Air show and fireworks

A great time with family! We went out for an evening of family games, snocones, fireworks and a nighttime air-show. My sister-in-law Sarah ( http://chapelroadphotography.com/2012/07/02/starting-the-4th-with-a-bang/  ), got some great pics that night too so head over to her blog to see 'em! 

Happy Fourth of July!!

Home

At least that's how it felt finally sleeping in the trailer again.

Bee's been so happy and even sleeping better. 

I didn't realize that having her own real bed again would make such a difference. 

She is so much happier!

We all are. 

Back in our own space, and privacy.

And although I was quickly reminded just how small it does feel to live in 400 sq ft. 

It's our 400 sq ft.

Where we feel at home.

Though I have no idea what the future holds for us.

Or how long we'll be in any given place.

I want to just relish this time we have here. 

I want to look back on this summer and know we made the best memories and made the most of our time with family.

I've been reminded several times in just the last few weeks that there are no guarantees in life. 

Loved ones can be with you one second and gone the next. 

So make the most it. 

 

 

View from my kitchen table

I love how the sunlight filters through the trees and in our windows

My view from my favorite chair

The best ever sign from my nieces

Creek time on a hot summer day...love

Best friends and cousins

Lots of time to ponder and reflect driving down long country roads

Crazy, happily busy.

 I'm exhausted, but happily so. We are here with family, watching movies together, grilling, and de-cluttering my parents place before they move. My sister graduated from High School and then left to go to a camp for  a month. My niece graduated and all our MO family came down so we had 4 days of crazy good family time. Bee picked up right where she left off with her cousin and it was so sweet watching them play together. The last 5 weeks we've been home have sped by! I may not be on here very much in the coming months as we help my parents get their house on the market. So much to do!

One year...

One year. 

One year since we bought a travel trailer and decided to live the life of a nomad.

And oh the experiences we've had in that time!

It's had rough patches for sure. 

Some things were beautiful and others I try not to remember. 

But that is life. 

I often sit and wonder how I got to be so lucky to have done what we've done.

And I pray I never take it for granted. 

And now, as we pray for direction and guidance in the next step, I am reminded that HE provides all. 

For every need.

Even for the little wants.

He has a plan for every detail of our lives.

And I can't wait to see what happens this year!

 

Home....

 

We're home. 

And it still feels a bit surreal. 

I can not believe we've been away 5 months. 

Not a single person here agrees with me, but the time went by so fast. 

We've been slowly reentering life here. 

I've only left the house twice in the last week. 

And I'm supposed to drive somewhere tomorrow.

Won't lie.

It scares me a little. 

But it feels so good just to be home. 

 

Back In the USA

And there are a few things I miss about Thailand. A few days ago I wouldn't have known what to put in this post. But after just 4 hours in the states, I had a list.

1. People spend way too much time on their phones. Seriously, it's crazy and prior to our trip I might have agreed that in general people are on their phones a lot. But the stark difference between the two countries is unreal. You couldn't talk to anyone even if you wanted to because everyone has a phone or ear bud they're attached to.

2. This is the sick one. My country is the land of the fat and overweight. I just went from feeling like the heavy one in Thailand to being among the few healthy weight people in the Houston airport. And my fellow travelers have gotten heavier with each flight. I also noticed the quality of food between Thailand and Japan and the US. Our earlier flights with snacks and meals had fruit, protein, rice, and water. Our flight into Houston was pasta, hamburgers, ice-cream, candy, rolls, and soft drinks. And I didn't really want any of it. Give me the rice, veggies, and a protein any day.

3.  Care for the children and young mothers. In both the Thai and Japan airports I was asked several times if I needed assistance with Bee. In Houston, lugging 2 huge suitcases, a carry-on, and Bee crying behind me getting to our departing terminal, not one person offered help. Not one.

4. Cost of food and eating out. Wow. We could stop at a road side vendor or little family restaurant, and fill our bellies on  $2 per person or less. Here, that's not even possible. I miss it! And the food was so good too...I'm not talking McD's quality. Chicken skewers, stir-fry veggies, sticky rice or steamed rice. Good food. And so cheap!

5. While not specific to Thailand, we do miss the ocean. We loved our 5 weeks of beach front living and being able to just walk out to water and jump in. On our bucket list is to one day have water front property again.

6. We miss the culture. The friendly genuine smile on every face. And so helpful. No matter where you went there was always someone to help if you needed it. Here you can walk the entire length of a large store and not find a single employee to assist you. In Thailand, there is someone on every aisle.

7. Easy transportation. This at least applies to the DFW area. We got along just fine using the public transportation for getting around. Not even really possible around here.

8. No "Keeping up with the Jones'" mentality. Like new cars....not hardly around in Thailand. In fact you rarely ever see new cars and the main form of transportation is by motorbike. They also use everything till it is no longer usable. And then someone will come along and find a new use for it. They do not just throw anything away.

9. Entrepreneurs.  They are everywhere there. The number of roadside food stands, food carts, night market vendors, and many more. There may not be much in the way of regulation, but I like that. Anyone could sell anything anywhere to provide for their family. The US could learn a few lessons on that.

This is my starter list. I'm sure the longer we're here the list will get longer. We are so so glad to be home though! And there are things we love about the US. But there are quite a few things we miss about Thailand too.

If you asked me...

If you asked me...

I would tell you that these last 5 weeks have been rough.

Really rough.

My husband and best friend is on the other side of the world.

And Skype is not an even close replacement.

If you asked, I would tell you that Bee's behavior lately has been the worst ever of her entire life.

Throwing fits of epic proportion, arms flailing, screaming spitting, 

the whole 9 yards.

And I know it's because she doesn't have her Daddy.

Yesterday during a rough patch I asked her to come sit with me.

"But Momma, I just want my Daddy!"

I know baby, me too.

I'm so thankful our time apart is almost over. 

Just 3 days till we leave Thailand, 4 till we see Daddy.

But, if you asked, I would also tell you, she has the sweetest moments.

Like waking up at 3 in morning being restless, I asked her if she was ok.

"I just need to be closer to you Momma"

So we snuggled even closer.

If you asked, I would tell you I'm learning to trust.

In God.

That He has a plan for us even when things seem bleak.

Plans to prosper and not to harm.

To bring us a future and a hope.

Whatever or wherever that may be.

And being so very thankful and grateful for all He has given us.

For the people He's used to bless us.

And knowing His timing is perfect in things.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11