The Modern Nomads

One Family's Journey

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The Hurry-Free Life

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On September 26, 2018

In Amanda's Musings, Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

This summer was a unique, but amazing, summer for our family. Our church blessed my husband  and me with a two month sabbatical, which we enjoyed to the fullest. Instead of spending it in our hometown, we decided to take our seven, six, and two-year old on an epic adventure. We drove through 25 states, 3 Canadian provinces, stood in awe of 3 national parks, crossed two bridges so we could explore 2 different islands, and totaled over 6,000 miles on our family van. Needless to say, it was a busy summer. But, in the midst of all the activity, I noticed one small (but huge) difference:

I didn’t feel rushed. 

Being a mom of three little ones on top of having a Type A personality, busyness is something of a norm for me. To be honest, I get bored quite easily, so I do not mind and actually thrive off activity.

However, last school year there was one trait that I allowed to creep into our family: a spirit of hurriedness.

Often, I found myself rushing from one activity to another. I picked my girls up from school and then rushed to ballet class. We went to ballet class and then rushed to church. We went to church and then rushed home to do homework, baths, a quick family devotional and then bedtime. Countless times I’ve instructed my children to “hurry up” when I thought they weren’t moving fast enough for my standards. When my husband wanted to linger in the car so we could catch up on the day’s events, my thoughts quickly turned to what was next. As the year drug on, I realized that I couldn’t fully enjoy the present because I was too busy rushing to the next event. Therefore, this summer’s constant activity, without the feeling of being hurried, caused me to take a long look at my life and compare that to Jesus’ life. Here are a few things I’ve learned.

Busyness is not a sin, but being a “busybody” is sinful.

As I mentioned earlier, I enjoy having things to do. So, I was encouraged to discover that scripture actually warns us against idleness and laziness (Prov. 19:15, 2 Thess. 3:6-12). However, scripture also warns us about being “busybodies” (2 Thess. 3:11). A “busybody” is someone who hurries around from one activity to another. They do not finish a task before going on to the next one. A busybody is also characterized as one who meddles in other’s affairs. I don’t consider myself a “meddler.” But, I have been known to begin a task and not finish it. This only happens when I fill my life with too many things on my “to do” list, and there isn’t enough hours to complete it. Before I know it, I look up and my life is spinning out of control. I end up feeling rushed, cranky, and then lash out at the ones closest to me. 

If we were honest, this describes most women in America. In my little circle of influence, I know moms who work all week, travel to sporting events all weekend, and then come home late Sunday evening just to begin the cycle all over again. I know college students who skip out on previous commitments because they have overbooked themselves. I know single women who work long hours and then wonder why they don’t have time for a relationship. 

I propose to you that God never intended us to live this way. He made us for relationship, first with Him and then with others. Some of us need to stop being a busybody and actually learn to have activity with a purpose. And, that leads me to the second lesson. 

Jesus’ life can be characterized as “busy,” but His activities were filled with a purpose.

Take a few moments and flip through the Gospels. It wouldn’t take long to discover that Jesus constantly had people around Him. At one point, there were so many people pressing around Him that they began trampling on each other (Luke 12:1). However, in the midst of all the activity, He saw each individual, each need, and each situation. 

After a long day of debriefing and teaching, Jesus took time to stop in at Mary and Martha’s house so He could encourage and teach the people gathered there (Luke 10:38-42). On the way to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter, Jesus took notice of an unknown woman who had a bleeding issue. Jairus was a well-known synagogue ruler, and the woman was a “nobody.” (We don’t even know her name.) But, Jesus saw her, stopped what He was doing, and took time to heal this dear woman of her bleeding, restore her dignity, and give her back the life that was taken from her (Luke 8:40-48). And finally, there’s the example of Jesus, while eating at Simon’s (a Pharisee) house, allowed a sinful woman to anoint His feet with her tears as she dried them off with her hair. You can imagine the shock of those in attendance. Instead of casting her off, Jesus welcomed her, accepted her, forgave her, and then sent her away in peace (Luke 7:36-50). These are just three, of countless, examples found in scripture. 

