Other Side of the World

It's tough to have your family split in half with an ocean in between, especially when we don't have the option of jumping on a plane to go visit them (covid travel restrictions). BUT we are so incredibly thankful that my parents (and other family/friends) in the States are loving on them and standing in for us during this time. Also so thankful for how well both Mikayla and Zach are doing. Mikayla finished her summer at the camp (read other post for details) and, after road tripping with Zach to bring him to a re-entry retreat in Indiana for MKs who have just graduated and moved back to the States, she is moved back into college in NW Arkansas already. Please be praying for her as she is the RA for a bunch of RAs this year, and there are lots of new challenges with covid precautions - always wearing a mask and staying 6 ft apart at all times. Hard to function as family/community when under those restrictions, and especially hard to be the one to enforce the new rules when you are struggling with them too. :( 

My parents and some friends threw a graduation celebration for Zach. It was so good to see pics of those who helped him celebrate. And especially good to see pics of Mikayla and Zach TOGETHER. 

Zach has been enjoying hanging out with grandparents and getting ready to move down to school. He has been able to help with a few things around the house, and have some fun with them too. He has also already gotten his license since he's been back (wasn't allowed to get it over here) and has been driving all over. He attended a re-entry retreat with some fellow MKs, and he loved reconnecting with old friends who have been through similar things this past year. My parents will go with him down to Mississippi next week to move into college. Pray for safe travels and smooth transition into college life. Just found out their freshman orientation will be online in their dorm rooms, and he won't have a roommate because of covid. Pray that he will find ways to develop community in spite of the many restrictions.  

So very thankful for how well our "kids" on the other side of the world are doing. Miss them here but we are excited for the many ways God will continue to use and grow them there.