What a Journey

Moving back home to the States definitely brought us mixed emotions. I even teared up a little when Micah climbed on top of all the suitcases and trunks, as it immediately brought back memories from us leaving the States TWO years ago. Within minutes from checking our bags in and boarding the plane to Kenya, we manually sat Micah up on the trunks and took some pictures. I guess the image of him sitting there served as a great reflection of how much our lives have changed in the years we have been away. Not only have our external physical appearances changed (and aged), but we have been molded more internally into the image of Christ. These pictures will forever be bookends to a wonderful journey :)

The beginning...

...and the end :)

All packed and ready to go...

...with 11 suitcases, two car seats, and two babies, I'd say we were very thankful to have Lottie and Granddaddy's extra hands to maneuver us through the airport and customs. We were very blessed to have their extra hands to help us and their eyes to watch the kids :)

Wedding, Arab Style

Two days before we moved back to the States, our good Arab friends got married. We were blessed to be able to join them celebrating their special day. It was our first true Arab wedding experience and I'm so glad we could be there. It was a much different experience than we were used to as the men and women are completely separated the entire night. The guys actually never even see the bride the entire evening. The groom goes back and forth between the men and women, but mostly stays with his bride in the women's area. It was probably one of the best cultural experiences we had and we were so thankful we were able to go!

Sitting on her throne!

2 1/2 months

Reem Al-Bawadi

We hit up one of our favorite Arab restaurants, Reem Al-Bawadi, one last time before moving back to the States. The food is delicious, the outdoor seating area is beautiful, and it is just a great cultural experience all together. I really am going to miss the Arabic food and am hoping we can find a good Arab restaurant back in the States.

Playtime

With Grandaddy and Lottie came lots of playtime and fun new toys. There was never a dull moment, that is for sure :) And playtime wasn't just for the kids...I think Lottie and I must have played about a thousand card games of Gin, and I loved every minute!

Micah showing off his new Superman stickers.

Micah's favorite place and Granddaddy egging him on :) This was a great place for Micah to stand because he was outside and could see all our neighbors and everything else going on outside.  He also was safe between the window and the outside bars (aka jail-ha).

The Arab workers at McDonald's wanted to hold our kids, so of course we had to get a picture!

Doing what Micah does best...playing and keeping us BUSY!

Love at First Sight

Paul's parents were so sweet and flew all the way to Jordan in order to assist us with moving home. Well, I really think they came to meet our little Jordan Kate, but we definitely were thankful they came, whatever the reason may have been :) Micah couldn't have been more excited to see his Granddaddy and Lottie, and had so much to tell them. They came about a week before we flew back to the States, and what a fun week it was! We love you Lottie and Granddaddy!!

Here are a few pictures from early on in their visit...

I do believe it was "love at first sight"...

Birthdays and Pedicures

I was blessed to get to celebrate two of my friend's birthdays the week before we moved. It was so great to spend some quality time girl time with these special friends. They encourage me in my walk with the Lord, love me for who I am, and inspire me to be more like Jesus. I'm so thankful God allowed our paths to cross while living overseas.

Jordan even got to sit and experience her first pedicure-well, in Yancee's arms :)

Off to lunch...

Last Bits of Touring

While our friends were in town, we decided to do some last minute touring before moving back. Even though we had seen all of these sites before, it is always fun to go back again as you appreciate things differently the second time around. And who knows when and if we will ever get to return!?! It was a little more difficult having two little ones tag along-especially in the extreme HEAT near the Dead Sea. However, they did great and it was a fun to tour around with friends.

Jesus' Baptismal site-(We actually didn't go in to see this site. We drove our friends there and just waited outside in the parking lot while they toured. )

The Citadel.

Out to dinner.

Taking a float in the Dead Sea.