What about you (and me)? Are we running from one activity to another all the while missing the God moments ordained for us? Or, are we allowing God to orchestrate our moments in the midst of activity? There are so many hurting people who need us to see them. There are women struggling in their marriages and with their children, and they need a friend to come and walk beside them. Our children need us to stop, see them, and be willing to be completely present with them. Let’s seek to be women who see people and not just an opportunity for activity.

This summer taught me that a life full of activity, yet not filled with frantic scurrying about, is actually possible. God has blessed my family with an amazing ministry to college students, my girls with an incredible school, and me, personally, with unique opportunities to minister to women. But, it is imperative that I allow Him to be in control of my moments and not get caught up in being busy but empty.   

This was originally posted on www.biblicalwoman.com     

The Journey Home

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On August 13, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

After two months on the road with over 6,000 miles traveled, WE ARE HOME!! We’ve traveled through  25 states, 4 Canadian provinces, visited 3 state parks, attended 2 conferences, and, along the way, seen many friends from different seasons of life. It has definitely been a summer for the record books.

It’s good to be HOME!

 As we turned into our driveway, I was flooded with memories of moments, God moments, along the way. As we left two months ago, one of the things my (Amanda) heart was craving was connectivity. The last four years have been some of the toughest I’ve gone through emotionally, physically, spiritually, and relationally. I needed people who knew me, loved me, and accepted me for who I am. I needed to confide in “comfortable” people who knew my past but were also part of my present. I needed to hear about their joys, struggles, frustrations, elations, and most of all, their relationship with Jesus. God answered far above and beyond my heart’s cry. He allowed me to visit with two girls I had the privilege of investing in 10-15 years ago. He orchestrated two reunions with former roommates (one from college and one from seminary). He allowed me time to sit down and talk with a mentor. And, then, on top of all of those blessings, God gave us new friends. 

But, God also gave me some in depth time to connect with Him. I’ll be honest with you, it didn’t come in the form I had anticipated. Before leaving for Maine, I envisioned uninterrupted time on the porch, coffee in hand, and reading hours (well at least an hour) of scripture. There was only one “problem” with this vision…I didn’t factor in our children. 🙂 HA! The entire time we were away our little man decided to wake up between 4:45-5:15. So, Chris and I had to re-think our strategy. Though, at times, I did get time for good reading, God took me down a different path. He used His amazing creation to remind me of His power, awesomeness, and the fact that He sees me. He used my children to remind me of His grace, forgiveness, and Fatherly affection towards me. And, He used my husband to remind me of His great love for me. 

Why would God decide to use people and creation as His primary tool for pouring into me this summer? It goes back to what I was saying in the second paragraph…I was craving to connect relationally. God showed me that over the last several years I’ve been building a wall around my heart. I guess I’ve always known it was present. But, I didn’t know when it started or how to prevent it from happening again. This summer God began to show me where my brick laying began. It, as all walls, didn’t occur overnight. It happened slowly, methodically, but unnoticed. Every brick was used as “protection” for my hurting heart. However, those bricks were also preventing me from living and experiencing life and freedom. This summer God began the slow process of removing those pieces that were keeping me from relationships. And, as only God can do, He used relationships as the demolition crew. I still have a long way to go, but I know the process has begun for me.

This journey to Maine was so much more than a sabbatical for our family. It was a life-giving, healing breath of fresh air. It was a time to reconnect as a family and re-learn how to connect with other people. It was a time for us to pull away and discover what was important to our family and then have the courage to pursue those things. It was a time to discover new things about our children and learn new things as a couple. It was a time for us to have others pour into us, and yet an opportunity to pour into others. In a word… it was PERFECT! Yes, we had some crazy things that happened along the way. But, no journey is complete without some hiccups. 

