May 14 Posting - About to Depart From Newark!

Dear Family and Friends,

Sorry it’s been so long since our last entry! We got home safely on Wednesday evening, May 9, after an amazing and successful road trip. We came home feeling so loved and enriched by the time and energies shared by our family members. Thank you again for your willingness to meet up with us, give us somewhere to sleep, and your generosity in our time together!!

We finished up our weekend with Martha’s brother John and his wife Ivonne’s family in North Carolina on Tuesday morning after a very relaxing Monday of running errands and, you guessed it, chowing on some Mexican food for lunch! Bella’s stunning personality is really coming through as she closes in on her second birthday, which we hope to get to celebrate upon our return!! Zac is becoming quite the little gentleman, and Martha, especially, is so thankful to have him among her amazing loved ones.

Tuesday morning we hopped in our second Budget (our new favorite car rental firm) Chevy rental and headed North to Franklin, VA, where sweetie-pies Granddaddy and Grandma Hazel were waiting for us for a short visit. Poor Hazel had a bad bout of bronchitis, but was so very gracious as to let us still drop by for an hour or so before doctors’ appointments and our need to head to our next destination. We were able to see their new home, their beautiful wall of family in the second kitchen area, and share the video of Bella and the family that John had put together for Martha’s Mom and Dad, which was a treat for all of us. We heard that you’re feeling better, Hazel! Great news!! Hope Granddaddy’s hand is quickly healing, as well. Thank you both again for the kind travel funds and pushing through the ills for a visit!

Onward, we headed to see Martha’s Mechanicsville, VA, family to share lunch and some hugs. Martha’s beloved Capt’n and Uncle Harry were just arriving back at the apartment as we arrived. Aunt Bug headed over to join us at the local Arby’s for lunch, and Cousin Heather and the wee Carleigh child even dropped by for a visit during this short stop. Thankfully, we have had much great time together in recent years, but it was especially good to get to talk about our impending adventures and get some advice on places to see and stay in case we are in Paris and when we get to Portugal! We’re serious about you coming to hang out with us, Capt’n!! Buy your ticket and we’ll meet you at the airport anywhere!!

Towards dinner time, we headed to Martha’s Uncle Sam and Aunt Brenda’s, where the couple had prepared dinner reservations and our room for the night. What a treat to get to see their renovated house (tooooo long since I have enjoyed the wonderful space of their home!!) and the flood of memories that came through on Martha as she walked through the house: basketball on the side of the house with Lacey and John, playing with Lacey and Womack when we were so very little, and the mornings of waking up to Aunt Brenda’s awesome cooking or a bowl of cereal. Thank you both so much for letting us stay with you during such a busy week! We look forward to our next visit very much!! You know our hearts and love are very much with you right now, and always.

Wednesday morning we got off a bit later than we’d intended, but the chit chat was waaaay worth it. The drive North was familiar, and gave us a great chance to talk about our good impressions from the trip, our thoughts on renewed relationships, how fantastically wonderful it was to see as many folks as we did, and plans for our next road trip … especially towards Atlanta since we missed out on seeing so many of Dani’s family there.

Our neighbors were outside to welcome us home upon our arrival, we unpacked the car, and safely dropped off the rental car with no problem. Back at home, we sat on our favorite couch to unwind over a movie, so very thankful to have made it home safely and with such deep feelings of being loved.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday … heck, even Sunday for Mother’s Day … are a bit of a blur of preparation, from closing bank accounts and securing funds to setting up mail delivery, buying new shoes and jeans, and visiting with Dani’s family in Malvern and Martha’s family in Hazlet, aHhHto cleaning out the refrigerator, dropping off keys, tearful good-byes, and turning off the water heater. Slowly, but surely, we crossed off everything on our lists, said goodbye to the house and our wee Willow for the next six months, reminded ourselves that our home and life in the states is now in God’s hands, and got into the car with Martha’s parents to head to the airport on Monday evening. This crazy busy week has left us saying, “No wonder people don’t do this more often!” It has also left us thanking God that we are healthy enough, disciplined enough, and strong enough in His grace to make this trip together in celebration and commitment to enriching our spiritual lives together.

Now, we sit at the airport, drinking pints of Sam Adams with some British pounds in our pockets already and two hours before our flight boards. Dani is bubbling over with gratitude and joy. She has the Europe on a Shoestring book in front of her, dreaming of our next three days/two nights in London. Martha, surprisingly she’s sure, is writing because words are the way she can express just how thankful and blessed she feels right now. And it’s big blessed, and very big thankful. We could never have taken this trip without the support of our neighbors, family, and other loved ones. Thank you for helping us get to this point, everyone. We take each of you with us in our hearts. We love you!! Can’t wait to share this trip with you all!

Much love,

Martha

PS--May 15 PM, we have arrived safely in London, found our B&B, napped, and already walked by Parliament and the Thames for part of the afternoon!! More to come when the sun is down!