Quick Trip To Arkansas

We made a very quick trip to Searcy (left Monday morning, returned Tuesday evening) to see Jonathan and Holly, whom we haven't seen since this time last December, and to spend a little time with Donna's parents. Monday night we had a diner at Carol's house (Donna's sister) with several of the nieces, nephews, cousins of, spouses of, and one boy friend of, and shared some grilled elk, venison, and chicken - along with some required fillers of course. It was so much fun to see this group together. Some of these relatives haven't seen each other for a lot of years. We decided that Jonathan and Zach, hadn't been together since the famous WV Christmas of '95. For some, it was the first time to meet the spouses of their cousins, and/or boy friend. What a great group of young men and women! They all have such a wonderful, sweet, and kind spirit. Not only was there a lot of grilled consumption, but a huge amount of laughter.

As mentioned, it was so nice to see our son Jonathan and his wife Holly. She was at Harding to teach a class and speak for a special dinner. Jonathan came along for the ride and we are so glad he did. They look great! It was hard to believe that it has been a year since we got to talk face-to-face. They are both doing so well in their careers and are now part of a church planting in Brooklyn. I hate that they're going to have to miss Christmas with us again, but such is the life of a Broadway actor, and will probably be true for many years to come. We really are going to figure out a way to visit them in New York sometime this winter or spring. We are very thankful to just get to see them for a few hours and hug them for real and not just in thoughts. God is good to allow us whatever time we get to have with the ones we love.

Speaking of which, please keep Donna's folks in your prayers. Dean is very weak, and unable to even get out of bed for more than just seconds. It was heart warming to see the stream of friends and family coming by to see him and express their love and respect for him. As we left, I held his hand, looked into his eyes and said, "I will see you." Because of God's grace, I believe that with all my heart.