Wow! So much has happened since my last post...The month of June began with our much anticipated family Disney World trip, but sadly, ended with a family tragedy!
Our family
Our daughter Kari and her beautiful family
After all of our kids and grandkids met up at Disney World and spent 4 days there, (yes, it was very hot, but loads of fun!) my husband, myself and our two youngest headed several hours further south to spend another week with our extended families.
Our trip was going well until we were heading back to our home in Georgia. We stopped in Melbourne, FL to pick up our grandson, Isaiah, to bring him back with us for two weeks as planned.
Since it was lunch time, we met our daughter and the rest of her family at a local restaurant before getting back on the road. Well, it was then at the restaurant, while waiting for our food to be served that my daughter got a terrifying phone call from the police. One of those calls that makes your heart stop....their home was on fire!
They were renting their home and had no renter's insurance. (Who ever thinks it will happen to them?) They lost everything! But praise be to God, no one was home at the time of the fire and their lives were spared!
Our adorable grandchildren, Isaiah, Arianna & Quincey
It's been just over two weeks since that horrific day and we are here in Georgia with all three of our grandchildren until Kari and Alfonso figure things out and are ready for their children to come home.
Meanwhile, it's been truly amazing to see the abundance of love from our family, our church family, and friends. We brought the kids with the clothes on their backs (except for Isaiah who had clothes for two weeks) and now I think they each have more clothes than before the fire! and maybe even toys too!. What a blessing!
Isaiah is becoming very acquainted with the "big brown truck", as he say's, that returns every other day to deliver boxes to our door step. His job is to bring them inside. He has shouted, "it's like Christmas!" on more than several occasions.
With all the excitement on this end, things are still difficult, of course,....mommy and daddy miss them like crazy, the kids are missing them too, and I'm becoming reacquainted with the exhaustion of having little ones 24/7...but, we're so thankful that we are able to help with the kids during this difficult time. I will cherish every moment with my beautiful grandchildren!
I've had to put my art on hold for now, but my camera is always close by. I've taken hundred's of pictures already!
With a grateful heart,
Debbie xo
I'm so thankful for those who have loved and prayed for my family. (I would love it if you'ld say a prayer for my family too. xo) I know the Lord will use this tragic event for good, ultimately, even though, here and now, it's beyond our understanding.
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of thy peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
Isaiah 54:10