My family and I have spent a cherished twelve days with my grandparents in Iowa. I can't express how sweet it is to spend hours chatting with my beautiful Grandma, hug her every morning when I first see her, help her in the kitchen, and even do one of my favorite things with her -- knitting! I feel as though I'm finally getting to really know my Grandpa and Grandma... As my love and appreciation for them grows, so does the ache in my heart as I realize we'll be separated soon. It has also been wonderful to see my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Everyone, of course, makes the typical remark, "My, how you children have grown!" (chuckle) Three years makes a lot of difference.
God has been too good to me. In the past three weeks that we have been out, I have been so refreshed and recharged by encouraging fellowship with folks who have supported my family in prayer for so many years. I keep thinking, "Our furlough is only beginning!" I can't tell you too many times that God has been so good.
We have met with but few minor incidents along the near 4,000 miles of highways. However, we have faced one major injury -- a broken collarbone, in fact. My brother, a week ago Monday, was running out to our vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel in Wyoming when he slipped and badly hurt his right shoulder. What appeared most serious was a nasty scratch beside his right eye. His shoulder gave him considerable pain throughout the day but we thought all would soon be well as we would be arriving at Grandma's that evening.
