“Why is that lady taking a picture of her suitcases in the Barnes and Noble parking lot?” Well, because a friend asked her to do so, of course! “Isn’t that normal?” a woman would ask. Well, as I sit and type this post about the busyness that this week will bring, I decided to let you see a picture of our new suitcases as well. I know, I know. The men won’t care, but the women will say, “Oh, I wish I could have seen them!” It’s a girl thing, guys.

Our older suitcases have finally been relegated to the dumpster bin, having seen better days. If only those suitcases could talk, they would tell you about the way they’ve been mistreated, man-handled, and even lost in our journey over the years. Being ripped and torn from so much abuse, the time has come to discard the old for the new. Such is the missionary life that involves a whole lot of comin’ and goin’.

Speaking of comin’ and goin’, we have lots to look forward to over the next few days. Our kids are coming: Gabe flies in from Portland on Wednesday; John drives in from Asheville on Thursday; and Deb comes in on Amtrak on Friday. If you know anything about missionary families getting together, then you know these family get-togethers are pretty special. Our kids will only be here for a week and, before you know it, we’ll be saying, “Wow, that went by fast!” Would you pray for their safe travel as they come from different directions? Of course, this time we’ll find some comfort knowing John’s not leaving. He’s going back to Haiti with us. Before you know it, we’ll be “goin'” and putting those new suitcases to great use.