Back from the West

As I posted that last entry, I realized I probably should have first blogged about our summer in the Pacific Northwest. We had a great time visiting family in Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, and friends throughout the Seattle area. We were blessed to live in the Thomas's Redmond home and borrow cars from the Montagues, MacDonalds, and Sands. It was hard, however, to be away from home (Lancaster) for over 7 weeks. Rob wondered if that is how missionaries on furlow feel - returning to a place that is so familiar but no longer home, while one's "real life" is on hold.

Why did we go for so long? Good question. Originally, we were planning to visit for about a month - from my Sackett-family reunion until the Montague's baby was born. During that time, Rob planned to interview composer Gloria Swisher, who is the subject for his Doctoral Dissertation. Then Crossroads Bible Church asked Rob to fill in as Worship Leader for the summer, so we extended our trip by three more weeks. We took several trips during the weekdays (between Sundays).

Highlights:
Visit with Kendra's Aunt, Uncle, and Grandparents in Spokane, WA - swimming and tubing at Loon Lake.
Visit with Rob's Grandpa in Prscott, AZ - touring the Verde Valley, seeing Indian ruins and petroglyphs.
Family reunion in Sunriver, OR - biking, swimming, hiking, playing games.
Dinners, lunches, and coffee dates with friends (you know who you are - thanks!)
Play dates for the kids with old friends
The birth of Logan Trey Montague

When we got back to Lancaster, there was a huge "Welcome Home" sign in our yard and a gift box on our doorstep. People have been surprising us by dropping by, just to say hello. It is really good to be back at Crossway Church of Lancaster with our church family here.

Danika, Derek, and Delaney are in Branson, MO this weekend to visit Rob's Mom and Grandma (Buckie). They are having a great time - trampoline, zip-line, sport court, swimming pool, amusement park, shows, etc. While they are gone, I am deep-cleaning the house and getting organized for home schooling.

Rob started classes at LBC this past week. He was a little overwhelmed going into it, as they lost an adjunct teacher two weeks ago, and he now has to teach an overload. But it was a good week, and he is excited about the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone in WA who welcomed us with such warm smiles and hugs, blessed us with such generosity, and shared your hearts and lives with us this summer. I pray you would know the grace of God in increasing measure throughout the year to come.