The clock is now ticking! 98 days until we fly to Cambodia. We are rejoicing in the Lord’s provision of our support and continue to thank Him for answering so many prayers since we started deputation. Last Sunday was the last time we presented out ministry at a new church. This week we head to participate in the Mission Festival at one of our supporting churches. After that we will revisit a few of our other partnering churches in May and early June, then spend the remaining Sundays at our home church.

Little Sister’s arrival is almost 2 weeks away: 15 days! Tuesday morning Becca and I went on a Becca-Mommy date which started with Becca coming to my ultrasound. All is well with Little Sister — she’s currently 6lbs and 5oz.

Last week we had two of Josh’s former elementary teachers over: Mrs. Whitaker (1st grade) and Mr. Whitaker (6th grade).

Two weekends ago we were at Bethany Baptist Church and spent a few days at Uncle Rick and Aunt Kathy’s rental home. It was nice to be somewhere where I couldn’t “do” anything.

Yesterday we nearly finished packing up our tubs/boxes to be sent in a container that some other missionaries are using to send their belongings to Cambodia. We have to have these things to the container packing place the morning after we arrive home from PA. Exciting times!

While in CO, we participated in a missions conference at Red Rocks Baptist Church. We enjoyed the hospitality of Carol Roland and got to spend some time with our future field director, JD Crowley. JD was the featured speaker at the missions conference. “Uncle” JD made Becca’s day by bringing her a roll of pink toilet paper from Cambodia.

Thursday, March 6, we drove from Denver, CO, to Waverly, KS, where we visited with the Williams family. Darin and Nancy were very kind to let us stay with them, as the older Williams family were unable to house us due to a shoulder injury.

Friday, March 7, we drove from Waverly, KS, to Danville, IN. There we visited with the Pringle family. It was neat to visit Rebekah’s home and spend some time with her and her family. Becca loved playing with Auntie Suzie and sobbed when we had to leave.

Saturday, March 8, we took a short drive (3 hours) to Nicholasville, KY, where we met the Raslau family. We enjoyed our time with this couple and are very blessed to have their friendship.

We arrived home around 9 on Sunday night. (With time zone changes and the start of Daylight Saving Time, our internal clocks were about 4 hours behind.) We’re grateful to the many who were so hospitable to our family as we made this trip – and we were glad to be home for a few days!

While in Colorado the church we were at treated us to visit to The Children’s Museum in Denver. We all enjoyed the our afternoon out.

Becca enjoyed being inside a bubble. Isaiah enjoyed popping bubbles. The safety glasses were a hit.

Becca was quite serious about her veterinarian work. I took Isaiah back to the ball room and came back to find Becca giving Josh all the animal vaccinations!

A brief and perhaps boring recounting of our trip  and the people we were with. In short, we traveled to CO through AL, MS, and TX and visited with many friends along the way.

Returning late Monday (2/10) afternoon from our Georgia trip, we were told by Josh’s parents of wintery weather headed straight for us. After I went to my Tuesday morning doctor’s appointment and sonogram, we decided to leave that afternoon instead of Wednesday morning. It was a fast turn around as we quickly repacked for a month trip out west. The Hancock family graciously offered to open their home to us in Birmingham, AL. We were able to drive to AL on Tuesday and spend the night there, while the storm passed over during the night.

Wednesday morning (2/12) we drove to Greenville, Mississippi, to visit with the Parkerson Family and have our teeth cleaned. Dr. Parkerson let us stay with them from Wednesday to Friday and took care of all our teeth. It was Becca’s first time to the dentist.

Friday (2/14) we drove to Houston, TX, to be with North Houston Baptist Church. We visited this church last last May and thoroughly enjoyed being with the Brays and their church family (both times!). Becca was DELIGHTED to be back with her friend Charis.

Monday (2/17) we drove to the DFW area. We first stopped to spend the afternoon with Steven, Kristen, and Claire Ryland. Kristen had prepared Valentine cookies for the kids to decorate. It was great to visit with the Ryland family and meet Claire for the first time. That evening we drove to Alvarado, TX, where Micah and Anna Martin let us stay in their new home for the week (they had moved just 2 days before).

Tuesday (2/18) we had lunch with Leon and Nick Kahler and were able to see Aunt Rita Watson. We had dinner that evening with the Zollingers. Michael Zollinger used to work in AWANA at Hampton Park, and he was Josh’s worker to recited verses to.

Wednesday (2/19) we took the day off and went to the zoo. (See previous blog post.)

Thursday (2/20) we had dinner with Kathy, one of Becca’s main NICU nurses. We’ve enjoyed keeping up with Kathy since Becca left the NICU and are very grateful for the good care Becca received from Kathy when she was in the NICU. Isaiah LOVED the chocolate covered strawberries.

Friday (2/21) we had lunch with Kent and Alda Walton (no pictures). We spent the evening with Micah, Anna, and Adam Martin.

Saturday morning (2/23) I joined Anna at a ladies’ meeting set up for younger mothers to be encouraged by older women. I really enjoyed being with the ladies and received several good ideas for future use. Saturday afternoon and evening we had a lovely visit with the Countryman family.

Sunday (2/24) we were at Arlington Presbyterian Church. It was so good to be with our church family. Even though we attended for less than a year, it felt like being home. In the evening we had dinner with the Bennet family, a family from APC. Sunday night we moved into the Gamblins’ home so we could be in the Arlington area for a few days.

Monday (2/25) I had an appointment with Dr. Moseley to check on Little Sister. We then went to lunch with Parke and Lynnelle Brown. We had dinner that evening with Gary and Karen Isham.

Tuesday (2/26) we had lunch with the Crook family – I taught Cayti Crook piano and voice lessons when we lived in Arlington. We had dinner with Steve and Kelly Walter.

Wednesday (2/27) we had lunch with Pastor Wes and Kathy O’Niel from APC (no picture). Then we said goodbye to the Gamblins and made our way to Keller, TX, to have a New Life Bible Church reunion at the Woods’ home. It was good to get together with so many TX friends. Wednesday evening we stayed with the Ishams.

Thursday (2/28) we left the DFW area and started our trip to CO. We drove to Lubbock, TX, and stayed with the Siu family. Lap (who is Jarai from Vietnam) was a great help to Josh with his Jarai research and became a good friend. It was good to visit with their family.

Friday (2/29) we drove to a suburb of Denver. We saw a lot of interesting countryside during our drive. Saturday through Wednesday we participated in a missions conferences at Red Rocks Baptist Church.

Today we start out trip back to SC.