Trying to Stay Warm

I've now been home for just about 3 weeks and guess what 3 words I have said most often (besides "I miss Dennis")....I"M COLD!! Yep, I'm cold and I just can't seem to get warm! No matter where I go or what I do it seems like I'm always freezing. This Mombasa blood just doesn't do too well in the cold weather. Good thing Dennis isn't here right now or he would turn into a popsicle!!

So far I've enjoyed my time at home, even though its been a little hectic. It took a whole week to get over jet lag and I stopped waking up at 3am every morning. I've spent most of my time trying to get somewhat settled and traveling around to visit my family. I went to Hickory to visit my Dad and to attend the funeral of my stepmom's mother. Then i spent another week or so in Charlotte visiting my sister, Mom, and other friends there. On the way back to Raleigh I stopped off in Greensboro to visit my brother and his family. I had so much fun catching up with and playing with my nieces and nephews who are growing up so fast.. I loved going to eat lunch with Shelby at her school, hearing her read books to me, and playing games with her in her room. Carter isn't the baby i remember. He's growing up fast and I loved being the receiver of all his hugs and sweet little kisses he's learned to give. And Allen really is a big boy and still has that little redneck accent. He thinks their new bathtub is a swimming pool. I just love it!

God has listened and is answering the prayers I asked you to lift up in my last blog entry! HE is sooo good!

I had a great reunion with my family and now hope to begin visiting and meeting with all my friends in Raleigh as time permits. If you want to hang out please give me a call! I'd love to see everyone!

I have returned to work for Newborn Homecare (www.newbornhomecare.com) as I was doing the few months before I went to Kenya. Lisa and Angela who own the business have so graciously asked me to help them again. Keep praying they will stay busy and will have enough work to keep me busy enough to pay for a wedding!

I've entered the world of wedding planning....exciting and fun but stressful at the same time. I praise God for all the many friends He's given to me to help. If you have any ideas or advice for me please don't hesitate to give it. I need all the help I can get!! And as wedding plans are under way for July 7th, Dennis and I ask that you pray that we wouldn't be focused just on that day itself but focus our eyes on Christ and our marriage from that day onward. The wedding day will only be the small beginning of the big future ahead of us.

This past weekend I got a chance to go on a ladies retreat with my small group at church. We went to Spruce Pines and stayed with a very sweet couple in their mountain home. I really enjoyed spending time with, praying with, reading God's Word with, and fellowshiping with 9 other ladies in my small group. Julie taught Proverbs 31, Nicole taught us how to quilt and we all put our hands in to make a baby quilt for Grace's baby due in March. Becca patiently taught us all how to croquet as well. II am slowly making a red scarf. Saturday we spent time with two widowed ladies and several other godly women at a church in Spruce Pines. The ladies had us over for a delicious lunch and we spent the afternoon hearing their testimonies, praying for them, and gaining godly wisdom from them. Except for the colds and coughs and congestion that seemed to spread throughout the group, we had a wonderful and refreshing weekend.