Trip to SC

In July, we took a trip to Seneca, SC.  We went to visit a couple of Universities with Hannah and to also see some friends.  Lifepoint Church has sent several volunteer teams to help us in Zambia and in East Africa.  These teams have become dear friends of ours.  We stayed with friends Mark and Sheila on the Lake and enjoyed our time with them.  We also got to have a fellowship time at the Cagels house with all those who had come on volunteer trips.  Then Kevin was able to preach at Lifepoint on Sunday.  Our time went by so fast but we had a great time.

 I really enjoyed paddle boarding.

 We went tubing out on the lake.  

 Our good friends Niki and Ricky Cook and their two kids just returned back to the States from serving at RVA in Kenya.  We enjoyed getting to spend time with them for a few days.

 me and Kevin tubing on the Lake

 

Coby and Niki on the wave runner.

 

 Hannah and her friend Kelsey.

 Kevin having a turn at paddle boarding.

 We took Hannah to see Columbia International and I got to see a friend of mine from my college days.  Michelle and I both went to UNC-W and were involved with Campus Crusade for Christ together.  It sure was a blessing to have lunch with her!

 After leaving Seneca, we met good friends of ours Bob and Linda Allen in Greenville, SC.  It wasn't very long but it sure was good to see them again.  They helped us so much with 40/40 years ago!

On our way home, we stopped at North Greenville University for Hannah to take a tour of this campus.  Her name popped up on the sign welcoming her to the campus.  

Crusade Reunion

 When Kevin and I were in college at UNC-W we were involved with Campus Crusade for Christ.  Recently, we had a reunion with all those who could come.  It was so much fun to get together with them and catch up!

 This was the group of us who could meet together.

 Kevin with one of his roommates, Todd.

 Karen and her husband hosted us all for lunch.  There was so much yummy food!

 Me and one of my roommates from College, Eileen.  She was also in my wedding!

Gram's Birthday

It was wonderful to spend the day with my Mom on her birthday this year! 

 Here she is with some of the flowers she got and don't miss the necklace!

 On one of her presents she had this ribbon with a flower on it.  She decided to wear it all day!

My sister and her family were able to come too.

Gram with her granddaughters

 Gram with Michaela

 Gram with Macey

 Hannah with her Gram

 Mike and Gram

 My Mom and Dad

 

 Hannah and Michaela

 Papa with his Granddaughters

 My Dad is still so strong!  Not sure how is back was feeling the next day!

 cupcakes

 

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Glad to be back!

After Hannah flew in we went to her Gram and Papa's house for the night.

 

 It had been 2 years since Hannah had seen her grandparents.

 

 Zach and Megan came to visit too on Sunday.  It has also been two years since she had seen them.

 We made these stepping stones when the kids were little.  We did a little comparisons from back then to today.  The one above we made when Zach was 8.

 This one was made when Hannah was a baby.

 I love my Mom!

 

 Poor thing, she was so tired!

 

Finally back!

 We are so glad Hannah is finally back together with us!

 First stop, chick-fil-a!

Friends

When we first moved to Zambia there were several ladies who quickly became my friends. I had the joy of spending time this week at a conference with one of them! Cindy was a ministry partner, an encourager, a discipler, a swim and gym buddy, a great person to shop with, and all round great friend. She really taught me so much about being a friend, a missionary, a wife, and a mother! When I think back to conversations all those years ago, which usually included a lot of laughter and even some tears, I am reminded of a special time in my life where I know God blessed me with this special gift of friendship. Even when we don't get to see each other that often I know when we are together we will pick up where we left off. This week was a real treat for me!

 Me and Cindy-forever friends!

 Us with James and Cindy

Fun with family

 We enjoyed a visit with Zach and Megan.  We went to a place where we could play putt-putt and ride go-carts.

 A few days later Justin came and we went back to the same place.  Then later that night we went and watched fireworks for the 4th of July.

mother, son date to get ice cream!