Bridal Shower #1

Our wonderful neighbors that we have known for more than 20 years threw my sister a beautiful bridal shower in June.  Close family friends, neighbors, and a few of Hayley's close friends were a part of this special day.  The weather was perfect and we were treated to a delicious brunch on the back porch of one of our neighbor's houses. 

 The hostesses (who are all teachers) were very creative and included many special touches to make Hayley feel like the honored guest that she was.

 

Champagne toast for the bride-to-be!

Amy & Hayley

(we've known Amy since birth)

 

 

 

 Hayley & her hostesses with the mostess!

 

Charlottesville/Reunion Weekend

The first weekend in June was my 10 year college reunion.  It really is unbelievable that it's already been that long since we were students.  With many close friends who have remained in (or ended up back in) Charlottesville, it's always a fun trip back to my college hometown.  I enjoyed a great stay with Becca and gang and lots of time outside doing fun local things or just catching up with my dear friends.  The pictures are more interesting and I'm finding it harder to write these days (with my brain on overload) so I will let the images tell most of the story...

 

Farmer's Market

Hiking/Swimming Adventure at Sugar Hollow

Lots of snugly kiddos after swimming in that cold water!

 

 Reunion Dinner

(the only actual reunion event that we attended)

So fun to be back together!

Fun at the pool (or outside the pool on the playground, mostly) on Sunday...

What a fun time to lose a tooth!

It was a great weekend but too short as always.  What a blessing to call these girls dear friends over the years!

Safe & Sound

My body returned back home safe & sound from Africa late Saturday night.  The rest of me may have been left in Kenya.  The sights, sounds, and smells are still fresh in mind and in my heart.  Re-entry has been hard and I am still challenged with getting on a normal sleep schedule.  I stayed in bed the entire day on Monday with the exception of getting up to eat a few meals and I'm still wanting to crash before 8 at night.  Returning home has been hard because I always struggle with change, but it's mostly a result of the way God blessed my time in Kitale, Kenya immensely.

My heart was deeply touched by the opportunity to serve in the ways that we did, the conversations we were able to have with the families at Mattaw, seeing the city of Kitale, spending time with the team, enjoying wonderful food, riding through the game park, and, of course, embracing the sweet children that have been rescued and brought to Mattaw.

I have lots to process and thousands of pictures to sort through.  I hope to go back and capture memories and happenings from before Kenya on my blog as well.  It just may take some time but I'll attempt to chip away at it bit by bit.

In the meantime, for those of you who supported my trip financially or through prayer, I am humbled by the gift of this time in Kitale and grateful for all of the encouragement to go.  I am also thankful for God's protection while traveling and the evidence of being covered in prayer.  With sincere gratitude and tears in my eyes, I thank you...