WEEEEE'RRRRRREEEEEE BBBAAAAAACCCCCKKKK!!!!

It's been a while.  Too long and yet not long enough. Let me tell you why.

Tomorrow we load up the 5 Kids in the Car and set off on a new adventure.  This is exciting and bittersweet all at the same time.  You have watched our vacations via this blog since Isaiah celebrated his 2nd birthday.

Next week we'll celebrate another of his birthdays on the road- his 9th!  While this is awesome and yes, time flies, what has me most saddened in the back of my mind is that this is Rachael's last childhood vacation. Both she and Lauren will turn 18 in the coming year and start out on their own. I swear they are still tiny little girls just playing dress up but alas,

Rachael has been graduated and leaves for her adult life soon but this summer, oh this summer I am going to cherish each precious moment as desperately as I can.  This is the last family vacation where they are all "officially" kids.  So assume correctly, that I am going to be basking in each moment, each memory and blubbering about it along the way;  I'm going to be treasuring up each conversation, each walk, each new discovery in my heart.  I am so thankful that we have an amazing country to travel and explore.

We decided as soon as we knew we were pregnant that family vacations would always be a priority no matter the circumstances that life brought us.  I'm so thankful that Jason and I agree that experiences are the greatest material possession we can give our kids.  They are thankful we feel this way and are SUPER excited to hit the road in epic DeKelSki fashion.  These trips have given us the opportunity to see them grow in size and age but also, spiritually and in experiences as they learn about our history, get a vision for their futures and learn about all the wonderful people and places that make America great!

If you are new to these parts and this is your first road trip with us.  Let me introduce the DeKelSkis. The DeKelSki Family is actually three in one.  We like to model the Trinity in as many things as possible.  We're going to be touring the same areas as one another this trip but not necessarily at the same time or same order but we are super blessed to have friends that are truly family to share these experiences with.  So stay tuned as you'll be hearing more about them.  Here we all are in the most recent past DeKelSki Road Trip-Yellowstone Edition.
 

So get ready to go on our Red, White and Blue Road Trip as we explore the United States of America once again- East Coast Edition!!!!! I can't wait to see so many of our nation's treasures including our family and friends along the way!   

Denial

So, I'll admit it.  I'm in denial.  There is no way that tomorrow is our last full day at Disney.  I don't want it to be true.  If tomorrow comes and it is in fact our last day, then that means that tomorrow, Jena Grace will be 10.  If Jena Grace is 10, that means that only ONE of my children has a single digit age.  If I only have 1 single digit aged child, that means I'm old and their childhoods really are almost over. And if their childhoods' are really almost over, I really really really really need this vacation to last. I realized ya'll are a little behind our trip. Saturday, the 7th was a fabulously wonderful lazy day.  We slept in and then headed to the waterpark.  You can find my commentary on that adventure on facebook.  Rach and Ru got to spend the night at Magic Kingdom with Toby Mac, Francesca Battistelli, Plumb, Newsboys and Mandisa!  I was jealous but so glad they had a great time. The rest of us spent the evening at Epcot and the Illumination Fireworks show.  Again, this update is pointing out to me how big they are all getting.  I mean, Rach had a Cinderella party when she was 3 and now she is roaming the Cinderella Castle grounds by herself.  Ruth had a Lilo and Stitch party when she was 4 and now she is taller than the Stitch character!  How did this happen?  Sunday was a Jason and Jana day, that we let the kids tag along on.  We took them all to their first NFL game, if you can call it that, because the Jaguars didn't seem to know they had one.  The poor Jaguars had a horrible opening day, in a beautiful stadium, where we only saw them get 2 first downs.  2! First Downs!  It was dismal, but the stadium workers were super sweet and helpful, the mascot entrance was amazing as he bungy jumped from the the top of the stadium all the way to the center of the field, and the fans were hilarious chanting Tebow 30 minutes into the game. We then made a quick side trip to Jacksonville Beach which is clean, beautiful and the water is perfectly clear.  The kids stepped into the Atlantic Ocean for the first time.  Unanimously, they decided to talk us into Cracker Barrel for dinner, completing another wonderful day in Florida.   Which brings us to today.  Today, was a very early start and seems that it will be a very late finish.  We started the day at Ohana's for breakfast with Lilo and Stitch.  It was yummy, fun and we had a beautiful view of the water and Cinderella's Castle.  We headed straight to Animal Kingdom where we spent the whole day.  They have the coolest atmosphere with all natural surroundings and amazing ride experiences.  We had walked 4.5 miles by noon, as well as traveled back in time to rescue a dinosaur-twice, visited Mt. Everest to see the Yeti 3 times for the 3 bigs and twice for Jason and I, and miracle of miracles, we got Jena and Isaiah on it too!  Isaiah was kicking himself for not riding it all three times because it was AWESOME!  Funny, Isaiah aside.  He was working on a Wilderness Explorer Badge and a cast member who was teaching them about animal sounds asked him what he thought the frog was trying to tell them with their sound if they could speak English.  I promise you, I can not make this stuff up.  He told her the frog was saying, "I hate you"!  WHAT?????  Where does he come up with these things????  A major highlight to our day, speaking of Wilderness Explorers was when we got to meet Russell and Dug, from UP.  They are a huge favorite in our family and if any of you have heard the story of why Isaiah calls Rachael, "Master" you know why.  So we were visiting with Russell and I asked the cast member what time we could meet Dug.  He told me maybe later in the day but we weren't sure when he would be able to appear if at all.  No problem, we said we'd check back.  Literally about 2 minutes later, we walk back past Russell and Dug is there with him!  YEA!  So we hop back in line to meet Dug. We were last in line and they put the rope up to close off the line.  Then a new cast member asks if we will get out of line and come with her.  We follow her off to the side where she tells us that she heard we had already met Russell and were really interested in meeting Dug.  She told us if it was okay with us, she'd like to take us to a special meet and greet with him because he was going to be leaving and we wouldn't get to see him otherwise.  So 2 minutes later we had a special one on one session with Dug where he hugged us and signed autographs and took a special picture with just Rachael and Isaiah.  Definitely going to frame that one!  The star treatment didn't stop there for us as Ki was selected to be the Lion representative of our section in the Lion King show!  He did a great job and it is an AMAZING SHOW!  I love the Lion King as many of you know and it was a great time.I even got to have my picture taken with Rafiki.  Yes, I was totally acting like Buddy the Elf when he met Santa.  Don't judge.  It was even better when all the kids sans Ruth (sorry, Ruth) were selected to be in the big finale of the Lion King.  Now the 3 littles were selected for their adorable selves.  Rachael was begged, and I mean begged with pouty lips and pleading eyes to please please please join the Leopard in the parade for her "perfect smile".  When the little boy behind us asked his Dad why he didn't get picked to go up and be in the show, the Dad nailed it when he answered," Because that Leopard is flirting with that girl".  Needless to say, they all did a great job and Rachael added a wink from a guy in a warthog costume to her day, so hey, at least she has options.  Just in case that wasn't enough, don't let me fail to mention, I too was selected to be in the African street party. Dancing. Badly. Yea.  Okay, enough about that.  So, while I normally sign off that I'm heading to bed.  Not tonight.  Tonight we're going to ring in Jena Grace's 10th birthday at midnight.  At Hollywood Studios.  Yes, we're crazy.  We're heading out to another park.  Of course, Jason, Rachael, Ki and Isaiah have to get home from their Starbucks in Epcot excursion first. Like I said, it's almost our last day and I have to savor every second of it.

