New Zealand Landscape from Mark and Evan's Trip

Summer just flew by in the Travers' household. I blinked and it was over.

I (sadly) have only Beth Anne and John Luke in my homeschool this year. They dutifully started back to school in July and are well on their way through their first semester. It is a different “season” of life to have self-motivated learners who just wake up each morning and do what they are supposed to do without being asked or prodded. I planned, set their course, and they just took off full sail. I think I may create one of my famous chore charts just to make “old mom” feel better - for nostalgia’s sake, ‘ya know.

We were sad to say goodbye to the twins who lived with us last year. They went back home to their momma. She’s one blessed lady as these young men are quite special to us. Thankfully, they are enjoying their new life in Utah. We are so happy for them, but are selfishly sad for us. We think of them all the time and are reminded of our time together; simply life changing for all of us.

The Lord blessed us with a wonderfully, special and much needed time at the beach. It’s hard to coordinate everyone’s schedule these days with some in college, others with jobs and responsibilities, and of course, it is crazy with our busy ministry schedule. Somehow it all came together at the last minute and we took off for the coast with my mom and dad.

I didn’t realize (I don’t think any of us did) how tired I was or how much I needed that time of refreshing. We thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the green water, the hot white sand, and the cool breezes. The Lord gave us absolutely perfect weather and really, a lot of solitude. My times with the Lord were rich and rejuvenating, and memories made with the family were just what the doctor ordered. Thank you Dad and Mom for graciously providing such a glorious vacation and for sharing your time with us.

We do quite a bit of yard work, gardening, and house projects on the weekends, but togetherness is always the goal. We like to balance our regular chores with some family adventures as well. We have made several trips to the bottom of Noccalula Falls, gone on some very long and hot walks/hikes, practiced target shooting, played Charades and Name that Tune, sang opera together, played bluegrass, and otherwise just enjoyed piling on Mark’s and my bed (mostly at midnight) to talk over life and laugh together.

Our family has enjoyed offering hospitality over the summer. We count it a privilege to share time and our lives with friends old and new - and of course good ole southern hospitality usually includes eating. Beth Anne is such a help with cleaning and food preparations and loves to keep us in order. Mark has been perfecting his grilling technique over the summer, and that makes for some yummy fellowship. Of course each family member contributes in their own way; everyone helping with readying the house and then entertaining (and sometimes babysitting for) our guests. As the kids get older, life certainly gets more interesting!

4 Generations - My Grandmother's 94th Birthday

I can’t believe Fall is around the corner. Just this week, our family has experienced many firsts. Evan started a new job, having been recruited to join an up and coming advertising firm. Graham finished the third part of his CIA exam. No, not the Central Intelligence Agency! Now he adds Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) to his list of initials that follow his name. Christopher continues to help with 3:23 Builders and he completed another CLEP test this week, bringing him ever so close to finishing his degree (just one more class). Michael started college on Friday, beginning his coursework in Kinesiology to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. And, as I already explained earlier in this update, Beth Anne and John Luke started their schooling in July. Lots of changes, many opportunities.

Pray for us to be filled with the knowledge of His will with all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We don’t want to act on or even breathe according to our will - but to live lives subject to His direction and calling. Thank you for your partnership with us.