Getting Ready for the trip

Here we are about five days before leaving on our big vacation to the Southwest states. It's hard to believe that it has been a year of planning, saving, preperation and now initiation, to make this trip happen. We are taking almost a month off from our ministry. I'm thankful for some great guys who are going to cover for me while I am gone.

Bailee and Brekyn have been working some babysitting jobs and other odd jobs to help save money for spending. I think they are getting as anxious as I am (Mark). Jen really didn't seem to get into vacation mode until after school ended for her this year. Now, she is busy getting our online banking set up, cleaning the house and getting herself ready. I can tell she is ready for vacation. Yesterday, during the bad weather, she packed her suitcase. That is a full six days prior to leaving. Yay...she's ready to go.

Our trip is going to take us to Springfield Missouri our first day. Brekyn will get to meet her extended birth family and her precious siblings, birthmother and grandparents. I think she is a little nervous, but also quite excited. After teaching this coming Sunday, we will make a straight shot (while the adrenaline is still flowing), to Sullivan Missouri and then on to Springfield, Monday morning, to meet her family.

Monday night, we will drive to Fort Scott Kansas where I will see my (Mark's) Aunt Ellen. I haven't seen her in probably 35 years, so I am looking forward to reconnecting with her. Then, on Tuesday, we will be in Wichita Kansas where I will get to show my kids where I graduated from and my adopted "home" town. In Wichita, we will get a chance to link up with my Uncle Larry and Aunt Rose, whom I haven't seen in almost 30 years. After that the pace slows down....

Check back often for updates and hopefully photos of our trip.

Our love to our family and friends. Please be in prayer for us as we travel almost 5,000 miles over the next month.