Being Uplifted

Today was a bit of a roller-coaster-ride kind of day. I received a text this morning that my dad had entered the operating room for his open heart surgery, and just as I felt a sinking feeling in my gut, Derek called through on Skype. It was so good to talk with him and share with him what was going on. What a sensitive guy!!

Then, my friend Kristi refreshed my children and me by taking us along on their family nature hike. Our children had such a good time finding treasures on their nature hunt that it helped to occupy everyone's minds.

Cherish had an especially good time being a "nature tracker" with Kristi's son. She had such a good time, in fact, that that was pretty much all Cherish talked about all day. In addition, the children kept looking through their treasures all the rest of the day, before finally putting them in "special" places before bed--to ensure they don't ever get lost. 

Thank you, Sweet Kristi, for caring for us so well! It is always so uplifting being in your presence!!

After about 7.5 hours in the operating room, my dad was finally rolled out of surgery and into ICU. As soon I received that text, Derek immediately called through again. What impeccable timing! This time he was able to talk with the children and me for over an hour, as he had woken up very early. (What a sweet man to sleep less so he could talk with his family more!!!!!!)

Cherish was able to show Derek some of her favorite treasures from the hike, Andrew showed Derek some of the pictures he had drawn for him, and Hope tried to show Derek the secret posters we were making for his arrival home, but I covered the camera quickly enough for him not to see. She's my silly one!

(We are planning a homecoming celebration for Derek at the airport--complete with posters, balloons, and flags. It helps the children keep busy and excited as they await Derek's arrival home.)

Derek has thoroughly enjoyed his time in China! Tonight was the men's first time walking around and getting food on their own--as they are back in Beijing. Two guys saw some scorpions squirming on some skewers, so they decided to have them for supper. Yum!  

After the guys chose their supper, the cooks rolled the scorpions in oil, fried them, and handed the skewers to the men. The guys pulled off the stingers and dove into the crunchy little critters!

Derek and the team are headed to the Great Wall of China as I type this. (The guys get one full day of touring before beginning their trip home.) They are headed to a new section of the wall that Derek has never seen before, so he's excited about the day.

In addition, the guys will be stopping at some shops to look around. Since Cherish has been helping me out so tremendously much, Derek will be hunting today for some extra special little gifts for her.

Cherish's heart is full of compassion and love, and she helps me without even being asked. In addition, she's so gentle with the children and pampers me whenever she can. God bless her!

This weekend, Cherish will be finishing up all her school work for the year. We are all excited for her! As a reward, she'll be starting out her summer break with an "all-nighter"--the night daddy flies in around midnight (Sunday night going into Monday)--and with lots of free time to spend with daddy as he stays home on Monday to work through his jet-lag.

So, tomorrow will be school day at our house. This momma is looking forward to summer vacation as if I was the child again!