This month we really enjoyed being close to our families, before we all move much further away from each other. Elizabeth’s brothers came to visit for a few days, and we also enjoyed time with Jamin’s parents. The weather was perfect for picnics and letting the kids run around outside before the heat of North Carolina summers.

This month also included Elizabeth’s and Jaren’s birthdays. Jaren got toys, books, and a choo-choo train cake; and Liz got a photo shoot with her husband, with most of the pictures making it into a frame on our living-room wall.

We also are very grateful for wonderful and godly grandparents and great-grandparents. Jamin’s grandmother sent the kids’ Easter outfits. Despite the great distances, our kids know their great-grandparents because they’re always wearing reminders.

God has certainly been good to us in these years before we go overseas: we’re enjoying this time being close to family as much as we are able.