So, for all of you who are wondering if we would, again, take 3 kiddos on the road for two months and live out of a “tin can” (our van) for months at a time? The answer is a 100% YES!! I wouldn’t trade any of the moments, great and difficult, for a summer of routine. (And for those who know me well, you know I like my routine 🙂 ) The journey our family went on will be one that defines us for many years to come. For you who kept up with us, THANK YOU for taking the time to read, follow, and pray for us. We felt loved and were encouraged by each comment and text you sent us. To our Cook family, THANK YOU for giving us this time away. Your sacrifice did not go unnoticed. I feel we have returned to you rested and ready to fight the battle alongside you. We love you more than you will ever know!! 

This is not the last journey for the Modern Nomads…stay tuned for more. But, until then, it’s time to get back into my beloved routine. 🙂  

Our last stop before home was Collegiate Week in Oklahoma. Great time of worship!

9DEACDC0-36B7-4858-9F3A-8556DC939C09 (click on link for Collegiate Week sights.)

This pic cracks me up! The word we were standing by says “UNITED.” If you look closely, we were definitely not united in our picture taking. Chris is the ONLY one looking at the camera. 🙂

First things first, pick up our puppy, Abby. Thank you Aunt RaRa and Uncle BuBu for taking care of her. She was missed.

The day after we got back, Chris had the opportunity to perform the marriage ceremony of two former college students, and the girls were also flower girls in the wedding. We had a blast celebrating with Taylor and Emily and reconnecting with friends and family! 🙂

Friendship of a Lifetime

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On August 9, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

The last week of our sabbatical can be summarized in one word: refreshing! We drove from Davenport, Iowa to Lincoln, NE to visit my college roommate, Andrea, and introduce our families to each other. It’s been two and a half years since we’ve seen each other, and she has had two babies during that time. What a joy to see our husbands and children talking, playing, and eating supper together! I remember when we would dream about getting married to awesome men, having children, and being able to go on amazing vacations together. Well…we have yet to go on a family vacation, but we did go to the Omaha Zoo. 🙂

Merrick, Hannah, Juliette, Aaron, KK

The Walker and Jordison gang

The Omaha Zoo claims to be the best in America. And, I can attest, it lived up to its acclamation. We were there from 10:00-4:00 and didn’t get through half of it. This was the second time we’ve taken Aaron to the zoo, but this was the first time he actually knew he was there. It was fun watching him discover the gorillas, giraffes, having butterflies fly around us, and taking the train around the park. 

Hannah, Aaron, and Daddy on the train

The girls and Daddy on the Skyfari

Side note: Our little man, Aaron, has grown up SO much this summer. Physically, he’s grown by leaps and bounds, and emotionally and intellectually, he’s grown from a toddler to a pre-schooler. (Someone please hold me!) I’ve loved having a front row seat to his discovery of the world around him and so loved the relationship that has developed between he and his sisters. He’s also learned how to push their buttons (especially Hannah’s), and his sense of humor has flourished this summer. That kid, coupled with Hannah, is hilarious! Mark my words, they are going to get into so much trouble. 🙂 I know many people who questioned our sanity when they heard we were taking a two year old on a two month road trip (don’t worry, we, at times did too), but Aaron has done amazing! Many times the sisters would be melting down, snd he would be in the back just chilling. I am SO proud of him! I’ve loved watching this train-loving, swimming-maniac, Goldfish-eating little guy this summer. I cannot wait to see how God continues to grow him. Praying I will be worthy of the challenge.

Aaron with his betrothed 🙂

He’s gotten so big

Back to Andrea…the zoo and the family time was fun. But, what was even more amazing was being able to spend some quality time with her. Besides Chris, she probably knows me the best…and STILL loves me! My heart has longed for a good talk, and God answered that over and over this past weekend. It was encouraging to know that I’m not the only mommy who struggles with __________. I’m not the only wife who doesn’t understand __________ about her husband or struggles with ___________ in their marriage. I’m not the only woman striving towards the Father, yet wonder if I’m even doing it right or making a difference in my world. Being as minister’s wife and being a person who struggles with pride, it’s so difficult to find someone I can be truly open and honest with about my struggles. Since Andrea has lived through college and my ugly hair days (remember the Princess Di cut? Scary!!), it was freeing to just “go there” with someone without wondering if I was going to lose my witness, discourage someone from the faith, or worry they would think less of me. We all need at least one friend like this, and Andrea is MY person. 

