Surprise!

After much talk, we decided to make the long journey back to the States (Michigan) for a visit this summer. It had been almost a year and a half since we were home. We thought it would be a bit more fun if we made it a surprise! We had to tell some people, but we managed to keep it a secret for the most part. We tried to surprise Tyler's mom, but she was making too many plans and Bruce (Tyler's step-dad) couldn't think of any other way to discourage her from them. She still didn't know we were coming until just a few days prior.

My dad and Peggy (Tyler's step-mom) did a wonderful job of keeping it a secret! We were able to surprise Gram (my grandma who now lives with my parents) when we pulled into the driveway. When she looked at us it was as if she was seeing ghosts. She covered her mouth with both hands and tears streamed down her cheeks. She had been telling me weeks prior that she wasn't sure she'd ever see me again (though her health is in fine condition...she was just trying to convince me to come home!). Precious.

My dad worked a deal with my mom's office manager to sneak us into an exam room (my mom works at a doctor's office) and then send her in for some reason. We pulled it off flawlessly and her reaction was fabulous. She tried to run out of the office. Fight or flight?...she's definitely running! After that she didn't want to be at work anymore.

We didn't have quite as grand a plan for surprising Tyler's dad. We just parked down the street and walked up along the side of the house. He just happened to be washing his Jeep out front. He couldn't figure out what we were doing home! For the remainder of the night he kept having to sit down, saying he was numb and in shock.

My best friend, Maggie (who happens to be Tyler's step-sister), was up for the 4th of July holiday. She just happened to be pulling up to the house when we were walking up to surprise Tyler's dad. Her reaction was pretty priceless as well.



All in all everyone seemed to be quite happy to have us home. Tyler could only stay for about a week, but I got to stay for the whole month. What a treat! I had such a wonderful time, and some pretty incredible weather. It was very hard to get on the plane to head back to Korea (the only reason I could do it is because Tyler was here!).

Thanks to all of you who made my/our trip home such a delight. It was a true blessing to have the opportunity to spend time with you. Being home certainly made us realize just how much we cherish our friends and family.