Cactus Flower

  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!

  Clarinha and Carlinhos Adrielly Santos If you would like a digital copy of this letter in PDF, send a message or comment below.

I'm going to start recording some of my Daddy's stories over the next few months.  My mother can help me correct any errors on my part.  My father grew up on a farm in Bedford County, Virginia.  He was born in a log cabin on the side of a mountain near Starkey close to Roanoke.  He was one of eleven children.  As an adult he joined the Coast Guard and left the farm, but later in life he came back and continues to live on land that belonged to his family. Sea Shanty:  Once when my Daddy was stationed at Oregon Inlet, NC while in the U.S. Coast Guard, he and fellow mates heard strange singing coming from a passing ship.  He says it was a ship coming from way up north making its way down the coast.  He said it was the kind of music that many old sailors used to sing. Winnie's car:  My Daddy's oldest brother was gone from the farm one day and had left his car with the keys in it.  Daddy and his twin brother decided to take it for spin, but n...

I'm reading a book for old missionaries about all the crazy things people go through in returning from their field of service to spend time in their home country.  One of the chapters is all about how tough it is to "go home."  Things change and the missionary ends up out of sync with what's new since their last "home" visit. "Coming home" this time has been smooth in some ways and a little crazy in others.  Byron and I haven't had a real furlough for six years.  On one hand our recent short visits pathed the way for an easier transition.   But staying for a longer this time around means we don't have to feel as rushed to go and do and see, even though we are always reminded of that the pages of the calendar are passing by. Keeping in touch with our friends in Brazil is uniquely easy nowadays allowing us the privilege of almost instant contact, real time decision making and even seeing regular photos of my cat.  We can send money quickly an...

It's summer-time in North Carolina and that means family vacations, splashpads and lots of Vacation Bible Schools.  Byron and I have already found out what a splashpad is.  We will go on a family vacation soon and tomorrow we will go to a VBS.   So far our time in the USA has been relatively calm and easy.  We visited one of our supporting churches on Father's Day and slowly we are setting up times to report in all our churches.  We even got to spend some time with one of our individual supporters this past Saturday! Our days just prior to hopping on the airplane for furlough were intense and full, so this week we are enjoying a little quiet and slow time.  Byron is feeling a little under the weather, but I hope he'll be up and at it quickly.  I'm sure the call of motorcycle weather will perk him up fast. Today I spent a little bit of time with all three of our grandkids and I'm happy that everyone knows my name even the little one!  Seriousl...

Byron can best be contacted via email: bwaii@yahoo.com