We left Georgia on June 5th, stopping at Grandma Martin’s on the way for a quick lunch visit. We drove to Alabama and stayed with the Leitharts. They were very kind to receive us and house us for the night. It was a pleasure to spend time with this kind, humble, unassuming couple who has and is doing so much for the Kingdom. Dr. Leithart gave Becca two books he’s written on Jane Austin. She was thrilled.

Thursday, June 6th, we spent 12 hour in the van driving from Birmingham, AL to Plano, TX. Texas the birthday place of our two oldest children. It was a long day of driving, but everyone did really well with the trip. We were glad to arrive at the Countrymans for two nights. Friday lunch we met Dr. Pat Davis at a McDonalds. She thoughtfully brought activities for all the kids to do. I am always amazed by Dr. Davis – a 92 year old lady still doing literacy work and training with tribal groups in Peru.

Saturday we drove to spend the night with Bob and Martha Gamblin. They are a sweet couple and think of us as family. Sunday we attended Redeemer Prez in Arlington and Josh presented our ministry and preached. It was good to be with many of our friends from our years in Texas.

Sunday and Monday nights (June 9 & 10) we stayed with the Ishams. It was great to catch up with them. Monday we went to the Fort Worth Zoo – everyone enjoyed seeing the animals and riding the train. This zoo has special memories, since we used to take Becca there when we lived in Texas.

We left the on Tuesday and had lunch and a swim at the Woods. Tuesday to Friday we stayed at Ann’s. She kindly gave up her house and moved in with a friend so we could have her entire house to ourselves. It was a sweet gift for our family during a very busy time. Miss Ann was Becca’s SS teacher when Becca was 3. Tuesday (June 11th) evening we fellowshipped with our friend Kathy, one of Becca’s NICU nurses. She also invited Teresa, another one of Becca’s nurses. Wednesday (12th) we had lunch with the dear Olsons. They arranged for us to have a picnic lunch at their church, so there would be a place inside for the kids to play. Wednesday evening we met the Walters at a playground/spray park for a picnic.

Thursday (13th) we drove to GIAL and spent some time with Dr. Parker (a former professor of Josh’s) and Dr. Kroeger. It felt like a mini Grammar seminar reunion to spend time with Dr. Kroeger. He treated us to lunch and brought rice for the kids from an Asian store. On our way back, we stopped by at UTA to visit our old stomping ground and Becca’s tree. Friday we visited with the Rylands. It was fun to be with them and see their growing family. The kids did water play in the back yard.

Friday to Thursday (June 14th -20th) we moved in with our friends the Martins. They put our family in their gym building and it was a great space for us. We enjoyed swimming, playing kickball, nerf gun wars, eating, shooting guns, and playing together. So nice that our kids enjoyed playing together. We also celebrated Father’s Day with them.

Sunday we attended All Saints and had lunch with the Bennetts. Monday we visited with Vitaly and his family at a park. So nice to see them after 11 years. Monday evening we met Den and his wife at a park. Den is our Seed Company project manager. Tuesday we meet the Countryman’s for lunch at a CFA, so we could see Aaron (who was away in Europe when we stayed at his house). Thus ends our two weeks in Texas. It’s been a great time connecting with so many friends from our years (2008-2013) in Texas. Our kids enjoyed lots of extra activities and making new friends. Now on to Tennesee!