Thank Yous (yes, yous is a word according to Vicki)

We left Tennessee on Monday morning where the temperature all week had been between the upper 50's and mid 70's.  It was glorious and chilly and I loved it.  We stepped off the plan Monday afternoon in Belize City and it felt like walking into a sauna. The wet season had begun while we were away and the humidity was thick.  It has rained every day since we've been home and so far, it has been wonderful.  I may rethink this a month from now but it is great right now.

The eight days of being back home felt like two.  My little grandbabies were awesome and beautiful and lively and wonderful and did I say awesome already?  Keira turned two in February and we were there for Benaiah's first birthday party!  I was so happy to be able to be with everyone for his birthday celebration.  It was a Star Wars party, which I loved.  And all my boys were there, which I loved even more.

Jedi Cake

Watching Star Wars!

Dark Side Cake

Ben, Memory and Benaiah on his first birthday.

He loved the cake, which was sugar free.

Our friend Marvin made this out of slate.  I put Benaiah's
bible scripture on the back,  I Chronicles 11:22-24

I would like to start thanking people for all they did and are doing for Dennis and I.  This is always a tricky thing to do because I might miss someone.  So, if I missed mentioning you please forgive me and know that I am grateful for all my friends and family.

Thank you to my children and all you did for us while we were at home.  It was a little different not having the resources to pay for our own meals and such.  It seems the tables have turned and now you have more than your parents do...kind of odd.  Amy thank you for all the cooking you did, we especially loved the Butterfinger Cake. Thanks Sam for letting us use your car.  Memory and Ben and Benaiah, thank you for making your way over the to house and visiting with us.  We remember how it was to take the babies to other places to visit, and our little guy wasn't feeling very well part of the time.  Mom/GG (Dennis' mom) thank you for giving up your bedroom for the week, it really helped us out.

Pastor Jamie, Amy, Katie, and Cody thank you for sharing your time with us.  I enjoyed your company Katie and Cody.  Jamie, Amy, Carol and Dean, thank you for staying up so late to come get us at the airport.  It was way past our bedtime and we still stopped at Denney's for some yummy desserts and great fellowship.  I believe Dennis and I got to bed around 2am.

Thank you to West Carroll Elementary staff.  I had a wonderful visit.  I enjoyed seeing all the staff and all my favorite students!  Thanks for letting me roam the halls and disrupt your classrooms.  By the way, the cafeteria staff at WCES is the absolute best ever.  Your food is always awesome and your smiles are sincere and appreciated by all.  And congratulations Mr. Carter and Mrs. Jean on your retirement.

Thank you YoungMe Mccormick at Innovations Salon!  You are my favoritest hair person ever and your generosity helps me remember that there are still many kind people in the world.  (By the way, my hair is awesome right now.)

Thank you Tony for coming over to have our coffee time together like we used to.  It meant a lot to spend that time with you. Tell that Dustin Davis that we hope to see him again on his next visit to Belize.

Thank you to Jake and Danielle Warren for our first steak dinner in eight months.  Jake you grilled them perfectly.  Danielle you didn't have to invite my entire crew over with us, but you did because you know how important time with family is.  You and Harper and Jake were wonderful hosts and you have touched our hearts greatly.

Thanks to all the guys who went shooting with Dennis.  He really wanted to shoot something.

Thank you Pastor Jamie for getting up in the middle of the night to take us back to the air port.  You were a real trooper!

Thank you to Amy Sprayberry for taking me to get my first pedicure!!  It was amazing!  And Carol, Kelly, Danielle, Harper and Allison you guys made it a very pleasant evening.  I have the cutest pink toe nails ever!

Allison took this photo, that's Kelly, Carol, Amy, Danielle and Harper and then me.
We are in Jackson next door to Starbucks.

A special Thanks to Greater Life Church who sat for an hour and listened to our stories about Belize. (Pastor Jamie tried to get us off the platform but I didn't listen).  I went way over time and we had way too many slides to share.  I would love to sit in every one of your living rooms and share with you what God has done and is doing in our lives.  But I guess this blog is the closest I can get to that.  We really thank you for the prayers and monetary gifts that you give, and the clothes, and the Oil of Olay!   These are a true blessing to Dennis and I.  We cannot do what God has called us to do without you!

Your relationships with us provide us with the emotional and spiritual support that raise us up when we feel overwhelmed with what we are doing.  Your hugs and smiles touch our hearts in ways that we cannot express.  Knowing that we are all in this together makes it "doable".  God arranges these things so that we can be the reflection of Jesus in this broken world.  When God sees that happening here on Earth, he just doesn't see Dennis and I, he sees your beautiful faces as well.  God is so good.

Wanted to share some at home pictures.  My family on the West Coast doesn't see much of us.  I wish I could come see all of you!  Thank you to you guys to for the support and your comments on the blog.  I am glad that you are sharing this with us as well.  Love you guys.

Playing in the water just like their parents did.
Benaiah is Ben's and Keira is Sam's...just in case
you didn't already know that.

Keira helping Grandma make Pumpkin Pie      

We went to play with Benaiah at his house.  We didn't know until the next day that he had an ear infection.

This is a typical Lucas photo.

Lucas Family May 2014

Getting ready for a big field trip tomorrow.  Dennis and I are going to ride the bus with 50 students for three hours up to Orange Walk.  There will be lots of photos to follow.  Riding the bus with the kids was Dennis' idea.  That tells you how much God is in this.  Just ask the boys, Dennis would never have done this in the past.  God is changing us greatly.

One more time...THANK YOU to everybody!

We love you all!