The Return

We returned to The Sandbox last week for Year 2 out in the desert.  The whole flying experience followed by the taxi ride to our apartment was different compared to the previous year.  It is a whole different feeling, but do not worry as a few things will always remain over in the part of the world at this time of the year: the heat and the humidity.  For most of the year when you arrive in Qatar, you're given a warm welcome so to speak.

The other thing that has remained over in this part of the world is The Father.  I don't know what it is about this place, but I can sense Him working and moving here in both mine and Kristin's life more than before.  Our view of Him has grown more since we've been in a different part of the world which has been exciting.  I have become grown closer to Dad in recognizing more and more that he is sovereign.  All I need to do is pray and obey, and put my trust in Him daily recognizing that He is in complete control.  It is comforting to know that we serve The One who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or want.  We keep talking to Dad for him to increase our paith.

When we arrived last year and during the first couple of weeks, we were so excited about the travel opportunities over different school holidays that we'd been dreaming about.  We recognized that what we didn't allow in light of that is for Dad to give us an even bigger vision for our time here.  Since talking with him about that more, it has been incredible given the new opportunities that we've been presented with in Qatar.

We're eager to see what He has in store for us during Year 2.  One new thing we're doing is becoming more involved with the place and high school kids.  We have sensed His calling in our life to help lead the youth group for the time being.  Your thoughts would be most welcomed as we take part in this new venture while we're across the pond.  I went through youth group, but I'll be honest and say that I'm a tad bit nervous.  What does calm both Kristin's and my heart is knowing full well that we have the power of The One in us, and we are looking forward to following His guidance in this new area of our lives as we seek to make an impact on youth for him and his glory.

I hope that this post finds each of you well as you may, too be getting ready or are in the middle of a transitionary stage in your life.  Some of you may be returning to a similar situation that you've been experiencing for a while.  Please know that Kristin and I talk to Dad for you and ask him to make his presence known more and more in your life.  We desire for your paith to increase and that you would draw closer to him, because we know that he would love to draw closer to you.

I'm looking forward to a new school year.  This marks the first time in what is my sixth year of teaching where (presumably nothing changes) I'll be teaching the same grade level and curriculum for back-to-back years.  The return to Qatar will be full of challenges I'm sure, but I know that Dad is faithful and that he is just as much here as he is anywhere.

~Mark

The SURPRISE

    When Mark and I moved to Doha last August 2013, we honestly didn't know if we would return to the States during our two year contract period.  So, we indicated to family that we would most likely not return and left it at that.  Well, that only lasted until about November/December when Mark and I started having some conversations about returning to the good ole' USA to see family and friends. Through our decision process we decided to make the trip in the summer and to surprise our families. The tickets were purchased at the end of January, and Mark and I were extremely excited to be reunited with loved ones.
   
    The anticipation increased as our return drew closer.  It was about week 3, nearly week 4 of our Europe trip where I noticed the increase in being homesick, to the point where I would cry just looking at little kids that were close to Gabby and Charlie's ages.  I honestly couldn't wait to be reunited with family and to give everyone hugs.

    Arriving in Ohare in Chicago was such a thrill, where we could understand the language spoken around us and read signs with ease... After hopping in a cab we drove to Mark's parents' house in Carol Stream.  Both of his parents were home and had no idea we were coming.  We were able to then greet Jill and Michelle when they returned from work.  It was great to be reunited.  We spent several days with them before we were to head to Indy for a couple of weeks and return back to Carol Stream for a week prior to flying back to Doha.

   During our time in Carol Stream we spent a lot of time catching up with family, visiting Mark's Grandma Jones who had the stroke last fall, and I was able to see first hand what it takes to take out a fence.  It was great to be back and spend time with family.  Unfortunately, during that time Mark had the flu. We left Sunday after church and Mark was in no condition to drive, so Matt luckily switched cars with Mark (manual car) so that I could drive.

Enjoying the campfire and yummy s'mores

   

       We had previously set up a time to Skype with my parents as part of the surprise.  We typically Skype about every other Sunday at the same time, but this time I asked to make it later and made up an excuse as to why.  I also hinted to my dad to have family dinner that night so that Mark and I could see Erin and her family.  As we had not talked (other than through few e-mails) or Skyped with family our entire time during our trip in Europe.  He indicated it may not work out, therefore I expected to arrive at my mom and dad's house and only them be there, and then find a way to head to Erin and Chuck's that evening.  Unfortunately, we were stuck in traffic on the way to Indy, so we were about 45 minutes late. I hate being late, but this was even worse...poor Mark was putting up with my roller-coaster of emotions in the car.  

