What do you do?

We are packed and ready to go, at least the first 18 pieces! We are taking back 12 action packers, 4 duffle bags, 2 boxes of books, and 2 suitcases (not pictured). With all of that, our carry-ons consist of 4 backpacks, 1 guitar, and 2 carry-on pieces. This is crazy! Please pray it all arrives with us Friday morning.
So, how do you spend the last 24 hours in America? You fill your day with things you can only be done here.

The morning started out with a trip to the mall (it's lovely to shop for a sweater and have more than one choice in one size); Weldon and Joel visited while the kids played on some bounce houses while Charlotte and I shopped. From there we went to play lazer tag (which we all highly recommend); then to the Movie Tavern and watched a 3D movie while lunch was served; then off to Cold Stone Creamery for the best ice cream in the world. Finally we went back to the house to fold a load of laundry that came from a real dryer and stayed there until we were able to tell Dara's friend, Addy, "goodbye".

You'd think that'd be enough culture and eating but NO! We stopped by to tell my grandparents goodbye. They are both 86 years old and you just never know what will happen over the next two years. To quote James Taylor: it is important "to shower the people you love with love - show them the way that you feel". So that's what today was about.

From Grandpa's house we went to a park that Dade has been talking about since we landed and the kids played - barefoot of course. It was a lot of fun on a beautiful day.

Dara didn't want her picture taken at this time but smiled after Dade ran back to play - you'll just have to imagine...

After all that running around we went to El Chico because we all enjoy their food. I miss Mexican food when we're gone. It was so good and I think I might pop. What a great day full of stuff we can only do here. And the best part was that we were able to see people we can only see here...that's how we spent our last day...and we are happy.

We leave tomorrow afternoon and would appreciate your prayers. I will post again sometime Friday - to say we arrived safely (thanks to your prayers). See you before too long!

p.s. Dade lost his first top tooth this morning!

I hate goodbyes

Can you believe we only have 6 nights (including tonight) left in the U.S.? I wonder where the time has gone. All the time we have spent with family and friends has seemed to pass in slow motion. We prayed for quality time with people and are amazed at how God made it happen. But, not to complain or anything, now that I'm facing the end of our time here - I feel like it isn't enough. But would I ever? Probably not. I hate goodbyes.

We spent the last 3 days with my parents and sisters and it was wonderfully relaxing. When this morning came and it was time to leave; it was not what I expected. It was almost surreal how normal it was to say "goodbye" for two years. How can that be? I will miss everyone so much. I think the difference is that last time we didn't have a clue about where we were going, communication, living situations, or anything. This time we are "returning home" vs. "leaving home". Whatever the reason for the change, I'm grateful. I hate goodbyes.

So, if you see me at church on Sunday or around town over the next couple of days, and I say "See you later!" Even though we both know it'll be a good bit of time before I'm back, please just let me think that I will - it's easier that way. I hate goodbyes.

Tubing

We spent last weekend with Joel's family at a nearby lake. It was so relaxing and refreshing. Looking back, I enjoyed the fishing, food, company, reading a book, playing games and watching old movies. But what I think the kids loved the most was the tubing. We rented a boat and pulled everyone around the lake on this tube.

Dara and Chandler had a blast riding together and they tried so hard to cross the wake.

Then they both tried a bit too hard...

and off she went...

It's not easy trying to get back on the tube once it knocks you off. The boys were a bit more composed - at first.

Chad wanted so badly to stand up - it just isn't meant to be done that way. He never fell off but he came pretty close.

I have refrained from posting pictures of the adults riding the tube because it's not nice to only post pictures of everyone else. You see tubing is not a graceful sport and none of the pictures are very flattering. :)

Anyway, I love the way we have so many memories stored up for the future

I'm just afraid that just like drinking tons of diet dr. pepper doesn't mean you won't miss it when it's gone; a wonderul weekend of memories helps but doesn't quite make up for missing family come Christmas.
Not wanting to leave on a sad note, I'm so grateful God has stretched our time and provided good quality time with family. I can't believe just 12 days and we'll be heading back - that means I need to drink another diet dr. pepper!

Thoughts In This Crazy Head Of Mine

I don't normally just ramble, but it's late at night and Jill went to the hospital to visit with some co-workers she used to work the night shift with. So, you're stuck with my incessant rambling....

