Seeking Him

This year we were able to spend Thanksgiving with my mom, both my sisters and their families. This is extremely rare as we're usually not able to find the time to all be together...kids included. My sister's and I try really hard to schedule time together at least twice a year.
It was a beautiful day...sun shining and slightly warm weather. We were quite concerned with the noise level in a tiny space. You see, we met at my older sister's apartment (she hates when I say she's older :)in Goldsboro...all 25 of us!
Let's see, there was my mom, my family (total of 5), Karen's family (her boyfriend, Randy, and two sons, Phillip and Andrew, along with Phillip's girlfriend, Jessie), my younger sister, Kristi, and her family of 14 (her husband, Steve, their 10 children, along with their oldest daughter, Kati's husband, Matt, and their 4-week old son, Johnathan. Talk about crazy...
But it was perfect. We cooked, laughed, reminisced, ate, of course, and enjoyed watching all the kids have a great time together!
I'm already looking forward to next year.
All the cousins...

With our newest niece, Natalie...

Grandma, my mom, enjoying her new granddaughter and great-grandson...


Singing with my sisters...our favorite thing to do!

Scott returned safely from Africa Saturday a week ago. I stayed up 'til 1:30 that morning tracking his flight because I was afraid he would miss his New York connection. His flight left Abuja, Nigeria, an hour and a half later than scheduled. He (well, the plane actually) touched down in Dakar to refuel and pick up passengers. The Delta agent told me there was virtually no way Scott would make his connection unless they caught a tail-wind...and that they did. He arrived into JFK only 10 minutes later than originally scheduled. He was due to arrive into Charlotte at 11:03 Saturday morning (11/14). I was up early getting my dinner in the oven to cook all day when I decided to check the internet to get an update...to see that the flight was going to get in at 10:15....and it was 9:15 when I checked. I went crazy getting the kids up because we wanted to get to the airport well on time. We did...20 minutes early! We had our homemade signs in tow and we were ready to greet him! As we watched everyone come down the escalator from the flight, there was one thing missing...Scott! He came down another escalator because he didn't see the other one. We had scores of people saying "oh, we're so glad you missed us" as they saw our signs. We finally met up in baggage claim :)
That evening we sat down to look at the pictures that he had taken on his trip. I was so humbled as I saw what these people had...virtually nothing. They had nothing, yet each one of the faces in these pictures had glowing smiles. They had the Lord and nothing else...and that was enough for them. I was so convicted that evening as I straightened up and looked around our house and saw all that we have. And yet I complain about things that do not matter. As I fell asleep that night I asked the Lord to forgive me for my complaining tongue...and also thanked Him for a comfortable bed in a warm house with a husband that He returned safely!
The host pastor in Liberia with his family.
The host pastor's house
People who attended the conference
Our kids dressing in the outfits that were given to Scott

That's the estimated time of arrival of Scott's plane back in to Charlotte. The kids and I are up and preparing to leave...homemade signs in hand!!! The london broil is in the oven and the 7-layer cake is made.
I cannot wait to see him!

Scott arrived safely yesterday in Nigeria. This week he will do the same as he did in Liberia...teaching and training the pastors. He was due to arrive on Saturday evening, but his flight was cancelled at the last minute. He found that out when he reached his layover in Lagos, Nigeria. A sweet couple put him up for the night and made him dinner when he arrived...chicken! I know he was so grateful and indeed blessed by their hospitality but I'm sure if he never has chicken again, he will be okay with that :)
He arrived safely at his hotel and was ready for a warm shower. Warm shower means you go down to the front desk and get a bucket that they fill with warm water and give you a ladel to pour over you. He had no towels in his room so he also asked for towels to which they replied, "we don't have towels here". I have not even been on this trip with Scott, yet I have been so convicted at the things I take for granted...even my towels!
He will finish up Friday afternoon, so I was able to contact his airline and get him a flight out late that evening. That means he will arrive back in Charlotte this Saturday morning...two days earlier than expected!
The e-mail he sent me last night ended with him letting me know that with everything he has experienced these past two weeks, He has seen the grace of God at work.
I can't wait to hear all about it!

Here is a picture of the church where Scott is teaching/training each day this week. There are 100 men attending and Scott said they are the most appreciative group of men. They treat him like royalty. This past Sunday, Scott preached in a church service...4 people were saved and 10 rededicated.
This Saturday he will fly to Abuja, Nigeria for the remainder of his trip.
He did say that food leaves little to be desired. For breakfast each morning, he is served cornflakes with warm milk (not from a cow!), hotdogs and beans. Each night, they serve the same dinner...fish or chicken and rice...he thinks it's chicken :)