Time Flies...

It's hard to believe we're more than 1/2 way through our stateside time.  It is flying by and at the same time, it seems like we're getting a good amount of rest and family time.  We're passing the days in a variety of ways.  Some of the things we've been up to over the first half of our time here have included:

• Medical appointments.  I would say that we have averaged about 4 a week, during our weeks in NC.  In order to return to the field, each and every one of us has to be cleared medically.  We are very thankful for the good medical care we've received and the fact that our organization wants to make sure that we are in a place where our medical needs are met.  But, that requires following up on every issue that might be an issue of any sort.  That means seeing all sort of specialists depending on any concerns and they vary from individual to individual.  But, you can imagine, one little issue with each person, one slightly elevated blood number or asthma plan update, or unusual looking something can lead to a variety of follow-up appointments and lab checks.  It has been a bit overwhelming, but we are hopeful that we are nearing the end of those.  So far, we only have one of us officially cleared, with 6 still to go.  We're hopeful that the other clearances will come before our desired departure in mid-May
• Ryan finished his required school!  Two eight week intensives had him working very hard, but he's done now and I think we all feel like we won a prize when he submitted the last project.  By the way, he managed to get As in both of his classes!
• We have been homeschooling whenever we aren't traveling.  I'm gonna be really honest here and tell you that I am pushing much harder in the subjects that require heavy textbooks than the ones that don't.  It is my goal to leave all those weighty textbooks behind.   Just kidding...sort of!  But honestly, we're on track to have most of our school finished before we head back.  Although Math, our constant summer companion, will be going with us.
• Sharing about our work.  We have had the opportunity to share with about seven groups so far and we have at least six more on the schedule.  It's great to visit with folks who have been so faithful in praying for us.  It's also a joy to get to share stories about what God has been doing in our corner of the world.  Every time we share, we get more excited about going back.  
• Taking it all in.  When we're traveling, we're trying to give our kids as many experiences as possible.  We have hiked, bowled, biked, ridden roller coasters, shopped, picnicked, been to ball games, visited museums, and taken in every experience we can fit into our calendar and budget and we've had a blast doing it.   It's been lots of fun too. 

We are so thankful for this time of rest and renewal.  It has been a good thing for our family and I am beginning to think that at the end of our time here, we are going to be chomping at the bit to get back to work in West Africa.