From Here to There

  Have no fear....we made it back from our New England adventure!  This trip took us through Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.  So that adds 4 new states, bringing my total up to 11.  If only I were driving to my next destinations the count would increase immensely, but luckily I have the privilege of flying which means more time to spend with friends and family and less time to spend in the car.

Woohoo!!!! The newly weds are off to begin a
magical new life together. 

  Upon arriving in Boston, I had the opportunity to catch up with cousins, uncle, aunt, and even my brother who had just flown in from Oaxaca, Mexico.  (Not sure if it has clicked in your memory or not, but next year my parents will have 3 of 4 children outside of the United States).  We spent Thursday and Friday enjoying each other's company and playing all varieties of games.  Other activities included walking around ponds and picnicking, which of course included some Kubb.  It was great to simply catch up on current family events, reminisce, and of course do some laughing.
  Saturday after a morning stroll in Boston, we got spiffed up and headed off to a wedding of a dear friend of mine.  (It really is quite amazing how close people can get through writing via snail mail).  The wedding was absolutely beautiful, the message meaningful, and the smiles simply contagious.  I am truly blessed to have such wonderful examples of Godly people in my life.  I was able to greet a few friends from collage, including the friend who planted the seed that blossomed into my Chad trip.  Without her suggestion, I don't know that I would have agreed to this adventure.  See, God really does know what he is doing, each individual has a purpose for our life.

No matter where I go, there is always part of my Christian family
waiting with open arms so that we might worship God together.

Not too bad for out the car window moving 70 miles/hour

  After the wedding we did a quick detour/dinner to meet my aunt and uncle, because we left a few items at their Boston home.  After dinner we headed straight to New Hampshire where we were hosted by a wonderful family from the Monadnock Covenant Church.  After talking a bit, we headed to bed.  Sunday morning we woke up early to a beautiful setting with trees, mountains, birds, and flowers.  After breakfast we headed to church, where my brother was presenting a bit about his mission in Oaxaca.  When church ended, we were presented with a delicious road lunch and yet again we hit the road.  It only took about 9.5 hours to make it home to Ohio, and yet again we got to watch as the sunset changed the sky into beautiful hues of orange, red, and yellow.  It simply feels like the perfect ending to a wonderful trip.

Pie!  Hand picked and made right in our very own kitchen.

  Currently I am finishing last minute details for my month long trek around the U.S.  I must also assemble my visa packet so that my parents can send it in when the proper time comes.  I must now figure out what I should pack in my carry-on, for I need the clothes to last 1 month, including wedding attire, and layers to keep me prepared for all types of climates.  Thursday brings about the joy of getting to travel, but it also means saying adios to my brother, for who knows the next time we shall see each other.  Thus is the problem of having an international family.  The good news is that it is blackberry season here in Ohio!  Delicious things to be made with these juicy berries and peaches from a tree in our yard.  There is simply something special about harvesting the fruit before turning it into a delicious dessert that makes it even better.  The way God can provide for us, each and every day is amazing.