A Treasured Gift

A couple of weeks ago we had the privilege of having the Coats family here for a mini-reunion.  We had such a wonderful time together.  This was the second time my entire family was able to gather since Mom's cancer diagnosis.  It was a sweet blessing to have that treasured time as I didn't know if my Mom would ever see our new home. 

While my parents were here, my Mom gave us the book she has been compiling on our family's years in Yemen.  We were blessed to spend 5 years in Yemen when I was in elementary school.  In addition to the life-changing experience of living in foreign country, we were able to travel the world.  During that time Mom kept journals and sent frequent letters back to family in the USA.  From those she made this book, complete with hundreds of photos. 

We are having fun reading through it, remembering the adventures we had in the 70's.  The biggest down side is my children asking when we are taking THEM to Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, Africa, etc.  Some things we remember and others we don't remember at all.  In fact, I think it should be stricken from the written record that I EVER owned a cat.  But, it is there, in Mom's book. 

This book is a treasured gift.  A complation of family memories.  But, more than that, it a reminder of a Treasured Mother and Treasured Parents who allowed us to have so many experiences.  To see that world literally and through Jesus' eyes.  To travel the world with three little kids when people thought they were crazy.  I believe it shaped who we all are today and gave us eyes of love for the people of the world.  I treasure that.