We had so much fun I don't even know where to start. How about the beginning? We arrived on Saturday evening to a wonderful meal cooked by the amazing Brett. In fact, amazing might be an understatement. Yall, she cooked all our meals for the whole week. I know I said there were 15 people sleeping in the house, but very rarely were we the only ones eating in the house. Brett rocked all the meals and even pre-made food for when she was going to be gone on vacation at the end of the week. I think it's safe to say we were spoiled. (Somehow I didn't manage to get any pictures of her.)
Sunday morning we rearranged the house and had church. The Emorys have started Hub Church right in their home and have a wonderful group of people meeting in their home. They were ordaining their first elder that morning, so it was special to be with them and get to pray over he and his wife. We're continuing to pray for you, Marcus and Allisha! We were also able to hear the heart behind Hub Church and the thing that continues to stick with me the most is this: standard of living is not equal to quality of living. This is something we know and believe, but it's great to have a concise way to say it and help keep us in check.
We spent our afternoon at the beach, which I was admittedly skeptical about, but ended up loving every minute of it. This will be hard for some of you to believe, but the weather was so nice I had goosebumps... on the last day of June. Who knew?! (Sadly, I also have no pictures of the beach because I left my camera in the car.)
Monday we cleaned up a park and then passed out flyers in the neighborhood that evening to let them know about a park party the next afternoon. It was really rainy the whole time we were there, but on this particular day, the radar showed storms all around us that would divide as they came to Goose Creek and reconvene on the other side. Our God is big. Christin did a wonderful job setting up the project and is probably one of the hardest workers I've ever had the pleasure of sweating next to.
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| Pulling weeds |
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| Power washing... who needs a ladder? |
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| Painting |
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| What's a park party without snow cones and cotton candy? |
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| And a bounce house, of course! |
We played lots and lots of games. Nothing like some good, friendly competition to bring out the fun in the Emory house. I absolutely loved so much quality time with so many people!
We also had group devotions every night. Different people lead us each day and it was a great time to reflect on how the Lord is moving among His people. One night in particular, Tim shared about our obedience to the Lord through foster care and all the unknowns that go along with it. After group time was over, one of the Hub Church men sat with us and told us of his family's journey through foster care and adoption. Then he offered Tim his number so they can stay connected and encouraged. We went to bed that night with very full hearts! We had been praying for a man that Tim could turn to in hard times. Jason, you had been prayed for and we are so thankful for you!
Wednesday, after making a stop by the local food pantry and possible future home of Hub Church, we got to go see Charleston. So much history! It was lots of fun riding around town and experiencing a new place. And, of course, we got rained on again... the adventures just kept coming.
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| Anyone know this reenactment? |
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| I want a porch like that. |
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| Did I mention it rained? |
Thursday was the Forth of July and we had lots of time to relax and play. The boys bought (too many) fireworks because there are no laws about where to shoot them off in Goose Creek. Needless to say, I was slightly on edge that night, but everyone made it through... eyebrows and all! It was a really fun night with lots of games, neighbors, food, and laughter.
There were so many small, sweet things that happened throughout the week. It was such a joy to be with the Emorys again. We have missed them! It was good to just sit and catch up. They are such a special family. They love each other well and their home is filled with so much happiness and laughter. I've never been in a more hospitable house. One of our students observed that they have really great attitudes and don't let much get to them. Like the way that Sid cracked jokes as he cleaned up the GALLON of blue paint that spilled in his trunk, or the way Stacy couldn't talk because she was laughing so hard after getting soaked by the rain, not to mention how eager Wes, Will, and Bonnie were to share their home (and even give up a bed!) with us. Bon Bon and I even got to sneak off for a fro yo date. :) The Emorys live out their love for God and love for others like we have been learning about at our church. What a great example of Matthew 22:37-39 they are! I know it wasn't really a vacation, but this is the most time The Hubs and I have gotten to spend together in a while and we loved it. Two years and counting! It was wonderful, as well, to hear the students talk about what they took away from our week in Goose Creek. I'm so thankful they were obedient in the call to go and that they were listening while they were there.
Speaking of two years, that's the span of time between the last two pictures I have with Bonnie. Check this out:
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| Two years ago |
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| Two days ago |
We returned home on Friday and after all the students were picked up from the church we headed home. As we drove I said, "Oh no! We never made it to Mepkin Abbey!" We grinned at each other and said together, "Guess we're just going to have to go back."
Glad you were curious enough to read.
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