July ’16 Highlights (Photo Blog)

I was so blessed to spend the month of July in West Virginia with my wonderful family and friends. Although it has its challenges, I really do love the opportunity to have two places that I call home. Here are a few of the highlights from my month in my other home… 

 

You have to just love perfect summer nights… beautiful summer weather, clear skies, roasting marshmallows over a fire and running around the backyard catching lightning bugs with my niece and nephew. 

 

This was a very different month in the States because WV was hit with a devastating flood the same night that I flew in. It was so heartbreaking to walk through the areas that were devastated by the flood, to listen to my cousin recount the night of the flood with tears in his eyes, and to help strangers remove a lifetime of memories from their home. I hated to see all the destruction to my state, but it gave me such hope to see the beautiful hearts of people in our state and around the country coming together to help one another and to restore hope. I loved having the opportunity to do ministry alongside my family. We made several trips to Greenbrier County cooking food and passing out meals. 

 

Yeah, so I know that ice skating isn’t typically a summer activity, but my plans to go with my cousins in December fell through so we rescheduled for the summer. We had a great day on the ice! I’ve always loved ice skating, but this was the first time in years that I had the chance to go. 

 

I was able to go to Parkersburg for a few days to visit Bev, one of my best friends since college. It was so fun exploring Blennerhassett Island and spending hours just chatting about life and sharing our hearts. I’m so thankful for my King College community! 

 

I had the absolute joy to spend a few days in Atlanta with my two life-long best friends, Steph and Amanda. Amanda and I flew down to spend a few days with Steph and her husband Ryan. We had the best time running around the city exploring downtown, going to the food truck park and eating one of the best tapas dinners ever! I am so incredibly thankful for these two ladies and their friendship that has been such a sustaining presence at every stage of my life. I couldn’t ask for better best friends! 

 

Always one of my favorite weekends of the entire year is the Huffman family reunion. I absolutely treasure this time with my family! We have an entire weekend full of food, laughter, whiffle ball and endless stories. I cannot imagine anyone enjoying their family more than we enjoy being together! 

 

After the family reunion, I was able to spend a week at the beach with my family. It was so much fun to be with Joe, Karly and the kids. I love to see my niece and nephews becoming braver in the waves and pools. It was so fun to play with them each day and then to sit around the table laughing and playing games with the adults each night. This was such a relaxing and beautiful week. (My brother and youngest nephew pictured above). 

 

It was so wonderful to have another month with my incredible family! Seriously I could not be more blessed than I am with these beautiful folks. They make my heart full!