Through all the summers I spent deep in the heart of the Ozarks, Missouri has become somewhat of an alternate home for me. I wish the drive wasn't so long so I could spend more time there, but I am happy to try and go once a year. I have family in Missouri (thought not blood related) who are always welcoming me and my family with open arms. Sydney and I decided to take a road trip with just us two girls. And, in true Sydney fashion, She made the 8 hour drive both ways easy.
We stayed with the family that adopted me while I worked at camp. I was lucky enough to meet them at church. They housed me, fed me, and nursed me back to health after each 6 day week of 24 hour shifts. Bless them. They've truly seen me at my best and at times when my best isn't an option. We chatted, we cooked, we laughed and we enjoyed playing with Sydney. Their desire and ability to serve and care for others always baffles me. They always think of others first and it didn't take long for their home to become mine. I wouldn't have lasted my summers at camp without them. I thank God for them often.
We were also fortunate enough to visit my Steven and his family. When people ask me who my Steven is, I usually reply with, "He's the other love of my life," or, "He's my fave." Of all the hundred of campers I had the opportunity to interact with and care for in my years at camp, Steven became my light. During particularly rough weeks, I was able to remind myself that if I stuck it out, I would get to chill with Steven. I can't mention Steven without mentioning Mary, Steven's Godsend of a mother. She's his mother, his advocate, his nurse, his best friend. Mary is one of a kind and I am honored to call her family! Steven and Mary, (And Ron of course, who Sydney adored) live on somewhat of a farm. Cows, chickens, guineas. I LOVE to be outside around their place. I feel free and at one with nature and many of our Heavenly Father's creations. Make me feel less like a girl from the burbs of Chicago and more like a girl ready to wrestle a cow and fetch eggs from the chicken coop. Sydney was in Heaven there. She got to frolic and play with animals. Her and Steven didn't really seem to notice each other, but we all had fun just the same.
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| I get up to go to the bathroom and come back to this! |
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| Tractor! |
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| Steven is such a good sport. I basically kissed him the whole time |
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| Fetching lunch for mommy |
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| Fast friends |
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| Farmer Syd Or Cowgirl Syd if you prefer |
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| The AMAZING dress that Mary crocheted for Syd |
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| MMOOOOOOOO |
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| With the wind in our hair |
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| Driving with Mary |
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| My Main Squeeze |
Kiss kiss!
Three cute girls!!!
A girl's best friend!!
