The Shupe Family

This was an especially tough weekend for me. We’ve been gone from home for awhile, obviously, but this week was one of the hardest for me. My heart was back home. I kept thinking of our friends and family. When you live in a small community, it’s very tough when someone you’re close with leaves.

I can’t say enough positive things about the Shupe family. They have won over the hearts of our entire community, including mine. They have blessed me in so many ways, I can’t even count. They have become like family. I love those girls like my own, and I can say the same of them. They love and treat my kids like their own.

The Shupe’s have been the most incredible, generous, and serving hosts I can think of. Their home has the warmest, most welcoming environment. My kids have been known to say “I just want to go to the Shupe’s” after getting in trouble and being upset. In their mind, the Shupe’s house will fix everything.

Arin and I have attended MOPS, homeschool group, Story hour, and church together for several years. Our families have traveled to Florida together several years with YFC. She has made it her goal to serve me in ways, that I have learned to even turn down. I mean I don’t want to take advantage of the poor girl. Her heart is to serve and love and bless. She has sure done that. She is the one that called me just a couple weeks after I had Caed, my 3rd child. I had 3 kids under 3 years old with Joah leading the pack. Brielle and Caed were just 14 months apart. They were all still in diapers and I was beyond overwhelmed. Arin called me and asked what I was doing. I said “not too much other than just keeping these kids alive.” She said, “good I’m leaving my house now. I’m on the way to get Joah and Brielle for a sleepover so you can bond with that baby.” Are you kidding me? My only reservation was “Brielle still begs to breastfeed all night.” Arin responded with “ummmm. I’ll figure it out.” 🤣 and she did. Brielle did totally fine. We have had lots of camping trips together. Nothing tops the memory of the car alarm going off and the keys lost. Fun fun memories!

Our entire family has had our ups and downs thinking of the Shupe’s leaving. We know they are following God’s calling. For that, how can we not be supportive? They are clearly called to Arkansas. The thought of Brielle losing one of her best friends, has really taken its toll on her. She has grieved on and off. I keep telling her we will still see Layla, just not as often. Our life of travel, has given me hope and is carrying me through this sad time. I know there are times that we will pass through Arkansas. And I know we will be us, and invite ourselves over. I also know they will be them, and welcome the crazy Yowler clan with open arms.

As this season is closing and the next one is opening for the Shupe family, we bless you. We support you. We’re praying for you! We love you so much! Thank you for all the ways you have blessed us, along with so many others. Until we see you again!

We have so many great memories together, and I want to focus on them.