Trip/Wedding

Hi.

So, what do you all think? I can only imagine, that most of you feel little confused, maybe little disappointed, even maybe upset at the recent developments. I have to admit I was. I am still little unsure if our family is capable to pull through, and I have faith that we will. Maybe this will be our biggest test of Christian behavior. I know I've failed. So many times, but who hasn't? We can't point at each other, because we're all at fault in some degree. Maybe you weren't part of the gossips, but unknowingly offended others with your behavior or comments. Many times what we say comes across totally differently than what was intended.

I just want to say, that from my talks with some of you, I know nobody intended to hurt anyone with their words or behavior. So, let's put it all behind for now, and talk where we go from here.

So, we have two options:

1/ We cancel the trip, because we just don't feel like we can work things out, or
2/ We find solutions, and pray for our relationships, pray for our communication skills, pray for God's leading...

If we go for #2, maybe we could consider a few things that could improve the whole process.

1. Eva & Casey could try to do their best to decide on their wedding date, NO MATTER when it is. Just to be able to work out some details about our mom and dad coming here.

2. Has anyone asked mom, how long she's planning to stay as she comes here for the wedding? And where would she like to stay? Maybe if we offered to have her for a week each, it would ease things up a little.

3. What if we would imagine for that short period of time that our mom was the best mom in the world and treat her in that manner? Do our best to avoid conflicting conversations, chose activities that she would enjoy, make her feel important in some small ways. I know it could be a challenge, but I always thought we were all up for a challenge. Just think about how you treat your friends when they come for visit. You would be willing to drive them across America, to show them things that mean a lot to you, or because you care for them enough to show them what they want to see. If we all decided to try to do the same for our mom, all of a sudden there would be no problem with transportation between siblings. I mean, if it would help any, I would be willing to donate some of our points for one plane ticket between siblings, or even meet Zuzka or Rene half-way if she wanted to come stay with us for a few days.

So, why don't you all think about it, and pray about it. If you are willing to work through all this, please express yourselves. And please do so even if you don't. Eva & Casey, please, as far as possible, try to figure out at least the month, when you would like to get married, when it works the best for the two of you. Then, Eva, could you please call mom, when you have a better idea, and ask her if the wedding was in such and such month, how long she would like to stay, and who was she thinking about staying with, or if she wanted to visit everyone. Once those two things get figured out, we can start making some good and solid plans for the fall trip.

If this post doesn't get any reaction, or at least not a positive one, then I think it would be in the best interest to cancel the trip. It's up to us, if we make things work.

Ika