A Visit to Antarctica....

Okay, maybe it wasn't Antarctica - just Kansas City under about a foot of snow, but it felt that cold. I think moving south has thinned my blood or something. But you have to give me a little credit...it was a high of 0 on Friday with a low of -30 and I don't care how many layers you put on, frostbite is still iminent. Last weekend Kevin and I flew back to our old home in KC to work on setting up a mission trip for our kids this summer. We're teaming up with two other churches - one in Texas and one in Memphis, TN so their youth pastor's met us in KC and the planning (and BBQ eating) commenced. The guys had several meetings each day to scope out where we might like our kids to serve. Our goal is to connect them with kids their own age who live very different lives from what they're used to. 80% of homeless people are single mothers with 2-3 kids - which means the vast majority of homeless people in general are children. Sure, we'll have them doing some grunt work: painting, cleaning, building, etc. But our main goal is to stretch them a little and move them away from some of the stereotypes they assume are true.

While the guys were in meetings....I was visiting my KC friends after 5 months away from them. I may not miss Kansas City but I do miss my friends. All their babies are getting so big! Emma, Luke, and Grayson didn't remember us since they were still teeny tinies when we moved. I was sooo relieved that Parker and Lukas remembered us. When I knocked at the Tharp house, Lukey's feet came running and when he saw me it was like we had never left...he didn't look shocked at all. Emmy was a little leary at first but she warmed up after a bit. Parker jumped right in and told me all about his dinosaurs (a recent obsession....so cute!). Luke looked so grown up and handsome. It was wonderful to get to sit and talk and eat and laugh with all of them again. I wish we could do it more often....we have many friends here but not so many right near my age and I miss my KC girls terribly! I'm hoping the Leagues can make a roadtrip in May to casa Knight. Any of the rest of the KC crew is welcome too! We'll see you all at the end of June....only another 5 months away. I can deal with that. Let the countdown begin!

Mandy

View of Union Station from my warm hotel room.

Downtown KC from our hotel.

Emma Claire engaged in my favorite pastime....snacking. She carried that bag around with her all afternoon.

Lukas and Kevin reunited at last. Let the wrestling, sword fighting, and pillow fighting begin!

Did you hear that mom?! Kevin is a pastor now. Hahhahhaahaha.

Parker and Lukas playing WWF on the couch.