The Trip That Almost Wasn't - Missions to Ecuador

We had been planning and training for our mission trip to Ecuador for literally months. Both girls were preparing for their first mission trip with their youth group, and I had the privilege of going as one of the leaders. (Picture of us giving announcement.)

For months, we had trained and anticipated what God might do through this trip, and watching it almost slip away was heartbreaking.

We, also, shared with the "Go Team" at Soda City.

Bake Sale.

Missions Lunch.

With Shiloh's health, or lack thereof, over the previous few months, I honestly didn't know if she would have the stamina to go. Thankfully, there was some built-in flexibility to the schedule, including training time each morning, so if she needed extra rest, she could take it. Still, it felt like a big step of faith.
Then, just a couple of days before we were set to leave, Zoe came down with a fever and became very sick. Suddenly, her going seemed highly unlikely as well.

We were completely disheartened.

The day before we left, we did everything we could to support Zoe's health. There were lots of prayers, an IV packed with vitamins, and chro adjustment, which I may have broken down in tears during. It was a lot for one very sick girl.

We had to leave early the next morning for the airport, and by God's grace, we were all able to go. Zoe was far from feeling well. Her fever had broken, but she still felt miserable. International travel is hard enough when you're healthy, much less when you're sick. Yet she was willing to go, even if somewhat reluctantly, and I truly believed God wanted her on this trip. It felt like the Waymaker had made a way when there seemed to be no way just hours before.

The day itself was full of travel. After being prayed over by our church, we headed to the Columbia airport. (Quick photo when I spied our coffee.)

From there, we had a layover in Atlanta, complete with riding the tram, before boarding our final flight to Ecuador. 

After customs.... 

and one final bus ride,

we eventually arrived at our hotel.

After briefly seeing our rooms, we met back up where they had a snack for us and a meeting.

One of my favorite parts of the journey was simply looking out the airplane window. The skies were clear, and I found myself in awe again and again of God's creation. Seeing the world from that perspective reminded me once more of the greatness of our Creator and the beauty of His handiwork.

Over and over, He has proven Himself faithful in some of our darkest and most uncertain moments. This trip would become yet another reminder that when we cannot see the path ahead, our Waymaker already does.

May: Finding Joy in a Full Season

May rounded out prom, the end of a school year and our season of birthdays, and we always love celebrating my mom. This year, Shiloh unintentionally ended up matching her, which made it even more fun.

We enjoyed a meal together, along with cards, gifts, and treats to celebrate such an amazing woman.

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Zoe did announcements at youth group one Sunday, and a friend sent me this picture afterward. I really enjoy watching her step into more leadership opportunities.   

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Zoe also had her soccer banquet following her first season of school soccer. It was a great way to wrap up her first year on the team.

She was especially thankful for the great friendships she built on the team.

Receiving awards.

Thankful for her coach and the supporting staff.

One last sweet hug.

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Another Friday night brought another Irmo park concert, this time featuring a Beatles cover band that did such a fantastic job.  

Both girls enjoyed it as well and even brought along a friend.  

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We had a challenging but rewarding Saturday morning spent praying for people and sharing the gospel.

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Shiloh loves coming up with yummy drinks!

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Ezra actually wanted me to join him on his 6th grade field trip to the State Museum, which felt pretty special as it would most likely be my last field trip. We had a great group of boys and enjoyed a Planetarium show....

and exploring the museum.

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Life lately has involved a lot of walks (and sometimes jogs), and the boys often go with me on their scooters.  We all love it and as Zoe says, "Living that 90's life." 

One day they got ahead of me and each picked flowers for their moms.

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A funny conspiracy themed party, where guests presented a conspiracy and we voted on them.

This party was 100% Lauren, and I absolutely loved it.

Brought home some fun stickers, while modeling my tin foil accessory. 

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May 28th marked 21 years of marriage to my bestie! While I would have loved to be off on some grand adventure with my man, this season of life called for something a little simpler. We enjoyed a nice dinner out together, and I was thankful for that time. Hopefully a mini getaway is in our future when life slows down a bit.

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May brought both joys and challenges. While Shiloh continues to battle health struggles, we are grateful for the small improvements we've seen and for the many sweet moments the Lord gave us throughout the month. We are also so thankful to have crossed the finish line of another school year, especially one that looked very different than we ever expected. Through it all, the Lord has continued to meet us with His faithfulness and grace.