shaggy hair...

his self portrait...  

before...

after.  a much needed haircut!

my brother surprised me for a quick weekend visit.  there have been few times in my life that i have been more surprised!  and i loved it.  it was such a special time!  (my family has a thing with surprises...)

sweet girl and her soccer trophy.  she told me that soccer wasn't her god (referencing church the week before... was quite proud!).  and that she enjoyed it but was all set on that!

sweet boy... if only we would put him in bed!  

kid loves his dd....

and his auntie byssa...

on sunday night, we were about to sit down to dinner and my mom got a call.  her brother had been in a car accident.  he didn't make it.  in less than 2 hours, my mom and sister were at the airport, getting on a plane.  to say it was miraculous would be an understatement.  it was awesome to see God working, even in the details of an airplane!

and i am heartbroken.  that my uncle is gone.  that my cousin lost his dad so quickly.  that my mom (and uncle) lost their brother.  that, as hard as i tried, and as many GREAT offers as i had, i couldn't make it work to get home.  when my parents house is FULL, to the max, of family there now.  and i can't be.  

david asked me the other night, amidst my tears, if i wished he had another job where we could be home for times like this.  i told him, as i always have in the past, there is very little he says no to for me. i have been at MOST of the things i want to or can be at.  it is only the emergencies that i miss...  i can't get home to visit someone in the hospital or take a meal.  i have missed funerals (and several weddings) because it just doesn't work.  as hard as i want it to.  and i hate that.

but, i would never trade our life.  first of all, God put us in this life, in this place, for a reason.  He didn't make a mistake to have me in hawaii right now.  and to have it so hard to get home.  He didn't make a mistake in my husband's career choice.  and for those days that i miss, i wouldn't trade the others we have here.  even when i don't see the purpose or plan.  

doesn't change that i would want to be there.  and it made me think.  and continue to live the life God gave me... and not want something else.  

and, my biggest take home from the week was HOW THANKFUL i am for eternal salvation... that i am not at all unsure about what will happen to me when i die.  nor am i about uncle dan.  what a blessed assurance!  (and if you are unsure- talk to me!!!)  i can't imagine facing death and wondering.