 Thanks for traveling along with us!

Things Just Work Out Here

I've come to realize today why so many people flock to the Disney Empire and spend thousands of dollars to visit.  Things just work out here.  No matter how you mess things up on your own, Disney is ready with your back up plan.  We started out this morning right on time.  Half way to the Magic Kingdom, Isaiah whispers in my ear, "I forgot my lanyard."  You're kidding right?  The 5 times I asked does everyone have your card apparently did not apply to him.  We had been right on schedule to meet Merida.  It's all Jena has been waiting for since we told them we were coming.  A morning with Merida.  So as to keep everyone happy, Jason and I came to the conclusion that we would split up and I would return to the resort to get his card.  That was until our happy smiling bus driving informed me, no worries, guest services will just give you a new one.  Three minutes later we were back on track.  Crisis adverted.  Fast forward past a wonderful time with Merida, who Jena was so excited to meet she had tears in her eyes and was almost speechless.  Fast forward past a hilarious encounter where Rachael found out she hasn't met her Prince Charming because her Fairy Godmother has been intoxicated but Cinderella's Fairy Godmother is going to have a talk with her.  Fast forward past a hilarious encounter with Gaston where we were all enthralled with his narcissism.  He informed the lady in front of us that it was a good thing that she had a fan because she was going to need it because of him.  Because he's hot.  He didn't want to sign the autograph books because they are in fact, books.  Without pictures. Oh the horror!  It was awesome.  Even Jason was so entertained, he had his picture taken with Gaston.  We had a fabulous lunch at Be Our Guest and despite finding out my children hate French food, it was a fabulous experience. Fast forward past a wonderful day of rides and shows.  Wonderful rides like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, where Rachael tried to lose her cellphone when it fell out of her back pocket.  Worried, she raced back in where the wonderful cast member asked her if he had found it and were to open the screen saver, what would he find.  She informed him it was a picture of her and Aladdin.  It was in fact, her and Aladdin on the recovered phone and after being told what a nice picture it was returned to her.  Another crisis averted.  Fast forward past the Celebration Parade where the kids made fun of me because I was jumping up and down without realizing it calling out the characters, "Jafar, Jafar over here!  Hi, Jafar!  Belle, Belle, it's Belle!  Genie!  Hi Genie!  Oh my goodness, it's the Princesses!  Hi Princesses!!!!!" and on and on like I too was 8 years old.  The parade led to a torrential downpour that sent us sprinting into the Hall of Presidents for an amazing presentation where Jason and I were giddy with excitement.  The kids humored us.  We promised them homeschool credit.  Morgan Freeman narrated a wonderful exhibit of patriotism and passion for our country.  Any other day a thunderstorm would delay or disrupt the plans but not at Disney, the cast members in the shops turned into improv performers and comedians, the indoor rides became shelters and no one was any worse for the wear.  It just works out.  Fast forward and you'd see Isaiah winning Disney Character Bingo at our resort because the pool had to close for the storms.  You'd never know or care that wasn't your first choice for the evening. With a smile, they just turn the negative into a positive. Even when we made it to Chef Mickey's for our Character Dinner and I realized I forgot the autograph books and started to feel like a horrible mom, it worked out.  No problem for Disney.  I was given a hand written letter from Liz the manager, who gave me permission to come back another night to just run in and get the kids books signed!  It just works out here and after all the stress and heartache in the world, I'm thankful that there is a brief oasis from the outside humdrum. It's a good reminder that sometimes it's just the attitude that we face our difficult circumstances with that makes all the difference.  As I write this, I'm amazed at how many wonderful memories are running through my head that I didn't even touch on!  I appreciate you traveling along with us.  Tomorrow is a sleep in day, a visit to a waterpark and wherever else we head on a whim.  The kids are all sound asleep and I'm ready to join them. 

