Suffice it to say it has been WAY too long since we last updated our blog. Where do I even begin??
Since we last wrote (which was June 3) I quit my job at the Youth Center on McChord Air Force Base. It truly was a great job with lots of fun kiddos but I just felt like I needed to be "home" with family during a rough time. If you remember our earlier posts, CR's older sister, Angie, was diagnosed at the end of March-early April with Stage 4 Breast Cancer for the second time, mind you she's only 34 years old. As soon as she called to tell us this news, I knew I had to go home. I wasn't happy being 3000 miles away with so much going on with someone we love so much. It took me three months to decide what that would look like, but after lots of talking and praying CR and I decided I would go from July 9th (my last day at McChord was July 8th) and stay through Labor Day weekend, possibly longer. Going into it I was open to do whatever was needed of me from Angie, the kids, and CR's parents.
I had no idea the journey this summer would take me on and I can honestly say...it changed my life. When I got to WV it felt like home, even though CR wasn't there. The East Coast Rohrboughs and Fowlers welcomed me with open arms into an already crowded and mid-renovation house. In the 5 weeks I was there, a wide range of emotions encompassed me as I saw a person I loved dearly battle something out of her control. In the midst of that I also experienced an extreme a feeling of humility as I heard her cry out to her Savior knowing He was the only one who could help, heal, and be right there beside her 100% of the way. I experienced overwhelming joy as I played with and spent each day with my niece and nephew who are in every way a reflection of what God calls us to be in innocent children. I think what touches me most is the peace that came with seeing how God reigned in that place, in the hearts of my family. They know who is in control and have NEVER wavered from that promise and Truth.
While in WV I was able to see Jonah compete in his first Triathlon - he did great! Kora showed off some of her newly learned dance moves - super cute! We went to Sandcastle, a waterpark in Pittsburgh. I got to see and have fun working on the Fowler's new house which is going to be such a sanctuary for them! I had the amazing opportunity to be crafty with my oh so talented mother-in-law. I got to spend time with my family in KY which is always a blast! Got to shoot some hoops with my brother Preston, who is truly a cool cool kid. This list is endless. I was blessed beyond measure in the five weeks I spent back "home". Why is it we always go into situations excited for what we can bring to the table and come out learning so much more than we bargained for? Oh the ways of God :) Here are some pics of my trip back to the East Coast:
The Fowlers in their new home!
Jonah getting ready to jump in the pool @ the triathlon
Angie and Ty on the boat
Jonah and Kora before setting off to Sandcastle Water Park
Even just looking back at these pictures I miss them. I could type all night and still not be able to express what my summer was like. It truly mended, rebuilt, and solidified relationships in so many ways and I give all of the credit to Christ. I learned so much!
Lastly, the most recent development since I posted last is that I have a new job! I did a phone interview while I was in KY visiting my family and was offered a part-time position at Centralia Middle School in Centralia, WA. It's about 30 minutes south on the Interstate and after 3 weeks I must say I LOVE it! The staff is amazing and everyone has been so welcoming. I am truly blessed, folks.
I know it seems short and I think I'm making it that way because I know I could go on forever... It was definitely a summer that I will never forget! That's all we have new in our lives. Off to the Family Medicine Retreat this weekend - will post again soon :)
Thanks for reading!
Tara
