US Trip Highlights

Being back on the blogger dashboard feels good...I've been away too long.  Not because of some writers' block, or anything like that.  If anything, it's the opposite- I am quite overflowing with things to write.  It's finding the time, or, in my case, making the time. 

Today marks 4 weeks since our return from the US.   

The Trip. Was unforgettable and indescribable.  In fact, it is so hard to put into words everything that transpired that I won't even try.  I almost feel like I need to get this post behind me. Because if I don't write out this condensed version I'll give into myself and write about it for months and, let's be honest, ain't nobody got time for that.

There were times during The Trip when I thought, "I should really be writing this down".  Originally,  I'd had the intention journaling my experiences as a TCK during our time in the States,  but for some reason, I stopped myself.  I guess I needed to rest.  To coast.  To drift and not sort out or try to make sense of the things we were seeing, experiencing and living.  It was all there, and the people I wanted to share it with the most were there, too.  It was exactly what we needed; the answer to a multitude of prayers.

All my Christmases came at once.

Some highlights...

• Seeing our family in Louisiana had to be the best part of the trip.  It was a dream come true to combine both my worlds for 2 weeks and have my children and husband meet everyone.  The last time we saw family was 10 years ago, when Nate was an infant.  It was definitely good to reconnect.  We  made memories and now my kids can say things like, "You looked like Aunt Shelly just now when you said that" or "Grandpa's brothers look just like him".
• Spending time with my brother, sister-in-law, and their family.  Also spending time with my sister and her family.   Words can't describe how much I needed that! 
•  Seeing old friends and making new ones in Louisiana, Arizona, Minnesota and Sioux Falls.  I am so humbled by the love, hospitality and generosity of God's people. 
• Seeing my friend Sara and getting to know her family.  They graciously hosted us in Arizona for about 6 weeks.  I'm sure it wasn't always easy, but they were great examples of Christian hospitality.  
•  Seeing church family in Louisiana.  Darrell and Tracy...Paw Paw Lloyd and Maw Maw Jane...the Marquette girls, the Pilleys, Donna, Lisa, Steve...the list goes on and on! 
• Shelly!  Hanging out with my best girl and her family was amazing! 
• Spending time with the Terrys and the Bayers.  I finally got to meet Sandy Bayer!

Of course, it would have been nice if I had pictures to go with the highlights, but I'm just not organized enough at the moment.  

The Trip wasn't just a vacation, it was medicine.  We are so grateful God provided a way for us.  We are so grateful to our family and friends who gave so that we could visit. 

We are humbled and amazed.