Race's Family

I am working on a few pictures to post from our "happening's" lately, but it's slow going.

I always post all about my own wonderful family. They are such an incredible blessing in our lives.
But today, I thought that I'd take a minute to post about some of Race's family that we got together with. We only get to visit these folks every 5+ years or so. Regretably, the annual photo Christmas card is about as much contact as we manage in between these visits.
We drove out to the "Middle- of- Nowhere- Central- Florida", which if you've ever been to Central Florida is hard to find, unless you know where to look. The entire area is packed with urban sprawl, with only bits of it marked off for some beautiful national treasures and large horse farms. We drove out far, beyond all this, to a land of dry, dusty, paths and vast networks of interconnecting railroads.
Even though we haven't communicated with this part of Race's family for so long, it was beautifully striking how much it seemed as if we had all just spoken yesterday. These people welcomed us into their homes with so much open generosity that it really warmed our hearts. These families are no strangers to tough times and they're proud of what they have worked for. They shared it with us in true hospitality.
As Race and I thought back on the visit it was as if God was thumping us in the head, trying to teach us something. These folks love us unconditionally. They pray for us. They pray for Race. They doted on our "beautiful" children. They are content with what they have and happy to share that with us. But what meant the most, was to have the men pull Race aside before we left and tell him how proud they were of him. They thanked him for the work that he does for our country. They told him how proud they were to have him carry on the family name. They made an impression that will not be forgotten. Race was overwhelmed.
This was all such a blessing. It awakened us to the responsibilities that we have neglected in keeping in touch with this part of the family. Race is very fortunate to have roots like this and we intend to do much more to connect our own children with these people so that they too can reap the benefits of such wonderful folks.

Cheers!
Melissa