World Travelers

Last Sunday was my grandpa's 85th birthday. My parents gave him a surprise present: Isaiah and me! I thought for sure that Grandpa had figured it out, but I think that we really surprised him! We had so much fun. For the first time Isaiah was able to meet his great aunt Paula and some more cousins. We had quite the family gathering. It was great to see everyone together again.


On the day before his birthday, my parents hosted a drop-in in honor of his birthday. Being able to see how Grandpa has made himself apart of the church community. He always used to go to church with Grandma, and when she passed away, we weren't sure if he would stay committed to going. The Lord has really done a work in his heart! He is in church nearly every Sunday. He has also become friends with other families in the church.
God greatly blessed my heart last weekend as I was able to spend some special time with him and the rest of my family.


Those visits are becoming more and more special as the time draws near for us to go to Russia. Another "marker" is coming up this week. Thomas is traveling to St. Petersburg for about 9 days to do some preliminary work for our move. (For all the thousands :) reading this, please pray for him as he travels and has lots to do!) We are very thankful that an elder from our church is going with him. They'll leave on Tuesday (very, very early) and fly to Moscow. From Moscow they'll take the overnight train to St. Petersburg, arriving on Thursday morning. While they're there Thomas will be meeting with doctors at a special clinic that can treat Isaiah for any emergencies, find an area for us to live, investigate language school and find us a church. Please pray for stamina and wisdom to know what to do when.


Isaiah and I will be spending the weekend in Baton Rouge with Thomas' parents. Besides that Isaiah has physical therapy, occupational therapy, two doctor's appointments and whatever other surprises he decides to throw in. By the way, you would not believe how well he is rolling around these days! I can't leave him alone anywhere.
So, it should be a fun couple of weeks. I know that I'll be able to stay busy while Thomas is gone, but I'm not looking too forward to him being gone for so long. He's not gone yet, but I'll be really glad when he gets back.