The weekend after Josh’s graduation we spent two nights at a cabin in the hill country of Texas. Our friends Micah, Anna & Adam Martin invited us to spend some time with them at their uncle’s place. It was beautiful and very relaxing. A perfect way to rest after our very busy weekend before – weeks before – months before – years before. We enjoyed spending time with our good friends and having a day and a half with no schedule.

Since Dad and Mom J came down for Josh’s graduation, we decided it would be best to pack up our apartment, load a truck, and have them drive our belongings to SC. It made for a very busy weekend (guests & graduation plus moving). Thankfully, I had a lot of help packing things up the week before. One of my best friends, Rebekah Pringle, flew in for 5 days to help with the packing. I don’t think it would have gotten done without her help. Another friend, Jan, came on Wednesday to pack up Becca’s room. Another friend, Anna, took Becca out for a morning so Jan could pack her room. These friends were a great help to us.

Monday morning we had a very educated moving crew. Three people with doctorates, one working on his Ph.D., and another working on his masters’. Dad J oversaw the logistics of loading the truck. Mom J finished packing up the kitchen. A friend from church, Megan, watched Becca and Isaiah while we loaded the truck. We are very thankful for everyone who helped us in packing up and moving our belongings. [And I’m so thankful I didn’t have to drive a huge truck from TX to SC! Thanks, Mom and Dad! -Josh]

We are now living with the Woods while we wrap up our last weeks in TX. We’re getting a chance to say goodbye to some of the friends we’ve made. Graduation weekend, we had a picnic with Dad and Mom J. and were able to get together with one of Becca’s NICU nurses – Miss Kathy. We’re so thankful for everything Miss Kathy did for Becca during her preemie days.

We enjoyed visiting with the Johnson family. We’ve made many good friends in Texas and are thankful for them all.

Sunday we celebrated Josh’s Ph.D. graduation. We thank the Lord for His faithfulness to us these past 6 years. We have seen so many prayers answered concerning Josh’s Ph.D. requirements.

We are very thankful to all who had a part in Josh’s degree: family, professors, and friends.

I’m very proud of my man. He has worked hard and has accomplished his goal. He started as a single man and finished with a wife, daughter, and son. He has pressed on when things were discouraging and did not give up. He truly is my heroman. Now we’re a “paradox” (say it a few times and you’ll get it)!

Last weekend we had a great visit with the people of North Houston Baptist Church. Pastor John Bray and his wife Jen welcomed us all into their home for the weekend and we enjoyed our fellowship with them. Josh preached in the morning service and gave our missions presentation in the evening service.

Both kids did great on the drive and during our stay. Becca absolutely loved playing with 7-year-old Charis. We’ve never seen her enjoy another friend so much.

This week we’re packing up our apartment in preparation for our move. Sunday Josh graduates and Monday we load the truck. Busy times.

A big thank you to Grandpa Sutter for sending Flopsie some real bamboo! It’s been a part of almost every meal here.

As we prepare to leave Texas, we’ve been presenting our ministry to our friends. Last Saturday we had a missions presentation for a group of folks we know in the area. Our church let us use one of their buildings for the event. One of our dear friends at the church, an older woman, offered to coordinate the refreshments. I cannot tell you how much this encouraged and blessed me. We enjoyed seeing many of our friends from our former church.

If you haven’t seen our ministry website yet, here’s a link: jarai-in-cambodia.org  We’re praising the Lord for supplying 20% of our needed monthly support already.

We’ve also been having people over our home to say goodbye. We’re so blessed to have so many good friends in Texas.

Tuesday night Josh and I went to a Rangers game. I’ve always wanted to go a Rangers game. Actually, I’ve wanted to visit the stadium ever since my family drove by it when I was about 13. We enjoyed the game: Chicago White Sox Vs. Texas Rangers. We got to see 3 home runs and we’re glad that the Rangers won 10-6.

Our little man learned a lot this month. He is now officially crawling and is fast. He always makes a beeline for the front door if it’s left open and loves crawling outside. He’s pulling himself up on everything. His “new” trick is to pull himself up in his bed and throw his zebra out. Then he cries because he misses his zebra. This seems to be his new nap-time game.

Isaiah loves “riding” Becca’s bike. The past two days we spent a lot of time riding on the grass. Isaiah also loves playing the piano. He seems to be inclined to music. He’s not saying any words. . .except maybe “no no”, which sounds like “whoa-whoa.”

Isaiah also loves to eat – even dirt! He was pretty upset when I tried to get the dirt out of his mouth.

Isaiah continues to be a happy cute little boy and we’re so thankful God gave him to us.