The Junod's Jaunt...

Well, I don't really know how to start this post. As many of you know, my sister, Wendi, her husband, Nick, and their two boys, Brooks and Barrett, are about to take on an adventure. It's more like a voyage than a jaunt, but I like to pretend it is just a little excursion. They are moving to Doha, Qatar, which is in the middle east. Nick's job at Conoco Phillips takes them there for a few years. They promise it is only temporary and we all are having to keep that in mind. It seems so extreme to so many people and it definitely did when they first told us about it. But...with the Lord's comfort and with only strength that we can find in Him, we are letting them go to this far away land. Nick has been in Doha the past month, while Wendi and the boys have been staying at my parents' house here. It has been an incredible month spending almost every day with them. Wendi and I have always had an abnormally close relationship. Even growing up, we always got along and were the best of friends. I am sure that had to do with Wendi's sweet spirit and selfless attitude, not my "wannabe, follower and probably annoying little sister" actions! When Wendi left for college, it was a very hard time for me, and then when we were both in college together, she soon left there too and once again was a rough time! When we became adults, we became even closer, and now as mamas and wives, we are so close, it's a little ridiculous. We are so thankful for parents that helped mold our sibling relationship to what it has become now. When she was living in Houston, we talked everyday on the phone, so now as they set up camp in Doha, we are going to get our use out of our webcams and Skype! I pray that my children will develop a relationship with eachother as I have with Wendi!

I love my brother-in-law, Nick, as a brother and always have. When Nick came into Wendi's life, he quickly became apart of the Watkins family very easily and with great acceptance. And when I say acceptance, I mean that of course we accepted him, but poor guy was thrown into this extremely bizarre family that knew EVERYTHING about eachother and he accepted us all! Not only has Nick been the brother I always wanted, but such a key part of our family. He is an amazing husband, father, brother, friend and confidant! Nick has been so vigilant and persistent throughout the past few months in this decision, and I have the upmost respect for him.

And I cannot say enough about my two sweet nephews, Brooks and Barrett! Gosh, I love those boys so much! They are just so precious to me and Dave, and little Anna Lou is so blessed to have them as cousins. Brooks with his curious little mind and adventurouse spirit! And Barrett with his sweet little heart and precious little hugs! Those two are the sweetest things with Anna Lou! Anna Lou could sit for hours watching them entertain and love on her! Wendi and I agree that the hardest thing about this move is our kids. It will be difficult for us as our kids grow and change so much in the next few years. But, again we know that this is the right time and God will bless them for their obedience.

The only thing I feel like we can do now is cling to Proverbs 3:5-6... "Trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge Him, for He will make our paths straight." We must trust the Lord completely, even though we do not fully understand. We acknowledge that He is sovereign and has a perfect plan and he will direct the Junod's path.

There are so many people that love the Junods and they touch the lives of so many in a unique way. Now, they will be touching the lives of those that they encounter in Doha. What a priviledge for those that they meet there! Thank you to all of our friends and family that will continue to pray for the Junods and all of our family during this time as the Lord really stretches, teaches and blesses us!


Here are a few pics from the past month with Wendi and the boys...