Our trip to my hometown - Columbus OH

Us at the columbus crew game (soccer) - with a friend, Shelley. They won!

My younger sister, Christy - holding Zeke. She is 20 now.

I called my mom and asked if we could see her. Since there is bounderies between us, (put up by them) because we chose to leave what they call "the fellowship", my mom made arrangements for us to meet at the family business. We got to see my mom, my 4 older brothers and Christy. I wish I got pictures of all of them. They were kind, but reserved. I treasured the time I had with them, but it made me want more time. It was good to see that they are all well, and it was good to introduce them to my children.


Eating watermelon at Davy's house.

Davy grilled us some chicken sandwiches and hot dogs at Blendon woods -

My grandpa was out in his garage working on something - like he always has - his hobby, when we stopped by. He kindly invited us in for "tea". Davy and I will remember that forever.
My Grandpa Kenimer (93 yrs old!), brother Davy and I.

Enjoying Memorial Day at Creekside in Gahanna.

Damien "planting" flowers by my dad's grave. Davy and I had a good discussion about what we remembered about Dad. It did us good to reminisce and for our kids to hear about the man who had such an impact on our lives. I tell my kids that he would just love them, 'cause I know he would.

Driving home to Columbus brings on many emotions now for me. I'm the type that loved to get away, and I really didn't get homesick much even when I got married and moved 20 hrs. away. But 12 yrs and a few circumstances have changed that for me now. I reflect on the way things were and how they will never be the same- my dad is gone now, and I'm ex-communicated from my family, except my one special brother, Davy. Still, it is sweet to get back - show my kids the streets I used to walk on, the parks and zoo I used to visit, etc. I did stop by to see my grandpa and he invited us into his house - in spite of the "rules" he is supposed to follow - and we did stop by and see my mom, 4 older brothers, and one younger sister, Christy, pictured above holding Zeke. I grieve for the loss of what it could be as far as my relationship with my family, but rejoice that they at least saw us, and thankful too for Davy, my younger brother, who opened his home for my crazy tribe - and is as much of a brother to me, as I could hope for. As for the rest of them, I only hope and pray for it to change, but know I can do nothing more, except to continue to follow the path I know is scripturally sound.

Our week in Columbus isn't over - and we hope to visit some Ethiopian adoptive families here and on the way home - it will be wonderful for Serena to see some of her old friends from where she came from.

More later...