Thank you, friend, for allowing us to wreck your house and your “peaceful” world for a few days. Thank you for being an incredible friend who is constant and faithful. You are an incredible mommy and wife, and you’re doing an AMAZING job! Juliette and Merrick are so blessed to have you as their mommy, and Tom is a blessed man to have you as his wife. I’m proud of you, and I am thankful for you! 

Tom, Andrea, Juliette, and KK holding Merrick

Be looking for our last blog about Collegiate Week and coming home! The Modern Nomads are making their way back home. I look forward to sharing… 

After our trip to the zoo, we went over to my friend, Tara’s, house. She and I survived doctoral studies together and became good friends. What a blessing to be with her and her sweet family!

 

Fulfilling a Childhood Dream

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On August 4, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

As a young boy, I remember falling in love with the game of football, especially college football. Some of my fondest childhood memories was going to Louisiana Tech football games with my dad and playing Nerf football in the backyard with my brother and all my friends. During the 80’s, three college teams stand out in my memory: Florida State University (coached by Bobby Bowden), Notre Dame (coached by Lou Holtz), and the University of Michigan (coached by Lloyd Carr). With Notre Dame winning a National Championship in 1988, they solidified their place as #1 in this young boy’s mind. I frequently wore Notre Dame T-shirts, baseball caps, and many Saturdays you could find me watching them play their games on NBC. 

Several months ago, as we were planning our travel route for the sabbatical, I realized we would be driving through the Detroit and Chicago area on our way to Nebraska. I made the request to Amanda that, if possible, I would like to see Notre Dame since South Bend, Indiana was on our route. She was, of course, more than excited to take this quick detour to visit one of my favorite universities (and football stadiums). The night before our trip from Detroit to Davenport, Iowa I realized the location of our hotel would also have us driving through Ann Arbor, Michigan. So, we decided to wake up a little early to visit both the University of Michigan AND Notre Dame! 

University of Michigan

Notre Dame football stadium

It was surreal to visit both of these iconic stadiums on the same day. This was compounded by the fact that I had not seen either of them before. While I wasn’t allowed to walk onto the field at either stadium, we did get the kiddos out at Notre Dame and spent 30 minutes walking around the campus. It was pretty special to see the various famous places on campus, such as the Touchdown Jesus mural painted on the side of the library that faces the stadium, statues of past coaches and players (Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz), and the plaques and banners on the campus that display Notre Dame’s rich tradition. It was also neat to hold my young son’s hand as we walked hand-in-hand to the stadium. I know that my young children didn’t fully grasp where they were or what they were seeing, but one day, we can show them pictures and tell them stories about the day we visited Notre Dame’s beautiful campus.    

Touchdown Jesus mural

Walking hand-in-hand with Aaron on Notre Dame campus 🙂

TOUCHDOWN!

The Majesty of God

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On August 2, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

The last few days have been busy for the Modern Nomads. Monday, Chris and I were able to complete something that has been on both of our bucket lists…Niagara Falls. I’ve seen pictures, watched videos, and heard people talk about this amazing wonder. But, nothing can prepare you for its beauty. 

When approaching the Falls, you can’t tell there is beauty lying just around the corner. The only thing that gives it away is the carnival type atmosphere peppering the city. (Side note: I understand the ambition to make money, but I was a little shocked at the extent of the games, lights, billboards, and “tourist junk” in this small town. So, if you decide to go, be prepared to have more of a Vegan/Branson/Pigeon Forge feel to the actual town. OK…back to the Falls.) 

