posted by Jessica Lynette on Family

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The Lord graciously worked out all the details for us to travel north this weekend for a conference we’d been hoping to attend {Why We Web, in York PA}. It was officially decided on Wednesday that we would be going and on Thursday we started on our way.

{a rainbow we drove into on our way home}

My world feels like a richer place for the people we met, the stories we heard, and the ways we were able to see God working in others lives. I am so thankful for community, for friendship, for brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Mid trip we spent the night with a family we knew of but hadn’t known personally. The conversation was so encouraging. It never ceases to amaze me how strangers can sit and bond over a mutual love for our Lord.

We continued North on Friday, stopping in Washington D.C. to take in a few sites and to meet an online friend of a friend in person. It’s a crazy, wild story best saved for later, but suffice to say, meeting her – and her entire family – was delightful. Any awkwardness that may have existed given that we didn’t even know each other, nor had we ever communicated prior to the arranging of the visit, was absent. The theme of much of our {brief} conversation was God’s word, and the importance of it. Again – the bond of strangers drawn together over One who loves us so deeply. It’s a beautiful thing.

{Some new friends the boys made Sunday at the church we visited.}

The rest of the weekend was equally as delightful – the conference proved to be an excellent venue for meeting like minded people currently, or interested in, developing and using the internet for ministry.

{On Sunday we were given a personal tour of a dairy farm. This was a brand new baby cow.}

We developed new relationships, strengthened ties with already established relationships and were both encouraged and inspired. Community with those who love the Lord is a beautiful thing.

{Uncle Donald was a favorite. Any uncle that will carry around your stuffed cow in his pocket so the stuffed cow can get an up close look at the real cows is guaranteed to be loved for life}

Throughout the weekend we were graciously hosted by Paul’s sister and brother in law – their baby’s due date was yesterday and, sadly for us, the baby stayed put, cozy in mama’s belly. {Though probably to their relief!}

{Boys took a break from their shoes and practiced their tightrope walking skills}

This whirlwind 5 day trip which covered over 30 hours of driving, close to 10 hours of meetings {where quiet was required}, and meeting dozens of new faces left us in complete awe of God’s gracious working in the lives of our children. We watched our boys work hard at being joyful, friendly and, when needed, still and quiet. They surpassed our expectations and left us humbled and thankful for the beautiful blessing of content children.

{Riding a dragon on an old carousel - he winked at me each time he passed. Paul and Wesley enjoyed spinning through the ride!}

 

 

 

Tags: children, family, travel