Colorado – DAR

I am in Colorado with the family at DAR….Debriefing And Renewal retreat for missionaries.  Let me be honest… I did not want to come this week!!  We have been traveling non-stop and I just haven’t had the time to prepare myself for talking on a deep level about our re-entry into American life.  Thankfully, the Holy Spirit has been working on my heart and I feel good about being here now.

It’s been refreshing to be with other missionary women and share what our journey has been about.  They really “get it” – the paradoxes of missionary life.  For example, I think Togo is dirty, smelly and uncomfortable, but I love the way the people are hospitable and welcoming.  It’s your classic love/hate relationship.  

I am also exploring how to deal with the ways I’ve changed during our time in Togo.  Especially in the areas of spirituality.  I have a broader view of how God is working in the world.  I wonder how my new understandings will translate into a conservative church setting.

The main reason we chose to come to this retreat was for our boys. They have an amazing program for MKs!! Today, Isaac shared through pictures and words all about his life in Togo.  He relished the opportunity to share.  Graham’s turn will be Thursday.  The boys are also learning about expectations, feelings and culture. They have already made fast friends with the other MKs here.  (But there’s still NOT a boy Isaac’s age!!)  I am looking forward to Wednesday when I hear observations from the teachers about the boys.

I’ll check in later….Blessings

Summer of Suitcases, Part 2

This post will be one of mixed emotions.  

We had a great visit with my grandparents in Knoxville.  Many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins got together for the fourth of July.  It was a great time of fellowship!  

The day after we left my granny went into the hospital for a heart procedure on Thursday, July 10th.  She unexpectedly died early Saturday morning, July 12th.  Her death was a shock – one that I am still coming to terms with.

My granny, Ruth Vivian Dickey, was simply an amazing woman.  She and I had a wonderful time conversing and sharing the last week of her life. I even “interviewed” her about marriage and faith.  She was a woman full of wisdom. On a lighter note, we went shopping (she helped me choose a new lipstick color) she also treated the boys and I to the movies. I feel incredibly blessed that I was able to see her before she died.  I can only imagine how I would be managing if God had not granted me that grace.  My granny has been there for me (and my sister, Jenny) every step of my life.  She was a stablizing factor, a source of unconditional love and a faith mentor.  

Here are the pictures…

Grandpa Curt

Owen Climbing up the Tennis Court Fence

Cousin Rebecca, Owen and Isaac

Sweet Granny Ruth

My cousin Jake and his wife Lisa and their kiddos - Caleb, Taylor and Taryn

Knoxville Zoo!

Silly Cousins

Isaac, Uncle Wilson and Mingo the kitty!

Superhero Poses

Me, Granny and Jake

Granny and Owen

Paige, Me, Deborah, Granny, Sheila, Ellen

 

Summer of Suitcases, Part 1

Hello to all of my faithful readers!  I realize that it’s been awhile since I’ve posted.  I was correct in my prediction of poor Internet access.  However, all of the forces behind good blogging have converged today….time, Internet access, photos and desire!  So, here’s a peek into our summer travels thus  far.  

 

I didn’t break out my camera for every visit or activity!  I apologize if I missed you in the photo gallery!  Stay tuned for more photos in a few weeks.