We're Back in Texas (with more pics)

I love how our kids just jump into life.

Here's Rylee enjoying the play area in the Harrisburg Mall.
All three of our kids jumped right into our cross-country adventure and had a blast visiting family & friends.

We drove north to Joel's hometown last Thursday.
There's a beautiful spot to stop and take pictures and soak in the beauty just before you get to Williamsport. The kids enjoyed seeing the water, bridges, and airport below.

During the first few days of our trip, whenever someone would ask how we like Texas, Joel would say "I don't." Then he would explain how it's flat and there aren't mountains around, etc.

I finally got him to say "I don't like it geographically, but..." He really loves serving at GFA. I felt like his fixation on the flat land was giving everyone a wrong picture!

I, on the other hand, LOVE Texas! I've always wanted to live in Texas. I like that I can see where I'm going from far away. (I spent 14 years in southwest Arizona and learned to drive there!) And, I like the warm weather. (We left PA wearing jackets, pants, and socks. I'm sitting with no shoes on wearing shorts and a t-shirt today!)

My adorable kiddos were cowgirls/boy for Trunk-n-Treat!

They even had their horses!

Yee-haw!

Grandma went to collect candy with us. The kids had a great time visiting their grandparents.

Decorating sugar cookies for our financial supporters as a way to say Thank You.

The kids colored and I wrote.

Jumping in leaves is always fun!

They make the funniest faces.

We set up a table at Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church, Joel's childhood church. It's always a treat to visit our brothers & sisters in that congregation. We never lack for encouragement when we're around that group! We thank God for their faithful partnership with us.

Laura came to visit us for a week before we left Harrisburg last summer. Though Asa didn't really remember her, it took him NO time to fall head over heels for her. I've never seen him act this way around anyone else! Just look at his smile!

Kari is Laura's sister and refers to Joel as her half-brother. We just love her to pieces. And, Jenna took a liking to her during this visit!

We went to visit Aunt Vickie (Joel's sister) and Uncle Shawn's farm. It was milking time! The kids loved it (and had to wear their cowboy hats).

Grandma & Papa's next door neighbor, Mrs. Leone, is a faithful supporter and special friend of ours.

We stopped by Aunt Marge's to visit before leaving northern PA.

Our last night in PA was lots of fun. Mr. Jim took the twins to see the fire trucks. Then we picked up Chinese food...yum-o!

The Rowells were so gracious to let us stay with them while in Harrisburg. They also loaned us their van for our entire visit! One of my favorite things about the trip was Jenna with Scooby. When we arrived, Jenna was terrified of her. Before long, she was giving Scooby kisses and calling her to come lick her hand. So precious!

On the plane home...

...just before the twins sacked out!

Thank you for faithfully praying for our trip! We had a great time. It was wonderful to see our friends & family in PA. God has raised up an army of saints to stand with us as we serve here at Gospel for Asia. We could not stand strong in this battle without them. We appreciate you all more than you know. In our every remembrance of you, we praise and thank God!