Monday, June 11, 2007

I Love My Family

We just spent a few days with my sister and brother and family. How fun to be able to surprise them for a five day visit. Interestingly - they were on the road at the same time we were. I called and spoke to my brother for an hour - only a couple hours away from each other. One of my last comments was: "I wish we could just be able to chat in the same room!" We arrived about 20 minutes before they did and were waiting for them upstairs at Christen's parents home where they are living. When they showed up - they were extremely surprised and we were very excited! James and Christen are headed to Brazil soon, and we wanted to spend some well needed time with them. Our intention was to show up and do whatever we could with them and that's what we did. James and I spent some time at the consulate taking a stab at getting some visas. The trip there gave us an opportunity to have good spiritual conversation. What a blessing to have talks like this with my own brother. That evening we went for a 6 mile jog - something we have done individually, but rarely together. The next day we took off to the beach in Galveston. This was a fun time all around. Feeding birds and ... well that's mostly what I remember about that. On (Wed - nes -day: inside joke) we watched "The Last Sin Eater" - an excellent Christian new release! That afternoon in talking with Rachel a bit - we decided we needed to stay in Texas another day and help her purchase a laptop as she was in desperate need of one. We were successful and Rachel is the proud owner of a laptop computer. These events stand out in my mind, but not as much as just the simple times on the couch or around the table talking and fellowshipping. This is a gift from heaven that I'm sure many families would covet. I love my family and I love God for drawing our hearts to Him which has produced edifying and encouraging conversation and fellowship. I thank God for Rachel, James, Christen, Daniel, Hannah, and little Jeremiah, as well Christen's Godly parents - Albert and Patty Armitage. They treated us as family and we are grateful for their hospitality - something that cannot be repaid.





3 comments:

Gretchen said...

Oh WOW!

That is so very fun, you guys. You are the coolest. I am so happy for you that you got to hang out together one last time before they leave (even though you'll be able to hang out together PLENTY once you get there!).

We miss you both TONS!

James and Christen said...

We love you guys too and had SOOOO much fun while you where here.

Thank you for making such a long trip out to see us.

I agree that the best times are just sitting and chatting and being edified. I am so thankful to be a part of this "fam"!

James and Christen said...

From The Armitages (not Taylor's)
We really enjoyed having you in our home and we count you as part of the family, so remember that and know you can come anytime, even if the Taylor's aren't here. So if you ever want to take a trip to Houston, you have a free housing and some good food. Stay long enough so we can share a "wed-nes-day" together!

MOM AND DAD Armitage