Back for the Final Stretch (Literally)

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

We're landing again, after almost a month on the road (visiting partners and family), and over 5,000 miles logged. "Pregnant mom" did quite well on the journey... thanks to all your prayers. There are so many highlights... it would take pages to share.

For those inquiring minds, the baby update first: we go for a check up tommorrow, as today marks 31 days until my due date (so now the schedule is for weekly check ups). I have twinges of back pain throughout the day and the heartburn that reminds you that there is another resident in your belly, but nothing to complain about. At my last appointment, the baby had assumed "exit ramp" position: head down. PTL! My belly seems to grow by the day, but the usual comment is still "you sure don't look like you're 8 months pregnant!"

Our one casualty on the trip was my laptop, which suffered hard drive damage (probably a long time in coming). It was covered by the extended warranty (a prudent choice considering my history with computerish things) but I'm still waiting for back ups and reloading of my software... thus my lag in blogging.


The Burke parents came up for the last part of our trip, in Spokane, central Washington (Lake Chelan & Wanatche area), and Priest Lake, ID. How fun it was to share the pine trees and water with them... usually in short supply in Southern New Mexico. We had some great connections with a new church in Lake Chelan, and enjoyed the anticipated visit of Bart, my cousin, and Parker his daughter. (I first met Parker a couple years ago when she was the flower girl in our wedding).

Britt Scott (Mark's sister) hosted an unforgettable baby shower for Rachel in Spokane, and it was a really special time of sharing from veteran moms to rookie ones. A collection was taken for a jogging stroller to keep mom and dad in shape in Asia (and baby protected from bumpy roads). The donations were generous and we picked up our "Bob" Monday.

Priest Lake (where the Millers have a lake house) was pristine as usual this year, with wonderfully warm temps. Mom Burke loved all the lake play, and even wanted to try her hand at water skiing... we talked her into some tubing fun. She loved every minute of it!

It was really fun for the future co-grandparents to have a chance to get to spend time together. The grandpas enjoyed bonding over the daily newspaper (with the view of the lake below) and the grandmas enjoyed hiking and kitchen time. "Grandma Miller" pulled out the stops with homemade cinnamon rolls and huckleberry cobbler, amongst other delicacies. Rachel was taking notes!

We rushed back to Dallas for a workshop and Mark's graduation... where the family joined again. More stories coming soon!

Thanks to the Millers and to so many of you who hosted us on our journeys. You made this post-dissertation/ pre-baby get away a memory we'll cherish forever. We'll continue to keep you in our prayers and thoughts as we get ready for the transitions on the near horizon (baby and Asia).