On the Road

We have been traveling for the past few weeks along the east coast, enjoying getting to see friends, family, and reconnect with some of our partner churches. We were so blessed to have my mom join us in this journey - I cannot imagine having done this trip with three little ones without her! She has such a sacrificial heart, and I know that sitting in the van with three crazy boys was quite an undertaking. The boys really have been good travelers. Eli entertains himself on the Kindle, while Titus serenades us on his little guitar, and Jude has slept pretty peacefully through most of the long rides. They have been such troopers! I was anxious that this trip would feel long and miserable, but once we were on the road I found that it was really very peaceful. I had forgotten how nice roads could be! In Madagascar, driving is anything but peaceful. You are constantly on guard for goats, people, potholes, and other crazy drivers. And if you aren't the one driving, you are probably half nauseous and half doped up on Dramamine. You don't get to stop at a designated rest area, and you don't get to drive by McDonalds when you want a snack. 8 hours of driving in America feels like a pretty nice vacation. I found myself not wanting to get out of the car at the end of the day! :)

One challenge we experienced on the trip was the drastic change in weather. Up to this point we have not really experienced "winter." When the high in Florida is in the 70s we consider that a cold day. So you can imagine the shock of dropping down 10 degrees nearly every state further we went up. We must have caused some funny looks...hopping out of the car, running to get inside the heat, in our thin sweatshirts and flip flops (we refused to buy a whole new wardrobe for one trip)! Eli had been hoping for some snow, but I am afraid we missed it by one day. :(

During this trip we were able to go to the IMB's stateside conference. The time is meant to renew and refresh you. This was quite a task, as most vacations with 3 little ones is not really going to feel like renewal...more like survival. :) Despite the obstacles and "fun" nights in the hotels with a colicky baby who kept us up until 12 and a spirited toddler who thought 3AM was a good wake up time, it really wasn't too bad. :) We really enjoyed getting to see other missionaries and to be able to worship with one another in our heart language. The boys had so much fun going to school everyday, and it was really cool to be able to watch them interact and build relationships with other children who share many of the same struggles and experiences that they do. By the end of the conference and all of the trainings, we did begin feeling a little overwhelmed. We were reminded of all we are missing in Madagascar, and are just that much more ready to get back to sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard. God has truly given us an amazing family and an amazing homeland, but even more than that He has given us an amazing burden to be with His lost and hurting people. We went because of our call, we return because of our love.