Chris booked lunch at the lookout tower, which was absolutely amazing. The restaurant rotates 360 degrees during the hour you are there, and gives you an absolutely spectacular view of the Falls. From that vantage point, you get to see the magnitude of God’s creation. It’s so cool to see the Niagara River split to make this awesome site. I loved experiencing it from the ground level (more about that in a minute), but having a bird’s eye view is something I will never forget. Even now, looking back on this experience, the English language doesn’t possess the adequate vocabulary to describe this majestic display of God’s glory. I cannot fathom how someone could see what we saw, experience the power of the Falls, and then still deny the existence of a Creator. Furthermore, what’s even more amazing is this same Creator God loves us, is personally involved with each of our lives, and sent His Son in order that we might be reconciled back to Him. WOW!!

Chris and Hannah Boo at the top of Niagara Falls

The Modern Nomads

 After the view from the top, Chris dropped me off to walk along the river to get pictures from the ground level. Some words to try to explain what I felt: Amazing! Spectacular! Powerful! Beautiful! Massive! Awesome! I literally walked from almost one end of the bridge to the place where the river pools before it becomes the Falls. OH MY! At one point, I thought it was raining but realized it was just the mist coming off the Falls. It was cool to see the smaller American Falls next to the Horseshoe Falls. The amount of water spilling over the rocks into the river below was fascinating. Standing next to the Falls, you realize just how small you are and how BIG God is. 

The American Falls

The Horseshoe Falls

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Clink on link to see the Falls.

I’m so thankful and humbled that I serve a God who creates massive beauty like Niagara Falls, yet He is intimately involved and cares about every detail of my life. I think this is one of the lessons He has been trying to teach me this summer. As I mentioned in the last post, I’ve struggled with wondering if God sees me and is interested in the mundane of my life. Over and over this summer, He has screamed YES!!  to me. It definitely hasn’t been an audible voice, but it’s been in the crashing of the waves at Schoodic Point, in the sound of the tide  daily coming in and going out, and in the thunder of the water falling over the rocks at Niagara Falls. What a blessing it’s been to experience this with my sweet family!

We left Canada and entered back into the United States with a tired but full heart. This was only compounded by the opportunity to spend an evening with one of our former co-workers, Jon and his wife Marla. They serve in the Detroit area and minister to the churches there. They are always an encouragement to us, and though our time with them was shorter than expected (Hannah ended up getting sick Monday evening), it was a blessing to be with them. Jon and Chris talk regularly, and we have been able to pray for them and their ministry. It was fun to put a “face” to some of those prayers. I would ask that you also pray fro Jon and Marla as they serve in a very difficult area. Pray for strength and wisdom as they minister to hurting churches. Pray for discernment for Jon as he seeks to give them Godly council on what courses of action the pastors should take. And, pray for people to come alongside them to share in the responsibility. God is working and doing some great things in the greater Detroit area, and Jon and Marla are on the frontlines. 

Jon Beard with the Modern Nomads

Today we left Michigan and are headed west. Be looking for a blog written by my sweet man about one of his boyhood dreams coming true. I can’t wait for him to share it…

From the Top of the World

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On July 30, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

Today is one of those two-posts types of days. We left Montreal headed west to Toronto. One of our goals this summer is to try and see one thing new or do something different every time we reach a new city. Sometimes it doesn’t work (like yesterday due to being stuck in traffic), but sometimes it does (like today). 

We arrived in Toronto way ahead of schedule, which allowed us time to actually go into the city. Originally, our goal was to get a good view/picture of the Toronto skyline. So, as all good travelers do, we consulted Google. 🙂 It directed us to this quaint, little neighborhood that overlooked the city. Oh man! What a view! Toronto has one of the most unique skylines I’ve ever seen. It was fun getting some shots of the city. 

View from Chester Hill Road

The girls with me at the lookout

And then…the real fun began. Chris decided it would be a fun idea to actually go into the city and go up the CN Tower. You know, that incredibly TALL tower that is famous in Toronto! So, we drove into the city, parked, and took a little walk to find it. I so enjoyed being back on the streets of an actual international city. We saw so many people from many different countries. My girls were fascinated by the different cultural clothing they saw. I loved being able to explain to them some of the cultures that I actually knew (namely Asian cultures), and then watch them discover a little of it for themselves. They also got to see how people use their gifts and talents to make money and support their families. During our short time in downtown, they saw two people playing an Erhu (Asian violin) which they hadn’t seen before, and then they saw another man playing the saxophone. Finally, they discovered the joy of street food. Everyone was starving, so we stopped for a street stand hot dog. 

