Ok, so we've been back from Thailand for nearly three weeks, but believe me when I say it has been an adjustment! Here's a look at our last four weeks:
-James and I along with five grandparents embarked on a 20+ hour long journey to Thailand on August 28. It was an amazing time, and I can't wait to tell everyone about it. I've been instructed to keep it short and simple online though, so if you want to hear about our trip, I'll be glad to tell you about it in person or over the phone. Thanks for understanding! (And if you don't understand, just ask!)
-We safely returned home on September 7. This was also Tammy's birthday. (Tammy is James' step-mom.) James and I hit the ground running by returning to work the very next day. We also have recently begun teaching the 6th graders at Munford Baptist on Wednesday nights in the Awana/Trek program. (Talk about rewarding!)
-One week after we got home from Thailand, James left for Smyrna, TN where his Marine unit is stationed. He's been there ever since. After two weeks of working for the Marines, he'll come home this Sunday. Yay!!
-Since James has been gone, I've taught our 6th graders these past two Wednesday nights by myself. The idea of doing it was daunting at first, but God really equipped me for the task. I didn't even have to take Aleve last night! I've come to love those kids so much already, and it's only been a month. I look forward to getting to know them more each week.
-My cat Sherbert disappeared. That was rough for me especially considering that I lost two other cats last fall. My other cat Orange has driven me crazy ever since. He meows constantly and rubs all over my feet 24/7. I honestly don't know if I can take it much more. He didn't do this nearly as much when Sherbert was around. He had someone to be with all the time, and now he needs attention that I just don't want to give. I know that sounds terrible, but Sherb was so independent; not needy like Orange. I can't help but think, "Why did it have to be Sherbert that disappeared?" Perhaps I was never meant to be a cat owner. After four tries, I've learned my lesson. No more cats for me.
-Last Friday, Len Solomons (the Vice Chancellor of University Advancement at UT Martin and a dear friend) drove all the way to Millington to have lunch with my grandparents and me. We had such a wonderful time catching up and swapping stories. After lunch, we went to Cole's Home Solutions (which is due to reopen in November) where Bub Cole (my grandfather) gave us a tour of the new store.
The massive remodel began earlier this year. I am SO excited about the reopening. It will be amazing. Anyway, Len reaffirmed and enhanced an idea that I already had regarding my grandfather. More of this to come, but for now just know that I am excited about an opportunity that I may have to preserve my family's history! 
-Last weekend, I visited James' family in Paris, TN. Only 20-30 minutes after I arrived, Tammy yelled out in surprise. We all turned to see what she was yelling about, and there in the doorway was James! The Marines let him off for the weekend, so he decided to surprise us all. Needless to say, we were all very surprised and very happy to see him.-While in Paris, we celebrated both my father-in-law's birthday and my nephew's first birthday!
-Also, James is still in the process of getting out of the Marines on disability. Whenever this happens (could be two weeks...could be two years), he is looking forward to going back to school. This could also use a lot of prayer. More details to follow (when we actually know what the details are).
Hmm, that about covers it. My wonderful friends Sarah Beth, Peter and James Gillespie are coming to stay the night tomorrow night, so I need to do a bit of cleaning before the arrive! Until next time!
K-love Encouraging Words that have spoken to my heart this week:
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
~ Isaiah 65:24, NLT
I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
~ Psalm 120:1, NLT
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
~ Philippians 2:13, NLT
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
~ Philippians1:6, NLT
Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
~ Colossians 1:10, NLT
