to be "cool" for younger people because those were the only type of people there. I guess they were too cool for me. It was the weirdest vibe i've ever had in a church. I had to look around and make sure everyone was carrying a bible instead of a copy of Twilight. Then worship began. My ears, head, and heart are still recovering.  And I’m still trying to figure out if the lead singer was talking about God or his girlfriend in half of those songs. But I don't want to make this church sound ALL bad. The teacher though I was skeptical at first seemed to be genuine in the end. He taught on Ecclessiastes.. it was very elementary. I mean the basics of basics almost. But during the altar call I could tell he sincerely cared about people. Everyone at the ranch loves him and said he's not usually so beginner-ish.  A few people did get saved so I will definatley give him another chance. Still  Something tells me there won’t be electric guitars in heaven and angels wearing skinny pants with skulls on t-shirts. It sounds almost blasphemous. So yes that was my Wednesday night experience and now I’m watching Aladdin and eating Special K. I miss everyone so so soo much! I can’t wait to see you all in December and hear some good old Pastor Joe.

<333 Erin Nicole

I felt like I was going to Barf.

Never in my life have I walked into a CHURCH and gotten sick!

1st thing I saw when walking into church...

As we walked into Skull Church, I started to get this weird feeling... The music was hardcore and sounded like I entered a cult church, the podium was metal with a huge skull on it, and there was this man that was half man, half skull on the background. Worship then started... It was definitely NOT worship. I felt like I was at a concert.... The church cared so much about how they looked and how they came across to the youth, but then the pastor started teaching Ecclesiastes chapter 6 and talked about how we shouldn't be vain. I don't know if it was just me, but I had to stop, look around, and think what the church was caring about. And again, I don't know if it's just me, but I felt that the message was kinda hypocritical. They were focusing on looking "hip and cool" and then teaching about not caring and not doing things in vain... Opposites? 
Don't get me wrong... The church taught the Bible and people were getting saved, but it just wasn't for me. But .... Good News! I just found out that I am aloud to sit and pray in the prayer room for the study... That will be good. 
O man... I didn't want to be writing about Skull Church, but I ended up making that what I talked about. 
But today we started our culture class and it was SO good! We have the cutest teacher named, Pastor John Michaels. He's been everywhere around the world and has so many stories!!! I think him and Doctor Pennington would get along well.
Today, a wise friend of a friend said this, "Other people's opinions are none of my business." I just thought that was interesting and something to think about. 
Keep praying for us... Today was really difficult for me. Love you guys! Can't wait for Christmas break!!!!!!!
- Darla Maxine

Contact Us:

How to write us letters!!!!!!! 

OUR NAME
C.O. Potter's Field Ranch
P.O. Box 68
Olney, Montana 59927

And then I met Sid.

Let's drive for 45 minutes through state park and then get lost on top of suicide hill. As we looked around, we got a bit nervous about what we were getting ourselves into. But... Finally we found where we were going, and it ended up being a cute little place called, The Good Samaritan. Walking in, my stomach started to turn. Yes. I got nervous. I always feel like I don't know how to talk and hang out with the elderly. I never want to get to the point that some of them are at and I guess it kinda scares me. Now... Walk around the room and meet everyone! That's what we were told to do. The first man I met was named Sid. He was the cutest little man, and then after I finished meeting everyone I scanned the room for a place to sit and chill and it so happened to be back next to the cute little man named Sid. So I walked over and asked if I could pull up a chair, he of course was so excited and said yes! Michaela and Spencer sang some songs and I started to chat and crack jokes with him. Wouldn't you know he could sing and led the room in singing "O went the Saints go marching in" and played us some harmonica. He told me about the war he was in, how his brother passed away, how he got married to his wife named, Alice Marie, and about his 16 grandkids and 9 great-grandkids! I never felt so comfortable with someone at an elderly home. He looked so young and healthy, but he ended up saying that he was 91 YEARS OLD!!! Ridiculous. He was my favorite. As we left, he gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Just found out we're going to be going back every month. Can't wait to go back and see my new best friend named, Sid. 
- Darla Maxine

To all Care-package Senders

To those of you who expressed an interest in sending us care packages here's a list of things we need/would like to have:

1. Tea

2. pumpkin spice coffee syrup

3. gum

4. tissues- for erin

5. some love in letter form

6. good books to read, for erin again: biographies especially please. : )

7. chocolate 

8. notebooks, pens, pencils.

