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| Stephan and Leah welcome baby brother |
November 6th, 1978, Samuel Dale was born. Phase One of the waiting was over. But, oh so much work remained before our departure from Omro to Virginia on Thanksgiving Day. How did we do it all? How did I survive surgery, nursing a baby, packing, and travel? There is a phrase that comes to mind from the Old Testament "
for he was greatly helped" (2 Chronicles 26:15) I know we were greatly strengthened and helped in the midst of the chaos.
These photos offer clues. They were taken Thanksgiving Day. We must have spent some time at our dear friends, the McMullins, and a high school friend took Stephan and Leah to play in the snow for a last time before heading for milder climates aboard the M/V Doulos.
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| Last snow for five years |
Travel details have mostly faded. Baby and I flew while Daddy and the other two crammed into an overstuffed Suburban and drove to meet the ship and prepare for my arrival. I spent some time with my parents in Winona Lake, IN, before continuing on to Virginia.
It was not easy getting around the airports alone with a two-week old. People helped me along the way.
And it certainly was no easier for Michael, traveling with two young children, moving all our belongings on board and trying to settle into two small cabins before picking me up at the airport.
Those first days and weeks were difficult. Would things get better?
