A bit of summer in the winter

All the Smedes and Robb cousins at the SeaTac airport.

We were able to escape the cold and wet Lima winter for summer in Seattle. The last two weeks of July is a vacation time here in Lima, in honor of Peru's independence day (July 28th). We took advantage of this break (added 2 more weeks) and headed to the Seattle area. Almost all of our extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) surprised us at the SeaTac airport when we arrived. It was a wonderful!

Some highlights of our trip:

- Eliana celebrating her 5th birthday

- connecting with family, particularly the quickly growing cousins

- meeting up with and being encouraged by some of you (there are so many more we would have loved to see)

- enjoying the great Northwest: hiking, berry picking, canoeing and fishing

- Ryan sharing at University Presbyterian Church

- Eliana visiting Disneyland with Grandpa and Grandma

- camping with family

- Mariner's games

- Grandparent outings to various parks

These are just a few of the things we did to fill up most every day we were in Washington. We squeezed out as much time as we could connecting with, being loved by, hearing from and sharing with family and friends. Although we didn't come home rested (not a goal when we go to Seattle) we came home filled and refreshed.

We are so thankful to the Lord.

When we visit Washington and connect with family and friends we are encouraged to be walking together. God calls us to live in community, even community that might not be physically close. Email, Skype, Vonage and yearly visits have allowed us to walk together as we serve Christ in different places. . Thank you, thank you for your obedience to the Lord, willingness to walk with us, care for us, listen to our needs and rejoice in the work He is doing.

Speaking of rejoice...while we were in the states many asked about Gabe's health...he has yet to go to the doctor this year! We are incredibly thankful for good health. The rest of us are also doing well. Ryan struggled a bit upon returning to Lima, with allergies and asthma acting up. He was able to see a doctor and is learning to manage his symptoms better during this season.

Some also asked about our car situation. We were blown away by your quick response, providing the needed money in 2 weeks. It is discouraging to write that we have not purchased a car yet. The one were going to buy didn't work out. We are trying to trust God and seek his guidance in what to do now. Please pray for patience and wisdom.

Ryan was also encouraged when he went back to work and saw how well the staff joined together to manage things while he was gone. Please continue to lift the FH/Peru staff in prayer, for unity, willingness to serve and encouragement.