Family Updates

Last night, I heard from L & D as they were driving through Oklahoma and headed for Texas. L is spending the week with D while our parents are enjoying a stay in Branson City.

All of us "kids" and other interested parties (JM and I, D, SR, SC, L, and AK) pitched in to help plan and pay for a get away for our parents in celebration of their 35th wedding anniversary in August. As August is a busy time on the fall, the trip was planned for the end of October in the hopes that Dad would be finished with farm work. He still has a bit to do yet (17 acres to drill and a couple of fields to partially re-drill), but he is going ahead with the plan. We started out by finding them a bed and breakfast near Branson City. Once D had done the research and a bit of bargaining with the owner, we were able to give them a 3 night stay with the option of spending some of their other money to make it a 4-night stay, which they decided to go ahead and do. Before they left on Monday, D was able to deliver from us cash for them to spend on travel, food, and entertainment expenses. We are wishing for them a relaxing and rejuvenating week!

This evening, Mom and Dad called to say that they were at the Bed & Breakfast and to say thank you for the gift.

When I got home, SC was visiting. Didn't get into any very serious conversations, but it was good to catch up a bit with him!

I also was chatting a bit with AK by IM before I left work. Talking with him is a great reminder of how far I have come since I was in his position--new job, far from home and family, with no friends. Praying that he is able to make some solid friendships very soon!