My last visit to Tennessee

So I left on May 30 to visit my family for 5 days. It was sort of bad timing as I was finishing up school and had quite a bit to do. It was still a great time. I was able to spend time with my brothers and say "goodbye" to them for the next two years. It was good to be in my family's home and to spend time on the porch and in the back yard by the pond. Dan and I often call it the retreat center, because it is so peaceful out in the country. You could spend hours on the front porch, and we often do!

I actually didn't get to see my mom until about 2AM the night I got in. She was at a difficult birth all day/night(she is a midwife) and came to my sisters room to wake me up for a late night chat. I love hearing about how all the births go and what complications there were and how she handled them. I will miss spending that time with my mom.
I also got to see my grandma and lil' cousin from Michigan. I am sooooo glad I got to hug my grandma before heading out to Africa. It was wonderful to see her.
Dan wasn't able to come with me as he was really finishing up school that week. I surely missed him, but it was also good for me to have that time with my family. I accompanied my dad to a show he played in Nashville which was really fun. I also got to catch up with some old friends from high school. It was a lazy yet eventful visit. I got emotional thinking about not going back for a while. I usually make it out there every 6 months!
Over all, it was a wonderful visit. My little sister Abby will be here on Tuesday and is staying with Dan and I until we leave. Needless to say, I am really excited about that! Dan will be taking a few credits this summer, and it will be nice to have the company and the help during this transition.



Mr. Leeson even came to visit! (Beth, Mom, Sally holding a picture of Jesse and Miss Jen, Dad, Joel, and Abby. Amos was taking a nap)
Amos liked hanging out with the guys! (uncle Joel and uncle Jesse)

The "Meeks" women. (Sally, Mom, Abby, and Beth)


Spending time on the porch each morning. Amos loved having meals on the porch! Especially in the old wooden high chair that has officially been passed down through mommy, and his aunts and uncles on the Meeks side.

Joel, Beth, Abby, Jesse, and Sarah:all in our twenties!

Spending time with my little sister, Abby.


Leaving mom is always the hardest!