I feel the need to keep blogging even before I leave, and also to continue even though no one else may ever read my blogs !! Writing is so very therapeutic for me. It is good for the soul, and so calming for me.

A lot is happening right now, I'm trying to return to school after 20 days off on Medical Leave of Absence. I need to be with my kids again, and soak in their enthusiasm and love of life. Since this may be my last month of teaching for a while, well, formal teaching, I need the closure of returning to the school that I love, and finishing the school year well. I hope to volunteer and/or substitute in one of the international schools in Libya while I am there. I need to be able to return to the states if I am needed here. Now, my sister, Lee is a priority, after learning of her battle with cancer. Please pray for her with all of your heart, that God will heal and give her peace.

Also, I am to be a "Gramma" again in January, my son, Brian and his sweet wife,Mary, are expecting their second baby. JOY !! I know Dylan will be an awesome big brother. So, I have some very important family situations, and I want to be available to come home if I am needed.

Our visas are being processed, we are expecting to begin our shots soon, and things are proceeding for our adventure to Tripoli. Please pray for us, dear friends and family.

Libya

Well, I'm going to begin writing about all of the happenings with our move to Tripoli, Libya. I have seriously been thinking about writing a book while I'm over there, with my thoughts about moving and all of the many adjustments that will inevitably take place. We are truly off on an adventure, and I am having every imaginable emotion, most days, all occur at once.

Since, I am such a people person, all I  can think about on most days is the departure from everyone that I love so much,  my parents and other family,  my 3 children and their spouses, friends, and of course my 15 month old grandson, Dylan. That part makes me very sad, but then I remember that my sweet husband searched high and low for a job in Texas for over 14 months, and I mainly feel thankful to God for giving him this exciting opportunity to do what he loves, and has worked for all of his career. I have been by his side for almost 33 years, and I'm not about to let him go without me.

So, this week, I have read a lot about life in Libya, and am cleaning closets making room for Brian, Mary, and Dylan to move into our townhome. So much to do, and only a few weeks to do it all in. How do you pack for a year in a country you've never been to? Carefully, I say, very carefully !! More to come.....

Dylan at 8 months!! What a smile, this is what it's all about.

We're back from Austin today and thankful to be home. The good news is that all of our family came through the storm safely. My mother and dad are still without power, but now that we have power, they will join us for a few days. I will be including a great picture of Dylan, who just had his 8 month birthday. He is crawling now, and such a happy little guy. His face makes me smile every day, and nothing is sad when he is around. Enjoy this picture of our little UT fan !!

Giving Thanks

Dear Friends,
I'm "blogging" from my dear friend Judi's computer tonight. We are evacuees from Hurricane Ike. What an experience, one I will never forget. Ike came in with a fury on Saturday morning, and caught us all off guard. No one expected what was to come. Our townhouse fared very well, but two dozen noble trees fell during the storm and it was so hard to watch them fall. However, how could we not be so thankful for the safety that God provided for us and all of our children, and for Dylan, who is now 8 months old. God is so very good and showed His love for all of us during such a scary ordeal. He wants us all to trust Him, and believe that He can take care of us. All I will have to do in times of doubt, will be to recall Ike and God's protection "when the trees fell."

With love to all,
Lynn

Six Months Old !!

Dylan is almost 6 months old!! It's amazing how much he can do already. His favorite new thing is high pitched squealing. Hilarious, especially when he changes the sounds and volume. This baby has the sweetest temperament. What a blessing in our lives.

Dylan's movie for grandma...

4 month update

Hi everyone!



Dylan is now 41/2 months old, 12 lbs. and at least 3 oz. He is unbelievably cute with all of the smiles and sounds he makes.