Friday, April 10, 2009

Oh, No!! Not Another Road Trip!!?? Part 1

Well, yes, another road trip!  Cousins Matthew and Peter turned 16 in the last few months, and it has been our privilege to take (well, for Granddaddy to take) grandsons who turn 16 on a canoe trip with cousins and friends.  So Matthew and Daniel flew down for the occasion, which happened to coincide with Uncle Jason and Aunt Ashley's move to Missouri.  Jason and Danny have bought a business in the Gainesville, Missouri, area, which Jason will manage and work (and I do mean work -- it's a wood treatment business, and there are lots of log homes, decks, etc., in the Bull Shoals area of Missouri/Arkansas.)  So this was an ideal time to hit the road and take Matthew and Daniel home to Arkansas!  Here we go!
What a privilege to have Matthew to talk to for two whole days!  Matthew isn't much of a chatter, which is a good thing, but he thinks deeply and comes up with great observations and theological conclusions.  Since they moved to Arkansas, we have missed hearing his thoughts as he grows into manhood. 
One of Daniel's "quieter" moments in the RV.  Daniel, too, surprises us with the depth of his contemplations.  He and Matthew both have a dry wit and love to come up with "zingers".  What a blessing to spend time with them!
Our other traveling companion -- Ashley's good doggie, Spencer.  We had intended to meet them as they came up from Ft. Lauderdale, but they were delayed behind us, so we ended up with a canine companion all the way to Missouri.  Spencer has been living with us the last year or so, but he has been an "outdoor" dog -- both Danny's and my preference.  So the boys washed and washed him so he would be tolerable in the RV.  I must say, he was a good doggie all the way.  He never misbehaved and was always considerate.  He is loving his new farm home in Missouri.  Bye-bye, Spencer.  We will miss you!
Boys love buffets -- at least these boys do!  We ate most meals in the RV, but we had to have one good buffet along the way!

Finally there!  It is much greener than February.  The sun shone most of the time, but when we left on
April 6, it was downright C-O-L-D!!  It was supposed to freeze that night -- hope the hundreds of tulips and daffodils made it! 
R.G. came up after work to help unload Jason's moving truck, but since they had been delayed, he ate supper with us and went back home to Arkansas.  We didn't get to spend a lot of time with him, but we were so blessed by the man of God he is becoming. 
Every evening, I was blessed to watch and listen as Granddaddy broke the Bread of Life and young men asked questions and added insights.  I could not help but think of the strong faithful arrows going into a time I won't see.  Thank you, Lord, for these precious times, and the little glimpse into the future that they give us.
Part 2:  Moving In

3 comments:

The Stricklen Family said...

I really enjoyed reading about your trip and the time you spent with Matt and Dan. They are all turning into such wonderful young men who love their Lord.
The property certainly does look alot more appealing there than in February -- you are right about that!!
Spencer looked so cute in his picture! We will miss good old Spence!!

Looking forward to the rest of the update!

Love,
The Stricklens

The Miller Family said...

The boys sure had a wonderful trip...from flying down for Pete's Birthday to the canoe trip to the drive back in the RV.

I know they enjoyed themselves immensely. One-on-one time spent with Grandmama and Granddaddy is just too special to pass up!

Love,
Katie

The Dischers said...

I am so glad you were able to spend that time with the 3 boys. Ha Ha.

Matthew and Daniel may not talk much, but I am sure they valued every moment with their grandparents. I am sure that Spencer valued his time with you too before he had to say good bye. I'm glad he was such a great trip taker!

We thank the Lord for your safety! Love you!

Beth