Chapter 227: Stepping off the Cliff

 

In case you haven’t heard, we stepped off a pretty big cliff last week as Derek completed his job and we transitioned into  

“full-time support-raising missionaries” status. WOW. When did this happen? I had to go back and re-read to myself (which I hope some of you did too!) Our Story to be reminded of where God has brought us in this journey and the great provision He has for our future. It was one of those 1Samuel 7:12 moments, looking back at the stones of Ebenezer that represent the many ways God has carried us to this place of Unknown in order to provide for us the faith to move into unchartered waters.

Less than 24 hours after jumping off the cliff, we made a quick jaunt over to Slidell to speak at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

It was truly a blessing to speak with old friends and share about the work God has called us to in Uganda (shout out to all you guys who came out to hear us!). We rushed back home right in time to pack up and head out for a

week-long vacation in Charleston, South Carolina. 

To say that our trip to Charleston was "much-needed and refreshing" is an understatement. 

We have not had a vacation without the kids EVER  
(which, okay I know, is only 3 years…). Derek might argue, but I would also dare say we have not had a vacation as relaxing and enjoyable since our honeymoon (8 ½ years, y’all-Woo Hoo!) We both agreed the town was a melting pot of New Orleans, San Francisco, New England, and the beach…which, I mean, let’s be honest- does it get any better than that?

 

 Well, I guess it does since it was all of that MINUS KIDS, PLUS FRIENDS!

 We stopped in Atlanta the first night to visit with my old college roommates and their spouses (or soon-to-be),  

we got a visit in with my dear cousin right as we arrived in Charleston,  

   

we spent several days just the two of us at a B&B in the historic district...

 

  ...and then finished up the week meeting with our team leaders 

Travis & Amy Johnson

and Lucy’s future preschool teacher, 

 Molly Harrington!

THEN, when we arrived back home we met up in Birmingham with more future teammates 

(the Wheelers and Sarah Crane).  

What a refreshing and encouraging week it has been for us! 

 (even though we’ve put nearly 2000 miles on the ole car!)...

“So, what’s next?” you might be asking. Well, folks, you are going to have to wait to get the full answer on that one! I can only fit so much in one blog post, and besides, I’ve got to keep a little suspense out there so you’ll come back and keep reading, right? But, ok. In short: we will be around (aka in Birmingham) for one more month and then we will hit the pavement for The Big Roadtrip, returning mid-June to wrap things up so we can hopefully get to the field sometime in July.

That’s all the info you are getting right now.  

But, if you are in our neck of the woods and want to hang out, let us know! We would love to have you out to the poolhouse (where we are currently residing in Moody) or meet up somewhere. We are actually planning to have a 

Coffee & Questions Night 

sometime this month for people to just come hang & ask all the burning questions you might have about Bundibugyo (can't guarantee we'll have all the answers though!)

 


Love you, guys! 
Oh, and thanks for stepping off this cliff with us…