Ohana Means Family

Ohana means family and a really filling family style restaurant where we had another fabulous dinner on Day 3 of Disney.  It amazes me how much fun we can really have together.  Don't get me wrong.  We have our moments where we snap at each other, or the kids shove one another out of the way, or I get a little short tempered and have to apologize but overall we'll throw out the bad in forgiveness and just take home the memories of the good times.  Today, we had a LOT of good times.  We had a nice relaxed breakfast at our resort where Mickey waffles were the order of the day and then we meandered over to Hollywood Studios.  We started off our visit getting caught up in a street performance where Ki was selected to do a juggling trick and Jason was hit on by "Paige Turner" because of his "Don Johnson sunglasses" and "extra pockets".  It was hilarious and the kids were super excited to be a part of the show.  We checked into the Tower of Terror Hotel next where Jena froze up at the last minute and Jason and she sat out that ride.  The kids and I had a blast though and I think she regretted sitting it out because she was all in to try Aerosmith's Rock N Roller Coaster.  In all fairness, Jason and I had NO CLUE that there were 2 loops and a corkscrew in black light and neon when we told her we thought it just went fast and had the corkscrews.  Weren't we surprised to find out otherwise BUT Jena Grace was SUPER proud of herself and was so glad she did!  She ended up tackling the Tower of Tower and riding Aerosmith with me in the last car! We are so proud of her overcoming her fears and finding out that this is what we've been trying to tell her all these years.  I told her she is ready to turn 10 now.  She further surprised us tonight by engaging in our football conversation and she is even retaining some of the rules of the game.  It was a proud moment for Jason and I.  Ruth checked off an item of her bucket list when we ate her birthday lunch at Pizza Planet and it was really good!  I can't believe all the food they give you on the dining plan.  We really enjoyed several of the attractions at Hollywood but all agreed we enjoyed Epcot just a bit more.  We have interesting conversations when we're just hanging out and I think that is the part I really enjoy the most.  Jason, Isaiah, Ruth and I have especially enjoyed celebrating a New Year's Night tonight with the launch of NFL football and we even got some glimpses of the first half at dinner.  Good thing Jason and has good eyes and could see around the tiki heads to the tv in the bar.  We're snuggled up and ready for a short night sleep to head to the Magic Kingdom tomorrow.  Oh, and if you've ever wondered why we aren't Amish, Isaiah explained it tonight when he out of the blue told us, we couldn't be Amish because we like to sleep in.  Now you know what precludes us from that option.  Like I said, I love hanging out with my Ohana.  Because Ohana means Family.

Disney Day 2

Whew!  My little piggies are sore.  According to my phone we walked 16, 758 steps today from 9am-7:15pm.  We squeezed a lot of fun into those steps.  It has been such a huge blessing to explore and laugh and just make memories with my kids. We've met Princesses, Chipmunks and whatever Goofy is, explored countries, laughed and ate.  Jason and Rachael were 2 of the first customers at the brand new Starbucks of Epcot.  Jason went through a military training workout with Mulan.  Rachael made Jasmine jealous by asking to be in a picture with just Aladdin.  Jena found Mary Poppins in a topiary. We talked Tea Parties with Alice and even celebrated 5 unbirthdays and 2 birthdays. The entire family went Soarin' and loved it.  We went on a Mission to Mars and no one got sick. Rachael and Isaiah designed an award winning car.  Jason and I designed a car that came in first place in a test drive with 3 other cars.  We sent silly emails from the Future to the Grandmothers.  We ate in an aquarium where Mickey was on an underwater dive.  We rode rides, we learned things and we walked, and walked and walked.  There were no complaints.  I'm having to let go of some of my administrative tendencies.  But overall, Epcot was a huge hit.  Tomorrow we are heading to Hollywood Studios but now, now I am heading to bed.

Oh by the way, how do ya'll like my new car?  Just kidding, my kids are wearing this car on their teeth disguised as braces.

