A thankful heart!

My heart is thankful for the three weeks I spent in the United States. God blessed me with the opportunity to visit the States after 2.5 years of living in Colombia. I will reflect on my time more in depth with another blog. (stay tuned) :)

However, I wanted to take the time and say Thank you! Thank you to all who loved on me while I was in Vermont and North Carolina. It blessed my heart to spend time with my family, visit friends, go to the annual women's retreat with my church, and not to mention to spend a Sunday at my church listening to the worship music and my pastor preach. All of which I have missed. 

I want to say thank you to the Gregorys who loaned me a car while I was in NC, and the Davis family for letting me use a cell phone while I was there as well. Some friends of ours who have a ministry in NC named Living Free Ministries gave us a whole bin of clothes for my family. I was blessed with welcoming gifts of my favorite candy and some spending money while I was in the states. I never could have been more loved. 

I was able to visit many churches and give presentations on the work we have here in Bocachica and our hearts for the people we have grown to love. I spent a morning with my nieces at their school giving a presentation and visiting some classes as well. I even spent a lunch with them one day at their school where the kids all sang happy birthday to me and had brownies waiting. 

We were blessed by the donations for our work here in Bocachica. I couldn't have been more amazed at all the Lord did. My heart is full! Full of love, memories and confidence that we are called to be here. 

Thank you all! 

We are blessed! We are loved! We are thankful.

My welcome home! A sweet bunch of friends blessed me with their love by greeting me at the airport. Carol, Becca, Tracy, and Katie. (Missing in photo: Charlene and Julie) A sweet night! Thank you ladies! You sure did make me feel loved!
Tracy in the back actually brought me and my family to the airport 2.5 years ago to say goodbye!

My sweet friend Carie! Such a loving person! She and her family are a blessing to our family.
I was thankful to have spent time with her and her family while in the States.

Some of my favorite people. My neighbors Chuck and Karen! I miss my daily talks and walks with Karen. Not to mention all the laughs we've had with Chuck!

My sweet friend Sarah! I was blessed to spend 6 months with her in Bocachica. I have always loved her...and then loved her even more!

Wow...words can't describe what these ladies mean to me! I love this group of ladies!! We have many years of time spent together. Play dates, bible studies, and girls nights out.
Susannah, Nicole, Me, Chrissy w/Vada and Carol.

Some of the kids at the school I spoke to. (We couldnt get the whole room at one time :)

I was asked to visit this class for some questions  and answers! Sweet bunch of kids!

My twin Kevin (in the hat), Me and my older brother Brian.  

My nieces! I miss not being able to see them grow up. Meredith in the pink and Josie in the black and white. I enjoyed every minute I could spend with them!

My sweet family! My niece Meredith with the goofy face, My sister in law Celeste in the back
My cousin Jenna in the front, Me and my niece Josephine. I loved my time with them.

Cindy and I. I am so thankful for Cindy! So blessed by her friendship and love to our family. Not to mention I have gained so much wisdom over the years from her.

Cindy, Susannah, Me, Kari, Hannah, and Celia. I love these ladies! I am thankful for our afternoon smoothies at the beach. I enjoyed the talks and memories.

My sweet friend Andra! I enjoyed EVERY minute with her and her sweet family! Thanks for having me!

Julie!! I never knew her in the States when I lived there...God opened that door when I came here. I am thankful for her friendship. She is a gem!

Like wise for the Snead Family. I met them for the first time last year when their whole family came on a mission trip here! I LOVE their family. :)

Mary and I. I loved our conversations at the beach! Thanks for all your encouragement and love.

As you can see, I have enjoyed my time!