Houston Crossroads

When Bradley and I first committed to the work in Cambodia, it seemed somewhat easy to say "yes", as it was, at the time "later." However, the future came more quickly than expected (as it normally does), and we found ourselves playing the role of beheaded chickens. Although our desire was to bring our kitty-babies with us to Cambodia, we knew it would be safest and healthiest for them to stay in the states. My mom offered to take Oscar, labeled "the nice one." Black and lanky, Oscar is very loving, and has dog-like tendencies. He'll stretch out on his back and sleep with his feet in the air. As a kitten he simply wanted to be friends with Bitsy, our fluffy, grey ball of sassy. However, Bitsy would have none of this friendship thing because anyone willing to steal, in her mind, rightfully allotted time with mommy and daddy was no friend of hers. Oddly enough, Bitsy is the one who will warm up to children faster, and is more likely to come out for some love when we have company. The problem lies within the fact that Bitsy wants to be the only pet. Bradley and I chose a cat for our first pet because we knew our lifestyle, at the time, would be unfair to a dog. So, since cats are so self-sufficient, and just need a little loving here and there, we brought Bitsy home. Well, we found the one cat in the world who not only desires to be the only pet, but she demands time...or else! So, we had a more difficult time placing Miss Prissy Pants, but Bradley's Granny in Houston came through for us. With stress increasing and time decreasing, we had reluctantly decided to forego a trip to Houston. Then, with this news, we had to quickly rearrange our schedule to find a day to drive Bitsy down to her new foster home. I knew we wouldn't have time to make our rounds in south Texas, as we have quite a bit of family, so I sent a mass text to Houston family, requesting their presence for dinner on our way back home.

Our visit with Granny, Bradley's Uncle Gil and Bradley's sweet cousin, Dorothy, aka Dotti, was very pleasant. Both Granny and Gil reassured us that they would take care of our high-maintenance fur baby, and so we left her in Granny's room while we went to lunch. After lunch with Granny, Dotti, and little Sebastian, we returned to find Bitsy in the exact spot we left her, 3 hours earlier! She hadn't moved. Her eyes still wide as quarters; her face burrowed down into her kitty bed, obviously petrified of what might be lurking on the other side; and her little foot still hanging out of the bed. I felt horrible, but knew we had to press on. I explained to Bitsy that this was her sacrifice for the Lord's work, but for some reason I don't think she really cared to be an involuntary martyr. Oh, and did I mention that there are 4 other cats and 3 dogs residing with Granny? Yeah, if Bitsy lives through the next 2 years, she's either going to be the biggest sour puss ever, or she'll be so overly joyful to come home and have only 1 other companion with which to contend.

After our goodbyes, we made our way over to meet with the rest of our Houston family at Pappasita's Mexican Grill. This was the first time, aside from our wedding, that our families came together. It was such a blessing to see each of their faces, and hug their necks. Although Aunt Kathy and Uncle Marvin were unable to join us for dinner, we met her at a gas station off I-45 to say goodbye. My cousins were unavailable as well, but besides that, we had the whole crew show up for the fiesta. I soaked up every minute with each of them. I am so richly blessed with family and friends!

Service road farewell with Aunt Kathy

First to arrive: Uncle Bo and Aunt Becky

Unlce Bo (Unc Jis) has always been one of my heroes.

Next in line, with a bag of goodies: Aunt Kim and Doc

As a pre-teen, I adored her every move, and some of my

greatest family memories include her fabulous laugh attacks.

Me with my little brother and baby sister

I guess they're not so little anymore...

when did that happen!?!

My dad and Dede. I wish we'd had more time, but am

thankful I had the opportunity to hug their necks again.

Uncle Randy, Aunt Kathy and Caleb arrived after this last photo, and we somehow got away without taking one with them. :o(

Even though our round-trip to Houston in less than 24 hours was exhausting, it was very much needed time with family. We caught up on life, laughed, and simply enjoyed being together. That day in Houston several roads crossed, and Bradley and I are thankful we were the beneficiaries of their intersection. Thank you sweet family for taking the time to wish us a bon voyage!