May 18th we left the HP mission house to start our last two weekends in SC. We enjoyed our three months in the home, having a space of our own to rest in while traveling and visiting with friends, family, and churches. Thursday, May 16th, we spent time with the Rodriguez family. It’s been great to have them close by and be able to be with them multiple times. Yani made some extra time in her teaching schedule to come over a few mornings to pray with me – a special treat. Becca enjoyed spending time with Amaris.

Friday, the 17th, we got together with David Wynn. Josh had a great time catching up, and the kids all enjoyed playing. We only saw Mrs. Wynn for a moment before she had to leave for a family event. Saturday morning we packed up and cleaned the mission house. We stopped by Chick-Fil-A on our way out of town to Florence, SC. We spent the weekend with Berean Baptist Church. The kids enjoyed our time staying with Pastor Don & Miss Karen. A highlight was boating on the lake at their property.

From Florence we headed to Canaan Land for a vacation with Dad & Mom Jensen and Caroline & her kids. We had a great week of hiking, boating, eating, game playing, and just enjoying each other’s company. The kids worked on a puppet show with a staff member and performed it at the Thursday evening campfire. Friday we took a trip to The WILDS. The kids enjoyed Fort Fun, the water guns, and playing games.

Saturday, May 25th, we left Canaan Land and drove to Sumter, SC. On the way, we made a stop in Colombia to visit with the Lyons. We enjoyed our weekend with Sumter Bible Church. It was our first time to stay in a hotel during our time here, which is a bit of a challenge with lively children. Monday we drove to GA and are now staying at Eventide for the week.

Mother’s Day weekend we were full celebrating Josh’s parents anniversary, but Sunday evening there was no church, so we took sandwiches to a playground for supper. It was nice to watch everyone relax and play. I’m thankful for our family. Thankful for a husband who loves his family and is delighted to have seven children. I’m thankful our children enjoy playing outside and enjoy playing with each other. I’m thankful that God has blessed us with our children. This year Becca will start high school, so it means we only have a few more years of having everyone at home and everyone on the same side of the world. We’re thankful for these years and are enjoying them as we raise our kids together.

This past week has been full of visiting as we wrap up our time in SC. Thursday & Tuesday my sister Emily came for the day with Levi. Monday we had lunch with the Whitakers and supper with Uncle JD & Aunt Kim Crowley. Tuesday evening we were with Taylor and Emmie Crowley. Wednesday we went to the Children’s Museum with Mom Jensen and in the evening had a picnic with our HP Life Group. Josh visited his grandma Wednesday morning.

Over the weekend we celebrated Dad & Mom Jensen’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. The whole family spent Friday evening through Sunday lunch together. It was a nice relaxing time to celebrate Dad & Mom’s anniversary and for everyone to enjoy fellowshipping together.

The last picture is with the Bells – we ran into them at church.

As I sit down to look at all the pictures from the past week, I can hardly believe we’ve once again fit all this into one week! Friday we spent time with the Rodriguez family and then attended their violin recital. So happy we could see them perform.

Saturday we spent time with my brother Dan’s family. Always fun when cousins play together. Maria got to use the jonny-jump-up that Becca had years ago.

Sunday we presented out ministry at Open Door Baptist in Bamburg and then drove to visit Josh’s sister’s family in Aiken. Again – fun for cousins to be together.

Monday we drove to GA to visit Josh’s grandma Martin for lunch, and the we drove back to Greenville late afternoon. Tuesday I spoke at Hampton Park’s Women for Missions morning meeting and then went to lunch with some of the ladies. It was wonderful to see Mrs. Murr again – a professor from BJU. Tuesday afternoon Josh visited Mr. Butts. Tuesday night we had an EMU picnic (no pictures).

Wednesday we spent the day with Josh’s parents. We started off picking strawberries, then had lunch, and then the kids got to make strawberry jam! So many good memories! We are coming out of a few weeks of being sick – different kids are still coughing or struggling with being tired. We’re hopeful everyone is on the upswing and hoping no one has a relapse. It’s hard to stay healthy with days full of activities – all the sugar our kids are being offered – and late nights. Exciting times!

We’ve had a full week of spending time with people in SC. Last Thursday we had the Neals for lunch and enjoyed catching up with them. That evening we went to the Farmers for dinner and a singspiration. We also spent time with the Farmer family today – bookending the week! So fun to see friends from Cambodia – a little home away from home. Friday evening we had a lovely time with the Simpsons. Saturday we enjoyed time at the Martin family picnic – so good to catch up with Josh’s mom’s side of the family. Saturday evening we attended Jesse’s (our nephew) 10th birthday party at a skating rink. We were very proud with how persistent our kids were with skating – from Becca down to Micah.

Sunday Josh preached at Hampton Park and presented our ministry in the evening service, via interview and devotional. We had the Millers over for lunch. Monday my sister came for the day and then we enjoyed dinner and fellowship with the Colemans. Tuesday we had a fun evening with the Pegram family. Wednesday we were at Dad & Mom Jensens for most of the day. Thursday is…today with Farmer bookends 🙂