Reality

It's back to reality after a wonderful week-long trip in the DR. Jay and I were able to relax some at the beginning of the trip. I encourage going to a country where you can speak their language barely---ensures you to spend most time communicating with your spouse---which is good for a talker like me. Plus, I have to let Jay do all my communicating (which is generally not my style) and I LOVE hearing him speak Spanish. He'll tell you he's not that good----but that's not my view.

Jay and I met a new friend, Jose, who spent 2 afternoons with us showing us the entire city. He told us he felt like he'd known us for 2 years vs 2 days. We will definitely look him up when we go back We also had privilege of taking last year's new-found friends, Giovanni and Carolina, to dinner. They are missionaries with SCORE International (founded by a former basketball coach, Ron Bishop.)

Some you know I drink a smoothie almost every morning. Well, we found an incredible smoothie from a cart vendor on the street---Papaya and carnation coconut milk with sugar----were main ingredients for about $1. Oh, I'd pay $10 to have one right now.

After some much needed relaxation, we met up with with other basketball coaches and their wives for blessings that will sustain us the rest of year. Part of our hearts will stay in the DR forever after sharing God's love with children in the orphanage, basketball clinic, and villages. As for being back to reality....I pray to keep the perspective that eternal matters give --it's a redeemed reality that I pray to draw from all year.

Marathon

Here's some pics from family outing to Music City Marathon....here's weird thing, I always tear up at the Marathon--must wear my shades despite the clouds and threatening weather. We made it home just before bottom fell out. MG came home to play with us for a while. After a round of indoor hoops, board games, the DS took over. Willie taught MG all about his DS and was proud to share it with him. MG is quite the runner and is known as fastest in his elementary school. Willie is very proud of this fact and brokers races with everyone we see that Willie thinks would be interested in racing him. MG has to be tired of it....but he never lets on.

Here are kids at the last mile for the 1/2 marathoners.

Willie and MG in front of LP Field.

Everytime we got separated, we easily spotted Ruby and Jay. She's almost as tall as pedestrian bridge it seems.

Baseball

The coach pitched Bisons are at it again, and Ruby has made her own debut.

It's probably a sad commentary on me but being at the ballfield is arguably highlights of my week. I love all the parents, the sunsets, the concessions and cheering for our boys.

Willie earned the game ball last week with a pop fly catch on third and unassisted double play.

He's so proud here with Coach Brent who has perfect balance of getting best out of the boys and having fun! Watching the game can be challenging though to keep up with Ruby playing on the playground, petting every dog around and just popping in the dugout in the middle of the game. At each team meeting after each game, Rubv slides in by Willie and pats him down. (He doesn't show much reaction which is better than the alternative that I'm sure Steven would have given me.)

Mute my music at bottom of blog so you can hear sweet voices in the backyard game.

Unbelievable

Well, tonight's first night back with internet after the Big Flood. We're actually watching the local news and getting full grasp of what's been going on. We are only folks with a basement that I've heard of that no water.

I somehow navigated myself out of town Sunday night with several detours which was bit stupid the more I reflect on it. I had a big meeting in Atlanta and I soldiered down there.....only to get food poison in route. So after 36 hours in the hotel and seeing no one except hotel staff and one colleage who came to bring me meds/fluids, I drove back this morning. So grateful to see the beautiful sunshine, green grass, blue skies and some precious Walton's.

Jay headed out to help family of one of Willie's classmates who lost everything. He said is took back to Katrina clean-up in Pascagoula.

There's some heartbreaking images on the TV tonight.... Thanks to all of our friends and family who have been calling, texting and emailing to check on us.