Nine Weeks in the States

You may be wondering what in the world our family did while we were in the States for nine weeks this summer. Afterall, nine weeks is a LONG vacation, right . . . We attended Josiah's high school graduation and party, spent time in eight different churches, renewed driver's licenses and a passport, Josiah passed his driver's permit and license tests, took care of our taxes, numerous doctor and dentist appointments, took a week and a half trip to Nebraska and Kansas with a stop at the Ark Encounter, multiple trips to the Apple store to have repairs and check-ups on our computers, a week long vacation with family by the bay in Delaware, Daniel found a job, and many, many other good, as well as difficult, times spent with family and friends. Although it sounded like a long time to be living out of suitcases, the time flew by very quickly.  Following, is a brief story of our summer in pictures . . .

Nathan and Isaac enjoyed a Froot Loops milkshake.

We were visited by an iguana by the pool at our hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

We returned just in time to attend Josiah's 

Mason-Dixon Homeschool Association Graduation on June 24. 

We stayed at the Orleans Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Orleans, Nebraska and spent some great times with our good friends, Greg, Star, and Jessica Harvie, as well as the sister church partnership of Loomis, Oxford, and Holcomb churches in a variety of activities.

We caught up on some precious time with cousins; 

in the everyday of reading a book together,

making a sandman together,

playing a game of taking Uncle Lee's hat, 

enjoying some crabbing and the feast afterwards with Pap,

and enjoying a beautiful sunset over the bay.

They even succeeded in giving Mom a good scare at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve when they informed her that there was an uncaged black snake in the pavilion above her head.  That was worth a few good laughs for everyone since she "adores" (lots of sarcasm here) snakes.

We had new family pictures taken for a new prayer card that should be coming out very soon.  Keep your eyes open for it. 

We also spent some precious time with some friends in the midst of difficult and sudden losses of loved ones. What a hard time for all of us, but at the same time, it was a blessing for us to be able to be there at that time because so often, we don't have the option of being with our friends and family in the midst of their life challenges and crises. 

We extended our stay by a week so that we could attend a cousin's, Nate and Tricia Eisenberger, wedding on August 19.  It was great to catch up with some more family that we hadn't had the opportunity to see earlier in the summer. 

So, although nine weeks sounds like a terribly long time to be away from our home in Haiti; the time flew by because it was so full of great times spent together with friends and family.  We appreciated spending time with each of you, no matter how little time we had; and for those that we missed this year, hopefully we can touch base the next time we make it back.