 

We Made It To Disney!

Hi everybody! We made it! We are in Disney World! I can't believe that we are actually here. After only one evening I never want to leave. This morning, we left our hotel in Pensacola (which was so fun by the way) and hit the road. Once we had left, we realized we had a miscalculation concerning our route to Disney. It was going to take longer to travel to the magical world than we had originally thought. But we kept on traveling. Today's backseat presentations included Mulan and Hercules, two of my favorites. I absolutely love the parts we get to ride to and from in the car with my sibs. We have so much fun laughing and joking, making memories. So once we entered the Disney park I was absolutely amazed. I can't believe how all of this awesomeness started from a mouse cartoon. We got checked into our resort, which is absolutely fabulous, and changed quickly into dinner clothes. We took a bus from our resort to Epcot, to try to dine with the Princesses. The second we stepped off the bus I was amazed! Everyone was so nice, and as the sun set the Epcot golf ball looked absolutely amazing. I think Jena Grace (who was wearing her Merida dress) loved how many people called her Princess, Birthday Girl and Merida. We found a map and marched our way to Akershus. They let us in and as soon as we got inside the castle themed restaurant we got to meet Belle, who is my absolute favorite Disney Princess of all time! She thought it was amazing that we were brothers and sisters, and told us all about Chip and his family. Then she asked if we played hide and seek on our castle, and told us how Beast liked to play, but his tail always gave him away. We were sat down right after getting our pictures taken. After our waitress took our order, we got to go to the appetizer bar which was really good! They had some seafood different kinds of breads, meats, cheeses and salads. When I came to sit back at our table, Princess Ariel was signing my autograph book and making conversation with my brothers (she even gave Ki a kiss and called him prince)! We asked where we were from, and if we had to swim the Gulf of Mexico to get here. She was way super sweet. Her visit was followed by Snow White's, who asked why we only had five dwarfs with us instead of seven, Princess Aurora, who told Jena Grace all about her failed birthday cake, and Rachael's favorite, Cinderella. Cinderella complimented our dresses and asked if we were going dancing after dinner, and said that after dinner with her friends, she wanted to dance with her prince. Rachael told her how she had Cinderella school supplies, and she thought that Rachael was too kind. Jena Grace and Isaiah participated in a Princess Parade, where they strolled around the restaurant with the princess, practicing their royal waves. I had such a good time and it was such an amazing experience! Can't wait to get out there tomorrow! This is seriously a dream come true!

-Ruthie-

Princess Jena Grace's Birthday Party Part 1

Wow!  What can I say?  This truly is the Magical Kingdom.  We were running behind schedule due to some travel issues so I was a little stressed when we showed up 2 hours late for our dinner reservation but Disney had it all taken care of.  We were ushered into a magical castle where we had a nice visit with Belle.  She informed us that Beast isn't as good as Chip and his brothers and sisters at hide and seek.  She also wished Princess Jena Grace a happy birthday.  We were then given a wonderful treat of fabulous food and visits with 4 more Princesses.  We chatted about Dinglehoppers with Ariel, who thought Ki had fabulous manners and was a true Prince.  He was rewarded with a kiss on his check and his blush matched her lipstick.  Snow White was surprised we only had 5 dwarfs instead of 7 but we informed her it worked for us this way.  Princess Aurora and Jena Grace had a lovely discussion about Aurora's mishap with her birthday cake and her fairy godmothers and she even enlisted the knights Ki and Isaiah to slay a dragon for her.  Cinderella and Rachael shared a special moment when Rachael informed her she had all Cinderella school supplies and shared her love of shoes.  After our personal visits, Jena and Isaiah were invited to join in a Royal Procession where Ariel again stopped by to visit "her prince".  The food was amazing and I'm so thankful for the free dining plan we have been blessed with.  It was a perfect meal and we were all smiles.  I couldn't believe it when our waitress then came out with a special gift from the princesses just for Princess Jena Grace!  A special sprinkles and gummy bear cupcake with a signed birthday card from all the Princesses!  She was instructed to make a very special wish before blowing out her candle because after all-here wishes are magical!  Can't wait to enjoy a full day tomorrow!  Thanks for following along!

