Monday, January 26, 2009

Adjusting

This week has been full of adventures, hence the reason I am behind on my blogging. Our Sunday School class blessed us with meals all week, and so I dodged the cooking another week.
It has been overwhelming for us to be back into the western culture. We look like foreigners going into the stores and shops, like Walmart, KMart, and Big Lots. I just want to touch everything and see how it works. It's like it's all new again.
Also new, was our first Sunday back to our home church. It was nice to see familiar faces and receive such appreciation for our service in Zambia. We ate lunch with several friends on Sunday after church and were able to share more of our stories from Zambia.
It is different being back, but things are getting easier to adjust to each day that goes by.
As part of our adjustment back to the States, we will attend a debriefing conference in Richmond, VA next week. Please pray that all goes well while we are gone. Ricky's parents are keeping the children while we are gone.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Ghents Branch 175 Years

My granddaddy attends Ghents Branch Baptist Church, a small rural church in Denmark, SC with about 100 members. This past Sunday the whole Abstance family congregated for the kick-off of their 175th anniversary celebration. My Papa was recognized during the service as being one of the oldest members of the church having been there at least 75 years. After the service they served BBQ (Southern Style) and we enjoyed seeing many familiar faces.

Friday, January 16, 2009

My New Car


After 3 days of car shopping, Ricky finally made me make a decision. Living in Zambia, we did not choose our vehicle, we just drove what was given to us, and that sure was easier than having to decide what to drive. But I finally chose a Chevrolet Traverse 2009. Kesley's only request was that it had a DVD player, and she is happy that it does.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Christmas in January

Since we missed having Christmas with our families, we celebrated after our arrival on Sunday, January 11th. First, we all met at the local BBQ place and salivated over a delicious meal. Then we opened presents! The kids got a Wii from my parents and sister, and they really liked that. At Ricky's parents the kids enjoyed getting Reese's Pieces, Honey buns, and more Wii games.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Welcome Home!

Lots of hugs as we arrive in Columbia, South Carolina!
Kelsey and Aunt Laurie embrace...
Ricky dragging the duffle bag as he makes his way to family...
Dad, Mom, Laurie, and Me as we wipe the tears of joy...
Aunt Laurie & Kelsey playing with Sidney Grace (our cousin)...
Let's Eat! The whole family went to Red Lobster for dinner...
Coby is trying to remember how to crack the crab legs...
Outside of Red Lobster and happy to be home...

Our 1st American Meal

Before we even left Zambia, Ricky got on the airport website to check out all the restaurants. We made a list of our top choices, and when we arrived in Washington DC we finally made the decision to eat at Five Guys Burgers & Fries. It was only 9am, but that did not matter to us. OMG! That was the best tasting hamburger we have had in 15 months!


Saturday, January 10, 2009

Welcome to our new blog!

Now that we are living back in the USA, we want to keep journaling our lives for our friends and family to enjoy. We are living back in Walhalla, SC and working with our Subway businesses. Our kids have enrolled in Walhalla Elementary and Middle Schools. Serving in Zambia was a wonderful experience for our family, and we will forever be changed because of it.

This blog will be a collection of stories, our children, and our new experiences in South Carolina.