No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth, I've just been a little busy. Anyway, it's time to finally enter back into the world of blogging!
So…let's give you all a really quick re-cap of what has been going down in the Lodder house or should I say the "Lodder Lodge" as I now like to call it. I've almost been running a Bed and Breakfast here on Oahu. The best part about this quant little lodge is that it's FREE. Word travelled quickly about the awesome food (okay, that's a bit of a stretch), comfortable accommodations and low, low price and I just couldn't keep them away. I like to tell myself that it's because I'm such great company and a wonderful host but let's be honest, I'm pretty sure they all came for the sand and sun and not because I'm so cool and awesome to hang out with. Whatever the motive though, I'm totally not complaining. Each visit was so unique, special and wonderful and I'm so thankful for the many friends and family that have supported Reece and I in the past 6.5 months. Your prayers and support have been felt in a very powerful way!
Here are some pics the many beautiful, fun, loving and supportive people that have made the long trek out in the past 6 months. Unfortunately I don't have any pics from my week with Katrina…not sure how that happened :(
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| Amanda - Haiku Gardens, Kaneohe |
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| Mark & Jo - Lanikai Beach |
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| Malorie and Jill - North Shore |
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| Mama and Papa Peters - Marine Corps Base Hawaii |
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| Curtis, Vanessa & Charlie - North Beach MCBH |
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| Dave & Jacqui, Cam & Missy - Waikiki |
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| Julia - Kailua Beach |
This deployment has had it's highs and lows, but now that we are near the end I feel like I can really reflect on all that has happened and find many reason to be thankful for this experience. I can honestly say that there have been many, many times of great joy and growth in all of this. And it's not because of anything I've done or because I'm a strong woman (because I'm definitely not) but just God's constant faithfulness in our lives. He's placed so many amazing people on our path to help us through this journey. I'd love to single them all out by name and tell them why they are so amazing, but that could take me all night! You know who you are though and I just want to say a huge THANK-YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Now for the best news yet…REECE COMES HOME NEXT WEEK!!! YYYAAAYYY!! The reality of that hasn't completely sunk in yet, but it's probably a good thing since I'm already SO excited, anxious and nervous enough as is. I'm starting to experience completely new emotions that I don't know quite how to deal with but I'm sure they'll all vanish the moment I'm back in his arms! I'm keeping myself busy getting our house and myself ready for his arrival so hopefully this week will fly. Reece finished his last article of the deployment yesterday. It felt really good for him to be done after going non stop for 6 months. He's had a very successful deployment and we are thankful for how God has used his gifts and talents to serve in this capacity. Now that the work is finished, he is more than ready to head home. Please continue to pray for his safety and the safety of those with him while they make the long trip back.
Well, that's all I have time for tonight. Check back soon for HOMECOMING photos! Woohoo!
With love from,
Krissy