Are we there yet????  This is a standard joke of traveling and one we've made many times with our kids.  For the first time ever though, we have a kid that used it in context.  For real.  We left Rosenberg yesterday after a fabulous morning at church, a filling lunch with my parents and hit the road.  Not 30 minutes into the trip, Isaiah began the dreaded mantra.  I couldn't believe it.  He was raised better than this!  We have been traveling with our kids for 16+ hour trips since Rachael was literally 6 weeks old.  They know the road trip is a way of life for us.  They know the joy is in the journey.  That all ended apparently yesterday when we began our trek to visit the Magical Kingdom and the Magnificent Mouse.  He was just too excited!  He even knew that we'd be spending 2 nights in Pensacola but he didn't care.  Every hour and a half we'd hear it come from the backset.  "Are we there yet?"  It was actually a very different drive for us.  It was the first time that our kids had experienced us traveling east.  They added 4 new states to their lists.  Louisiana, we saw an alligator on the side of the road in a swamp.  In Mississippi, we saw several billboards helping raise awareness for human trafficking.  In Alabama, we saw NASA and even found a great Oldies radio station to which we sang along much to the joy of the children.  Then we entered Florida and found we all had a strange craving for orange juice.  Our hotel is pristine and while we have never had a bad stay at a Spring Hill Suite this one is especially nice.  We found out why when I was talking to an employee and he told me they had only been open since Thursday.  Well, okay then.  At least we don't have to worry about too many germs in our room!  Yea!  After a great hot breakfast this morning, we went to explore the Sunshine State.  In a torrential downpour.  First stop was the Naval Aviation Museum.  Can I just say if you haven't been and you are planning a trip to Pensacola or anyplace close, add this stop to your itinerary!  It is a free museum with tons of planes and helicopter cockpits for the whole family to try out.  There is also a nice little battleship playland, if you have little ones.  We splurged and saw the IMAX Magic of Flight and it was amazing.  While the kids liked everything, I think it was especially amazing for me.  My dad knows this but I (Jana) have always been fascinated with the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels.  Having seen them in action and loving every minute of it, it was neat to be "in the cockpit" with them through the IMAX experience. There are tons more planes and memorabilia to explore and learn about including an underwater experience where you learn about planes they have recovered from WWII training in Lake Michigan.  It was truly a great experience. 
Following the Naval Aviation Museum, we left to find that we were indeed in the Sunshine State with 200% humidity and 95 degrees.  On the base with the museum, is also the first lighthouse on the Gulf Coast.  Jason has always wanted to climb to the top of a lighthouse and as our vacation motto goes, "as long as we're here".  Jason, Ruth, Ki, Jena Grace and Isaiah changed out of their flip flops, put on their climbing shoes and headed to the top.  They got a great view of the fleet of Blue Angels, the ocean and Rachael and I at the bottom.  After a nice lunch, we headed to the beach.  We got some great pictures and then we got to see an incredible thunderstorm roll in over the emerald water and got drenched!  We played in the rain for a bit but then the lightning came and we had to make a break for the car.  We were rewarded with a beautiful rainbow over the bay and then a relaxing evening at the hotel.  Tomorrow is the day they have been waiting for-Disney!  And then I can finally answer Isaiah's question with a Yes, we're there!  M-I-C, see ya real soon, K-E-Y! M-O-U-S-E!!!!!!!!!

3 Days Till Disney

Okay, so after many many requests and despite the fact that Rachael won't have one single National Park to tell you all about, it is time to get everyone back on board with our vacation blog.  So get ready and join us as we take on the most Magical Place on Earth!  

I'm a Sparkly Jewel....I'm Just Sayin'

So the past couple days have been super crazy busy awesome!!!!  We are having an amazing time. The past two days, I have been part of a retreat that 9 women from our team hosted for the staff of aftercare homes, foundations or organizations that help in the transition from trafficking to freedom.  These women are my HEROES!!!! They are super super sweet kind and drained from constantly pouring out into the lives of these girls and it was such an honor to be able to encourage them and love on them.  We had some great sessions and I was so honored to be able to teach and share in a few of them.  We also just had fun playing games and laughing as sisters in Christ.  We introduced them to fun foods like brownies, fudge, Texas Trash, Pop Rocks and Ring Pops.  What could be more fun than that?!?

It was humbling to hear their stories and hug their necks and just say thank you.  At the end of the second day, one of the organizations presented each of us with a piece of jewelry that had been made by the girls who are trained and given their freedom through fair trade.  The gift is extremely precious to me but even more so was a story they shared.  They said that there is a precious jewel made from taking 9 different precious stones and making them into one beautiful jewel.  It is called "Navaratan".  They told us that we were that precious jewel to them for taking the time to come and pour back into them so that they could continue in God's strength to do the work they are called to do here in Kolkata everyday.  What an honor and a privilege to be a part of a team of precious jewels!  

Rachael and 9 other women are also pretty amazing and special, who have been serving in the slum village school for the last three days.  I prayer walked there today but I also got to see them being Jesus with skin on to the most adorable little ones.  It was a joy to watch my daughter laughing and singing with the kids, to see one of my best friends weep over the plight of those kids and for her heart breaking as she had given a little piece of herself to each one of them, to see women from all walks of life and background leave their families and jobs to come all the way around the world to love on people-WHAT AN HONOR!!!  To hear the hearts of the servants that have a vision to change the world for this village, that toil day in and day out, and to build friendships with people that I would never have met if I hadn't answered God's call on my heart. 

Pray for the safety of these children, there are so many acts of evil we have seen firsthand, and they need our prayers.  Pray for our team as we press on.  We love you all!

Welcome Back!

