So Long Middle School!

Leila wrapped up her final year of middle school with an epic month of events and celebrations. From the middle school art show to a trip to DC (mom and Grandma accompanied) to her long-awaited Daddy-daughter trip with Pastor Mitch and some of our favorite missionaries, it has been a month to remember. The grandparents celebrated at the lovely graduation where Leila offered the welcome prayer and won a character award from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her 8th grade superlative was "Kindest Soul," which we all thought was awesome. While school has never been easy for Leila, her good character and her strong faith are what continue to shine and what she is known for. As parents, we couldn't wish for more. Congratulations, Leila. We are so proud of you!

Leila's first teacher, Mrs. Stephens, when she arrived to America. 

Last day of school!

A True Fish Story

Frazier and Geoff joined Uncle Skip, Poppy and Zach for a family fishing adventure in Southport, NC. Thank you, Uncle Skip and Aunt Barb, for hosting this wild bunch! After a 12-hour fishing adventure 60+ miles offshore, the men brought home tuna, mahi-mahi and some other delicious fare. Frazier enjoyed all the attention as the only kiddo. Golf, swimming and exploring Southport filled the rest of the time together. What a blessing to be able to go on this trip!

Field Trip Fun

Mary-Michael’s science and English teachers live on their family farm of 4 generations in Goochland County. We enjoyed a beautiful day with the Olson’s exploring watersheds, plant and animal species and how the land and farming practices have changed over the decades. Throughout the day Mrs. Olson interspersed poetry readings that tied in with the day’s sights. I had a great time chaperoning, which was so enjoyable because the students were so good and fun!

The following day, Leila and I packed our bags and not enough cold weather gear and headed to Chincoteague with her science teacher and 7 other classmates for a camping adventure. The location was beautiful - right on the water’s edge with Assateague Island and it’s famous ponies across the way. What we didn’t anticipate was the brisk, constant wind. Brrrr! We made the best of with the hot showers, nighttime fire and hand dryers in the bathroom thawing us out.

He is Alive!

Oh, that is the best news of which our family is eternally grateful for. I pray 2022 draws you a little closer to Jesus. Keep moving toward Him, and like one of my favorite pastors says, “This will be the best year of your life if this is the best year of your life spiritually.” Amen!

Enjoying and remembering Jesus’ final night on earth with the Passover meal.

This has become a favorite tradition in our family, and we humble ourselves by washing one another’s feet and speaking blessings over each other as part of the Passover celebration.

These children are so grown up and lovely! Geoff and I served on the Welcome team with our not so “Eastery” black tees, so we stayed out of the picture this year.

We were happy to have my dad and Beth and Philip, Erica and their new baby, Emory, with us for Easter.

Look at that cuteness. Happy Easter!

Spring Break by the River

Thanks to some very generous friends, we enjoyed a week in the mountains of Pennsylvania in a river house on the Juniata River. We had been here before, so it was a bit like coming home. We relished a place where there was no Internet connection or cell service. What a treat in this highly connected world! Dad and Beth joined us for the first few days as we had a long overdue trip from the prior year that had been canceled when my Nana passed away.

We enjoyed slow walks on the gravel road, snow flurries, campfires by the river and impromptu frisbee and football passing. A lot of books were read and several movies were watched. We ate well and snacked well. Geoff and I enjoyed a few runs in the morning, and our family of six hiked the 1000 Steps trail two times while there. The first time around was a bit rocky, so we had a redemption moment, which is why we ended up doing it twice.

We visited a nearby town called Belleville where the Amish and Mennonite communities thrive. We bought all sorts of goodies at the Amish country market, and enjoyed hotdogs and ice cream from a small food stand.

We wrapped up the trip with a detour to the Lancaster, PA area. We visited the Sight and Sound Theater and thoroughly enjoyed the production on David, a man after God’s own heart. It was so well done and such a reminder that even in our flawed human lives, God can use us to do mighty things for His glory.

We wrapped up spring break with a few fire pit moments in the backyard, a day trip to Northern Virginia to celebrate Easter with the Lawrences, and a very special dinner with our friends Juda and Banzai. Banzai recently returned from serving in the Ukraine with Samaritan’s Purse. We were happy to have him back safely and to hear about his time there. Please continue to pray and support Ukraine.