...how much food can someone really eat? Seriously? I never knew how much I missed Taco Bell!!!! Three months ago, the thought of going to a place where you could get $1 burritos and get it fast, was just a dream. We have loved visiting with friends that we have missed dearly, but all that visiting seems to take place over a meal. Some of you may remember that during our first 30 days in Africa, I lost 30lbs! Don't worry, I'm taking much of that back with me in October. I feel like a bear hibernating for the winter. I'm packing as much on as possible for the next two years.

...roads - love 'em! Oh, the joy of being able to steer with your knee while you sip a cup of coffee and change the radio station is indescribable!

...sleep....finally getting some! Since February and prior to arriving back in the US, I had not slept through a night. Every noise jerked me out of my sleep to patrol the house again to make sure my family was safe. Now, I lay down and can make it until 4:30 or 5:00 without waking up! We have even (accidentally mind you) left the door unlocked a couple of night - that would have NEVER happened in Uganda.

...excitement is something that comes and goes. Some days I can't wait to get back to Mbarara and continue the work the Lord has started over this last year. Other days, the thought of leaving home, family, and friends tears me up inside. I guess that doesn't diminish the excitement of returning, it just adds a sadness to the mix.

...shaving is something you can do every day when you make time for it. I know my wife is glad to hear that one. I don't think I've shaved this much over the last year. Fog free mirrors in the shower and warm water cascading over you without worrying about it running out, begs you to stay in there just a little longer - hence more shaving.

...the thought of going to the market and my little hardware 'dukas' actually makes me smile. I've missed them - well, I've missed the people I get to interact with and talk to when I go. We heard from a friend the other day, that our dear friends, Nashit and Ankita were asking about us at the supermarket. That does my soul good!

...I'm getting older! I know that doesn't surprise anyone but me. It is hard for me to let that thought register in my mind. I still feel like I can do the same crazy stuff I did when I was 20 years younger - surfboards, climbing, somersaults, and yes, riding a motorcycle (and yes, we are going back with helmets).

...my wife gets more beautiful with each passing year! A wise man once told me, that the more a woman is loved, the more beautiful she will become.

...the kids are growing up. Not sure I'm ready for it, but from what I understand from my 'older' friends, you never will be ready for it. Dara bought a purse the other day. I asked her what she keeps in it and she said "makeup." When did that start?!?!?!

...you learn to do without a lot when you think of what needs to get packed in to 12 bags for the next two years!

Told you I was tired. That's all for tonight. Just three more weeks from tonight and we will be somewhere over the ocean on our way to London and then on to Uganda!

The American Dream

Last night I was reminded, again, of something I love about America. Joel and I were given tickets to see the Texas Rangers play the New York Yankees. The kids were away at sleep overs and we invited some dear friends to accompany us.

I am not a huge fan of baseball and am usually willing to leave around the 7th inning. (As we left last night, I was trying to recall if I've ever made it through an entire game. I still don't know.) The game last night was over 5 hours long and finished victoriously, for the Rangers, at the bottom of the 13th inning! I told my friend I could go home at the bottom of the 12th, but thankfully Joel wanted to see it through.

Baseball is not a fast sport. They have huddles on the mound, switch pitchers at random (which takes several minutes to do), the pitcher can spend numerous throws trying to make sure a runner doesn't steal second base, it can go on forever...so I had a lot of time to watch people and think about life and whatever else suited my fancy.

I was struck several times by the magnitude of the structure that is The Ballpark. I thought, "Only in America..." would people spend so much money to make such a place (which pales in comparison to Texas Stadium which is right next door), would over 46,000 people gather to watch men throw balls and hit it with a stick (I don't know how many people gather to watch cricket in England, but I can't imagine.), do you have all those people singing the national anthem and loving our country in one place, it's reallly quite amazing.

I don't know if the majority of folks in attendance focused on the words of the anthem, but I can testify that living overseas gives you a strong appreciation for our wonderful country. I really wouldn't have posted a blog about a baseball game except for the fire works. My friend wanted to wait for the fireworks and I'm so glad she did. Yes, it was quite late by the time we got in bed (and we are not nearly as young as we used to be), but to listen to the patriotic songs accompanied by a beautiful display of fireworks was a joy only experienced here in America.

I love being an American. I love Wal-Mart, Target, Taco Bell, smooth roads, clean public restrooms (and I appreciate the not-so-clean ones too), and so much more. I love being a Texan just as much. It doesn't always seem fair that God blessed me with such a wonderful birth place, but I couldn't be more thankful. As we get ready to head back in 3 1/2 weeks, it's a good reminder that I am so grateful for all that He has done for me. God bless America!