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Click on link to see the street entertainment.

Yummy street food

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Canada street sign

Toronto Blue Jays Stadium

Now, back to that CN Tower… Let me just say, it was the highest building I’ve ever been to the top of. The crazy part of the entire experience was its glass floor where you can actually look ALL. THE. WAY. DOWN! I wish I had a video of Aaron when he walked over it. It’s only partly glass, so you step on it before you realize it. He literally came out of his shoes and ended up running into a wall to get off of it. After that, it didn’t take much convincing to get him to ride in his stroller.  🙂 

Kiddos with Toronto skyline

Family on top of CN Tower

Aaron, don’t look down 🙂

Yep, we went all the way to the top!

Today was one of those crazy, fun days where you go to bed exhausted but glad you took the chance. This summer has stretched our family in so many good ways, and I’m so thankful we got to do this together. Before having children, I enjoyed being spontaneous and trying new things. But, once I became a mommy,  I stopped doing that. I realize that children need routine, but God continues to remind me that they, on occasion, also need spontaneity. Today was a day for spontaneous adventures!

Living on the wild side

 

Good-byes Lead to New Hellos

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On July 30, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

Yesterday, we left Machiasport, Maine and headed west. We are so thankful for the Machias community and their love for us this summer. Immediately, we felt like we had lived here our entire lives. The people of Downeast Maine are kind, loving, giving, and some of the most helpful people I have ever met. 

The girls with their swim teacher, Ace.

One of those families is the Larabies. Matt and Marcy are originally from Canada. But, a year ago, God called them to plant their lives in Machias and serve the people there. We “happened” upon Machias Valley Baptist Church because the church we planned to parter with had closed down (so sad!!), and MVBC was the only one that had a working website. However, we believe nothing happens by chance, and we know God led us specifically to this sweet church.

Machias Valley Baptist Church

Matt and Marcy were a breath of fresh air to us, and their girls were amazing towards our little people. Later, we found out that they had informed their church that a pastor’s family was there for a sabbatical, and he asked them to love on us and be an encouragement to us. I was able to go to a Ladies’ Luncheon, and Chris was able to connect with Matt about pastor/ministry related stuff. They had us over to their home several times, and they were a huge help when KK had to spend the morning in the ER. 

Would you please pray for this sweet family? Pray God would continue to give them favor as they serve the Machias Valley area. Pray they wouldn’t get discouraged, which is so easy to do in ministry. Pray that the church would continue to grow, not just numerically but in spiritual depth and emotional health. And, most of all, pray the name of Jesus would be lifted up and glorified through the preaching of His Word. We will definitely miss this sweet family.  

The Walkers and Larabies

Matt and Chris

Marcy and Amanda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we drove on from Machiasport, we ended up in Quebec, Canada. We’ve been in and out of Canada a lot this summer, but this was the first time we actually felt like we were in another country. Quebec is a sweet, absolutely beautiful province! I loved going into the grocery store and hearing only French. I enjoyed driving down the road and seeing only signs in French. (Thankfully, Chris remembers a bit of French from his high school days.) And, I found it amusing that the Sunday morning cartoons were only in French and ones my kiddos had not seen. It was fun having them tell us what they thought was going on in the story. 

