Shannon has always said that home is where your stuff is.  That saying comes from 12 years of missionary life.  We have learned to make a home where ever we are:  in staff housing, in a tent, in a temporary home overseas, a  shipping container, at my sister's house over extended holidays and so many more places.   This summer, our home has been a beautiful 1830's farmhouse in Bainbridge, Ohio.  We moved in at the same time my niece and her family did.  They started renting the farm the beginning of June and invited us to live with them for the summer before we leave for Cambodia.  When they first offered at Christmas last year, we thought they were being sweet and kind, but knew they couldn't be serious.  Who does that?  Who opens their home to another family to share for nearly three months?  But we soon found out they were very serious and very intent on us knowing that we were not only welcome, but loved and wanted. This was just the place our hearts needed to continue to heal and prepare for the next season of our life.  I can't adequately express in words how peaceful, serene and beautiful it is here and being with family is priceless.  At least once a day, we are reassured that we have not worn out our welcome, which is beyond amazing considering we are not a quiet presence in the home.  LOL  They have been so intentional at making us feel at home here.  It's amazing how easily a place can feel that way so easily.

This past weekend, we hosted a family reunion for my side of the family.  We had close to 50 people here for the weekend and had such a wonderful time together.  We had not all been together since my grandmother's funeral 12 years ago.  So many precious memories are being made on this farm in such a short time. 

We leave for Cambodia in four short weeks and we send Madison back to college next week.  I am not ready for the summer to come to an end.  I am not prepared to begin the process of saying "good-bye"--especially to the nieces and nephews that we have had so much fun playing with this summer.  However, we are excited to move and begin our life in Cambodia.  I am so thankful for technology that will keep us all close and connected.   

I am so thankful God can make us "at home" where ever He sends us.  I am also so thankful for my permanent, eternal home in Heaven where y'all are always welcome to come sit on my porch and visit for a while.  Oh, how beautiful Heaven must be!