A Turkeyific Trip to MI

Over Thanksgiving Jessie and I had the opportunity to travel back to Michigan, my first trip home since leaving in May. As it worked out, my Mom's birthday fell on Thanksgiving day. As we thought about it- we thought this would be a great opportunity to surprise her.

So... as the story goes, we successfully mislead my Mother in to thinking there was no way we could get away long enough to come home for the holiday.. which is especially difficult when you're trying to remain as truthful as possible.

Early on Thanksgiving, we were sure to call my Mom and sing our annual "Happy Birthday," comment on the snowy weather, and listen to her "if only you could be here, it would be complete" motherly speech. Knowing in just a couple short hours we would be surprising her- we got a good laugh.

A few years back my family got away from doing the traditional family Thanksgiving at one of the relatives houses- instead opting to avoid all the preparation and clean up to eat our "Thanksgiving meal" at Cracker Barrel. So as my mom and family arrived and sat around the table- my mom called me to tell me how she wished I was there- after passing the phone around to every family member present, she got back on the phone. Following a few short "miss yous" and "wish you were heres" she said "I love you." Meanwhile, during the last of our conversation Jessie and I were able to sneak up behind her. After she said "I love you," I whispered in her other ear... "I love you too."

In total shock, she slowly turned her head. Within a few seconds she was in tears, joined shortly after by my Boppie (grandma). So the surprise was complete! My mom got her wish. "Now my birthday and Thanksgiving is complete," she said continuing to cry. Happy Birthday Mom.

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As we've continued on the journey that has brought us to Pennslyvania, it's been encouraging to see the evidence of how God has gone before us preparing the way. He's provided a place to call home, overwhelming support and love, and everything else we've needed along the way. Even though we love it here in PA, we've still missed certain things.. mainly people and...... our favorite dining locations...

So many people to see. So short a time.

Friends...Friends...Friends...

"You never know what you had until it's gone"

This quote is one in which I've heard

over and over for years. For some reason it has never really applied... until now. True, in no way are our friends "gone," but the distance that separates us is challenging.

This has been especially true with Justin and Abbey. I've found myself many times over the last seven months longing to just hang out with my best friend- my brother- Justin. It's funny how when you experience the highest of highs and the deepest of the valleys- how God knits your hearts together. This is the case with Justin and I. Personally, just the few short hours Jessie and I were able to spend with Justin and Abbey on "Black Friday" were one of many highlights of the special trip. These two have been by our side since day one- a constant encouragement- always praying for us. We praise God for our continued relationship- one in which no distance can separate.

--Justin do you remember when we thought girls were trouble? We were wrong. God's clearly given us the best of the best. You know we're praying for you and Abbey as May 31 approaches. Marriage is incredible- the wait is worth it!

Jessie was able to spend some long awaited time with Maike as well. Just as they always do.. they met at a local coffee shop.. and spent hours together talking about what girls talk about.... (I have no clue).. but as you can see in the picture- they both seemed to have enjoyed their time together.

We've been praying- for a "Maike"- in Pennsylvania.

Maike- what do you think about moving into our guest room?

Ahhh Yes.... Starbucks!

For the first time in almost two years, I was able to spend some time with Alex Vanos. Alex and I were two of the tri-captains of our football team in High School. He's working on his master's degree at Northern Michigan while coaching football.

Family...Family...Family...

We had a great time with friends but we're especially thankful for our time with family.

Sometime is difficult to spend time with both sides of the family in such a condensed time frame. However, that wasn't the case for us. We were able to have great visits with both my family and Jessie's. TJ (right), Vinnie (left), and Vinnie's friend Hunter went out Thanksgiving night checking out the Black Friday deals. TJ was considering the all-nighter for a cheap TV- but somewhere along the way sleep sounded like the better idea- smart man- there's no way I could have done it either.

Jessie was excited to FINALLY have her favorite meal... Chicken Ole'... along with Apple Crisp. It's been so long- and since I'm not the most talented cook- I left that to Mom. Jessie says "Thank You!"

Food...Food...Food...

You are now seeing the images I have been dreaming about for months. Those of you who plan to come visit in the near future.. we are asking that you'd prayerfully consider a stop in Mattawan.

My order: Kung Pao Beef, no veggies, XXXX Spicy. Bowl of Hot and Sour Soup. Thanks!

This is by far the longest blog that I'll write. I'll close with this thought and few more pictures.

This trip was especially meaningful for Jessie and I as the cost of the trip was entirely provided by those around us here in Sandy Lake. After seven months here in PA without a return visit... God provided the means for Jessie and I to make this trip through the thoughtful gifts of multiple members of Sandy Lake Wesleyan Church for Pastor's Appreciation Month. Jessie and I are so thankful. It's great to have family and friends in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

For those of you wondering... Amor (middle) had a great reunion with his mother, Reilly (left), and his sister, Bailey (right). Amor, at 9 months, is already bigger than his mother- who's feeding that dog!?!?!