Walker kiddos watching French cartoons 🙂

Entering Quebec Province

Beautiful countryside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are experiencing so many new things, and I love that my kiddos get to experience it with us. I know they don’t yet understand the significance of this trip or the amazing cultural experiences they have had this summer, but I hope one day they will look back on this summer with fondness and appreciation. It has taken awhile, but I think we have 3 new mini Modern Nomads in the making.  🙂 

Looking Ahead

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On July 27, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

Tonight is a bittersweet night for the Modern Nomads. Tomorrow is our last day in the place that has become a second home to us. The people of Downeast Maine are some of the kindest, most giving people we have ever met, and we are blessed to now call some of them friends. We’ve had a few mishaps during our stay, and those have provided opportunities for us to see the heart of our adoptive community. From helping us find an auto body shop to fix Red Rocket to Pastor Matt coming to visit with Chris and Makaylan while she was in the ER this morning…the people here have been amazing. Maine provided exactly what we needed during this season of rest. This quiet, off the beaten path, no cell service place will always hold a special place in our hearts. We still have much to process about what God has taught us during this time, and I look forward to sharing that as we feel led. But, for now, I’ll use this space to explain how we got to share this special place with my parents.

Red Rocket: Reunited snd it feels so good!

Yesterday, we said “See ya in Louisiana” to Nana and Popi. We had such a fun time showing them around and introducing them to places we have come to love. Two of those are Roque Bluffs and Schoodic Point. Roque Bluffs is a sweet little sandy beach that our kiddos could run around, build sandcastles, and enjoy the freezing Atlantic Ocean. Monday was no exception. I absolutely loved watching my mom and Aaron chase each other while Aaron giggled, “I get you, Nana!” It was also amazing to capture on film and in my mind’s eye the picture of my mom and girls standing hand in hand along the edge of the ocean. I don’t think I will ever forget that moment. I pray our children know how blessed they are to have two sets of grandparents who love them with their whole heart and seek to be a Godly example to them. Chris and I are overwhelmed by the blessing of having the parents that we have.

Nana with the girls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schoodic Point is part of Acadia National Park and is exactly how I envisioned Maine to be. We didn’t discover this place until last week when the Walker grandparents were here, but it instantly became one of our favorites. Taking my parents back was so neat for me. There was a storm coming in so the waves were especially active. To see huge waves crashing over large boulders is something incredible to behold. As I stood there watching them roll in, I couldn’t help but think about the massive God I serve. There I stood with nothing between me and the ocean, and yet the ocean didn’t overtake me. I couldn’t help but think of what scripture says in Jeremiah 5:22: “I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it.” 

We serve an amazing God!

Aren’t my parents cute? 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In reality, we are so small compared to the amazing God we serve. Yet, that same God created us, loves us, and desires a relationship with us. This truth is what God has been so sweet to show me this summer. In the rat race of life and being in the trenches of ministry, it is so easy to forget that my loving Heavenly Father loves me, sees me, and cares about me and my family. Ministers spend their lives telling other people these truths, and it’s vital that we believe that truth for ourselves. What a blessing that God would take me to the edge of the raging ocean to remind me of His infinite love and care for me! I don’t think I’ll ever look at the ocean quite the same. 

So, as we get ready to say “good-bye” to this place, I’m looking forward to what God has in store for us. We still have two more weeks of travel before us, but I feel the Lord preparing and turning my heart towards our “real” earthly home…Ruston. Thank you, Maine, for being so good to us.  

Beautiful Downeast Maine

Things I Thought I’d NEVER Say

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On July 25, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

The last month has been fun, frustrating, interesting, hilarious, and all other emotions in between. We’ve spent countless hours in the van and with each other. When you spend that much time with people, there, of course, will be things that come up that you never dreamed. 

As we get ready to leave Maine Saturday and move on to our next phase of our journey, I thought I would put together some of the top things that I’ve said on this epic road trip. I realize with two more weeks left, there will be other things that come up, but these were just too good to pass up. I also want to remember this part of the trip and how I felt. It’s difficult to think that in 3 short days we will begin our long trip back west, but we are leaving with so many amazing memories. God has been so sweet to us and given us amazing family time that has produced countless memories. Maine has become a type of sanctuary for us, and I will never forget the kindness of our church family in giving us this time away. 

