 |
| Judah was so excited to see Isaac after 7 months apart! |
I haven't written on our blog since we've been back in the States. We arrived back in mid-July and life has been a flurry of travels, reunions, family and many many changes.
First I want to thank God for the amazing vehicle that He provided for our family for these 6 months stateside. This van has been so trusty and carried us safely for many miles.
We have traveled north as far as Michigan, stopping to see friends in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Virginia. We are so thankful for all the people who love us so well, even families who offered to host us who had never even met us before!
 |
| The Fader Family Reunion in MI |
Within our first month back we had a family reunion with both sides of our family and it was so good for our souls to reconnect and be with our loved ones.
We have also been so encouraged by churches and peoples' response to our reports from Uganda. We've had so many generous folks sign up to help support the new prison ministry and more than 25 prisoners have been fully sponsored for Bible teaching!
I don't have pictures to prove it, but Eli wasn't the only one on stage sharing about our life in Uganda. ALL of our boys pitched in including Evan, Josh and even Carson!
One big change in these fall months is that we've enrolled Carson in 1st grade. The first week had its challenges but he's loving it now and we continue to marvel at how beautifully and effortlessly he makes new friends everywhere he goes!!
 |
| His teacher and school have been very understanding about our travels and have enjoyed his stories about life in Uganda. I'll be in the car pick up line to get Carson after school and a random staff member will say, "Hey, Carson told me today about how he hunts monitor lizards!" And of course many other details about our crazy family. |
In mid August we enjoyed a final meal with Evan before taking him to Clemson University. Thankfully it's only 2 hours away from where we live so we even get to see him this weekend for Labor Day weekend!
 |
| Move in Day |
 |
| His roommate is also a Christian |
There have been a lot of adjustments for Evan these first few weeks. Getting settled in his dorm, plugging into Christian community/joining a small group, looking for a campus job, and starting college level classes. We thank the Lord for all the grace He's pouring on Evan.
It's also taken some time for us to adjust to not having Evan around. Judah will walk around the house saying, "Where's Evan?" Or when we're all piling in the car to go somewhere he asks, "Where's Evan?"
Another new thing for Carson is joining a local Christian soccer league. They were short on coaches so Eli offered to coach Carson's team of 5 & 6 year olds.
 |
| At the top of Liberty University Tower |
Once we got Evan off to college, we immediately switched gears and started some college tours with Joshua. Since he is going into his 11th grade year, this was an ideal time to see some schools.
We also spent some special time shopping for his return to school at Rift Valley Academy and a few other fun days with friends.
And alas, today, Eli drove Josh to the airport in Atlanta to fly back to Kenya. We are so proud of this 16 year old who had no fears about traveling alone but knew exactly what to do! He will arrive in Kenya on Friday and head straight to school for his fall term.
Goodbyes sure don't get easier. Hold your loved ones close, my friends. They are a treasure.
Pray that we'll be able to fly Joshua home for his month of Christmas break.
.jpg)
