So glad that we have been able to make this trip and spend time with our family. So tough to think of the last hugs and goodbyes in a few hours. These will be more difficult knowing that we will not see all of them again for another year and a half when they come home for a short furlough.

When we get on the plane for the first flight of 3 heading home it will be about 19 hours in the air and a total of 26 hours before we land back in Illinois. If you are so inclined prayers for on time flights and for no back flare-ups, at least until we get home.

Yesterday we went back to the little local restaurant and I was again struck by the contrasts all around us here. We walked up what is affectionately called “killer hill”. We have a couple of pictures, but they do not do justice to the steepness of the walk and then add that we are at 7,000 + feet elevation. It was a great experience and we now have great mental images of the campus and area where our kids and grandkids live and serve.

We watched our granddaughter show how she has learned to “ripstick” and then we watched our daughter in law trying to learn it as well. I did not attempt it. We played more games and more ping pong. I once again did not fare so well in the ping pong. But I loved every moment of it with my grandkids. We watched a movie and were again reminded that though they have some conveniences here it is much different than back home. The 1 hour and 48 minute movie took several hours to completely download. Electricity, water and internet are all here, but they can go away quickly as well.

We had some more great conversations about ministry their here and where they are headed in the next couple of years. This has been a great experience and we have created lasting memories. Once again, let me say thanks to all who helped us get here and have been praying for us on this trip.

I am very grateful that I do not have preach Sunday as our Children’s Christmas program is Sunday morning. I am in the program and will share a closing thought, but those are not near the pressure and since we are coming back trying to adjust to a 9 hour time difference, this is a great for me. Until we get home, talk to you later.

Dennis