I finally got to go on a vacation for the first time in 3 years! Me and sis decided to do one our adventure trips. Enjoy!
BBQ at Salt Lick! Best BBQ sandwich I’ve ever had in my life, hands down!
The notorious Guacomole Queso Burger at the Tap Room in San Marcos 
Paddle boarding
And of course the Czech Bakery!
As you may have heard, my grandma (mom’s mom) passed away last Wednesday(July 24th). We were sad to see her go but I’m thankful her suffering has ended, as she had stage 4 Alzheimer’s. She’s always been a woman of strong faith, telling everyone at every turn that she loves them because Jesus loved her first, and I rejoice in her finally going home.
So the family packed up their things and headed to Florida to lay her to rest next to my grandpa in Merritt Island. It was good to be back in the place my parents grew up and my grandparents had lived for almost 40 years.
During this time I keep reminding myself everything I am thankful for. I am thankful grandma passed before I left for Russia so I could be here for my mom. I am thankful for being in Cocoa Beach (a town over from Merritt Island, where my dad grew up, and where we stayed while there) as it is a gorgeous little beach town, where the beach is always just a 10 minute walk away. I am thankful to be together with my all of my family, which becomes more and more rare as the “kids” get older. I am thankful to have my sister by my side, squeezing my hand as we get through this together.
The service was small but very lovely, I sang amazing grace, sobbed through the last verse and my uncle officiated it. I was simple and sweet, just the way she would have wanted it.
I’m no stranger to feelings of loss as that is a natural occurrence when leaving for the field, but usually one doesn’t have to deal with it in this magnitude. But I got through, thanks to my family and your wonderful sweet words of concern, I made it through. I’m still a bit emotionally raw, but I’m ready to be back and tackle this last month or so of pre-field work.
Thank you for everyone for your sweet prayers and condolences. They mean so much to me and my family.
Here’s a little taste of Cocoa Beach! It was just what we all needed to relax after an emotional week.
More news will follow about where I am in my pre-field process!
alwayswanderingbutneverlost 