Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

It seems that the entire school system of Orlando decided to go along with celebrating David’s Big Number 12, conveniently scheduling a teacher work day for Monday, his actual birthday.

In consequence, Rebekah and I got to experience purchasing out-of-state park tickets and then walking 20,000 steps around and between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Just for perspective, so you know how intentionally NOT theme-park people we are, our last visit to Universal was in 1995, when our children were 13 and 11!

But we do love fun times with David, with Beks, and with Geoffrey. Our grandchildren are a blessing beyond anything we could have hoped or imagined.

Okay, so “sticker shock” aside (and that includes eating both lunch and dinner inside the park), we actually had a great time with our beautiful family.

I will write more later, including why I should probably avoid roller-coasters from now on, but we have to get on the road this morning, and I promised the children these photographs sometime today!

Have an amazing day, and – please – pray for the people of Israel and the people of Gaza. Peace and more peace – DEREK