As many of ya'll know, my oldest daughter and I are back in India.  Today is our 2nd day on the ground and it was an amazing day.  The day started after Ra went to bed at 5:45pm, last night, and I followed at 7:15pm.  We both slept well and were excited to start the day.  I had an amazing devotional this morning on Psalm 10.  Some verses that stood out were:

vs 2: In arrogance the wicked relentlessly pursue the afflicted; let them be caught in the schemes they have devised
vs 4: In all his scheming, the wicked arrogantly thinks: "There is no accountability, since God does not exist."
vs 7-8: Cursing, deceit, and violence fill his mouth; trouble and malice are under his tongue. He waits in ambush near the villages; he kills the innocent in secret places. His eyes are on the lookout for the helpless; he lurks in secret like a lion in a thicket. He lurks in order to seize the afflicted; he seizes the afflicted and drags him in his net.

This is what so many of the ladies have to deal with and what they are facing.  They are "beaten down and oppressed" because of the evil man's strength.

vs11: He says to himself, "God has forgotten; He hides His face and will never see."
vs 12: Rise up, Lord God! Lift up Your hand.  Do not forget the afflicted.
vs 14b: The helpless entrusts himself to You; You are a helper of the fatherless.

This makes me think of all these precious ladies that I knew I would be seeing and getting to love on.  They are crying out or questioning what purpose their life has.

vs15-18: Break the arm of the wicked and evil person; call his wickedness into account until nothing remains of it. The Lord is King forever and ever ; the nations will perish from His land. Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will listen carefully, doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed so that men of the earth may terrify them no more.

God told me today, that as Lord and King forever, He hears them, He will strengthen their hearts.  He listens carefully and does just for the fatherless and the oppressed so that men of the earth may terrify them no more.  How?  How does He do that?  The answer in general-However He chooses.  Today, for me, that answer was through our team and through me.

Today, God allowed me to enter a major red light district and love on precious ladies who are tasting and experiencing freedom for the first time.  While one could say,"you're just doing mani/pedis" or "you're just telling stories", "how does that help"- God told me today, that it's His proof He is hearing them, He is strengthening their hearts.  He is calming them so that they the men of the earth cannot terrify them.

Ra sang the Superchick song "Beauty from Pain" and it was so precious as a mom to see her loving on women that the world ignores as special and beautiful.  The world is wrong.  These women made today amazing as I got to laugh and sing and just enjoy being women with them.  I'm so proud of our team as they did an amazing job and are such encouragement.  I love hearing their stories and getting to know them on a whole new level.  I'm so thankful for Jason and the kids back home and my Mom who are holding things together there so I can be a part of this.  As you wake and read this, know that I'm praying for you and I'm thankful for you being a part of this journey by praying for us.

one kid a mom and a long plane ride

Dubai! Rachael and I are having a blast. So blessed to share this time with her and our amazing team!

The House Portion of the Trip is Complete

Today was a very bittersweet day! This morning I had to hug my favorite Kelley's goodbye! Today is also the day that all the DeKelSki's split up and go our own way. We had so much fun. We played cards, fed 12 children more food than I even want to remember, we laughed, we cried and we built memories that we will never forget with our family.

The house was in an ideal setting and I am so thankful that for the second time we found a great house for a great price and it was not misrepresented to us in any way. The kids were great, although, it was very obvious to Jason and I that our "little girls" are definitely closer to their way out than they are to being little! Jason really freaked me out when he pointed out that Rachael only had five summer vacations left until college! Aggghhhh! So thankful for the time she wasn't hiding from us in the basement with her girlfriends :-)

The sweet part of today was all the laughter and fun we had traveling through some of our favorite movies. For those of you that know Jason and I really well, you can attest to the fact that our entire family, even the kids, talk in movie lines. Napoleon Dynamite is one of our favorites. So today, we toured all the major haunts from the film in Preston, Idaho. We even got to go in the high school, even though they thought we were there to register Rachael at first :-) Again, freak me out! We laughed so hard as we recalled all the funny scenes as we toured the town.

We stopped randomly in Logan, Utah at a Chic-Fil-A. We were so excited to find a place with sweet tea, we could barely stand it. It was really funny, when the manager that had taken our order asked if we were traveling and where we were from. Turns out, he grew up in Katy, TX and worked for 9 years with many of Jason's students at the Mason Road location. He and his wife moved to Utah in May when they became proud owners of the Chic-Fil-A location where we ate today. When I asked, what made him ask where we were from, he told us that anytime somebody orders sweet tea as confidently as we did, he knows they are traveling from somewhere in the south! Amen, brother!

We then headed to Salt Lake City, Utah. It is pretty, all nestled in the side of the mountain. We went to Tabernacle Square, the State Capital, the Salt Lake and our favorite spot was East Salt Lake City High School where High School Musical was filmed. We were just excited to take pictures in the front of the school but then a janitor came out, invited us in and gave us the tour and then left us to roam the school and get as many pictures as we wanted. It was really fun. The funniest part is the fact that Sharpay's locker is still painted pink :-) Those made for some cute pictures.

We were able to come back to the hotel pretty early, have a great pizza party in our room, veg out and watch some tv and now the kids are heading to bed. Tomorrow is a long day to head into Denver. We're excited to see some snow up in the Rockies before heading back to the heat wave of the century!

Thanks for sharing our trip with us. Can't believe that we're almost done! Just four more days!

