Before we left Raleigh I was in a bad mood for a few days and I think it was because I knew I had to say goodbye to my beloved home, street, neighbors, and my son's gravesite. That area of town really dug in deep to my soul and has changed me forever. I didn't know so much would ever happen there and that I would be impacted with souls who are kindred and live next door, souls who are lost and blind who would knock on my door and wave at me every day,a soul who would give birth to a soul that is a miracle, and a soul who would never see that street with his eyes but would leave his body nearby while he forever enjoys the face and glories and delights of our Savior. We said goodbye and it took a good 1000 miles before those sorrows lifted off my heart and mind. Sure to be revisited again and never forgotten and always aware from whose Hands they were given by. I'm left humbled, grateful and full of expectation.
What a great trip we had. I am very lucky to have a husband who is always looking for adventure especially when we travel and in-laws who were game for new sights!
*traveling snack of choice. :o)
We headed to Atlanta and went downtown and saw the Olympic Fountains and sat there a while. I loved seeing all the kids run around getting soaked and can't wait till zoe and her future brothers or sisters will be old enough to run and scream through fountains like that.
We took the Chappells to the top of the Westin and saw the Atlanta skyline and surrounding areas. Then we stayed the night at My brother John's In laws house. (Sarah's parents) What a welcome and blessing they were to us. They fed us and sent us to bed and fed us a kings breakfast the next morning. Thank you Walkers!! You're such a blessing and I'm so glad we're family!
Next stop was New Orleans. Can I say I just loved New Orleans. It exceeded my expectations for that city. Such a flare!!! love it. We ate at Emerils and had wonderful food there, it all had the BAM! factor. :o) Except that Judy ordered redfish and ended up with Rabbit. Here we were willing our minds to make this interesting dish Redfish and couldn't put our finger on the flavors that were so unexpected from the dish. Then the tab came and it said Rabbit on it and when we asked them, they said yes, that's what you ordered. Now, if the four of us hadn't been so worn out and tired I would imagine we would have made a big issue over it, but we just laughed and then felt a little queasy after the guys started making peter cotton tail jokes about it.
We ate at Cafe Du Monde and Oh my starry eye surprise.... I LOVE that place. I could eat a ton of those french donuts... I did actually. That started day three of the trip and we headed down the last stretch towards Fort Worth.
We got here and Mom fixed us a great dinner and we crashed for the night. Got up the next morning and unloaded the truck. It's hard to imagine a smaller place than what we were living in Raleigh... but this is it. But it's becoming home and it's allowing us to save some money as well. It's hard to not feel as if this street is empty to me, but I know and trust that God has us exactly where He wants us and for His glory and our joy. There are souls nearby and I hope to be impacted by them soon. My brother lives next door and already he has cared for us well just by his coming over and being here.
Dan and I are funny, he adjusts to change a lot faster than I do and usually by the time I'm getting adjusted and planting my feet good and deep, he's ready for more change. He's really stretched me and convicted me with his willingness to go where God leads with a joyful heart. And I think I bring encouragement to the table when God lets roots grow somewhere and Dan is wanting some change. So we're perfect for each other!! :o) Speaking of, the only thing hotter than the temp (which registered 106 in our car today) is my husband!!
I photographed a wedding the next day after we moved. (don't recommend that to you photographers out there, but God sustained!) and I'll be off to Florida the day after tomorrow to capture another and then back to Raleigh for yet another! It's wedding season full on right now!~ But we're having fun and having great brides and grooms!
Zoe is starting to take off crawling and sitting up by herself, it's funny those things somehow happen overnight. She is being a lot more verbal and loves all this attention.
I had to teach her for the first time what No means today. I was sad and proud all at the same time. I mean we've said no before but not with a smack on the hand and a stern look. whew! She didn't know what to think of that. She kept looking at my face and wondering where my adoring smile was. But I know she has to learn that soon for her safety sake. But it's amazing to me how much she wanted that forbidden thing even when put to the test. She is constantly teaching me about God and His love for His children. I'm so glad God saw fit to give us her when He didn't have to give us anything.
It's interesting to think about what it says in Proverbs - your neighbors dwell by you for saftey's sake. It doesn't tell you if it's your safety or theirs. It just says that it is. I am blessed with good neighbors but I wonder, sometimes what that verse means. Hang in there. Thanks for sharing about your trip! Lots of love!
Jeff,Kimber,Leslie,Melissa and Natalie Jones (posted by Kimber! :))
Posted by: Jeff and Kimber Jones | July 25, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Thanks for posting about the trip. It made me feel like I was there. I can't believe Dan is already wearing a Texas shirt! Hope you're enjoying Florida!
Love ya,
Heather
Posted by: Heather | July 13, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Zoe looks like she is very proud of herself!
Posted by: Bonnie | July 11, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Hi Casey Girl,
Fun pics of your trip to Texas. Already missing you guys. Praying for your busy few weeks with weddings and transitioning at the same time!
How exciting that sweet Zoe is starting to crawl! Watch out girl it is a whole new world with a mobile baby!
Love you!
Carrie
Posted by: Carrie | July 09, 2009 at 11:09 PM
hi Case! so glad you guys finally made it safely!
1. the big hunk bar is hilarious! one time i found a chocolate bar called "twookie" - yes, you read that right. I was too scared to try it.
2. i think your Texas picture is backwards? But I haven't looked a map in a while, so maybe Gov. Perry switched things around while I was nursing!
hope to see you more now that you are in Texas! And you BETTER call me if you are down this way so I can schedule a photo shoot! :)
md
Posted by: Melissa Deming | July 09, 2009 at 08:57 PM
Welcome to TEXAS!! We moved here (Waco) from Oxford, NC (about an hour north of Raleigh. While we were there I work at Southeastern. Before we moved to Oxford, we lived in Fort Worth and my husband attend SWBTS and I worked there. Every move has been hard. I really love all the people I have met at the different places that we have lived.I have not grown to love Waco just yet, but I do call it home. I hope that you love seminary life and the joy it brings. I am not sure if you have lived on seminary campus or do now, but if you do I have one piece of advice. You will be surrounded by Christian people all the time (where you live, at church and the friends your husband finds at school), and sometimes we get stuck in the bubble and forget that there is a world that needs Jesus. I hope that seminary life brings you great joy, friendships and growth that you desire.
Thank you for sharing so much of your life and heart.
Posted by: Melissa Stirm | July 08, 2009 at 10:26 PM