Like so many across the nation, the Walkers are figuring out school with Covid. There is nothing like a world-wide pandemic to remind us that we aren’t in control. I enjoyed helping out with the two youngest, who are now homeschooling, because, yeah, sticking a first grader in front of a computer all day for school just doesn’t work that well.
It rained solidly for two of the days we were there so we played lots of card games. Brandi, Daniel and the kids always make us feel so loved and welcome.
Just over a year ago I had to make two emergency trips to Fredericksburg because the Marine Corp sent Daniel to San Diego, after deploying him to Japan for a year sans family. Brandi was really sick and not getting better, being basically a single mom with 5 very active kids. None of this was in the plans.
Covid 19 was not in anyone’s plans. We were supposed to be in Israel right now! I confess: this trip is our consolation prize; not our plan A.
Yesterday, leaving the Walkers, we drove through Richmond, VA, a place that was supposed to have been our launching pad for a more permanent return to service in Israel 27 years ago. In the end we were nearly fatally wounded, emotionally anyway, by misunderstandings that led to betrayal and rejection. It is the most painful experience of my life. (I could get really dramatic here, and it would be true, but I will spare you.)
Suffice it to say, limping back to Tulsa after being ‘sent out’ in glory was not in our plans.
Milton and I are reading Jerry Bridge’s Trusting God Even When Life Hurts every morning as we get on down the road. It’s about the sovereignty of God. What a powerful thing it is to reframe the events of our life and in the world from that perspective. Our plans may be turned upside down, but Nothing, no, Not One Thing is beyond the loving, wise control of God. We can trust Him. All things working together for our good…All things…always.
Somewhere on the road between Fredericksburg and Raleigh, I lay down on the couch and listened to the Hallelujah Chorus. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! He Reigns! Tears flowed and my heart lifted: no matter what happens, and no matter what people say on Facebook or Twitter, God’s got it; for His glory and for our good.
After a great visit with my brother, Carl and his wife, Linda, we continued south, and made our way to Mike’s Farm, where we stayed for the night. (This Harvest Host thing is so great.) Mike’s Farm has a big barn with all things North Carolina in it. We splurged on some wine and some moonshine strawberry jelly! They also have a homestyle restaurant with fantastic fried chicken, scrumptious corn, and delictable biscuits. As you can see, we made friends with some of the animals.
This trip may not have been our plan A, but we are truly enjoying it. God is good!
Eyes on Jesus!
Odom's Odyssey 
Oh wow…I love the young Odom family photo…cuties, all of you❣️When I begin to overthink whatever is going on in my life, which right now is searching for a good used car, I keep hearing, “I’ve got your back. I’ve got you covered.” Even with the small details of life, God sees me. He knows me. He’s with me. And indeed…He’s got me covered. I choose to run under the shadow of Almighty God. “The Shadow Knows.”
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Yes, He’s got you covered! I pray with you for the perfect car!
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so glad you are enjoying your trip and getting time with so many family and friends. love you
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Love you too!
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Like all the pictures
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Wish I had gotten a good picture of you!
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