VBS Week

Another week has slipped by, and blogging has not received any attention. It’s not that I don’t think about it. I do! But everything seems to crowd it out. And I hate it, because writing is such an outlet for me. I guess it can’t always be a first priority. Paying work must come first!

I had yet another trip this week. I managed to avoid the airport on this one, something I am always thankful for. I loved flying growing up. I loved going to the airport. But since 9/11, it has become a nuisance I only want to tolerate when necessary.

On this trip I drove to Valdosta and back. I visited ten churches in the three days and saw a lot of farmland in South Georgia. From the interstate there isn’t much to see, but the back roads from Perry to Americus and to Albany, as well as from Valdosta to Thomasville, have plenty of character. I even had a close call with a turkey.

As much as I love my visits with churches, it’s always good to be home with my family. This week, Leslie and the kids had VBS at our church. Before I left, I gave the kids “the lecture” about going to their classes and being friendly (and not clinging to mom). The girls weren’t especially excited. But when I checked in after the first day, I got a glowing report. Everyone was having a great time! Leslie taught the older kids (4th and 5th grade). Today I went to closing ceremony and enjoyed seeing the kids sing and do all the motions to the songs they’d learned. The Munch was particularly amusing as she left her seat to go up and sing. I watched her turn to Leslie and give her a very animated wink.

This morning I had the privilege of sharing a devotional with ten new missionaries who were finishing their assessment and training at MTW. The event is known as Interview and Orientation (I & O), and I always enjoy any part I get to play in it. Afterward we spent time in prayer for each of them as they now prepare to raise support and get ready to head to their fields.

I got to stop in and visit with my parents this week, and with my oldest sister and her family who were there. It was a short visit, but I managed to leave with two bags of fresh blueberries (exclusively for Leslie, according to my dad). So far, McGrooter has been the one to eat most of them though. The boy loves blueberries!

The summer is flying by and is nearly half over for Leslie and the kids. It’s hard to believe they will all be at the same school this Fall. Munchkin turned 4 this week and will begin pre-K. We celebrated when I got home on Thursday. I think we sang “Happy Birthday” to her at least three times, thanks to her older siblings.