We're in Florida!

Well, as you can see from the title of this post, we have safely arrived in Florida. Our trip was quite smooth and uneventful. Mr. Kamps brought us to the airport. The sunset was too beautiful for words as we drove over the big bridge. No painter could paint something to match that beauty! How lovely are God’s paintings! I’m so glad He chose to use the vast sky as the canvas for His masterpieces. We get a free art show every time we stop to admire the sunrise and sunset! We got breakfast at McDonald’s after checking in at the airport, and I found a gift for Russell. I was glad when we were finally on the airplane and on our way.

The flight to England was only 55 min. As we flew higher and higher and the earth grew smaller and smaller, I stood in awe as I considered these thoughts: It’s just like Satan told Eve when she lusted after the forbidden fruit and then ate it. We are gods in our own eyes. We live in our own little world, have our own priorities, our pomp and prestige… We are gods in our own eyes, thinking the world in its entirety revolves around us. And then, when you get in an airplane and see vehicles as tiny ants and lakes like little rain puddles…well, suddenly you realize what a nothing you are! The earth, our lives and all that we are, is in the hands of a mighty God. I am nothing…and still the Lord chooses to acknowledge my existence, take notice of my needs, and answer my prayers. A few tears trickled down my face with this realization. It was also because, as I saw us leaving the Dutch shoreline, I realized this is the last time I will ever take a pleasure trip away from Holland and the last time I’ll be leaving without leaving my family behind.

As we flew over England I spied a beautiful English castle. It was lovely! I want to look it up on Google Earth. We had a few hours layover in England. There was lots of security points all along the way. It’s so interesting trying to be wonder woman--give your liquids in a bag, jacket, shoes, belt, unpack your laptop, and then set your luggage on the conveyor belt, then hurriedly collect it all once again upon reaching the other end of the line. Dad had a shaving razor in his carry-on, and security saw it and weren’t worried about it. But, they ended up taking our PB and salmon pate...that dangerous peanut butter!!! =D To make a long story short, Mom’s carry-on was too big for British Air regulations, so she had to grab some of her stuff and put it in a paper bag. She was just saying that she really needed a stronger bag when a woman came up to her and gave her a brand new bag that perfectly fit her things. The Lord is so good to meet all our needs! We also met a nice, super friendly Texan. He asked Dad if we are Mennonites because, he said, he noticed that Dad’s ladies were dressed so conservatively. The guy said he appreciates that and ended up being saved as well. He and Dad talked for about an hour as we settled down in seats and waited for our gate info to come up. That meeting was God-ordained and lifted our spirits tremendously.

Russell picked us up in Atlanta, Georgia at the very end of a long and tiring day. It was so nice to see him again! This has been our 3rd visit, but our first as a courting couple. Russell had a cute little teddy bear waiting for me at the hotel. We drove down south the next day after getting a refreshing night’s rest and ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel, which was heavenly! I ordered the Old Timer’s breakfast--grits, biscuits and gravy, eggs, turkey sausage, and hash browns, and tea. Yum! After we ate we looked around the Cracker Barrel shop. They have such cute stuff there! Russell calls it a woman’s heaven. He’s right, too! (chuckle) And I found a birthday present for Lydia! I love secrets, especially when I know them! =D

Lyd took one picture...

...then I took another.

I am so glad Lydia, Josiah, and Russell get along so well.

During the drive home Russell stopped by this neat little town with very old, quaint houses. One of them looked like a replica of the White House. Very stately! I just loved all the houses with porches and the fancy wood work. What is it about a porch that makes a house look so homey? Russell parked the suburban and we walked around for a while. It was nice to stretch our legs after 10 hours of flying and several hours of driving to boot. We arrived in Panama City by mid afternoon. I felt sorry for Russell; he was tired himself, having just gotten back from a trip to Arizona. We greeted the rest of the Maynard clan and met several folks on the property. Then we got settled in our place. I don’t know if I’ve said this before, but the Maynards and several of the workers at the boys’ home and their families live in houses around the log cabin where the boys stay. It really is like a camp ground, and you feel like you’re far away even though you’re located close to town. I love the beautiful nature, although I don’t much care for the introduction to cockroaches and other bugs. (cringe) Lydia is having lots of fun (NOT!). =D For dinner we went to Olive Garden with the Maynards and then went straight to bed.

I thought this house was so cute with the blue stars under the windows.

On Thursday Lydia got to ride Aaron’s horse, Oreo. She had fun. Meanwhile, Russell, Mom, and I went grocery shopping, which was also fun…and I don’t like grocery shopping! I guess just about anything, even a doctor appointment, can be enjoyable when you’re with your best friend. Before going to bed that night the three Maynard boys came over to our little house and we played several games of Pit. It was fun…almost like old times.

Russell gave me this bear and surprised me with a vanilla candle after we left Cracker Barrel. He bought his mom one too. He's so sweet!

On Friday Russell drove Mom, Mrs. Chris, and me to visit the doctor. It was a long drive and took about all day. We met Bro. Bob and Mrs. Robyn for lunch. That was enjoyable. And that evening held a surprise for me…