Mallorca Part 1

This past four-day weekend we had the opportunity to join some coworkers for a weekend trip to the Spanish island of Mallorca. I (Keri) was a bit apprehensive about going and almost backed out at the last minute, but once we got there I was so thankful we went. I didn't know how badly I had needed it until we got there. It was like any stress I had just melted away. We had good times of fellowship with our coworkers as well as some very quality "just us" family time, which is very rare for us with the revolving front door of our home - always someone coming and going. :) It was some much needed refreshment and we are so thankful for the Lord's provision for us to go. Here are a few pics.

The view from our room overlooking the Mediterranean.

The next day we went exploring around the town. There was a very old stairway that went from the beach to the top of the mountain, 500+ steps. Here we are stopping for a rest.

The view from the top. Such a beautiful day!

Mathis and his treasures.

Later we went into downtown Palma.

Rachel, Mathis with Silas.

"RCE business meeting" at Dunkin' Donuts.

The Plaza Mayor.

Rachel and Mathis chasing the pigeons.

This was a super-old enormous olive tree.

Valentine's Day

I've (Keri) always been a proponent of celebrating Valentine's Day as a family and this year was no exception. We planned a special lunch for after church including steak, twice baked potatoes, grilled asparagus and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert.




Valentine's place settings.

Lots of candles and hearts.

Everyone was given a Bible verse to read aloud about God's faithfulness and unending love towards us.

Fun times!

I'm homesick. Can I be honest? I'm (Keri) tired of living in transition. I've (we) have been living in transition since spring of 2007, when we first decided to move to Spain. For most of 2007 and 2008 we were mentally transitioning out of Chattanooga, and physically packing and moving from one house to another to another to another and finally landing here. I remember thinking how glad I was to be settled when we finally got here. And on the one hand, I am settled and our lives do have a pretty stable routine and I try to make the best of it. But on the other hand, I have subconsciously continued to live in a temporary mindset - knowing that we weren't going to stay here forever so why bother putting down any sort of roots? That is probably not a good thing. Looking at staying for a third year makes me a little weary emotionally. I'm not sure I can pinpoint what it is that would make me feel settled. I still long for freedom and familiarity. I long to stock up my pantry and craft closet and start projects without thinking I am going to have to pack it all up or leave it in another year. I long for date nights with David and for worship in English. I expect that these feelings will come and go. I suppose it is the case for everyone who has had to leave their home. We are hoping to come home again this summer, and as much as I am looking forward to that - I am also dreading it a bit because I know it will also be temporary. Transition is really hard...