I haven’t written a blog post since July 17th. That’s seven weeks. I did have a few people guest post for me while I was in Africa, and if you missed any of them here are the links:  https://melodyreid.com/2015/08/01/guest-post-by-…-david-mangrum/ ‎https://melodyreid.com/2015/07/25/guest-post-from-sissy-goff/ ‎https://melodyreid.com/2015/07/20/guest-post-fro…ther-burroughs/ ‎

They are all three worth the read and I am thankful to my mom, Esther Burroughs, my pastor, John David Mangrum, and my friend, Sissy Goff, for their willingness to share their stories on my blog.

But I haven’t written a thing in almost two months. I guess you could say, I took the summer off. And what a summer it has been! I do plan to write about Africa in detail, but today I thought I’d just do a quick recap of my summer so you’d understand why I “haven’t had the time/made the time/taken the time/just didn’t” write.

So we went to South Africa and did a wonderful safari in Kruger National Park.  We saw four of the big five animals ( Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinoceros ). That leopard will have to wait until next year since he decided not to make an appearance. I really enjoyed the safari, especially since two of our three girls were with us. Such a treat.

Here we are stopping to eat lunch one day while in the park. The weather was gorgeous and cool since it was winter there. I did not get the memo that one should dress in neutral colors when one goes on safari, so I was quite the target in my neon pink and orange.

 

Here’s my elephant selfie, which is apparently a thing:

After leaving South Africa we made our way to Chitipa, Malawi, where we did a youth camp for over 300 teens and young adults who participate in a program where they are provided with school fees to continue high school and university. I promise to write more about the camp later, but until then here is a picture of the small group I had the privilege of leading. These are some of the coolest, bravest, most resilient young women I’ve ever met, and I was blessed immeasurably by my time with them.

Driving back to Lilongwe to catch our flight home, we encountered this truck in front of us going through a security checkpoint:

Can you say “scarred for life?” Because I was.

We returned home August 4th and started a bathroom renovation.  Not that it really needed it…

This little corner has actually had mushrooms growing out of it at certain times.  Like the day Anna got married here last summer. You can’t make this stuff up.

The following Sunday, August 9th, our youngest, Frances, began an interim season as the Contemporary Worship Director at our church. Frances grew up at First Presbyterian Greenville, sang in the choir, interned for the Music and Worship Director for two summers, was in the youth group, etc. She sang in the worship band while in high school, and was asked to interim for them this semester while she is finishing up her bachelors degree.  It was a proud mama day to watch my girl lead worship in her home church.

The weekend of the 21st I got to go to New York City for a little reunion with dear friends from my days at the University of Alabama.  There were seven of us, and we literally painted the town.

We shopped, saw two shows, took a crazy rickshaw ride, went to several cool rooftop bars, ate delicious meals, took an open air bus tour, and never stopped talking.  I came home exhausted because I didn’t sleep more than a few hours every night. It’s amazing how you can not see someone for 20 or more years and then literally pick back up the conversation as if it was yesterday. These girls were my dearest college friends, and all of us that are married are still married to our college sweethearts. That’s pretty amazing. They are precious, Godly, authentic women, and I will cherish our time together forever. We’re thinking of making it an annual get together.

I’m beginning to work a little more this fall and the practice I work at added my name to the sign. So excited!

Last weekend, Will and I flew to Tuscon with his aunt and cousin to deal with some family business. I hadn’t been out to Arizona in about 11 years and had forgotten how beautiful it is. We had such a good time catching up with his family and being away by ourselves for a couple of nights. I do love that man and getting time with him away from all the distractions of home and work!Several people have remarked how much Will’s aunt Sidney looks like his dad, Skip, and also that Will and his cousin Reid look alike too.  I agree.

So, I’m back and it won’t be seven weeks before you hear from me again!