We just returned home from a trip to Phoenix, Arizona. It
was a family reunion of sorts for Steven’s family. I’d met about half of the 17
people that were going to be there. Going into this trip the only planned event
as far as I knew was a Diamondbacks game. I was worried that this trip was
going to turn out to be kinda boring.
So I started to do some of my own planning. I’ve never been
to the Grand Canyon, and I hear it’s a big deal. I looked a few things up and
asked around about it. I wanted to go but I underestimated two things: (1) the
heat, (2) how included I would feel in this family.
1. Arizona is hot. People say it’s a “dry heat” so it’s not
that bad. FALSE. 105 degrees is hot no matter what. They also say it’s much
cooler in the shade there. The thing is, there aren’t any trees. No one bothers
to mention that part.
2. God had other plans. God’s plans weren’t to keep me
entertained but to show me that I was included in this new family. From
watching The Bachelorette with Aunt Priscilla to playing homerun derby in the
cul-de-sac with 15 people I felt overwhelmed at this great new family I got to
be a part of. There was no point where I felt like an outsider or like I needed
to cling to Steven’s side to survive.
It reminds me how God invites us into his family. He calls
me his daughter and I didn’t do anything to deserve that role, he just loves me
that much. It’s an amazing thing to feel so loved and accepted when all you did
was show up with low expectations.
Honestly, I didn’t even think about the Grand Canyon until
the plane ride home. I’ll probably get
there someday, and I hope I get to experience it with my family.
Here are several sideways pictures for you:
My father in law had on this cute little number |
Mother in law and father in law. I get to call them mom and dad. |
Ten-year-old Tori ready to go shopping! |
Brother in law Josh doing impressive pool things |
My husband doing impressive pool things. |
Me and my new boyfriend/cousin, Baylor. |
Luckily for me my husband and boyfriend get along well. |
Spending time with you and getting to know you better was one of many amazing parts of this vacation. You are a very welcome and loved part of our family! Thank you for making my nephew so happy! We hope to see all of you again soon!
ReplyDeletep.s... happy you weren't bored... then again, how could you be with this clan...lol