We bid Andrew good-bye, as he had
to take a shuttle to San Francisco, then a plane
to Denver, a Greyhound bus to Grand Junction,
and drive once again 16 hours to California.
WOW! But he is a man who knows what he has
to do and just does it without drama and fanfare.
Bobo really wanted to go with him and even
boarded the bus. Our children were both
in tears as the bus pulled away. I had to just
sit with them in the back seat of our car and just
comfort reminding them it would just be a couple
of days. I think we have just had Andrew around
for so many days. And I believe he represents
a rock for our family.
We were not feeling much JOY in Monterey.
Two days prior, we packed our things and sent it off to Oakland, CA.
The same day, one of our renters in our Maui house communicated that
they did not think they would be able to leave in the 30 day time frame
and might need the full 45 days. We felt so discouraged and
again felt another road block. This was coupled with our
phone service being turned off our cell phones because
we had switched carriers but we had not received our new
phones yet...so we became GO Phone users for the next several weeks!
(You can pick them up at Walgreens...in all seriousness, we were glad to
have the Go Phone). It just made it more complicated trying to
communicate and figure our next step. Also, the majority
of our renters had not paid rent for the month. It was messy!
And Drew was leaving town and I had no phone. Our gracious
host ran her phone back and forth for awhile (thanks again Joy)!
But our dear friend, Joy, gave us lots of love and hospitality in her home.
I felt we were "in it" together. She made us feel so comfortable
and warmed my insides with coffee she would bring over in the
morning, watching our kiddos so we could go on a familiar run
together, fireside chats when all the kiddos were snug in their
bunks, pursuing my heart....just basically loving on us! Joy always gives me Jesus!
We stayed in what will be the future home of Ben's parents.
It is a little house in back of the main house.
They have all decided to co-habitat and be together as a family.
Deveraux loves Emeline!
I hit it right and was able to attend a Bible study with our
group, I was so glad. It was also the week we were sending
off two other ladies who are relocating. Time marches on.
I was so blessed to be with these women for this time.
I felt restored in many way in relationship and continually
pointed to Jesus.
Time in study with these women over the past year has renewed in my heart that
I was worth getting to know.
It was really good to be with them, but again, I had that
feeling that I had left.
Had to do it...had to go to Target one last time.
And the kids were angelic, when it was time to leave the
toy section, they were on it. A perfect ending to a perfect
holiday with Target, we will miss you!
This was our crazy time of making gingerbread houses
with the Langford/Gallagher children. I wanted to give
Joy and Ben some time and their kiddos had a great time.
I fussed at mine more, expected more from them, had a hard
time managing 4, and we had different kits and ours was a
bit broken when we opened it....it all spelled, "not having a good
memory making gingerbread houses" and Dev felt it the most.
Started off okay, but because of the broken pieces, we
could not get our roof to stay on.
We are happy here because the house is temporarily stable.
So Deveraux made it more like a slanted tree house.
I had to go to Earthbound Farm, had to!
We had dada back with us and we were glad!
Next was lunch with Young and Eugene, we love their
company and just feel so comfortable!
I was so glad to meet Sally's new baby, I knew I had
to before leaving. We met many times with baby
in belly, now we saw her! It was a blessing to sit with
Joy and Sally once again.
We did our Second Annual Polar Express...jump in the van
as a surprise to go see Christmas lights.' We went all\
together with the Langfords. We ended up hanging
on our rooftop (of the van) watching a house light show,
we had some good fun!
Park time in Monterey, a block from Joy and Ben's.
We took a break from packing.
Teaching the skill of jumping from the swing.
Last CA park time (for now), we are set to leave the next day.
Our last shared meal together. How thankful for these dear
friends. God's provision so clearly! Feeling so special and chosen by these friends.
Ben made a yummy dinner and then we share some Advent words. I am so glad we took
the plunge and decided to do a study together even though we
only had a couple of months before leaving. It is about taking what
is in front of us and loving....after all what else is there?
We are in the body of Christ.
Carolers surprised us.
Sharing an Advent piece of work.
Our Cup Runneth over!
Sparklers for the kiddos.
Thank you Ben and Joy for your hearts.
For making us feel so welcome and sharing
your gift of hospitality. We are forever grateful.
We arise in the am to head to San Jose
and to arrive in the land of Aloha by nightfall.
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