Ruth

Ruth "The Nerd"- Sup!? I am having a blast on vacation! I can't believe it's almost over. So far one of my favorite parts was for sure our trip to Jackson Hole. Although we didn't meet Harrison Ford, we think we saw his private jet taking off! ;). I absloutely loved Seven Brides for Seven Brothers! It was the best musical I have ever seen! It was absolutely amazing! I loved our seats! Lauren bought some of the songs on I-Tunes and now we are listening to them NON-STOP! I think today's song we have been singing the most is Sobbin' Women! The best song in the musical! Yesterday we went on this amazing float trip and we finally saw our moose! 3 of them! We saw a mommy and little baby moose! It was pretty amazing! We have been playing lots and lots of Minnesota Rumy (which is almost like Phase 10) with Indiana Jones playing cards. I absolutely love Idaho! It is so pretty out here! I am going to be very hot when we get back to Houston, considering the high to day is 80. I am looking foward to the Olympic Training Center! I am so excited to go and see where my favorite Olpymic athletes train! Excited to be home and see everybody, but until then
Pufi Out! *PEACE!*

What's Been Up

Hey friends! We have been having a fabulous time. The weather here is the highlight of our trip. Its is about 50 degrees right now compared to the 150 in Houston. Since we last posted, we have been to Jackson,WY. WE LOVED THE TETONS! We had the best bbq lunch ever at Bubba's. We had a Sloppy Bubba, which for those of you that are curious is bbq brisket mixed with bbq pork served on garlic toast. We crossed Jenny Lake by boat and were told that the water was only 56 degrees. We then hiked up to Hidden Falls and it was well worth it! Jena Grace got a little light-headed but otherwise all the kids did fabulous. We left the park and headed back into town for the GREATEST musical ever! Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The cast owned it! They were super animated and really entertaining. The boys loved it when the fight scene was done in total slow motion, including one of the actors "falling" on Isaiah. Rachael loved it when Adam sang to her as if she was one of the girls in town who was a possible marriage prospect. We have been begging Jason to take us back the three hours to Jackson so we could see it again! Yesterday, we went to several places of entertainment. The St. Anthony Sand Dunes where Napoleon Dynamite's Grandma went on her date. We spent the whole day with just our family and it was really a fun special time for us. We also went to Harriman State Park, twice. We went once during the day and toured the Railroad Ranch, which was special since my Dad worked for the Harriman's and even had lunch with one of the founder's grandson. It was gorgeous and the tall evergreen trees made us ready for Christmas to arrive. We went back at dusk to hunt for moose. We found 5 beavers instead. We did get a fabulous picture of very fresh moose poop. But alas, the moose evaded us. Another highlight of the day was taking the kids for their ice cream award that they won a few days ago for finding all 50 license plates! Yeah! Today, was a fabulous day of card games, talking and eating great food here at this gorgeous house. Please pray for Jason as he has been in a lot of pain from his neck. Otherwise, we have been blessed with healthy and happy kids! We are going to go back to the park one more day but not sure which one. I also want to get up early and do a day a bird watching as there are some fabulous creatures here that I'd love to learn more about. The kids are loving spending time with their DeKelSki siblings. We only see them around meal times :-). Can't believe we just have a few more days at the house and then we head on to the final legs of our trip. Hope ya'll are enjoying the trip with us! Thanks for following along! Jana

Rachael's blog!

I am scared of rabbits to begin with. We saw one while Emily and I were running yesterday and it scared me to death. But not as much as the ghost stories we told each other last night! We did not meet Harrison Ford but I got quite a few pictures of his land that he owns in the Tetons.
We went and saw a 7 brides for 7 brothers play and it was amazing! I loved it! We got front row seats too which was awesome! We've been playing lots of Rumy and drinking lots and lots of water.
We have been having like and awesome time and the weather here is so nice. It is a little cold and rainy but it is really nice to sit out on our porch and look out at the lake. I saw the third Pirates of the Carribean:At World's End and it was horrible. I did not like it at all! Just like an F.Y.I.
We had party potatoes last night and Emily and I probally downed a whole pan ourselves and we had Hawaiian Haystacks for dinner and it was so good. Those are two of my favorite foods. Another F.Y.I.
Also I noticed that in Idaho my hair stays curled longer than in Houston. I like that it stayed curled like all day while in Houston it goes flat as soon as I walk outside
I have lots of good pictures although they do not capture how beautiful it really is here. I will post them on Facebook when we get home!
Good-Bye

Tonite's Post.

Yesterday we got our first look at Yellowstone National Park, and it was spectacular! It is amazing just how big this park is. One of the highlights was seeing Old Fatihful erupt. It seems that no matter how many times we see these things on TV there is no substitute for actually being there and witnessing it. There is just SO MUCH to see in this park that there is no way to catch it all in one visit. Even the best photos simply do not do it justice. We spotted several Mule Elk on the roadside, but are holding out for a bear this trip! Stay tuned to find out if we capture the ever elusive bear on film. . .

This part of the country is simply beautiful. Every mile provides a fresh view that is unlike anything before or after it. Every turn is a new sight to see.

Across from the house we are staying in is a mountain view that is breathtaking. Especially at dawn and sunset.

