When the summer started we had no idea just exactly what to expect. Well, summer is in full swing and life here continues to bring new challenges almost daily.The first week of summer we started by working in the office full time. Jeff is pretty much the IT department now. He has many projects on his plate and never enough time to complete them all. He is also called upon to help out with work days once in a while. Leigh Ann is helping revamp the entire accounting structure to accommodate the growth that has taken place within the organization the past few years. Both jobs have brought many challenges, long days, and sometimes late nights. We enjoy our positions and look forward to what tomorrow may bring.
The second week of summer we accompanied the youth to Arkansas Youth Camp where we were challenged to run the race. It was an awesome week. The teaching was phenomenal, the fellowship great, and the fun never ended. The kids also thoroughly enjoyed the week and eagerly anticipated the next camp (South Eastern Youth Camp in Alabama). We came home physically weary but spiritually refreshed.
Then following weeks brought more challenges in the office. The IRS came out for an audit (always a ton of fun). Leigh Ann had a week long session with a consultant who helped us in revamping our accounting system. Jeff was called upon to help several times with work days as many of the male staff were off ranch. All the while, Jeff was also trying to get several computer projects done.
We were so blessed to be able to have Jeff's parents come down for several days and visit. It was a very relaxing time. We took in several of Arkansas's most beautiful views. Just recently, Pete and Dorothy also came down for a visit. We camped in an RV at Petit Jean for a few days and enjoyed everything the park had to offer. From playing tennis, to hiking, to climbing on the bear caves, to swimming in the pool, to having s'mores over the campfire, there was never a dull moment.
In the midst of all this busyness, God chose to bless us yet again in a unique way. A couple of volunteers who have worked here for several years headed back to Iowa to be with family. This move opened up a trailer for us to move into. It is a three bedroom, two bathroom, large home. It is in great shape and in one night the kids helped us move almost all of our stuff to the new place. We are enjoying the larger space and look forward to decorating the baby's room.
We had our second ultrasound about a week ago. "Bob" is doing well and is right on schedule. He/she weighed about 1 lb 1 oz. and is healthy. Leigh Ann, although tired by all the busyness, is doing well. Both of us can feel the baby move now and are very excited to meet our new little one in a few months!In the weeks coming up we are planning a trip up north to visit family and friends. We are hoping for a little cooler weather as it has been in the upper 90's here. We have also had rain for 26 days straight. We have been told this is highly unusual and by now the grass is usually turning brown. We are thankful that we are not experiencing a drought but look forward to some dryer days. In the beginning of August we will be accompanying the kids to yet another camp, this one in Missouri. Then at the end of August Jeff will be back-packing in Colorado with the guys. Then school starts again. There is never a dull moment.
Well, I think that is enough for now. We hope that you are all well and look forward to seeing some of you in the very near future!
