Wednesday, 3:15am - I get a call from Dad and go meet them at the gate (on base) to get them in. Even though it was super early and we were all tired, we were SO EXCITED that they were finally here!
It hasn't rained here much... at all...as in maybe twice since we moved in late August, however it was rainy and overcast most of the time Mom and Dad were here. Thankfully, that didn't phase them much because all they wanted to do was play with Witten! We all went to church on Wednesday night for dinner and a family forum on social media (which tied into the previous Sunday's sermon). We mostly just hung out around the house, but we went on a couple of walks, and went out to eat a couple of times... to a great hole-in-the-wall Steak House and to Zaxby's for chicken. Keith and I hadn't been to either place yet and liked them both.
The following are all pictures from Mimi and G...
We were all very sad when they left but it was a little easier knowing they'd be back in a little over a month. :)
We were excited to have Mamoo and Poppy as well! They got here about 4 hours after Mimi and G left. What a blessing to have them all here within a week!! We got to take them to our church on Sunday morning - we loved getting to show both our parents where we worship. They all loved our church. Sunday afternoon (while Keith was studying for his big test on Monday), Harvey, Lois, Witten and I went to explore the town. We walked around downtown Columbus, then found the riverwalk and spend some time on the bridge and scenic [4 mile] trail. While walking along the path we came across a catfish and steak house... bingo... there's dinner. We called Keith and he met us for dinner. The rest of the night we hung out while Keith studied more, then Mamoo and Poppy left for KC early Monday morning.
I snapped this quick shot of Mamoo feeding little man...
We had SO much fun with our families!! It was wonderful getting to show them our new church, introducing them to some of our new friends, spending time catching up with them and just hanging out. It was just what we needed to hold us over until the holidays.
On Monday, Keith had his biggest test of Phase 1... Weather. This is typically the hardest test for student pilots. Keith studied and did well. I am SO PROUD of him and how well he has done/is doing. He is putting forth a lot of time and effort, and is giving 100% - which is exactly what the Lord asks of all of us.
Another big thing on Monday was Keith's "Dollar Ride," which is how new aviators are launched into the skies. Basically, the student pilots modify a regular ol' dollar and pay their instructor pilot for taking them up on their first ride. Some guys write/draw on or put stickers on the dollar - i.e. one IP had the nickname "Moose" so his student pilot changed George W into a moose head; other guys just wrap a dollar around alcohol (which IP's appreciate).
Monday was the start of Phase 2, aka a crazy busy 5 months for Keith. Apparently, these first 2 months are going to be the worst. Keith has 12 hour days (typically 8a-8p) then comes home to study more before getting to bed. He'll have these 12+ hour days 6 days a week... fun. PLEASE pray for him and for Witten and I. Prayers for Keith - good time management and good retention of what he's learning/studying. Prayers for Witt and me - managing my time better during the day (i.e. with my BSF lessons, cooking, cleaning, laundry--it's easy and tempting to be lazy), staying involved with church and new friends, giving Keith the encouragement and support he needs while he's so busy, and to make the most of our time with Daddy when we get it!
I was convicted this week. Both our pastor and my BSF study talked about how we as Christians are to be Salt and Light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16). I don't think I'm being very effective because most of the time I surround myself with others who are "salt and light." While it's great and important to fellowship with other believers, I also need to spend time with non-believers so that God can use me. Please also pray for me - that I will get out of my comfort zone of being with other Christians (my "salt-shaker") and build friendships with women here on base whom I can make an impact. Pray for opportunities and for boldness.
Thank you all, in advance, for your prayers! :)