      We arrived at my parents new house 45 minutes late, and was extremely excited to see Erin's van in the driveway.  I was so excited that I parked about 5 ft from the curb and ran to the front door.  I was overwhelmed with emotion to see and hug the family.  I was pleasantly surprised to not only see my parents, but also Erin, Chuck, Charlie, and my grandma.  Gabby was at her cousin's house, but Chuck drove over an hour to get her to join in on our celebration.

      It was later that night that I was just praying and was so thankful to be reunited with family and know we had two weeks in Indy and one more in Carol Stream.  My heart was overflowing with joy and was praying about how thankful I was to be reunited and it was almost as if God had said to me, "this is nothing compared to what it will be like in heaven."  I had just read "Heaven is for Real" the previous week (highly recommend the book!), and believe that He was right...that feeling I had, although it was one of the best feelings, is probably nothing compared to how wonderful it will be to be in heaven.
     Our two weeks in Indy were great and extremely busy.  We spent the first day with my dad, Erin and the family came over for dinner a few of the nights during the first week we were there, Mark and I took the kids for a day, and then spent a day with the kids and my mom another.  We also went with my grandma to see my grandpa during the first week, which was the first time I had seen him since he moved to the nursing home.  He sadly didn't recognize us at first, but I think later on he started to either remember us or realize we were family even though he didn't know the "specifics" as to who we were. That was not as hard as I had thought, and I thank God for giving me the strength to not take it personally or get upset.
     So, this coming fall, I will sadly miss my best friend's, Sarah's, wedding.  Fortunately, I was able to attend part of her bachelorette party weekend.  We went boating and then enjoyed some wine at Bloomington's best winery (in my opinion), Oliver Winery.  I then met up with the family in Nashville to spend the night at my parents' cabin.
    Anyways,  during both weeks we tried to balance our time between family and seeing friends.  It was great being reunited with everyone and both of us were on quite the "high".  I hope to be able to spend some more time seeing a few more friends next summer.  I thought we would have had more "down time" while in the States, but that was not the case.  I am not complaining at all, but didn't realize how busy we were going to be.

Pictures when Mark and I took the kids for a day:

They have both gotten so big, but are still my goofy little loves.

Making cookies with the Gabster

Trip to the Zoo with my mom and kids:

Dolphin show - we were in the splash zone and boy did we get wet!

Sarah's bachelorette party weekend: (day one-boating/day 2-winery)

view from our hotel

Oliver Winery

Cabin with the family: First stop-Nashville for horseback riding (just the kiddos did a little pony ride) and swimming, then to the cabin for food+games

first day she jumped off a diving board---she was hooked afterward!

Thanksgiving feast: Erin and Chuck invited the family over for dinner, but when I asked what we were having, Erin said it was a "surprise".  It brought tears to my eyes when Erin revealed the surprise after we arrived, she was hosting Thanksgiving for us.  She missed us this past year and wanted to make it up that night.

State Fair: First time going to a Rodeo; it was AWESOME and scary!

Family photos:

Words don't express how much I love these two lovely women in my life...so fortunate to have them in my life.

I'll always be my dad's little girl :)

I wish I would have taken more pictures during our time with friends, but will do better next time.  We attended E91 with my parents and then we headed back to Carol Stream to spend time with family before departing back to Doha.

It was great spending more time with the family, helping out when needed (we got a glimpse as to what it is like for them to house 5 cars for 3 people), finished putting up one section of the fence, went to a baseball game, attended party for Grandma Wilcoxen and visited with extended family, and enjoyed some good eats. :)

Phase 1 of replacing fence- DESTRUCTION! :) I enjoyed seeing/helping with the fence replacing process. One thing I learned, Matt is quite the fence replacing expert.

Visiting Grandma Jones and Mark showing her one of our travel books

 It was so nice to sit outside and read...we even enjoyed a nap in the chairs. :) Mark had a little buddy with him.

 Grandma Wilcoxen's early birthday/celebration of life party

This was quite the party - this is Grandma Wilcoxen with Mr. Taps (he was quite the tap dancer!) Woman in prom dress is the balloon artist.

 Accordion player

 Uncle Tim sharing his musical talent on the Marimba  (The Wilcoxen's are quite musically talented and several members performed various instruments/sang.

 Showing off our finished product - notice the new fence behind us? :) 

 Michelle being our nurse and checking our blood pressure before we left... 

       Our entire time this summer was a bit of a whirlwind, but loved every minute of it. This was by far the most amazing summer I have ever had.  I will still keep our wedding day as the best day of my life, but when it comes to the best summer...this is at the TOP! :) Going on a dream Europe trip and then being reunited with family after one year was an incredible moment/experience.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities we have been given, and am glad the secret is finally out...that was hard to keep for so long.