There and back again

Greetings once again from Prague!

You may not realize it, but I was in the US for the past 3 weeks. What an incredible, unexpected blessing to go back and reconnect with family and friends, as well as meet new friends! I just wanted to share a few highlights from my time in the US.

Caden & I at the Toledo Zoo

1) Rest: So, remember my last blog post? The one on rest? Yeah, well, interestingly enough, that's what the theme was for our missionary retreat while I was home. Coincidence? I don't think so. :) It felt very applicable for me and was a really good challenge to be more intentional about taking time to get away and really rest. Each of us were encouraged to think about people and things that bring us life and to intentionally put those into our schedules on a regular basis. While I have general ideas of some of these things, I want to actually take time and map this out. I think it'll be helpful for me in the long-run, especially as I enter another busy season.

2) Caden: One of the highlights from my time in Ohio was reconnecting with my nephew IN PERSON! He was 2 months old when I left for Prague the first time, and though we have connected regularly via Skype, I was super excited to see him again. He is such a fun little guy! I had a blast watching him run around and talk nonstop. And, yes, he did recognize me (even at 11pm!) from the first night. What fun! The whole family spent a day at the Toledo Zoo - Caden's first visit - and had a great time enjoying the animals.

3) Connecting with Others: I was also able to connect with many others, including spending two days with dear friends at the beach in the rain; enjoying steak at the Texas Roadhouse; helping my former roommate, Emily, by painting a piece of her mural (just to say I helped - ha!); the Oasis retreat; numerous chats over coffee; Global Fair; learning how to play Dominion; speaking in churches; family pictures with the whole Nofziger clan (happy 65th to my gradnparents!); campfires; the lake; homemade tacos with the Short side; and many, many fun memories. Thanks for all the memories! And, if I didn't get to see you this summer, I'll be back in the States for a longer period next summer - we'll just have to connect then! :)

Proof that I helped!

Former roommates