9. prince of egypt on dvd.
10. Crayons - For Darla!

11. anything else you wanna add!

Thanks soo much in advance if anyone actually does send some of this stuff. We love everyone and miss you all!!!

P.S. We'll be updating with actual news/events within a few days. Life's busy in montana.

Day Three

Darla kills bug with bare hands.

The Simple Life

I knew the moment we crossed the border to Montana because my allergies went insane. The recycled air on the plane may have contributed though. We took a really small plane, they didn't even have a walk way to get off. Instead it was a random set of stairs that led outside. So first impressions: there were at least five cowboy boots and hats being worn, brown leather everywhere, and thermostats that said 40 degrees. Also everything is made of wood- I don't blame them, there's plenty to go around. It's open plains, woods, and then mountains kinda in the distance. It's really small townish here- like the girl working at starbucks acted like we were all best friends. Soo weird. I think this is what the 50's must've been like in all the towns, everyone knowing everyone. (If someone is old enough to have lived in the 50's and i'm totally wrong about that sorry.) Ummmm ya. Everyone at the ranch is really nice it's just real different from Philly. And today were already starting ministry stuff, helping Mike Rozell set up his pottery things for his next event and serving the people there. Same thing tomorrow. It's gonna be a lot of hard work here they clean about 4-5 hours.. a day. And have a somewhat strict schedule. Not exactly PBU or anything. I've decided my goal for the next four months besides learning about God and getting to know him is to see a moose. But yeah just pray for me and darla we miss philly alot but i'm sure that we're gonna learn alot out here! I'm excited for classes to finally start on Tuesday. MISS YOU ALL!!! Really. Like alot.

-Erin Nicole   

Fly Away Home.

4:00 am - Leave for Philadelphia airport
4:45 am - Arrive @ Philadelphia airport
2:30 pm - Arrive in Montana airport
I've been up for approximately 36 hours, so sorry if this doesn't make sense. Flying to Montana was quite a journey... The 1st flight was great! It was 2 hours and felt like 1. ... But the second plane was tiny and took FOREVER! It was 3 1/2 hours and felt like 6!!!!!! Insane. Getting off our baby plane was fun, we walked directly out of the plane to outside. It's pretty chilly here. 
The people here are so welcoming and loving. I like it. (Thank goodness.) 
This weekend is going to be PACKED! We have an outreach tomorrow and Sunday. Then we have orientation on Monday and I think on Wednesday we are getting a 3 page paper. O boy. 
I'm hype. I miss Philly A LOT LOT LOT LOTTTTTTT though! Can't wait to talk to you guys and write some of you!!!! Thanks for all the prayers. 

Love, Darla Maxine

Au revoir

This is it... We are off to Olney, Montana. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts! We love you all and thank the Lord for putting each of you in our lives. Hope to keep in touch. See you in December!!!!!!!!
- Erin Nicole and Darla Maxine

C.H. Spurgeon - Cheque Book of Faith

'Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out' Deuteronomy 28:6

... This day I will come in to my house without fear of evil tidings, and I will come into my closet expecting to hear good news from my Lord. I will not be afraid to come in unto myself by self-examination, nor to come in to my affairs by a diligent inspection of my business. I have a good deal of work to do indoors, within my own soul; oh for a blessing upon it all, the blessing of the Lord Jesus, who has promised to abide with me. 

I must also go out. Timidity makes me wish that I could stay within doors, and never go into the sinful world again. But I must go out in my calling, and I must go out that I may be helpful to my brethren, and useful to the ungodly. I must be a defender of the faith and an assailant of evil. Oh for a blessing upon my going out this day! Lord, let me go where thou leadest, on thy errands, under thy command, and in the power of thy Spirit. 

Lord Jesus, turn in with me and be my guest; and then walk out with me, and cause my heart to burn whilst thou speakest with me by the way. 

Encouragement...

HIMSELF
     by A. B. Simpson
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.

Leaving on a Plane.

In just a couple weeks, we will be leaving to head out to Olney, Montana. A place that will totally be out of our comfort zone. Snow, nature, big bugs, but time to be completely focused on what the Lord wants to do in our lives. Follow our journey over the next 6 months! Love you all!!! -Erin Nicole and Darla Maxine