The kids are having the best time of all, finding that the imagination opportunities are nearly endless. Today, for example, there was a construction crew working on a house down the road. To the children, however, this was a group of white settlers bringing noise and pollution to their native lands. They were playing Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. Ki and Eli built a boat out of wood that they found, and Ki insisted that this was not a pretend boat, but an actual boat that will float. We will soon see if it is . . .

Shopping for groceries also proves to be an adventure here as well, seeing that it took over an hour each way just to get to the grocery store. But the trip 'into town' has been made and we are stocked up here now!

From the Kids' Perspective

Rachael "The Awesome" -Hello, my name is Rachael the Awesome DeKelSki. I am on vacation. Lauren is on a sugar high. And I am having a blast with my family. We went to Wyoming today. Summer home of Harrison Ford. Walked around Devil's Tower, where Steven Speilberg has been. Those were the highlights of my day. Cannot wait to meet Harrison Ford. Oh and I finished Lord of the Rings on my portable DVD player, which is purple. I like vacation. No school. Or math. Those are even bigger highlights. All right, that is all!

Ruth "The Nerd" -Because Nerds are Awesome! Today, we went to Devil's Tower and it is basically an all things movie field trip (ATM). Yesterday, we hiked at Sylvan Lake, they filmed National Treasure II there. Also a fun ATM field trip. Mt. Rushmore is pretty legit. I got a cool snow globe and a post card for Adam. We had fun at lunch at Subway today. Lauren could not stop laughing. That is all have a good night.

Ki "the Peacemaker"- In South Dakota, we went to Mt. Rushmore, which was beast. ha ha and I've dreamed about going there my whole life. We, me and my brother Isaiah, got four document souvenirs. We went to Crazy Horse which wasn't as cool as we'd thought it would be. I've been getting cool pictures so far. That's it.

Jena Grace "Miss Pretty Pretty"- Um, ha ha ha....I don't know what to say to people. Ummmmm. I like Mt. Rushmore. It was really cool. In the car, we've been doing fun stuff with each other like travel bingo and the license plate game. We only 7 plates left to find. And ummmm, when we saw the three deers fighting it was really cool. And I have had a lot of fun with Elisha. Tomorrow I am looking forward to getting to Yellowstone. And I hope we get there before it shuts down. Bye.

Isaiah "The Moose"- We have watched a lot of fun movies. And, it has been a long time in the car. (35 hours so far) We got cool documents that Dad got me and Ki. The Declarations from National Treasure the first one. (Declaration of Independence). And ummm, we ummmm, we saw really cool things and then climbed really cool rocks. And ummmmm, we did stuff really fun and stopped at Bucees on the way. And ummmm, we we we ummm, we left from our house and now we're all the way in Montana. And, ummmm, we saw the Blue Brothers where we eat. (Fuddruckers in Billings) I'm looking forward to seeing a bear in Yellowstone. We had a lot of fun seeing Mt. Rushmore with our friends. We saw Prairie Dogs. We are at a hotel, bye.

Jana "The Mom"-Well, as you can tell. The kids are having a great time and we are loving seeing the country. My favorite part of today was Little Bighorn. Love that time in history. Yesterday, I lived out a jr. high dream and stood where Kevin Costner stood in Dances with Wolves. We are laughing alot and learning alot. So blessed to be able to see this great country with our kids and friends! Thanks for all the prayers for safe travels.

Hey ya'll! We entered Kansas about 20 minutes ago. Weather is beautiful but hot! 9am and already over 90 degrees. Yesterday in Denison, Texas we saw 111! Crazy! The kids did awesome yesterday. We didn't even turn on a movie till after Dallas. It was so great to get to the Kelley's house and hug their necks. The kids are so glad to be all back together too! 4am came as a shock as Jason and I were awoken to Ki crying uncontrollably on our bed. Turns out he had jumped off the back of the couch and hurt his foot but hid it to keep from getting in trouble for couch diving. We erred on the side of caution and left to go to ER. We snuck out the back door so as not to awaken anyone. The Bartlesville ER was fast and kind. After praying that it wouldn't be broken, we were very relieved that it is just sprained! Thank you, Lord. So since we were up and couldn't get back in the house to sleep lol we gassed up the car and hit Starbucks. It was so relaxing to sit and watch the swans, geese and ducks play from the back porch until the house started to stir. At 7, I sent a text to whoever woke first to let us in. Gayla came and saved us! So now here we are on the road again! Praying for no more drama of any kind! So glad you are on this journey with us.

Who are the DeKelSki's??????

I just realized that ya'll might not know who the DeKelSki family is! This is actually the second roadtrip we've taken with our precious friends Barry and Brenda Debor, the "De", and Steve and Gayla Kelley, the "Kel" and Jason and I are of course the Ski's. We traveled together 3 years ago to Colorado and everywhere around and in-between so we're kicking it up a notch this time. You can follow the Debor's blog at http://adventuresinthesilverbullet.blogspot.com . Not sure yet if the Kelleys are blogging but if they are we'll let you know what their address is! Thanks for the prayers and talk to you soon!