The Big Going Away Party

Yesterday, our parents -- Mark, Linda, Barry and Karen threw us an amazing "Going Away Party" We had all the southern loves (pulled pork (with the whole pig on the cooker) slaw, potato salad, baked beans, rolls, sweet tea, chocolate and FRIENDS.

We had an amazing turn out!! At one pointed counted 65 folks. Wes and I felt completely loved as we look around at all the people that love and support us.

We had family-

Kate, Emma and Elijah

Thomas, Kathy and Chloe

Small Group Friends

Wes' Work Friends

Colleen and her mom, Donna, representing my teen girls

Friends that are close like Family

If you picture is missing... I'm sure we have it :-) Salomon-- Thank you for taking pictures!! You did an amazing job of capturing the event.

We had a fabulous time!! Thank you for coming out to support us!! We will miss you-- BUT -- we look forward to a welcome home party real soon! :-)

The Countdown is On :-)

30 days until we board a jet plane

29 year old Birthday celebration -- Love you Wesley

28 week(ish) until Thailand

27th Going Away Party

26 Items on ever growing "To-Do" List

25 cups of yogurt to eat (I will miss you Yoplait and Dannon)

24 hours of travel

23 weeks until Thanksgiving (trying to cook a Turkey in a "toaster size oven" :-)

22 Hugs and kisses

21 Tears to Cry- We will miss all of you!!

20 workout classes at the Y

19th of July -ZOO with Kate, Russ and two beautiful children!!

18 more $500.00 one time donor gifts

17 Facebook friends with July Birthdays

16 kids and 46 adults RSVPed for Party :-)

15 Bags of Trash

14 minutes to create this countdown

13 items in freezer to eat

12 Hour Flight to Beijing

11th of July- Commissioning Service at Capital Community Church

10 more open fellowship opportunities

9 Rooms to clean

8 days of State-side training

7 Bills to Cancel

6 Suitcases to pack

5 Books to read

4 papers to write

3 days of work for Wes

2 carry ons

1 house to sell

It's a Leap

Today over Ham sandwiches and Cheetos... Wes and I begin talking about what is always at the center of my mind-- our HOUSE!! One side of the discussion leads to "what if" or "how will we" Along side of Wes' arms, tears streaming down my face... I hear a something say to me... "it's a leap of faith" That phrase continued to flash across my mind... "it's a leap of faith" I am realizing that these "leaps" are not easy... on the contrary... very challenging. I continually think about after this part of the struggle is over and I'm looking back at how the Father provided-- how sweet it will be to see His provision. Just as the birds of the air and the flowers in the fields are taken care of... so will He provide for me.

Oh give me the ability to be one of the righteous that lives by faith.

First Annual Family Vacation

This past weekend we had our First Annual Thomas Family Vacation. We went to the mountains of NC and had fabulous time. After a four and a half hour drive... we arrived at a quaint cabin that was our home for the weekend. The first night, we had a relaxing night by camp fire. Roosters greeted us next morning (at the crack of dawn) :-) Our first stop was COFFEE and then White Water Rafting. We went with a company called Fast Rapids... they drove us to the drop location, gave us paddles and wished us luck. What a blast. We did a self-guided trip... but had 3 Captains in the boat... Wes, Ryan and Barry. Us girls just did as we were told. The river had class 3 rapids, with one on the the verge of a class 4. After finishing the waters without the boat tipping, we all decided that we wouldn't mind trying a "Class 4 and 5 River" On the trip back to the cabin, the boys found a few streams that looked promising for trout fishing. While they cast a line, the girls headed to a small town festival. Eventually, we found a nice covered porch with 3 swings. Complete relaxation. The fish were not hungry... or smart enough to not take a "hooked" line. But not to despair, more fishing to take place. That night we shared dinner with great friends on their mountain top home!!

The next morning, while the girls slowly rose and drank coffee on the porch... the boys headed out to catch breakfast. Wes was the BIG winner. He caught a beautiful trout... that we did in fact eat for breakfast.

We all found ourselves wishing for just one more day... but loaded the car and drove back to Raleigh. Frankie Valley and Karen serenading us all the way.

Wedding Weekend

Wes' Dad, Barry Thomas, got married this past weekend to an amazing woman!! Karen Cawthon is now Karen Thomas. We had an fabulous week getting ready for the wedding and bonding families. They got married at Wrightsville Beach. Here are a few pictures that capture just a glimpse of the fun!!

Last Day with Teen Girls

For the past 2 years, I have been mentoring teenage girls. They definitely bring me a LOT of joy and youth!! Today was our last meeting. One has graduated from High School and moves on to Campbell University on a full scholarship. Two other girls are now Seniors in High School. All are headed to work at camp this summer!!
We have had an amazing time meeting together. Each Thursday my house smelled of brownies (with sprinkles) and around 7 was filled with laughter and stories of boys, friends and the Good Book. I will miss these girls.