Before I can blog about anything more recent than 1992 I need to update you guys on my time in the states. And since I have some good stuff to talk about I figured I better get on it.
I got to fly home one more time First Class. I was blessed with a ticket from a friend who´s husband flies for Delta, so if there is a first class seat open after everyone else on standby gets seat assignments I get it. Such a blessing for a girl like me to be sitting in first class.
After doctor appointments, dentist appointments and some running around I got to seeing my folks. Spent some time seeing Robert and his wife in Montgomery. Amazing to see how life has changed for us both when I met him back in 94. After stopping by my sister´s house to hold my 2 week old Nephew James and see my girlies I got to see Jamie James and her crew and witness PJ losing his first tooth. He was shocked and surprised as he at his veggies and rice. Haha
I got to go by James´classroom at Pike Road. Crazy that I grew up nearby and Pike Road was a country store and a railroad crossing back then. Now there are neighborhoods and even a school. Was cool to see so many races and ethnicities in her class. They were journaling and would say "Mrs. Shelton´s friend how do you spell daughter, or Atlanta, or Micaiah?" Such a joy to watch her patiently work with her littles in that room. They journaled on the floor because there are so many kids they don´t have tables and chairs for them all. The kids dont seem to mind at all!
During the first week in Auburn my Barbara went shopping for a few things at Sam´s then went to Big Lots to pick up some things for the Christmas surprise I have for my bigs. When we were checking out the lady asked if we had found everything. I told her they were short a couple things because we needed 11 of each but that was ok. She asked what we were shopping for and I explained my 85 kids and what I do. She thanked me and thought that was all great. The lady behind Barbara in line said "What are you buying that for?" She explained again what we were doing and the lady handed her $40 and said "Please put that towards the balance" Pretty sure Barbara and I both were about to cry a bit. It shocked Barbara I know and I laughed and said as we left that´s how God does stuff for my kids. I would have taken a photo with the lady but my phone was in the truck! Barbara saw her coming out as she got ready to leave and stopped her and took a photo. The woman shared that one day she hoped to adopt and just prayed that maybe her gift would come back around to her.
I left that experience to a ladies small group lunch/meeting where I got to hear the testimony of a woman who adopted 2 teens from the Ukraine. And then one of the lady´s shared that her husband´s boss was giving them $10,000 towards her adoption and their needs. We were all in tears and my heart was just full over how the Father takes care of his kids as we all trust him in what we are doing. I couldn´t help but think of my Covey´s and tell Carrie the stories to encourage her as they walk their adoption journey. Then I got to share a bit about Emmanuel and realized after I shared that most of the ladies there were helping with the Christmas surprise. Such sweet stuff.
After a busy week of running around I picked up my littles in Montgomery and headed on our way to CFA in Opelika to spend the night. Saturday morning we were headed to Stone Mountain but it was raining and a mess so we called that off last minute and went to NorthPointe mall. Aunt Stina met us and a fun time commenced. Lego had a display throughout the mall so we experienced American history via Lego. And you KNOW i was lovin it. Stina brought a cookie cake (to welcome me back and we all know that any cause for cookie cake is a good one). She even brought plates napkins and a knife so we could eat it in the truck! Way to plan that out Stina.
I appreciate this kid and her love for a map in her hand.
It was not so rainy so we headed to Stone Mountain and got to walk around the non crowded park and experience the Pumpkin festival and catch the laser light show in the rain…but so good. We got to do our favorite things except the skytram and dipping dots. I will miss going to Stone Mountain Christmas this year but have already calendared our date for my next trip to the states.
After more people and visits and general running around Auburn I went to Atlanta to see my bestie from Texas. She was in town for a nursing conference. Long story short I had to rent a car that was supposed to be a Corolla or equivalent and this is what I got. Problem is I had about 14 boxes to take with me to Atlanta to be taken to Chattanooga. I was determined to get 9 and my suitcase…I made it fit. When I got to the hotel it was a better deal to valet park and the guy had to be laughing at my car all packed up. We ate dinner then walked around and ended up at the Ferris wheel next to the Tab. Was really neat and just a touch scary when that basket started swinging.
Next morning headed to Cheryl´s in Woodstock to take the boxes to the warehouse in Chattanooga. Found a hole in the wall footlong hotdog place that has been there forever and followed that meal with an amazing steak dinner cooked in an amazing backyard by Cheryl. Blessed to be spoiled like this.(For the record..not my wine, Cheryls. That was for the photo.)
Some of you will be humored to know that my rental car was FULL UP with ants on the passenger side. When I turned the car in the lady jumped wiping off her pants (she had sat down in the car to check the mileage. haha) God has a sense of humor. Of that I am sure.
Ohio to hang with the Ohio #Village Chapter. Got to have sushi for the first time ever (thanks but too fishy for me) and also got to go to Old Man´s Cave after talking about it for 2 years. Turned out a great day for walking and picnicing. Was really super cool to see and hang with my Coveys. And Nora made my sandwich with love. Just gotta love that.
That would be brownie waffles with homemade ice cream and Carrie´s Salted Caramel. Dare I mention all the other foods I consumed and naps I took in Ohio…
Ended up sick the morning of my flight back and with construction stupidity thrown in I missed my flight. No big (except for throwing a major wrench in Carrie´s schedule and me feeling terrible). I didn´t want to be on a plane anyway… So got a one way ticket and left the next day. I got blessed with some stuff for me and my bigs so I had to check a box on the way home. After 10 days of Covey time, VGF churching and some stellar naps and reading I headed back to Auburn to finish up the trip.
I met with more folks and hugged on some more people and was even surprised to see Susan Gaston at my parents house! Seems her and my niece are buddies. Such a sweet surprise!
Got to watch an Auburn football game with my Spencer peeps and dipnation. And I will just stay away from watching anymore…overtimes…too stressful. This is how my Spencers watch the 3rd overtime… standing and a bit into it.
One thing I have been wanting here is a fully functional washing machine. The one I had to share with some others only worked on delicate..which means my clothes were never clean. Dad found one at a friends and got it for me. When I saw it in his garage I hugged it. He asked me why and I told him because I loved it. I also hugged it when it arrived last week and got hooked up. Clean clothes!! Hallelujer!
I finished my trip out with a trip to Cottonton Baptist Church. It´s down near Pittsview. Their pastor had come with another team in September and invited me. I ramblingly shared about Emmanuel and how we are all adopted by the Father through the blood of Christ and answered a lot of questions. As we stood in worship at the beginning of church I was reminded of how in College I went around to a lot of little country churches with my friends doing drama and singing and it was just a sweet time with that body. They all were so sweet and all wanted my prayer cards to pray for me. So grateful for that. I told them I need that daily.
The next morning before dawn I headed to ATL and back to my bigs to see what trouble they had stirred up while I was gone.
So, now I have caught you up on my time in the states. Later this week will catch you up on some Honduras stuff with my bigs.
Thank you for all you do to support me being here with your prayers, encouragement, and funds. If you wish to contribute something please send to (they will send your tax receipts)
Central Missionary Clearinghouse
PO Box 219228
Houston, TX 77218-9228
Thank you all my #village peeps.
Be His
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