My Glass is Half Full

Okay, so I'm a little behind my blog-once-a-week goal. It's okay though, I have an excuse: I've been busy. Lame, but true. Last weekend we traveled with our dear friends, Jonathan & Marissa, to Kansas City for a Cambodia presentation. With 3 little ones in the car, I'd prepared myself to make a dozen stops, but they were little champs. We made it to Daniel and Mendel's home in 9 1/2 hours, including stops. Mendel was a gracious hostess, with a clean house and ready beds, and Daniel nicely filled his role as the stomach filler. It's so fascinating to watch couples in their uniqueness. In our home, I'm the doer, and Bradley's the entertainer. Hungry? Tired? Need to know where something is? I've got your back, although I will often forget to ask you the standard, "do you need something to drink?" However, coffee, and most of the talking and laughing will be provided by my jolly hubby. Every household is different though. My MIL is the entertainer (she provides too, but she knows how to tell a story), and my FIL is always concerned you might starve to death under his roof. ;o)  My mom is constantly cleaning and checking on you, in case you might have become hungry since the last time she asked you (3 minutes ago), and my step-dad is ready to entertain you with his latest antique finds. And it goes on and on with the different partnerships working together to care for their guests.

Adam, Davette, and little Foster came over Saturday morning, and we had a lovely time catching up with one another. The guys played ping pong and discussed future plans, while Davette and Mendel educated Missy and I on essential oils. I so enjoy the friendship I have with so many of the Missouri people, and I was so sad I didn't get to spend more time with each one. {sniff, sniff} We were able to hug necks of more friends, Jeff, James, Christy, their little buttercup {her dimples will kill you}, and the list goes on. Then, after the presentation on the work in Cambodia, a sweet couple, Ralph and Kay, drove us to their home in Houston, Missouri. Except for an hour stop for dinner, we spent about 5 hours riding with this couple, getting to know one another. I feel so blessed to have had so many opportunities to encounter a plethora of wonderful people in my short lifetime. I haven't traveled the world, but I've traveled enough to know that God has an amazing creation in us humans. There are people who choose to deny Him, and even those who desire to do harm to others. Yet, I've been honored to come across many more men and women who simply want to wish you well in this life. Ralph and Kay welcomed us into their home, and they found a permanent home in our hearts. As Bradley has lost his grandparents on his fathers' side, he decided that he's adopting this precious couple, and I agree. I think Memaw and Papaw would approve. After a wonderful Sunday morning worship service, we had to say goodbye to our journey companions, and had the privilege of meeting Marty, Jeri, and their son, Caleb. They treated us to lunch before we hit the road, Springfield bound. Somehow, we were again blessed with delightful company. The 2 hour trip flew by as we discussed their daughter's recent wedding, their personal story, and our upcoming adventures in Cambodia. We met our original traveling sidekicks in a Wal-Mart parking lot, where we said our thanks and goodbyes, and began our final journey home. Thankfully, it was an uneventful trip, with shared memories and laughter. The Lord was extremely kind in not only protecting us on the road, but He managed to help us strengthen and create lifelong friendships. Unfortunately, I somehow managed to go the entire weekend with only taking 2 photos.

Gabe tried to stick it out, but he finally gave in to

Uncle Bradley's warm, cushy arm. 

Saying goodbye to Marty and Jeri.

All in all, a blessed weekend which left me excited for the beautiful people and culture in Cambodia. How did I become so "lucky" in this life? That, I don't know, but what I do know, is that I am a better person for every relationship I create. It's incredible that as a loner-type personality, I still recognize and appreciate the power of God's creation depending on one another for love, even if that love is represented by a simple glass of water. Bottoms up!