Holiday travel

Maggie comes home today. It is interesting that home is now Amarillo, TX rather that Hot Springs, AR or Somerset, NJ. My children have often teased me about how much they have had to move, and I suppose the moves have been an interruption in their lives, but those moves have paid for their lives as I supported them and those moves have shaped them in ways never possible had we stayed in one place.


Anyway, Maggie flies home today and Brittany flies out today. Maggie comes home engaged, longing for her beau while Brittany flies to Somerset looking to spend time with her beau. The two of them are meeting at what is Andrew Kim’s home city still. He and she will be chaperoned by the people of the church there in Somerset. All of those that know of the interest between the two seem delighted with the idea.

Brittany, Chase and Joshua seem set on the idea of returning to the Northeast to settle and work. I pray for wisdom and opportunity for each of them as they pursue those callings. It will give us even more reason to go back to visit. Since New Jersey is not listed in the top 100 or so spots in the United States to vacation, it generally requires a reason to spend your time off there, and we have plenty of reasons to go.

Nate, Cori and the grandchildren are on their way to us as of yesterday afternoon. It is meant to be a surprise for Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma has not gotten to see either Grant or Blake. She has not seen Mykenzie since her great granddaughter was very tiny. If it does not cause her to have a heart attack, it should be a very pleasant surprise.

Added to that itinerary, our travel and Brittany and Joshua going back to Hot Springs and we are all racking up a lot of road time. Somehow, being in the South makes it seem more easily accomplished. When we were traveling to see my family for Thanksgiving we set the Garmin to the address of my sister in Roger’s Texas and started south on State Highway 287. Usually the Garmin will show only a short stretch of miles before some “turn” is required – at each major intersection of the highway being traveled.

I was a little shocked when the Garmin advised us to travel 190 miles then keep right on the same highway. I told Mama. “Look! No major intersections for 190 miles. Ya gotta love this part of the South.” I had not seen that long a stretch of road for almost a decade. It seemed like an easy trip even though it was about nine hours.

Pray for us as we pray for you that all these travels would be safe and blessed.

Updates

Maggie made it home without any problems and Nate, Cori and the kids are safely in Amarillo as of about 10 a.m. Everyone is excited and slightly overwhelmed – especially those three years old and under. Grandma is expecting everyone in my household over for breakfast this morning. She has no clue that the great grandchildren are on the way also. Sadly I will not be able to join them for a couple more hours but there should still be some fun in the air when I am able to participate.


Grant’s birthday is tomorrow and preparations are underway to celebrate that in style – Cowboy style to be exact. Mama has planned a Cowboy theme for the party – more on that later.

The moving company reimbursed us almost $3000 for lost or damaged items. Now it is time for Papi to have Christmas.