Our Excursion

We sheduled a day excursion for the short term team to the Cedars of Lebanon and a Vineyard. it was amazing, simply put.

i love travel, adventure, seeing new things. So to get to take in some of the new sights of lebanon, our future home, was somewhat elating. there were moments that you felt like you were in Colorado, and moments you felt like you were in Italy. wow. i have never quite felt like that in Jordan...

We were talking about how a Bus is an extravert’s dream. Tons of people trapped inside of space and you can talk to any of them. So i was very happy. =) got to talk with josiah, ryane, kelly, whitney and evan, rebecca...and just hear more about their lives and what they are doing.

and talk about champs...little claire bear get a metal of honor for her performance yesterday. she woke up with watery eyes and a running nose. But she was not fussy, crying, and seemed perfectly happy. We loaded her up and i was excited to take her along to view the displays of lebanon i had not seen.

But poor little thing was just a faucet of liquids. Nose running, eyes tearing, non stop. but did she cry? no. did she try and smile through puffy, watery eyes whenever she got the chance? yes. that’s our champ. she wants an adventure at whatever the cost.

Such a restful day in some senses. does my heart good to just be immersed in the beauty and splendor of nature. it has been a long time since i have felt that way. to drink in the changing colors and be stunned by the beauty of creation. lebanon continues to capture me...

and so fun to have the brave, resiliant hartsocks with us. Drew and i were laughing at how bringing kids along just gives you a different perspective on every small thing. I see huge, ancient cedars and light breaking in through their massive branches and feel peace and majesty. Hanes, who is 3, sees a place to jump off of! We see a beautiful lawn, with flowers and yes....grass!! and i just want to take my shoes off and sit down. port and hanes are throwing pebbles from the garden and asking about what the hoses are for.

IT is SO fun to have a family around and watch them do family and mission together. We love the Hartsocks.

oh, and claire only laughed one time today. when ella and hanes came over and talked with her and hugged her and smiled at her. she loves the older kids!