traveling here, traveling there

Well, it's been a while since I have posted anything. It's been quite a month. We have been able to see both sides of our family, we have had services in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Texas, Texas, Texas, Arkansas....LOTS of driving has taken place. All 6 of us go on the weekends, but since Hudson is in school, the kids and I generally stay home on Wednesday nights. There was one weekend when the babies and I had to stay home due to sickness. Since then, well, there's been more sickness. I think it's safe to say that I may indeed have children prone to ear infections. Praying they outgrow them quickly. Sleepless nights are making me cranky. I mean, sleepless nights are making them cranky. It's possible that we are all cranky. Ok, well, that isn't fair. Randy isn't really all that cranky.

Back to itineration. Honest to goodness, I cannot begin to say how good God is. Words seem so unable to express the magnitude of how great He is, and how beautiful His people are. Everywhere that we go we are amazed at how generous the family of God is. In church after church, we watch as the people we meet become genuinely excited about changing the statistics in the nation of Swaziland. The way that they commit both in prayer and in financial support to cover us as we go has been both inspiring and humbling. We are grateful for the opportunity that God has blessed us with, and we are thankful for the beautiful people that he has surrounded us with as a covering.

Traveling has presented its challenges. First, there's the packing. There are 6 of us...and one mini van. Then there's the driving. Ella does not love to be in her car seat. We thought turning her around....I know, I know, now days they tell us not to turn babies around in a forward facing car seat until they are like 7 years old, but those people have never driven a mile in my mini van! Ella faces forward.....so she can see us....and more importantly, so she can eat! We have found that food helps us to get a few more miles out of her. Then there's the potty training. We are pretty certain that Griffin has such good control of his bladder that he chooses only to use the restroom when he sees places he wants to visit and when he is ready to get out of the car. Hudson and Olivia are great travelers. They should earn an award or something. I am a pretty good traveler, too. But Randy, he likes to keep the car too cold... Going to different churches every Sunday seems to be getting easier and easier. Even though Griffin informs us every time we are on our way to church that he is NOT going to class....he does eventually end up there...one way or another. Ella loves nurseries...as long as there's gold fish to snack on and toys to play with. Olivia has fully embraced her role as the missionary kid and would be more than happy to speak at any children's church, children's convention, children's conference, or children's retreat that any of you may need a speaker for. She is not shy, she has a great speaking voice, and she heard Randy talk about Swaziland once in a service, so she has all the information she needs. Hudson continues to play his guitar and sing the song he and a friend wrote at missionary training. I continue to cry almost every time he sings it. And Randy continues to cry every time he talks about Swaziland. All in all, I think we are doing alright.

Thanks for your prayers and support. We pray blessings over you daily.