This past week

Right after surprising my dad. Absolutely priceless and unforgettable! Oh how the tears were flowing!

Surprising my dad before the tears started coming...

First off, I need to apologize for not writing for a week. Last Tuesday afternoon mom found me a flight to get home for the weekend. My uncle Kevin had a stroke about a week before that and we had found out that a bunch of farmers were going to help get the rest of dad's corn out of the field. I knew there was going to be a lot of people involved so I wanted to be there, but most importantly, I wanted to be there for my dad and uncle. My dad had been emotional ever since they found out about the farmers wanting to help, so I thought I would add more tears! Just kidding, I didn't want my dad to have more tears, but I only wanted him to know I was there for him even though I had been in a different country for 3 months. So Wednesday and Thursday I worked ahead in homework so I wouldn't have anything when I got back. I also worked ahead for this week knowing that I would probably be tired when I returned to Mexico. So here's how the weekend went:

Friday: Got up at 4:30AM, took a taxi to the bus station at 5:15AM, Bus left for Cancun at 6AM, got to Cancun at 10:30AM, took a shuttle to the airport in Cancun at 10:30AM, arrived at the airport at 11AM, walked around ate, etc. until the plane took off for Dallas at 3PM, landed in Dallas at 6PM, flew out at 7:45PM, arrived in Des Moines at 9:15ish, got home at 10:30PM. It was quite a long day! But, it ended in a big hug with my mom and jumping into Neal's arms. Friday was completely surreal. It was very weird going home and walking around the house, seeing my puppy and kitties, and knowing I was going to surprise my dad the following morning since he was already asleep when we got back from the DSM airport.

Saturday: woke up to my mom at 6:30ish saying we were going to leave for the farm in an hour. I got up, woke up Neal because my mom told me his alarm kept going off =), and got ready to go to the farm. But before leaving home, my mom's cousin, and her mom and daughter came to our house to follow us out to the farm. They had no idea I was coming either so I ran out of the garage to surprise them, and let me tell you, they were surprised! My cousin Liz said, "What the heck are you doing here??" Haha. So, we ended up heading out to the farm and as we approached I ducked in the front seat until my mom parked, got out of her seat, and got her camera ready and then I ran to my dad with other family members around. He was in complete shock. It all went so fast but I will never forget his hugs and his tears. He had no idea that I slept in my own bed the previous night! Oh how I love surprises! So after giving hugs to family and talking to my dad, I rode with my dad in the semi for a few hours hauling grain and then I switched with Neal and got in the car with my mom, aunt, cousin, and grandma as they were going around taking pictures. Again, no one knew I was home, including one of my best friends, my grandma. She is so special to me and I wanted to surprise her, but I wasn't ready for her reaction! She said, "Oh Stephanie!" and gave me a huge hug and just started crying. I jokingly told her to stop because she was making me cry, but at that point, we were so glad to be back together that the tears didn't matter. So, as Neal got in the semi with my dad and I went with my mom, I was able to see all the action. There ended up being 84 men and 27 women that came to help, 32 semis I believe, 22 combines, and a load of grain buggies. They got about 600 acres (sorry dad, if thats wrong!) of corn out in a matter of about 3 hours! It was quite a site. At one point there were 22 semis on the blacktop waiting to get through the elevator--all full with corn!! Everyone was such a blessing and we are truly indebted to them.

After all that was done, we loaded up all the food and drinks that were left over from the meal we provided for everyone and then my dad's side of the family came to our house to hang out before going down to Ames to visit my Uncle. I forgot to mention, too, that my aunt and I were keeping a secret without the other knowing it! She surprised everyone and was able to get my uncle out of the hospital for a few hours so he could watch everything taking place!! So after awhile, we all made it down to the hospital and hung out. My mom of course took 272 pictures in a matter of 4 hours so she was putting all of the pictures of flash drives and CDs for everyone. She is quite the photographer! I think she has found her new favorite hobby! But of course, Neal's and my tummy's were getting very hungry so I told my dad and he surprisingly threw the keys to his truck to Neal. So, Neal and I went and had supper, just the two of us, at Panera Bread in Ames. It was our first date since I had been back from Mexico so we really cherished it. However, it was a very informal date since I was wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt and he was in his work clothes from the morning! We returned to the hospital when my parents were wanting to leave, so we got back home and just crashed. We were all exhausted.

Sunday: My mom and dad went to the early service since my tummy was upset that early in the morning from lack of sleep so I kept sleeping and then Neal and I went to the second service. That was such a blessing since we love going to church together but haven't been able to for 3 months. We enjoyed it and came back, had lunch, and then made our way up to my grandma's to spend a couple hours with her. She got to learn more about Neal and viceversa. The three of us truly enjoyed it and we can't wait to spend more time together when I come back for good. The only thing I wish was that Grandpa was here to meet Neal. However, after a couple hours, we left there and made our way up to Webster City to spend time with Neal's grandparents. We had many laughs but also serious talks that we are so thankful for. Who would have thought that our families could live so close to each other!? Neal and I left there in time to drive back to Story City so he could pack and get on the road to drive back to Winona. At this point I was an emotional mess because I didn't want to return to Mexico without he and my family, but he just kept telling me that we only have to wait 8 days at that point, to be back together again. I think that if I would have gone home any earlier, it would have been much harder for me to come back to Merida.

Monday: got up at 3:30AM, dad drove me to the airport at 4:15AM, got there at 5:15AM, flight left at 6AM, got to dallas at 8AM, flight left for cancun at 11:30AM, arrived in Cancun at 2PM, caught the shuttle from the airport directly to Merida at 3PM, arrived in Merida at 7PM, got subway, and took a taxi back to the house. I went to bed early after getting my little carry-on bag unpacked, showered, talked to Neal, and got organized for the week.

It was quite the busy weekend, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I am so thankful that my uncle is really improving through therapy and time and that I got to spend time with the people I love the most. It was great to surprise dad and the rest of my family and to spend time with my best friends, my mom and grandma, and to get to see Neal finally after 3 months of being apart! Thanks mom, for getting me home, and thanks to everyone else for such a memorable weekend!