Day 3 - day of preparations

** This posting has been post dated 5 days due to lack of internet **

Hanging out around L.A. with family


Monday was full of fun and preparations to begin our journey to Texas in the RV. Our day started early since our bodies are still adjusting to the new time in the states. I was up at 4 a.m. and ready to head back to bed when everyone else started waking up. But, we had so much to do that weariness soon fled. The girls had been waiting patiently since our arrival to open gift bags from Nonnie, Kris’s mom. She is in Israel with her Sunday School class and was sad that she would not be here when we arrived. However, she left lots of goodies at her house for us to enjoy and she worked extra hard to provide everything to make our stay wonderful and relaxing. The girls were so excited to get American candy, journals for their summer journey, and some fun things to do in the RV. What a super grandma!

Chelle and her sister, Stephanie, had a treasured time together talking, laughing, and recalling so many wonderful times together over yummy cups of coffee. Oh, how my heart was blessed to be with her. She is indeed a humble and willing servant in the hand of her Master. I am so honored to be called her sister (twice over)! Not only did she drive us all over the place to get some last minute shopping done, but she joyfully helped as we corralled 6 energetic children (her 2 and my 4). We made quite a racquet everywhere we went, but oh what fun all the cousins had together! My heart was full of thankfulness to God for this sweet time with together. Kris, meanwhile, was going with his dad to pick up the RV, have the tires changed, and learn all the ins and outs of RVing.

Whitney was ecstatic to open her birthday present from the Flowers family. She will turn 11 on May 23rd, but got an early birthday present from Steph, Jay, and the kids. Mason and Steph pose with Whitney and her new glittery art project. They chose her gift well since she LOVES anything artsy.




Another highlight of the day was visiting Kris’s grandpa in his assisted living home. He was so happy to see his “grandgirls”. What a privilege is was for us to share this time with grandpa Shipman. Finally, after loading the RV we headed to bed eager to start out on the next leg of our adventure.