Wee Wee

The timing of my end of employment from my day job was perfect for a few opportunities to get together with some of our favorite girls. Kelli and little Waverly came over for a pool party and lunch the first week I was off. We had a lot of fun - the girls especially. Playing in the pool. Getting in and out. Going down the slide into the pool. Pushing each other in the car. Saying "Ow" when walking on the brown, crunchy grass.

Unfortunately, we don't get to see the Snyder ladies as often as we would like. We even used to live next door and didn't get to hang out much. But both of us weren't working during the day so we took advantage. Waverly is several months older that Emersen. She doesn't understand why Emersen calls a car a "go go" - she said "No, that's a car!" Hilarious.

The girls had a lot of fun together - there might have even been some play time in the nude. You can do that when you're 2 years old. This was the first of a few times the girls got to play together over about a week or so. Fortunately, with me not working, we were able to go help the Snyder's prepare for their "Moving to Madagascar" yard sale. And later the same day, throw and surprise Harry Potter party for Kelli/the family. As you may have noticed, they are moving to Madagascar, in Africa. The party was a going away party and a birthday party to celebrate since Kelli won't be in the states for her birthday.

We're super excited for the Snyder's new adventures in Africa. They're currently in Virginia for two months for training. Then they will be moving in October to Madagascar! They will be serving as missionaries for several years at a time until God calls them to something or somewhere else. We admire them so much for their commitment to their calling as well as their realistic perspective on the situation. It's refreshing when people are honest about their feelings when they're being obedient to what God wants for their life. They know that the best place they can be is where God wants them to be - to be in His will. That doesn't make it easy to leave what they know. They've lived in Lexington their whole lives. They have family here. But they're excited too. To live in a new place, new culture. To do it all together as a family. To share God's love and word with people who don't have the opportunity to hear it like we do in America.

Wes and I have been inspired by the Snyder's and their willingness to sacrifice for themselves in order to give others the opportunity to know Jesus. And I even have bouts of jealousy that they're doing something this BIG for God. But they'll admit they're not any bigger, better or more holy in their obedience. I think about how Waverly will grow up in a completely different culture and maybe miss out on the media, the materialism, etc. Not that there won't be other struggles - homeschooling would challenge me to the core. But God is good - He gifted Kelli with the skills for teaching and she has a degree in education. Chandler's biggest challenge will be not getting to wear his snazzy pants any more. 

Anyway, you all have to endure some posts like this as I use the blog to journal a little bit as well. And while Kelli and I would sometimes not see each other for a month, we text regularly. And can be honest with each other, talk about things I don't talk about with other people, and have the rare blessing of being friends as a couple - you know, both husband and wife like the other husband and wife. We have the little girls of similar age, who have become little friends too. I've had my mini go-to-pieces as we celebrated with parties and play dates, and I'm sure there may be more. It's really hard with the girls hugging in pictures like these! But thank the Lord for Skype and technology, we'll be okay.