We're Here!

Wow, I don't even know where to start! So much has happened in the 5 days. Last Wednesday I did one of the hardest things I've ever done and said goodbye to my family, knowing I would not see them face to face for probably a year. Not to even mention the painful goodbyes to my friends and church family. My heart is still breaking over the implications of it all. But through it all, God continues to remind me that he is trustworthy, he is faithful, and he has a plan for my life.

I've been dreading for months the 2 longs flights and long layover that are necessary to get to Uganda. I've been dreading it because we have a 3 year old and a 7 month old! Truth be told, it wasn't as bad as I had feared. The kids slept fairly well, especially Molly who really is a trooper. We rested in a hotel during our 12 hour London layover. When we finally arrived in Entebbe, we were whipped. Especially after successfully retrieving all 13 pieces of luggage, and unsuccessfully searching for our double stroller. I'd be shocked if we ever see it again!

I was so so happy to see the Robinson's, our new teammates who came to pick us up. The next 24 hours were basically a blur that we don't remember well, but I do remember the way our teammates selflessly thought of everything we would need. We are staying temporarily in a guesthouse that is on the Robinson's property. It is small but very comfortable and we are happy to stay here for the next few weeks. We have seen our house, the one we will live in permanently. We are going to have it painted and make some repairs so that when our container arrives with all of our stuff, we can move in. I can't wait!

Our kids have had really bad jetlag, waking up at 1 or 2 in the morning and then wanting to sleep all afternoon. We are ready to be out of the "we just got here" stage but that can't happen until we get more sleep. Graham is really happy here so far. He loves playing with the missionary kids and jumping on the Robinson's trampoline. Some things like sleeping under a mosquito net will take some getting used to. We are so proud of him.

We are so thankful for our teammates. I had not actually met any of them them before, but they are so kind and considerate. They have provided us with delicious meals and lots of encouragement. We are really missing our families, but we are really very excited to be here  God's timing was perfect!

Molly 7 Months!

Time flies when you're having fun! Molly has been up to a lot of new things this month. 

She is wearing size 12 month clothes and size 4 diapers.

She is nursing 5 times a day and eating baby food once a day. So far she has tried rice cereal, oatmeal, peas, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, and peaches. She loves it all!

She is sleeping 11-13 hours each night and takes 3-4 naps. She is still mostly taking short cat-naps. :(

She is moving! She can get up on hands and knees and rock, scoot backwards, and roll every which way. It's pretty funny to watch. 

She had a jumperoo at the beach and my mom got her one to have here in Kaufman. She jumps like crazy and just loves it. 

She has started talking a lot more, and a lot louder. Her favorite is "ya ya ya ya." We just love all of her sweet sounds. 

She loves her big brother! Turning her to face him will usually produce a loud squeal or giggle. However, big brother is not thrilled with the fact that she can now find and grab his things. 

She is such a good traveler! In the past month we have traveled to Atlanta, across Tennessee, down to St. Simons Island, and back to Texas. She has proven herself to be a very easy-going, flexible baby. She has taken naps in the pool (yes, I'm not joking!), on the beach, in an airplane, in the airport, at various restaurants, at a turtle hospital, and at a noisy wedding reception just to name a few. 

She was in her first wedding! My brother Jon and his new wife Lauren were married on June 15th. Molly looked adorable in her while dress and headband. She got to sit in a wagon (in her bumbo) and be pulled down the isle by Graham. It was so hot that after the ceremony we took her dress off to try to cool her down. She ended up being naked throughout the reception. She even joined us on the dance floor, and loved it!

Molly is loved and admired wherever we go, and we couldn't be more proud. She is a joy and a blessing to take care of. We are thankful for every moment!

Stay tuned for "Molly 8 Month." I have a feeling there will be a lot of firsts next month too, since we are moving to Uganda tomorrow!

Family Photos

I can't even hope right now to catch up on writing about all the things we've been doing lately! We just returned from about 3 months of traveling and we are moving to Uganda IN NINE DAYS. I can't believe it.

But I did want to share with you the beautiful family photos we had done while we were in Atlanta. Graham is going through a very unfortunate "fake smile" stage, but we did still manage to get some good ones. Enjoy!

Homeless

Chad and I moved out of our rental house in March. For more than two month we have been moving about, staying in various places for various lengths of time. I feel like I have packed and unpacked for 4 people about 100 times. We have had many long days of driving in different cars to different places. Through it all I am beginning to have a new appreciation for home. 

Home: where your kids have their own spaces, and spaces for all their stuff. 

Home: where you can flop down after a long day and decide to do the dishes tomorrow. 

Home: where you do your own shopping and prepare your own meals full of healthy things for your family. 

Home: where all your clothes are hung up and in drawers just the way you like. 

I miss home. I miss being settled. So do the kids, but they have gotten used to being unsettled. And I hate that. 

My heart is breaking to say goodbye in less than 3 weeks, and I'm really not looking forward to it. But I am looking forward to having our own home again. To put things away for good and settle in. We're moving to a place that I've never seen and that terrifies me somewhat. But I know deep down that the Lord is preparing a home for us there for me to take care of. I trust him in that and I have peace. 

The Thorn

When we were at SPLICE training in April, we saw this poem. I had forgotten about it until Chad started talking about it last night. I read it again and was impressed by its truth. I hope it touches your heart about God's goodness today. 

The Thorn

by Martha Snell Nicholson

I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne

And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.

I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart

I cried, “But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.

This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me.”

He said, “My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee.”

I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,

As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.

I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,

He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.