Summer Family Vacation 2007

Vacation - a term that formerly meant rest and relaxation in my vocabulary.

We have truly enjoyed our family trip to Arkansas to visit with friends and family. We enjoyed a reunion with some of Jennifer's family, many of whom we have not seen for many years and the younger ones (below the age of 15) we have never met. We ate meals with many good friends, laughed as we reflected on days gone bye, visited the church that Jennifer's father serves as Pastor (heard some great preaching), and simply enjoyed our family for a week.

While visiting with my brother and his family, Adam enjoyed the thrill of driving a four wheeler. Adam also discovered the pain of falling off a four wheeler (he is fine and will love to tell you the story).

While visiting my father, stepmom, and grandfather; we wondered if this might be the last time with my grandfather. We have watched his health deteriorate over last few years, but he seems to be better than we expected. We pray for his health, but treat each visit with careful deliberation and lots of love.

While visiting with Jennifer's sisters, we rediscovered the joys of having children that are no longer in diapers, cribs, and bottles. Jennifer's younger sister has three girls (ages 4, 2, 1). We also visited her older sisters new house while in construction. I discovered a two-by-four sticking out of the house, it was nose high to me, I have the scar to prove it. After hours spent getting a new prescription and new glasses we were able to continue our journey.

While visiting Jennifer's parents, we taught our children how to shuck, silk, and put-up corn. It was great working together under the shade tree and in the shed as a family. Jennifer and I are glad to see our children learning the work that it takes to make life better. We also enjoyed being back in the church where Jennifer attended as a child. It was great to hear Jennifer sing with her mom, our children sing with the children's choir, and Jennifer's dad preach a wonderful message from God's word.

The only thing missing from the vacation was rest. We usually have some down time to rest, but this trip was so fast and we travelled the entire state of Arkansas, so rest was a luxury left to the next vacation. Tonight, as I type these words, I find myself looking forward to the 12 hour drive home to Harlingen. We look forward to being "home." Home with our church family, our friends, and our own beds.

God bless from one who finds his rest in God alone,
Bro. Wade