Cactus Flower

  Thank you!  Thank you for an incredible furlough.  Thank you for changing up your schedules, for including us in what you do and for making our time in the USA memorable and refreshing.   We love each of you so much.  Living close by (real close for one son) was so nice.  Lunches, suppers, parties.  What a time!  Here are just a few of my favorite memories of 2024...

  Last weekend we headed to Georgia from North Carolina, a good six hour plus trip.  In the car were one old great-grandmother, one toddler, one seven year-old and one nine year-old and two crazy missionaries.  We were on our way to a meeting with an entourage.   It may not have been the best planned activity of our furlough.  It may not have been with no tears and all smiles.  It was an adventure, and hopefully one our grandchildren remember with fondness in years to come. The church meeting went off without a hitch.  We managed to keep them all fed and fairly clean.  We even went to a safari type zoo and stopped to visit quickly with friends on the way back to Carolina. We have worked hard to "make core memories" on this furlough.  We can only hope and pray that God will bless our efforts with interest in the future. In the meantime we look forward to a few more days with lot of holiday fun before we head back to Brazil.

  It's that time of the year in the United States when all things are pumpkin spice even ice cream and coffee.  Yes, I recently ordered and enjoyed a scoop of pumpkin spice ice cream.  Crazy right?  Not for Americans!   Byron and I went to the NC State Fair this week with a church group of senior citizens.  Another crazy thing.  Have we really reached this age?  Byron perhaps, but me?   Granny has indeed and was happy to go.  Anyone aged 65 and up got in free.  We did have to pay, so I guess we aren't quite there yet. Granny enjoyed the pumpkins on display and wanted to ride the giant Ferris wheel stating she might never have another chance.   I've found most of my fall favorite clothes that had been in storage and even purchased a few new tops to make it through the season.  It's truly crazy at the lengths people go to decorating their homes and making sure they have the latest in pumpkin spice style.  This...

Over the Labor Day weekend we enjoyed a few hours in the sun and sand with family.  Papa Byron did get sun burnt in spite of all of his precautions.  Seems his pale legs just don't see the light very often.  Playing with our youngest grandbaby in the sand and waves was a delight. Gramma, me, was mostly happy to be with all the gang and to finally visit the famed beach house.  Our fine hosts made our meals at home and everyone enjoyed lots of games and fun. Everything said even with a few small problems and a church meeting in another city in the middle we all had a grand time.   I can be very thankful and feel quite blessed to have been together with our wild, crazy, extended family. I even got to buy two beach tee shirts and enjoy a brief outing with two of my favorite girls. Enjoy this little home video of the game that Gramma Michele can't win!  Taco Cat!

My last baby boy has finished his bachelor's degree at North Greenville University in the area of worship studies. The event took place this spring.   I've been a little behind on updating things every since our big trip. Byron and I had the immense privilege to be present in the USA. What a joy to see this day come! Just a week before we were also overwhelmed to participate in Greyson's senior music recital. Every piece was a blessing. All my grandchildren were there, all my boys and daughter-in-laws, assorted extended family and even a missionary aunt and uncle. Greyson's success in college life was certainly "A Village" of family and loved ones who encouraged him all along the way in word, deed and prayer. Byron and I can never say enough thank you's to express all the gratitude we have especially for his adopted American family - the Scott Potters of Reidsville, North Carolina. Someone asked me recently if homeschooling was worth it in t...

  On a fine sunny day in late September, Papa Byron and Gramma Michele hopped on a jet plane to head to North Carolina in hopes of being on time for the arrival of our third grandchild.  He beat us by a few hours, but we got to see the little fellow when he was only a day and a half old.  We couldn't have asked for more!   Our days were numbered, 15 to be exact, but each was well spent.  We were able to see all three of our sons and Byron's mother as well as my parents.  Mr. Logan was welcomed by his older brother and sister with open arms and many smiles. And everyone got a chance to pose for a photo with  the star of the show! Great Grandma Beckner and Great Grandaddy Beckner, Aunt Kerri and even Papa Scott.  Mr. Logan slept through most of the photo sessions! Mother and Father of Logan are well and doing great with #3 in their nest. We also were thankful to be present for the pastoral ordination services of our oldest, William Atha. He was exam...