There are hills you've never seen....
(like the ones in the Smokeys and Shenandoah Valley)
Day before yesterday Grace and I returned to TN from VA Beach.....those who have been following our pilgrim journey from the onset know that we have lived there both in 03 and 04. While we were there Grace celebrated her 16th birthday!! In fact, going to Teenpact Judicial (our reason for being in Va Beach) was our present to her. It was extra special for me since I got to help out and be the staff mom at Teenpact Judicial(TPJ) 2005.
This was the third trip that Grace and I have taken together in the last 6 months. What a blessing to be there, serve and enjoy a wonderful and very intellectually stimulating program. Originally, this was going to be a solo trip for Grace but a couple of circumstances led to me being included in this one. What a gift!!! I had a great time!
Our dear friend and TPJ Director, Emily Smith kept me so busy that I didn't have time to think about the fact that I would be returning to Knoxville 10 days before needing to leave for NH. That fact hit me over the head yesterday - it is not all that bad. The Lord continues to lighten the load as we go along and teaches us how to live with less things and more of His grace.
I wish I had time to tell of all the wonderful things that happened during the week. For now, I will just leave you with 3. First off, our dear friends Gordon and JimmieLou Coons blessed TPJ by letting the staff (5 wonderful young people) and myself stay in their home while they are out west visiting family. Secondly, the Raifords hosted our sweet 16 daughter, Grace, made birthday dinner and invited Emily and myself. Lastly, Grace advanced to out rounds during the Moot Court tournament and was Best Oral Argument Runner up in the finals.
This will be my last blog before hitting the road.
"Don't look back, don't get side track just travel on...."
from The Pilgrim Song by Josh Bales