Oh Ryleigh

Ryleigh tends to be the one who makes us all laugh in Madagascar and she has not lost that title now that we're in America for a little while.  I thought I'd share some things in hopes they'll make you laugh too!

*At a Mexican restaurant*

R -"I want noodles & meatballs"

N - "They don't have spaghetti here, you can have a chicken taco"

R - (eyes light up) "I can make tortillas?!?!"

*Church luncheon*

R - "Can I have more cheese (off of the salad bar)"

Lhi Lhi - "Ryleigh, it's covered up now - so we can't get any"

R - "oh so no mosquitoes will get in it?"

Ryleigh & her cousin, Kaylee - these girls had so much fun together!

*Fast Food Place*

Ryleigh has taken off of her shoes and is walking around

N - "Ryleigh, you need to have your shoes on"

R - "oh or they'll put me in jail?"

*in car*

Due to jetlag, Ryleigh falls asleep ANYTIME she is in a vehicle

N - "Ryleigh, it's time to wake up baby"

R - "my body just needs to sleep, momma"

N - "You can't stay out here by yourself in the car"

R - "but Mississippi makes me tired!!"

And if you're wondering how Lyllian is doing...let's just say that she is LOVING having this "new" stuff to crawl on - carpet is a pretty amazing thing!!

We're HERE!

I guess more accurately it would be "We've been here!"  The blog has taken a backseat due to all of the facetime we are able to have with so much of our family & friends!  Hopefully, over the next week I'll get back into the groove of writing.

The journey was long and more than a bit bittersweet.  Overall, the girls did fantastic but we did arrive in Dallas running on adrenaline.  Dallas was the first time we had a delay and those 3 hours seemed a bit longer for some reason!

We made it in to Jackson later than expected but we were greeted by the most beautiful faces.  Hugs are a gift from God - of that I am certain.  There were signs, gifts, balloons (that can now be found in the airport ceiling), hugs, tears, and lots of pictures (of which I've yet to see - I need to check on that).

We are trying to soak up every moment.  It's such a wonderful feeling to know you are with so many who have loved you for so long and through so many different seasons. There's been some reverse culture shock but having family & friends around to get us through those first trips to Walmart and to set up phones has helped tremendously. The girls are loving all of their time with grandparents, aunts & uncles, and the like.

Thank you all for covering our family in prayer - not just during the trip home but for every moment of our 1st term in Madagascar.  You are a gift to us that we do not take for granted.  We can't wait to hug your necks!!

After we recover from jet lag - I'll be sure to get more than just some iphone pics but for now they'll have to do :)

When We See You

I'm grateful that so many of you keep up with us through our blog, facebook, and/or instagram - and even more know atleast what's going on once a month when we send out our newsletter updates.  Even though you have heard a lot - we are still excited to come home and share stories with you about life and what God has done in Madagascar.  

Unfortunately, we don't get monthly updates from you.  We miss knowing what's going on in your lives too.  Not just the job changes, moving houses, or 1st day of school pictures - but the day in and day out.  The details that make up life. Tell us about how God has been working in your family, your marriage, your life, and/or your church.  When we have dinner with you or see you at Walmart - take the time to tell us about your lives.  We're interested in what's gone on and would love the chance to hear about you.  It's important to us!