So…without further ado…here are the Top 10 things I thought I would never say:

  • Stop gagging yourself. (Aaron did this to pass time.)
  • If you throw up, you’ll have a consequence. (See above quote)
  • Stop hitting your sister/brother with rocks.
  • Everyone in one car so we can cross the border.
  • If, you take a nap, I’ll give you a snack. 
  • I really miss Walmart. 
  • I cannot produce food out of nothing…only Jesus can do that.
  • Sure! You can run around naked. (AKA…without a shirt)
  • Baby, I’m craving some McDonald’s coffee! 
  • I’m glad our van got hit by a deer. It’s made me realize that our kiddos really don’t need the DVD for entertainment.

Be looking for a blog about the time spent with the Taylor grandparents. I’ll be posting it soon!

A month in and still all smiles! (This pic was taken after he got ahold of a water bottle and poured it all over himself while I was distracted by finding out where we were. 🙂 )

PEI: My Second Home

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On July 23, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

This weekend was spent back at the place that is now my second home. The coolest part about this weekend was I got to share it with my mother. She was the one who introduced me to Anne of Green Gables and helped me begin cultivating my love for great stories. I will never forget the feeling or the moment my mom and I stepped around the corner and got our first glimpse of Green Gables. We just stood there, arm in arm, and reminisced about all those times we watched the movies together with a cup of coffee in hand. We envisioned Marilla and Anne sitting on the front porch chatting while Rachel Lynde hurried over to interject her opinion into their conversation. Being there with her was completely surreal.

Green Gables…Isn’t it stunning?!

And then…we actually saw Anne and had the opportunity to chat with her. She was “fascinated” by my mom’s fancy jewelry and my girls’ bright clothes. The girl playing her was so much fun. She stayed in character the entire time, and I was willing to allow myself to actually believe we were talking to the real Anne.

Mom, it’s ANNE!

To be honest, I always thought I would see Prince Edward Island on a romantic getaway with my incredible husband. But, I loved the way this has worked out. Sharing PEI with my mother, my own girls, and my mother-in-love was absolutely perfect. It’s hard to describe in words all the emotions I felt and sites I saw this weekend, so I’ll allow the pictures to do the talking…

The Red Cliffs

The Lake of Shining Waters

The beach we stopped at on our carriage ride.

Mom and Hannah on Anne’s beach.

Silver Bush…home of Lucy Montgomery’s uncle and her favorite place as a child.

Daisies are the happiest flowers.

My kiddos picking flowers off the road

All things Anne wasn’t the only thing we did this weekend. We wanted Aaron and the girls to experience part of the amazing countryside of PEI. The farms there are absolutely stunning. It’s hard to describe the beauty of its farmland, but imagine bright greens and yellows over a backdrop of the incredible red soil with a touch of brown in it. So, this time we went to Island Hill Farms and played with their baby goats, chickens, and bunnies while also watching them cut and store hay for the winter. Aaron was loved playing with the goats and watching the “big tractor” haul hay, and the girls were content to just sit and love on the bunnies. It was perfect farm experience for them.

Daddy, look at that tractor!

Sweet baby chickens

The baby bunnies were so soft

Acres of hay bales

I hug you goat!

And then it was on to the Butterfly House to actually allow the girls to be in the midst of a host of butterflies. (I’ll never admit this to KK, but it was a little creepy to me. 🙂 ) Let me just say, KK was in heaven. She has a love for fairies and butterflies. I came up and whispered: “Do you think there are fairies in here?” Oh, to have captured that smile would have been amazing. She just sheepishly grinned and shook her head “yes.” What a thrill it was to see her surrounded by her favorite “animal!”

Mommy, it landed on my finger!

This one loved Hannah…at least the urge the held.

 

Popi, the butterfly whisperer.

I don’t know how long it will take for me to get back there, but God willing, I will go back. Maybe this time it will be the romantic getaway I once imagine. But, if not, I’m totally okay with that. Sharing places you love with the people you love is one of those gifts of grace that is so precious. Until next time PEI…you have my heart!

The iconic lighthouse on PEI

One of the oldest lighthouses on the island.

 

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