Yes! We’ve moved to Redding, California! And at the start of its hottest season! Yikes, the heat here is no joke. After spending the last three months in a perpetual cycle of packing-unpacking-moving, we are thankful for a home space (with central AC!) and for Jason’s Forester position at the Bureau of Land Management.
I’m not sure, but Redding may actually have too much sun for me — which I didn’t think could be possible.
We were thrilled to already have our first visitors – my sister, Bonnie and her family. We are loving our location right off I-5 and the friends and family it will bring our way.
These past three months have been very full. There have been many beautiful, amazing moments – we got to go on a road trip all the way to Luke’s birth state of Vermont and then back to the west coast for an Alaskan cruise.
But mostly our memory of these past three months is an overwhelming feeling of loss.
The loss of leaving our cherished life and friends in Guatemala – with no expected return date.
The loss of returning to my family home from which my Dad’s absence is achingly noticeable. My mind just keeps looking for my Dad and waiting for him to show up.
And then a new, hard and tragic loss. Jason’s sister became gravely ill and passed away in June. We were able to travel to Spokane to say goodbyes, but we are all reeling with this fresh grief. We cannot grasp how Melody, who has always been so full of life and up for anything, is gone.
We are learning many lessons about loss and grief. We know these lessons are part of life on this earth and are thankful for the empathy we are gaining, but man they are hard.
Was so great to see you on your way through Washington!
Thanks Emmy! It was lovely to see you as well.
God knows and feels your grief with you! Much love ! Enjoy Redding!😘🌷
Thank you so much Gwen. I really appreciate your prayers as we navigate loss and new beginnings.
What an adventure your life has been since Peace Corps! How interesting & if we were closer in proximity we could spend hours together catching up! Welcome back to the States, election year & the hottest year ever. Your kids are cuties & l hope they keep you both anchored in one place for a while!?
Redding sounds super & if l get to Cal. I’ll look you up 👍. Thanks for keeping us all connected💋‼️
I’ve moved a few streets away into an Ass’t Living complex still in Ftn Hls, close to my kids & growing family. This just occurred this week so this has been a big adjustment for me. At 84 & 1/2 yrs it’s that time l guess ? We’ll see for now! 🤪
You have been in my prayers as you transition from Guatemala and even more after I learned of Melody’s untimely death. 🙏💜
Thank you Shan. We really appreciate the prayers. Transitions seem rough for us, no matter how many times we do them and this time, the loss of Melody just seems to permeate everything.
Hi you guys! I’m so sorry for all the pain you’ve experienced this year! Wow! Did you come through here and did we miss you? It’d be wonderful to see you again.
Thanks Doris, we would love to see you also. We did come through Moscow around the time of Melody’s death and just were not in a place emotionally to be able to visit with people this time. We will look forward to the next time though as we always enjoy catching up with you all.
Wow! Lots of highs and Lows, life’s adventures with God is never boring. Glad to hear about your new home and travels.
Sending you much love and prayers. Grief can be overwhelming but thankfully the God we serve offers us comfort and peace through it all. Love you guys!
Thank you Vanesa. We know you understand this journey all too well. We think of you often and just found some frozen lumpia at the store to make at home. We were all thrilled. Thank you for your prayers.
So sorry to hear about Jason’s sister. Glad you’re back in the states and getting settled. Aunt lori
Thanks so much Aunt Lori!
Hugs and prayers!!!