Preparing for my Scotland Adventure

It's hard to believe that it was nearly three months ago when I found out that my next adventure will be taking me to Scotland! And oh, how those three months have flown by.  Between packing up my life in Seattle into a 5' X 10' box and travelling around the Northwest visiting family, it's been quite a busy few months. 


After getting my acceptance letter from YWAM Seamill in Scotland, I started filling out the 26 page application for a UK Visa (and I thought the 8 page YWAM application was a long one).  But after persevering through the mountain of paperwork, I received my 6 month visa in December and sold a kidney to buy a plane ticket overseas.  Ok, so I didn't really sell a kidney, but the money sure would have helped.  I did end up selling my car before leaving Seattle though, and have spent the last 3 weeks flying here and there and visiting family.  

Me, Paul (4), Rylee (6)

I spent Christmas and New Years in Spokane with my mom where it was wonderful to be spoiled with the smell of fresh brewed coffee every morning when I woke up and waited on hand and foot (yep, I'm the favorite of the children...sorry to break it to you brothers =P ).  The rest and relaxation was wonderful though, and much appreciated when I spent a few days babysitting my niece (6) and nephew (4) for my brother and sister-in-law.  It was such a blessing to spend time with them, and as always, very entertaining!!


From there I jumped on a plane to Billings, MT, to visit my dad and his family.  It was there I had my first new experience of 2011...cruising on down the road in an 18 wheeler.  Apparently my dad had gotten into the trucking business in the 2 1/2 years it'd been since I'd visited him in Montana. Who knew?  It was great to spend some time with him and my step-family...I actually got a few good tips about my upcoming travels as my step-mom is from the UK.

Micah (2), Tobin (3 mn), Me, Elise (4)

Next came my introduction to my newest nephew, Tobin William Strobel.  I headed on down to Boise, Idaho, to visit my other brother and his family who welcomed their third child into their family in October.  With six of us in their cozy three bedroom home, I got to share a room with the baby and all I can say is praise the Lord for noise reducing headphones.  Between Tobin crying and my brother snoring in the next room, it would have made for long nights without them.  It was so wonderful to spend time with them though.  My niece (4) and nephew (2) definitely kept me busy with playing candy land (which I never won) and cars...Lightening McQueen even followed me into the restroom on multiple occasions with the help of my nephew sliding him under the door.  I can still hear him now, "Wachel, here's your car!"  Got to love 'em!  


And now...here I am back in Spokane with my mom.  It unbelievable to think that I'll be leaving one week from tomorrow.  I've spent the last few days tying up loose ends, getting shots, and trying to find missing medical records (so frustrating).  But most of all, I've just been trying to soak in every moment I can with my beloved family.