How was vacation?

Shari and I had a wonderful vacation with the boys back in August. We spent our first few days with Grandma and Grandpa Burgess in East Wenatchee. It was fun for us all to visit with my brother, Jon, and his family. We don't connect often, but we have a good time when we do. We really enjoyed just being with Grandma and Grandpa. We went on a picnic with them, then the boys went swimming at the beach. Grandma and Grandpa had to go home to rest before the boys were done, but it was good just to be with them. Vacations are never long enough to visit family.

We then proceeded down to Moses Lake, where we stayed with friends and stayed up way too late. It was wonderful. There was no agenda, and we just rested in our relationships. I especially enjoyed visiting my friends at MLYD, and seeing the changes they've made there. I did feel a bit odd in my old office. Nothing has changed there, primarily because they still don't have a director... or, at least the new guy isn't there yet. They do have a new website, though. Check it out. Anyway, Shari gave me a rough time about how I reacted there (you'd have to have seen it - can't explain it), but you have to remember that I haven't had an office for over a year now, so I'm feeling a little homeless. That office is still home to me (sort of), so it felt really weird to be in it, yet know that it's not home anymore.

We went to church at Grace Harvest Church, our home church in Moses Lake. Man, I miss that place (as does Shari)! It was awesome to worship with the folks there, and see what God's done with the church since we left. During the service, Doug made the announcement that, barring a last-minute miracle from God (which is something He's done Biblically), our friend and pasotr, Larry Brice, will be going to be home with the Lord soon. You can read about the initial cancer diagnosis here. It hasn't even been a year yet. We're not sure why God hasn't healed him, but the church is pulling together like a "family" should, committing to care for Larry's family - should he die - in ways that are more like many biological families would. I still struggle with those same questions about faith and healing, but I do know that God is good, even when I don't understand.

God spoke through Doug about vision, and my needing to clarify some things with Him. Then, the best part of the trip - spending time with Doug and Peggy, just being together and talking about everything and anything. It was wonderful, and we had to leave all too soon for the 6 hour drive home.

Thanks to all who made it a wonderful, relaxing time. The best part of all was that we didn't have an agenda, and truly enjoyed just being together with y'all. That includes a surprise and relaxing time with Joel, which was good for both of us, I think.