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!
