Grampa Steve Visits

Before we got married, I think I'd met Jon's mom twice and his dad once. The two of us had talked a lot about our families in our pre-marital sessions, but much like marriage itself, there's probably not much you can do to prepare for having a new set of parents.  In-laws, what a cool concept!  I love that the expansion of my family didn't stop at Jon when I became a Charles, but instead includes his parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, grandparents, etc.

This week, we had a visit from Jon's dad, Steve, and I got to try-out having a father-in-law firsthand.  As a pilot, he's traveled more than most of us, but it was his first trip to Bolivia so we made sure he got his money's worth.  What would a trip to get to know your new veterinarian daughter-in-law be without a few rabbit castrations and a tour of the chicken coop?  Notice how quick he was to jump in to monitor anesthesia and wrangle up hens, a readiness to try anything that I admire so much in his son.

 One of the highlights for me of Steve's time here was getting to know Jon better; seeing where he gets some of his quirks and many of his virtues.  Their thoroughness balances my own haste.  Their appreciation for wine resembles mine for sugar.  If put head to head I'm not sure who's flexibility would win, nor which of them is lower maintenance; both very desirable qualities in a houseguest.  Steve's generosity was no surprise after being swept off my feet by Jon's for the past three years.  Their affinity for cars and airplanes is only surpassed by their love for family and the Lord.

And Steve's intentional-ness with Angie was just like his son's.  He loved on Angie through words, hugs, splashes, baking, gifts, games and time. Even a bit reluctant to embrace change, especially of the English speaking variety, she couldn't help but bond with him in all his efforts to be her friend.

We look forward to being closer to family again soon and getting to see lots more of them, but for now we're grateful that God allows us to have visitors and Skype and each other while we live and serve far from "home."