As for Me and My House: June 2011

Well, actually we've been back for almost a week and have just been readjusting to home-life. What a FANTASTIC vacation we had with our family in Texas. Lots of family get-togethers, Travis' graduation, roofing, newly remodeled sanctuary, and lots more!

We are so thankful for our wonderful family and friends. What a time of encouragement and refreshment we had with them. We had several trips back to Texas since we've been married, but this one stands out to me. I can't exactly pinpoint a reason why... the only word to describe it is "special". It was just a sweet time. Since you probably don't want to read every detail of the trip I will highlight some "special" moments.

FLIGHTS: First of all, we were at the airport for 7 hours on June 1 and never left Portland! Storms in Newark, NJ had shut down the airport and no flights were coming in or leaving. Finally, we re-scheduled to leave the next morning at 6. So we stayed with Gramma and Grampa and left their house at 3 the next morning to catch our 6 a.m. flight. What a trying time for a mommy with 2 toddlers to entertain and keep quiet! Some folks were helpful and some folks were content to stare. :) My verse for that trip was "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." Focusing on the "sound mind" part. Coming back, we were delayed in Dallas for an hour and a half (already on the plane) because of more storms in Newark... though I'm fairly certain that they shut down the airport if it so much as sprinkles. The Lord gave a token for good that really encouraged me.... a lady helped me as we were getting food in the airport and her son appeared 2 seconds later with straws that I didn't even realize I had forgotten. If that weren't enough, a few minutes later she walked by with her 3 sons, one of which had Autism. What a blessing that was to me to see a woman, who definitely had her hands full, take time to help a younger mom.

COUSINS: It was SO special to see Caylyn and Trent play with their little cousins, Gianna and Makayla. It was especially special to see them play together because I have lots of great childhood memories with her mom and dad! We went to the park a couple of times, swam, and just had a great time with them.

CHURCH: I always enjoy taking my children back to my home church. The older folk just love to see them and I enjoy sharing them! There is something so special about bringing them home to the church where I grew up and having them meet people who have made an impact in my life. It's so encouraging to see lots of familiar faces who have been faithful through the years, but it's also great to see new faces and growth in the church! Very special.

At the beginning of May, a tornado took the roof off the church and damaged the sanctuary. After 5 weeks of meeting at the local funeral home, the church met in the newly remodeled sanctuary. What a sweet service. Tears of joy everywhere! Rejoicing for the Lord's goodness, rejoicing for a baptism, and rejoicing for 2 young boys who were saved the previous Wednesday night! God is SO good!

REUNION: A former roommate from college, Sheila, came to visit me while I was in Texas! She and I and Cortney (Makayla's mom!) were roommates in college and have some special memories together! We were Sheila's first roommates when she came to America from Indonesia. She spake little English, but we could tell that she had such a sweet, sweet spirit. She has been a huge encouragement to me through the years and I am so thankful for her friendship!

WORK: My dad flew Chad down to Texas for a week to help roof a rental house. Chad really enjoys working with my dad and brothers... even if it's on a hot roof! Even though it wasn't really a "vacation" for him, he still had a really great time with the fam! He also enjoyed working with Max and Uncle Rod... I sure hope Max's finger is okay! (Ask Max or Chad if you want details.)

GRADUATION: The first Sunday in Texas was Travis' graduation ceremony. It was such a nice service as we reflected on his life and his accomplishments. We are so proud of him! Definitely an emotional time since he is the last kid to graduate high school! What a blessing to say that my mom home-schooled all four of us for all our school years! I remember many times that we caused her frustration, but she never gave up. My dad worked so hard for her to be able to stay home with us. I am so thankful. What a great example and testimony!

FAMILY: The most special moments of the 2 weeks were spent in quiet fellowship with my mom and dad. Their wisdom and transparency in the choices they've made through the years really encourage and challenge me. Nobody is perfect, but it takes a very strong person to share their strengths and weaknesses openly. I so appreciate my parents and how they have raised me and challenged me. Chad and I are so thankful for them and are blessed to call them ours!

Here are a few snapshots from our vacation...