I think I've said this before, but after awhile you kinda get used to not seeing your family and the missing them doesn't feel as bad. After being with my family for the past week and a half, it's starting to feel like we've never been apart. Tonight we had to say goodbye to Luke and his family. They got here last Wednesday and their flight leaves tomorrow. I could feel tears coming as I hugged Luke goodbye, but choked them back so that I didn't make everyone sad. I'm not sure why, maybe it's because they live in a country that's so far away, but it's hard to think about not seeing them for a couple years again. When I saw them walking towards us at church on Wednesday night I had that same emotional feeling. I'm choosing to be thankful for the time that we did have together, but also addressing the sadness of their leaving. My other family in Georgia get to see Luke a couple times a year when he comes back for different things, so maybe it's not quite the same for them. I wasn't sure how well I'd connect with his kids, considering that I hadn't seen them in 3 years, but it was a lot of fun. They definitely had more of a connection with the other cousins, but they were quick to include our four. Thankfully we have a couple more days with the rest of the family before it's our turn to say goodbye.
Today was pretty relaxing. Scott went out for awhile this afternoon to find some things for those back home. The kids took long naps, Elyssia excluded, and we headed over to Jason's around 4. Christina had fixed lumpia and pancit for supper. I hadn't eaten it in about 4 years and it was SO Yummy! I have a recipe for it, so really should try making it. I've helped make it before, but never done it solo. I think my in-laws would enjoy it, so I should probably add it to our menu sometime soon. I took pictures there, but they're on my phone and I'm not sure how to upload them to the computer. I took pictures of the ice cream cakes that Sara bought for the kids with Spring birthdays. Judah and Caleb in March, Caleigh in April and Abigail in May. The kids played outside the rest of the time, making Nature juice and chasing each other around:). The older boys got to go out to the shooting range today. I think that would have been fun to see, but there are some things that we have to forego while we have little ones:).
We were also able to plan our driving route for the drive home. Most of it will be completely new territory once we get through St. Louis. We're going to spend some time with Amy(Green) Loeffel and attend their church on Sunday. From there we'll go onto the new route. We're pretty excited about some of the stops and hope that the kids enjoy them as well. Tonight Luke and Jessie said that we should come visit them in Germany. They only have a year and a half left though and I'm thinking there's not another major trip in our future. We're thankful for this one and intend to enjoy the rest of it to the fullest. Well, that takes care of today. It's nice to actually post on time again:).
Tell Amy and Andy I say Hi! I really enjoy Pastor Curtman's preaching. I'm glad you have had a good time with your family. Give your mom a hug for me. Be safe! Love, Carolyn
ReplyDeleteJust catching up from being gone for almost a month. HOW I relate to this post. It's easier NOT to see loved ones than to see them very rarely, I have found. I remember crying one time when I was a kid because I was homesick. My Mum said, "But you're at home!" I told her I knew that soon I would have to go to school again and the thought of missing her was making me homesick before I had left.
ReplyDeleteBut, as one of my uncles once said to my Dad, "If the goodbyes weren't so painful, the hellos wouldn't be so joyful." I guess that's true. But still it's hard.
Looking forward to catching up on all your adventures!