Beautiful Feet: March 2014

Hello everyone! I’m back!!! Yes, it is true. Due to getting things settled in my new country of residence much quicker than anticipated as well as some upcoming meetings in the States I was able to visit home earlier than what was originally planned. My family was expecting me in May for my brother’s wedding so you can imagine their surprise when I showed up two and half months early. Only my sister Emily knew I was coming and she kept it a secret for three weeks! After being gone for just over two years it was quite the shock to everyone when I walked in the front door.

It is so wonderful seeing my family again. The presence of my family has definitely been the thing I missed the most and it is just so uplifting to be spending time with them again. I was excited to meet my niece Eliana for the first time. I was very thankful that she came to me without any hesitation and we soon became best buds. My nephews have grown so tall and I am enjoying reconnecting with them as we build with Legos, read books, and create all kinds of inventions. It is a great time to be home as my brother Travis is getting married in May and my twin brother and sister are graduating from high-school this year. I came back just in time to see Christian and Faith each play their final basketball game of their senior year and in time for Gabriel’s sixth birthday. It’s fun to be a part of these events that I have missed over the last two years.

I am slowly adjusting to my new time zone, living in this arctic tundra, driving on the right side of the road, and hearing so much English all of the time! I’m looking forward to visiting and catching up with many of you. I will keep you updated with my travel itinerary so we can be sure to connect. I can’t wait to hear how you are doing.

Sending warm greetings from the frozen state of Ohio!

Below you'll find a few videos of some of the surprises that took place. The first one is of my nephew Gabe when my sister is telling him for the first time that I am coming home. She told him in the car on the way to pick me up from the airport. He was so excited! The second is Gabe surprising me at the airport. I didn't know he was coming and I was shocked at how tall he was when I saw him. The third is of my sister Faith when she saw me for the first time. My brother was hiding in the closet of her bedroom filming and I was sitting on her bed when she came home from basketball practice. It was such a sweet reunion.