Is That My New House?

This morning was a little hectic. We had to dress, pack, eat, and be out the door by 9 am. The bus would leave at 10. No matter how many times I've packed for a road trip, it's always stressful; but we made it on time, give or take 5 min. The team will be gone for a week, but McKenzie and I will only go for the first series in Reading, PA, which is about 2.5 hours from Bowie. We have been in Reading many times with Harrisburg, but as we came from the opposite direction, we saw entirely new trees, meadows, farms, and fields. I forgot how picturesque Pennsylvania can be. 

When we got to the hotel and started to "move-in," it dawned on me that we had left the diapers sitting on the floor by the couch at home. McKenzie having wet through her diaper made that a slight problem. Thankfully there was a spare in the car and a Target nearby. Josh left for the field at 2:15 and McK and I ventured out to find diapers. As we were pulling away from the hotel she looked up at it and said, "Is that my new house?" 

"No, baby doll, that's the hotel. Our new house is back in Bowie. We are just staying here for a few days." 

"Oh...," she said with the intonation of understanding. 

It's sort of like the children's book "Is that My Mommy?" McK and I could co-author a book entitled "Is that My House?" It could be really cute. 

Josh will probably pitch tonight, so please keep him in your prayers. Love and hugs to all of you!! We miss you! 

Opening Day

Last night was the home opener for the Bowie Baysox. The weather was nippy, but not unpleasant, and Josh pitched two great innings. Thank you, Lord!! We are getting adjusted to our new home and are so thankful to be together as a family again. I spent half an hour on the phone today, getting internet service organized. It's nearly impossible to stay connected in this day and age without the internet, especially when you live in "Mudville." Unfortunately, the modem won't arrive until April 29th, so if we appear to fall off the face of the cyber world, have no worries, we'll be back in a week or so. Thanks so much for all your prayers. The Lord is so good! 

Love to all! 

Home Sweet Apartment

Today is a big day. For the first time in our married life, we are moving into our own apartment. I spent last week researching Craigslist, visiting potential host families, and praying lots and lots. Some of the places I visited ranged from "no-way-under-the-sun" to "hmm...it might work." Friday morning we had to make a decision. We decided to rent an apartment in the same complex where many of the other players and their wives and families are living. It is five minutes from the field, I will be around the other wives, we will have our own space, and won't feel like we are imposing on any one else. 

It is an unfurnished apartment, but Karen and Ken are lending us a couch, folding table and chairs, a living room chair, and all sorts of other odds and ends. We are so thankful for such dear friends. Ken and a friend of his are helping me move the furniture up today. When Josh gets home at 3 o'clock tomorrow morning, he will have a little home waiting for him. I am excited! 

Our living situation might resemble glorified camping, but I think it will be a grand adventure. We have an extra air mattress, so if you ever happen to be in Bowie, Maryland please stop by. We'd love to see you! 

He is Risen!

Up from the grave he arose; 

with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; 

he arose a victor from the 

dark domain, and he lives forever, 

with his saints to reign. 

He arose! He arose!

 Hallelujah! Christ arose!

What a joy to wake up this morning, the bright sunshine streaming in the window, knowing that that Christ is risen; He is risen indeed. Though our little family is not together to celebrate this glorious Resurrection Day, we are rejoicing in the salvation purchased by our Savior Jesus, and in the countless blessings He has richly lavished on us! Josh doesn't play today, but will be traveling from Akron to Erie this afternoon and then will be enjoying the final round of the Master's tournament when he arrives in Erie, which boasts a high of 47 today. McKenzie and I are spending Easter with our good friends Karen and Ken, our host family from two years ago when Josh played for the Potomac Nationals. They live in Gainesville, VA, which is 1-2 hours from Bowie, depending on the traffic on the Beltway. 

We drove down to Gainesville on Wednesday. We are so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends, no, such wonderful family! Karen and McKenzie and I went to a Passion play Friday, and Easter service last night at Karen's church. McKenzie woke up to Easter eggs hidden down the stairs, and a HUGE Easter basket filled with all sorts of treats from Miss Karen and Mr. Ken. We are just sitting down to eat a delicious breakfast of eggs, pancakes, and bacon Ken prepared. Later today, Karen and I will be cooking Easter dinner, which will include some deer sausage from the deer Ken got a few months ago. Yummy!! Can't wait. 

We hope and pray that you have a blessed celebration of our precious Lord's resurrection and pray that you know the joy and freedom of that first Easter morning! 

Much love from all the Perraults!! 

Livin' on a Prayer

Josh left this afternoon on a road trip to the chilly, snow laden city of Akron, Ohio and the equally frigid Erie, Pennsylvania. He will be back next Wednesday/Thursday, depending on if the bus arrives before midnight or not. McKenzie and I are holding down the hotel room here in Bowie, praying that a family opens their home to us, very soon. 

This is the first time in my "baseball career" that I have no idea of where we are going to live. Before there has always been a friend of a friend, etc., but this year, the Lord saw fit to stretch our spiritual muscles a little bit and is asking us to trust Him completely.  

King David told the Lord in Psalm 142: When my spirit faints within me, you know my way. I admit that my spirit is feeling a little faint, but it is a comfort to know that our gracious Father knows the way and is guiding us down His perfect path. 

I know you are all praying faithfully for us, and we appreciate that more than words can say. Please continue to pray that the Lord guides us to the right "home" and that He strengthens Josh as he begins the season tomorrow. 

We pray that you have a delightful, joyful week anticipating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. 

And We're Off

We are sitting in a hotel in Florence, SC en route to Bowie, MD, home of the double-A Bowie (pronounced Boo-ie) Baysox. We will be stopping in Apex, NC to visit Josh's aunt, uncle, and cousins. We wanted to make it to their house last night, but it is an 11 hour drive and we were just too tired. We will spend a few hours in Apex before completing the trek to Bowie. 

Thank you so very much for all your prayers. Josh had an excellent spring training and we are excited to start the season. We continue to pray for strength of body, mind, and spirit for all of us. 

Happy Palm Sunday!