Home again, brrrrr

on the way home...

When last we blogged we had left Jay and Faith and were heading for the states. We made good time and spent one more night in Mexico (Hermosillo) and drove all the way to Palm Springs, California the next day.

We really had a good time while staying in Palm Springs. My dad loves to be the host with the most, and is an amazing cook. But in addition to his fried chicken and excellent omelets, he took us out to a very fine dinner that I will not soon forget!

My dad teaching a young museum visitor to fly --- on a flight simulator!



Dad is an honorary member of the American Volunteer Group, aka the Flying Tigers who flew to protect China just before WWII.

Dad is a volunteer/historian/educator who practically lives at the Palm Springs WWII Air Musuem. I need to recommend this place to you! If ever you are in the Palm Springs area, it is a wonderful experience. Ask for my father, Robert Andrade and tell him that you are a friend of mine and he will give you a royal tour. Check it out on the web. www.air-museum.org/

Greg and Terri's granddaughter Eevie, with her mommy and daddy, J'aime and Erik

Another highlight of the visit was just hanging out with my brother Greg, and his gorgeous, gracious, loving and dearest wife Terri. You might guess that she is one of my best friends. We always have the best time together!

Eddie's aunt and uncle hosted us in Atwater, California. Doris and Allen shared their home and family with us, and we agree that stopping to visit this lively group will be a must on our trip from now on.

Feeling well rested, and unpressed for time we decided to check out the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield between Sacramento and San Francisco. It was a fun diversion, made me miss my homeschool field trip days.

Soon we were passing the familiar highway signs of Corning and Orting and the Olive Pit, and then Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta. We spent the night in Grant's Pass, and I swear I was awaken by the 4.1 earthquake they had off the Oregon coast.

The next morning we woke to northwest drizzle, but we were so happy to be back in the land of the evergreens. There is a certain comfort given by being surrounded by green, rich, wet unchanging green. Now as for the rain, I know that it is important in the the maintaining of the green...still sun is preferred.

Entering Washington

Soon we were home in the embraces of our dear, dear friends Carol Kinsman and Connie and Lynn Erickson. The next day we arrived back in Mount Vernon to the hugs and giggles of our little granddaughters!

Princesses Grace, Eddie and Sarah. Grace and Sarah are Josh and Marilyn's little girls.

Our sweet Kaitlyn is Micah and Amanda's baby/little girl. She has grown so much. The first time I saw her get up walk, I was a little surprised...she still is the baby to me!

Back to the River!

Soon we were heading over the mountain to be with the Riverpeople of YD Adventures.

you may think that white stuff along the road and on the mountains is snow, but we call it "whitewater fuel!"

We love driving over Steven's Pass to the town of Plain. This year there is a lot of snow pack, and as it is still very cold, and likely snowing at the top, we are hoping for a long rafting season.

Usually when we go over the mountains from the westside to the eastside of the Northern Cascades, we hit sun around the summit or just beyond.

However Eddie's first trip this season was a bit wet and cool. But somehow that didn't curtail the water fighting! Here he is explaining the finer points of throwing a bucket of water.

The next morning driving home we woke to such clear skies and crystal views. It seemed we didn't get too much sun from them on, but on Mother's Day, which was forcast to be cloudy and rainy, we got a lovely gift of Sun!

A Happy Mother's Day

Well, as you can imagine, spending your Mother's day morning listening to your oldest son preach and your youngest son lead worship with some of your favorite songs makes for a very promising start.

After church we have, for the past several years, gone out to a beach, or hike on Mother's Day. This year we drove up Mt. Erie on Fidalgo Island. The view was breathtaking. So was running around after the little girls trying to keep them a safe distance from the edges of the cliffs!

Best take of the annual Josh Kelley family picture includes Marilyn, Josh, Sarah, Grace and Laura (Marilyn's sister)

Well, tomorrow I start work at Mira Vista Care Center. I have been there since I became a nurse, over 10 years now. They are so gracious to let me leave and let me return every year. I always feel a little nervous getting back on the floor, but as Eddie has reminded me, I always enjoy it.

Bienvenidos A la Casa de Los Abuelos

Here is our "cabin". A 31 1/2 foot Hitchhiker II with 3 sliders. Sometimes it seems big, sometimes it seems small.

It certainly is cozy, as long as the dishes are done and the bed is made, and we keep the floor clear of clutter.



You might wonder how we adjust from living in the heat of Mexico, living in a community of different people, always busy, always planning, always on the go, to the quiet, the cold, the rain and the "just us" of in a "cabin" in the woods.

It has been wonderful to be back with the kids. Our daughters-in-laws are gracious ladies and good mothers, and we love them. Both of our sons and their wives work closely together especially at church. I have already been to two women's activities, as well as worship services and homegroups, and our kids have been right in the middle of it all, as Josh preaches and Micah leads worship.

It is a nice church, some call it of the Emerging Church style. Lots of friendly young people, and also a few folks our age. As Scott Ramin put it, "I am glad to see you back Eddie, now I'm not the oldest one in the church anymore!"

The congregation has grown since we left in November. They focus on community, which can keep one busy, but makes one feel a part of a family, and that is something we are used to in Mexico.

Speaking of Mexico, I find myself checking all of our friends blogs to keep up on what is happening there. I guess I spend too much time on the computer. That is a comment on how I am doing. We still need to get into a routine that will care for our bodies and hearts.

Too often the computer, and some video about the tragedies going on in Myanmar and China takes my time away from the Word. The rain discourages getting out and walking, although yesterday I found that an umbrella makes pleasant a quiet walk with the Lord.

Specific prayer requests:

1) my health and survival in menopause

2)We desire to use our time effectively while here, especially in relationships, and building ourselves spiritually.

3) That the Ixtayutla region freed from its spiritual bondage

4) Please pray that the Lord strengthen us physically and spiritually as we rest and prepare to return to Oaxaca in October.

I posted these photos for the family and friends who would like to see more photos of the kids, here is the latest album. http://picasaweb.google.com/Sweetaabuelita/FamilyPictures