Back home

We made it back home to so cal last night and are staying with some sweet friends until we can get into a place.

These past few weeks have been crazy going around from place to place trying to squeeze as much as we could out of our time while we were in Texas. Family—I know some of y’all we only got to be with for a few hours, but, sitting next to Francie and feeling the radiance of her spirit on a Sunday night, getting to feel the life growing in Ashleigh’s tummy, traveling with Mema, talks with the cousins—these things and many more brought a warmth to my spirit; thank you for blessing us with your lives.

Because we did so much hopping around through Texas and Philadelphia (praise Him for the blessing of a school-site interview!) I know for at least myself I didn’t get to process everything that happened as we transitioned to life back here. We were blessed so much through mutual sharing, love, encouragement, etc. with those we love back in Russia—because of this, I felt this empty space as we returned to life back in the states; partly because I’m just plain sad about the separation and partly because I hadn’t quite thought through how exactly those relationships would continue when we returned.

Along with those feelings, as we drove back to California I felt a little nervous (along with excitement) about getting back into life and lives—wasn’t quite sure about what things would look like, especially since we’re unsure where God will take us after these next six months in Riverside.

This morning I spent some time driving around and at a place of peace for me here in Riverside and the Spirit blessed me with my own renewed sense of peace that I hadn’t felt since we were back in Moscow. Thank you, Father. I feel healed.

-Makinzie

Granddad

Matt’s granddad passed away this past Sunday. I know my relationship was different with him than that of his kids or grandkids because I’ve only known him for the past 8 or so years. I want to say thank you, though, to Jack. Thank you for being willing to share and laugh with me (things I did with my own Papa before he died 9 years ago). I am thankful that we were blessed to be with Granddad for a few hours over the holidays and thankful for God’s perfect timing through this whole thing and thankful that for all of our grandparents that have guided and been a voice in our lives as we try to live lives of love that we’ve seen through them.

-Makinzie