Packed . . .

I took this picture to show the giant jade plant that is growing like a tree. There are many of those on this property. As I was looking back through all the pictures to put one final one on of this place, I thought this one was pretty good to show the feel of how it feels to be right here. It's been a real joy. That's Kiamanna, one of the little dogs you see in the picture. (She's the biggest one.)

We're all packed and ready to go except for the last minute things we'll do in the morning. We'll get up early in the morning and feed the dogs and have breakfast. Then we'll clean up the kitchen and load everything into the car. We'll pick up a rental car at the airport at 11 and switch our luggage into the rental car. Karen's plane is due here at noon. We'll hand off her car to her and then we'll spend the day touring around the Kona area. We have been there very little this trip and there is still a lot to see and do. Our plane doesn't leave until 11 p.m.

There are 3 ladies from church going back on the same flight with us: a mother and her daughter, who is going to Flagstaff to college and a good friend, who is going to support them. They are a wonderful 3, so we're hoping we get to sit somewhere near them. It's kind of fun to know someone on the plane besides just the person sitting next to you. It won't make that much difference because we'll all be sleeping, I hope! It was easier to leave church this morning when we were looking forward to flying together tomorrow night.

I thank God, for good friends here, as well as on the mainland. I thank Him for putting us into families, but also giving us each other as family members because He is our heavenly Father. What a concept and joy! I thank God for traveling with us everywhere we go and staying with us at home; another awesome concept!