6.22.14

I can remember pulling out of Springfield and recording this voice memo this summer.  I was 4 days away from being home, and 15 days on the road.  traveling cross country with the kids, stopping in cities and towns to stay with friends who’ve become so dear to us.  most of these friends I didn’t even know five years ago.  It’s amazing how quickly you can bond with people over mission trips together, adoption, starting a business, being in ministry together.  It was a dream of a trip, and by that I don’t mean it was free from frustration, tears, fights, sleepless nights…because it was full of those too.  but the chance to take off for almost 3 weeks to cruise around the southeast is not lost on me.

these are the moments I don’t want to forget.  

first stop without Stephen, was outside Atlanta to stay with my Noonday girl Paige and her family.  her teenage girls greeted us in their front yard when we got there Sunday afternoon and we spent hours sitting around that afternoon talking about our story, adoption, and playing with Camp + Asher.  Everywhere I went, I learned something new in the kitchen – and Paige has a lot to teach me with her homemade pizza.  Mornings around the breakfast table with coffee in hand while the kids explore their backyard, and a whole day at the pool made our time in Atlanta so memorable.

It amazes me how close everything is in the southeast, it was a joy to drive 20 minutes up the mountain from Chatanooga to visit my adoption sister Tobi on the way to Nashville.  We met at Created for Care 2 years ago and were instantly sisters.  Her home was a magical dream land, and it was incredible to meet her sweet daughter Ivey, that we had prayed home.

I pulled out of Atlanta [via Chatanooga] and made our way to see my photography friend Misty and her family in Nashville.  I get tears in my eyes thinking about her standing in her front yard with her son Asher on her hip  in to welcome us to music city.  Her sweet husband emerged from the house to unload my car [which had already gotten pretty tiring], and as I sat down on the back porch swing, I had a glass of wine in hand.  These people know how to welcome their guests!  Walks to dinner, late nights on the front porch, and a much needed night out with girls filled my tank so much.

I had an extra day to spend, and why not travel 300 miles out of the way to visit the Mohr’s in St. Louis?  Katie is a dear dear friend, and we had no idea this trip would be the start of what is now The Carry Camp.  Sarah happened to be in town too, and our little playdate downtown was the start of something so beautiful.  ONLY God could have ordained that meeting!!

Springfield has a special place in our hearts.  I literally think about it weekly.  Most of our “man up” missions family lives there – and through adoption and Africa, those people have become so dear to us.  we’ve made multiple road trips to Springfield, MO over the years and I was excited to visit.  The Gibsons made me feel right at home.  I finally got to sleep in a separate room than the kids [ they had fun slumber partying with Zoie!], and thanks to all the fun goodies waiting for me by the bed, I felt like a queen.  Farmers market, the fun ice cream party with everyone, and going to church with them made us feel like part of the family!

I’m SO GLAD I recorded that when I did.  Not that I have forgotten those moments, but they take me back.

I challenge you to do the same!  record your thoughts and memories in the moment!  you will be glad you did!