Lifted by so much Light--Scotland, Europe, New York, and More

Three hours and three posts ago, I talked about how awed I feel by all of the goodness in the world, despite some really troubling times.  In reflecting on this, I've decided to share a group of photos that I've been saving, whether for a few months or for a few years.

In one of the most selfless (and fun!) acts I can imagine, Ben and Christy started the tradition of giving all of their nieces and nephews the opportunity to travel the world with them.  As the oldest of the group, Brooklyn was the first to travel.  Skipping her sixth grade promotion, she accompanied Ben and Christy to London and Paris all the way back in 2017.  Hard to believe she was the same age as Annika is now!  She seemed so grown up.  And indeed, her culinary appreciation was highly advanced, as chronicled in her journal here. 

Talia was next in line to travel from our family.  Two years ago she met Ben and Christy in Europe for several breathtaking weeks in Scotland and England.  The experience was so inspirational that it can be best summed up by this photo: Talia's headphones and a blank page with just a single word: Scotland. 

 

Seriously, Talia loved Scotland and has brought it up daily since her sojourn there. She can't wait to travel there again, or even better--study abroad.  Of course, that assumes Jason can manage to let her go

Each trip that Ben and Christy organize is designed with the unique interests of their nieces and nephews in mind.  For Talia, that meant lots of time running and hiking.

Hogwarts Express?

The weather was practically perfect while they were there.  When Talia goes back, she'll have to remember that even though she enjoyed weeks of sunshine, it's the rain that keeps the landscape so luscious and green.  Plus, the sheep love the green grass and she loves the sheep!

Now remember, I said the weather was practically perfect.  They did have their exciting moments of downpour.  And yet they're still smiling!

While Talia and I didn't find this canal when we returned to London last summer, we did repeat their legendary run from Kensington Gardens to Borough Market.

Some day I hope Talia will come back and edit this post with all the details about where they were and what they did.   (I know she has many more great pictures too.)  In the meantime, Ben and Christy, I just want you to know that this trip changed Talia in the best of ways, opening her eyes to new people, new places, and of course, Scotland.

But wait, the fun doesn't end there.  This summer Christy and Ben knocked it out of the park again by taking Eli through England, France, Germany, plus a smidgeon of the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Monaco.  Eli brought his fantastic camera, so he really needs to hop on this blog and add more photos and explanation.  

Always flexible, Ben and Christy pivoted and rearranged this trip on a moment's notice when all travel to Israel was cancelled.  They'd hoped to visit the Holy Land with Eli, but had to replan their entire itinerary while already overseas. Even with the unexpected detour, these weeks together were so meaningful for Eli.  We are mindful of the miracles that kept them all safe instead of stranded in a war zone. And we are so grateful for the many fun experiences they had together--like biking 70 miles along the Danube from Germany to the Czech Republic!

Making homemade pasta at Rixa's house in Nice.

Automobile safari in Monaco.

Walking through the old town of Nice to catch his flight home.  I'd like to say, "there's my boy," but the truth is he's closer to a man.  Ben and Christy, thanks for showing Eli what kind of person he can be.  I think part of the reason I've been so reluctant to share these photos (2+ years for Talia) is because a blogpost feels like far too little thanks for what you've given.  Just know how deeply we appreciate your sharing the world with our family.  

Hard to believe it, but that's still not the end of the generosity. This summer the Wells family treated Talia to a New York vacation supreme.  While Talia's and Eli's trips would have been so special anytime, they were particularly meaningful this year.  Life was kind of rough at home pre- and post-transplant with Annika absorbing the majority of the attention.  While they never complained, our older kids' needs were often overshadowed, if not neglected.  I'm so very glad they had the chance to travel and be themselves without the weight of medical challenges dangling nearby. 

No better way to kick off a light-hearted summer than spending time with the prettiest puppy.

Hello Willow, hello Lake George!

Willow is Katelyn and Ryan's pup.  Congratulations to them on their engagement, as well as to my other cousin Kate's engagement to Nick!  We are SO excited for both couples.

Talia played hard and did more fun things than I can chronicle.  Until she shares her pictures, I'll settle for the ones I have.  Wicked!  You can't get more pampered than a Broadway show.

Oh wait, yes you can.  Butterbeer ice cream.  Yum!

Also, the photographs from this glass observatory at sunset are incredible.

Janet, Alesia, Katelyn, Greg, Alison, and anyone else who pampered our Talia, thank you! This trip was the best High School Senior send-off.  She felt and feels so loved!  It's time for us to pay it forward so come see us soon.  If not, we may have to crash your home for the holidays...  (Wink, groan, blush.)

Okay, I need to go pick up Annika from school, but I'm determined to get this post published. So let me conclude with some wonderful goodness from complete strangers.  This summer Annika attended Camp Hawkins at Camp Wapiti.  This camp is just for kids with congenital heart defects or childhood heart diseases and their siblings.  Staffed by doctors, nurses, and a ton of amazing volunteers, they create a safe place for heart kids to grow and have new experiences. Instead of being an outsider with their heart condition, they can blend in with other kids just like them. Despite the frustration of her miserable mouth sores, Annika still had a marvelous experience and can't wait to go back next year.

All the staff and volunteers.

Thank you!