catch up and r-e-s-t

Alright, so let me catch you up!

Sunday we were with our Livingston UMC family, the church and family I grew up in as a little girl.  It was a joy to be with them, and it always is.  Matt shared a bit of Junior and the funeral story in the adult Sunday School class, and then preached in the main service.

Afterwards, we headed to Kevin and Bonnie's and enjoyed SUCH a good lunch with lots of Millers...special time we look forward to all year.

By 3:30...they were done :)

Then Matt was straight off to Greenwood, Indiana, for field meetings, and Lisa swept me off for my 30th birthday present!  Yes, that was in November, but we finally headed off for our first sister-friend overnight since Lily was born at a lovely bed and breakfast not far from here.

of course, it was WONDERFUL.

AWESOME food, great time with my sister, no high chairs, no husbands, no schedule and no alarm clocks for 24 whole hours.  What a great gift (not that those aren't good things, but you know :)...totally worth the wait!

 We all got back to Columbus in time for Dad's 60th Birthday!

Our dear Billingsley friends swept off the girls for an evening of horseback riding and playgrounds, and we took Dad out for a nice long dinner, and gave him a book of memories and prayers from friends and family far and near (THANK YOU, friends and family far and near, for taking the time to do that!)

He's a very special man, my dad.  If I talk about him too much, he'll get mad :), but let me just say...He loves the Lord and loves others and loves his five kids and two grandbabies like few I've ever seen.  

His example of Christ-like crazy love is one that has formed each of us and become part of who we are and what we want our lives to look like.  And no matter what?  You know Dad's all in...behind you, beside you, and praying for you.  

We love you Dad!  Happy Birthday!

 And then there are these two, who are suddenly really into all things ballerina.  We finally got to Good Will today and hooked them up in some better ballet garb, which of course, they have worn every moment since.

After so many back-to-back crazy days of travelling and speaking, this little space is our space of rest for the summer.  Dentist trips, renewing passports, and then this weekend we head to PA with some good family friends for camping!  

We are, I must say, a bit tired.  These last weeks since Matt got home from England have been crazy.  These few days before we hit the road again of rest and family, ice cream, ballet, play-dough and good books and movies are being much appreciated!

“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and 

our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” 

― Augustine of Hippo, The Confessions of Saint Augustine

friends

We received word a few days ago that our friend, Miso (who is also one of the cooks at the Seminary) was sick. Then this morning, we have heard that she passed away in the hospital. We're not totally sure what happened, nor does it seem that anyone is, as that she was in good health when we took this picture on July 2nd, but we are hurting for her family and friends today! Miso is on the far right, wearing the black dress. She leaves behind her husband, children, and many who loved her! Please be praying for Miso's (Mee-zoo) family. We are so thankful that she was in love with our Savior...

Lily had a fantastic time at the Ohio State Fair...especially seeing the chicks, baby cows, baby goats, racing bigs, and even a monkey!

On Sunday, we had the privilege of sharing with our friends and family at Livingston UMC, the church where I grew up. We also had several "non-Livingston" friends come out to see us and hear more about Haiti, including Cheryl (above), daughter of our dear friends in Port-au-Prince, Greg and Cathie Benson.
Afterwards, we went out to lunch with more good family friends and prayer warriors, the Millers. We feel so blessed to be a part of the life of this church and these faithful and encouraging people!

And today, we are finally doing it! Tonight at Lily's bedtime we are making the 12 hour drive to Branson, Missouri for a real-life family vacation! No work, no master's studies, no speaking...just a few days off. We can't wait!