Henry was all smiles when I picked him up early on Friday from school and told him we were going to see Juju and the gang. He had his Gigi, juice and his DVD player playing. He was set and ready! His little squinty smile is funny stuff.
We traveled to Stuttgart on our way to Pine Bluff to see Samuel and Daniel play basketball. Henry had never been to a basketball game. He ran right onto the court and after the ball. Anna caught him for me. She is such a good little helper. I wish I had her all the time! Aren't they cute in their raccoon and beaver hats?!
Daniel is on the far left and Samuel has the ball. I loved that they were both on the court at the same time. They are in a homeschool group that plays other homeschool groups and small private schools. It was fun to watch them play, cheer for them and hopefully not embarrass them. They are at that age and I forget sometimes. They are all still Henry's size in my aunt heart!
This little love went to a lock-in with a local church instead of going to the game. He came home early on Saturday morning and crashed on the couch. I love that his gun is still attached to him. He stayed up all night. David was so proud of himself. It was cute.
After a little sleep the boys ventured outside to play. I love that Julie's kids play outside and explore. Henry loves it too as you can see. The D's are kind to let him mess up all their stuff. Henry is spoiled rotten by everyone pretty much.
Dance Party at the preacher's house...hey! Just because we are Baptist does not mean we cannot bust a move. We S sisters have rhythm but I must say Julie has way more than me. That preacher's wife can move! We have fun, no matter what or where we are.
Juju kept busting the moves. Henry loved it. He loves to dance!
I went into their office/classroom and this is what Anna's school desk looks like. My picture is in the center of her desk where she can do her assignments and see me. I then found another photo in her room. She loves me! I love that about her. She is my best girl, that is for sure.
This is the house. Julie wanted me to take a photo of it for you to see. God has provided above what anyone could ever think or ask for in this situation. We pray that the house sells in God's perfect timing for the owners and for Julie and Stephen as they look for a home of their own. God knows far more than we do and for now it is home and a huge blessing for them. It was so important for me to see where they lived. I am so glad I went and spent the weekend with them in this place and at this time.
The yard is beautiful. It was a great day to be outside. They have always been able to play outside in a big yard. God was great to provide that for them in this transition.
On Sunday we headed to church together. Stephen was the guest preacher at a church that they had never visited before. It was a beautiful church and the people were so kind. I know several of you have mentioned being so worried about the children. I must say that these children are so strong and trust God's direction for their family. It was so evident as I watched all 4 of them stand in the pew and sing their hearts out to God Sunday morning. What a gift it is to be an aunt to these exceptional children.
This little mister sat right there in that pew the entire service. Yes, he did! He loved being next to Samuel and watching "Bruder Steben" up front. He played with all of Juju's gift cards in her purse. She had tons. Most had 62 cents on them, but she had lots, none the less. His favorite was the Victoria's Secret card and he tried to give it to the old lady in front of us several times. Samuel and I both almost died a few small deaths over that! He ate all his yogurt melts and Nutter Butter bites and drank all his juice. He wanted to sing and sing and sing. It was a miracle he stayed in the pew. I knew he would not stay in their nursery. He still cries at ours and those are his people!
After helping "Bruder Steben" with the invitation prayer...(Henry said "God is great, God is good, let us thank him for our food. Be Quiet. AMEN!" while Stephen was praying) he was ready to run, so we let him. He loved running up and down the aisle. There are photos of Julie and me doing this when we were little. I love it.
We had a wonderful weekend loving on Juju and the gang. She needed me to see her in this place at this time. I needed to see it too. She truly is wrapped up in the arms of Jesus. It is obvious after witnessing it in person. Don't stop praying for my sister, please! Pray hard and often for a home that she can call her own and for Stephen to find a job. He will have to work while he starts the new church. God is good in providing all their other needs, i know he is working on a great plan for these.
Julie has always claimed "Count it all joy as you face trials of many kinds.." as her verse. I must say she is living it out right now. I love you Sister!
Abby
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