Greg Loves Sarah

All is well here, my dear friends, on the Big Sandy homefront! Sun has been shining again after weeks of rain. The ALERT campus is a “hopping” place with lots of activity – people, courses, conferences, fun stuff, work (yes, that too), etc. I really am loving it here. Honestly, I feel great peace – knowing that I am in the center of God’s will.

The old sayings go like this: “There is no place like Home” and “Home is where the heart is.” Well, I have given my heart to Jesus – so whereever He is is “home”. My heart is at rest.

Now, that said, I miss my mom and dad. I miss our sunny big porch, the hammock under the oak trees, my garden, my room, the stairs going up to my room, my dad, our sofas, my mom, our cozy little kitchen, going to the mailbox, my dad, Peanut (our constantly shedding sweet and cute dog), the sunlight that streams through the windows in my room, my mom, our squeaky, wooden floors, our garage – And did I mention that I miss my mom and dad. I miss it ALL. *sigh*

Now, that said, I really really really love it here. No question about that. :-) I would love to be in two places at once though…Maybe if I click my heels together, close my eyes real tight and say “There’s no place like……” But then again, I don’t have any ruby slippers. :-(

My department here at ALERT is so great…We are a just right mix of personalities and temperments. I think our little corner of the administration building must be one of the cheeriest, craziest places on campus. We have so much fun. I sure like it that way :-) ….. OH yeah, and we work hard too. :-)

Things have been really busy here lately – but it’s all good stuff! A couple of weeks ago (or is it 3 already, Malloo?), I had the surprise of a lifetime! I came to Cat and Chris’s on a Friday evening after work (they asked me to spend the weekend with them),walked in the front door, round the corner – and then, THEN, THEEEEEEEEEEEN. I saw her. My dearest Melanie had driven all the way up from Spring, TX as a weekend surprise!!!!!! I was SO floored and delighted and thrilled that there were no words or emotions to express it. I pinched Melanie to make sure she was REAL. She was. She pinched back. I love that gal!

We had a GREAT weekend – shopping, swimming, movie-watching, BEING. Twas GRAND!!! Our Heavenly Father shows His love in such precious ways – like sending a friend. It’s like a hug from Heaven and from the heart of God to little-ole-cherished me. *humbled, grateful sigh*

Here’s us gals out at the Lake…remember I mentioned at the top of this post about the rain? Well, I was serious…Lake is so high – has been for WEEKS! When me and Mel and Cat went swimming, we could walk on the DOCK and the water was halfway up my KNEE!!! Craziness. The diving board, life guard stand, and slide look like they are just floating above the water :-) But, we sure had a great time!!!!!!!! :-)

The 4th of July was fun! We went to the park in Big Sandy for a good, small town fireworks show. Chris (being fire chief) was in charge of the fireworks! I was SOOOOO impressed! This was no dinky lil “pow and fizzle” demo…It was a grand celebration! I loved the small-town feel and the BIG BANGS! Chris’s mom and aunt were in town and came with us – fun stuff! :-)

And NOW for an OFFICIAL update on the upcoming arrival of my dear little niece!!!!!!!!!!!

She is officially due on July 23! And we are eagerly awaiting her arrival! Catherine and Chris are ready! The nursery is looking adorable! And “little O’s” aunt is looking forward to holding her!

For those of you who haven’t discovered it yet – Catherine and Chris now have their own website too! It’s www.chrislovescatherine.com. Kudos to our dear friend Josh for another great design and token of thoughtfulness!

Well, just so you all know, I love ya and thank God for you! I hope our paths cross soon and often ~ face-to-face and here at my e-home!

May our Lord be the delight of your heart! Be encouraged. Our Lord is sovereign and faithful. He never sleeps.

Edit:

One more little note for my sympathetic friends: Yesterday, I was weeding in front of Cadet Hall. It was in a period of about 3 minutes (a total guess-timate) that I (yes, innocent me) was attacked by nature. About 7 ant bites on my right foot and a wasp sting on my right wrist. :-( That’s a lot of activity for about 3 minutes – even for me! *sigh* No worries – I am recovering nicely. :-) Here’s a picture of me (taken today) to show that the incident hasn’t adversely affected me ;)