up late

We had a lovely day today.  Our last church service here in the US was really good.  The kids all had good "goodbye's" with their classmates in Sunday School/Youth Group.  Tom and I had the opportunity to share with our class about what we plan on/have been doing in Czech.  Thanks for the encouragement you all!  The box of goodies to bring with us was such an encouragement, as were your words to us and prayer as well as financial support!  We will miss the support and friendship of the class!

After lunch, I sorted and packed 5 boxes of things to bring back with us...not sure we will make it in the allotted 12 suitcases/boxes, although we are doing our best to pare it down!

We watched our favorite show, "The Amazing Race" while eating supper.  Then there was a spectacular lightening storm over the lake.  Really beautiful!

I finished baking the cinnamon rolls for tomorrow.  They are baked already as Tom leaves at 5:30 a.m. to return our van to Righteous Rides in St. Louis.  He then flies to Chicago and takes a bus to the town near us.  Whew!  All in time to go with us and the cousins and Rachel's best friend from school.

Yes, this week is filled with many normal activities that we will enjoy for the last time.  We are particularly sad about leaving the YMCA.  What a great place to go and exercise, enjoy Zumba, gymnastics, swimming and weightlifting.  There is nothing like it.  We will try to find something close as the exercise has been great, especially in the winter.  Thanks to all the staff who gave us such friendly service!

I talked with Matt today...boy do I miss him!  He is doing well and will play catch up after a busy week last week preparing for the Renaissance Night they performed three times this last weekend.  I have seen some pictures, talked with him about it, but can't wait to watch the recording of it with him!  He is already planning a meal for Friday night and Nate has planned some activities with him as well.  We have all missed him a lot!

So, since it is late and tomorrow promises to be full, I will close.

Thanks for praying us through another transition!

my sister-in-law, Meredith

What a beautiful, talented and smart woman! Meredith and her husband have two lovely girls with whom we have such fun when we are together. Many of you already know this, but my blog is lacking the update, so I will write it here.

Meredith was diagnosed with breast cancer and has the surgery behind her already. She is now recovering and heading into chemotherapy part of the treatment...all while we are packing to leave the country!

She has a blog of her own so I will link you all to it here. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/meredithn/createorsignin

Please keep Meredith in your thoughts and prayers. We certainly are! We are really sad that she has this cancer to beat and that we have to leave while the worst of the fight is going on!

I love you, Mer!