Petals in the wind

Wow. A lot of time has passed, and much has passed in it.
Heather is home.
Whew! What a statement! Between anticipation, bad weather reports, Christmas play practice, pacing in the terminal, delayed planes and weary travelers, it was quite the experience. She made it, and managed to bring Donna and Lauren right back with her into just about the exact spot they walked away from me. What utter loveliness!

It's been a time of readjustment, on many levels. Having that 4th body back has certainly shrunk the house back to it's previous state of intimacy. I think Faith finally gave back Heather's bedroom (and bed!) about a week after her return. Good things are hard to give up, you know! And then, Heather woke up her first morning rather ill, and has continued to go downhill as the time has progressed. Thank God, she woke up yesterday actually able to speak. We thought it was strep, it turned out to be "just" a wicked virus. Laundry has piled up, and so did Christmas with all it's festivities. We did manage a VERY nice welcome-home party on that Sunday - jetlag and all, with a Turkey feast that the pilgrims would have envied. All her friends showed up, and really made the day special. Her return to church that morning was wonderful...I just LOVED sitting next to her in service and sharing that intimacy that comes when you come to worship the Lord together. Utter sweetness.

We've had many changes...she was given the ok to return to work, just not that work. Her back just isn't up to any lifting or hunching over, not to mention sitting for really long periods of time. Her car insurance took a week to get approved. No medical yet, and she needs to get signed up at a college. Seems like there are so many decisions to be made. It's her life, you see. I can't live it. I can't take the pain in it. Oh, she still needs me. Just not the way she did. She's experienced things I never will, nor will she ever again. Everything is different now, because she is different now. And she is different. and yet the same. Still lovely, sweet, funny, composed. I see so much more in her eyes now...wisdom, knowledge, experience, depth, amusement. It's all part of growing up...change.
Here's the great news in all of this. God knows the direction He wants her to travel in. He's the One who shines the light on our path...and we have truly discovered that the light shines at our feet, not ahead. God knows the direction, and speaks so sweetly. He moves through His Spirit. And the Spirit is a wind we can feel, not a person we can see or touch. And He will direct her. He will move her, if she will just allow Him to move her like a petal in the wind.

Trees, lights, and decorations

I am sitting here, reveling in the fact that all my kids are in one room at the same time, snuggled up in their jammies and watching a Christmas video together. Behind me is the, as yet, incomplete Christmas tree. The decorations haven't been completed, because Heather hasn't recovered from jet lag/illness and Faith won't work on the tree without her help. I love our tree. Decorations are another topic.

I think that decorations should reflect the person/family...not the ideas of a professional decorator. While I enjoy their gifting...I find myself lacking when I try my hand at a similar project. Our tree is...eclectic. Well, I should say, when ours is completely decorated, it is a menage of interesting and amusing, sometimes captivating, ornaments. I like that about our tree. Our decorations aren't fancy, in fact the most expensive thing about them are the lights we had to replace a couple of years ago. We have old balls, new tinsel in a box, mementos from children growing up and being added to the family, pictures framed in tree-shapes of deceased pets. We have candy-cane shapes, angels, crosses, snowmen and even a 2-seater bicycle I gave my husband one year to disguise his real gift. I love that we have memories in each shape, color and size.

Our tree may be unique, but I like it. It reveals our character, sense of humor, joy, and most importantly, our family memories. And isn't that a large part of Chritmas? the memories we make?

May yours be just as sweet, and memorable!

Grace and Peace

Noooo!
I'm not ready!!!!

I just read Janet's blog, and it says the girls will be home in 2 hours. That can't be right, I'm not ready yet. Chuck just finished cleaning the carpets..they're WET. I haven't hardly touched the kitchen. Faith's room turned out to be the horror of all horrors..in fact, it looked like Heather's used to look when she was young and didn't want to clean, and didn't want me to know. WOW. Don't ever try to tell me they aren't related, I have proof! I had actually thought that I'd get Faith's all decorated (with her help) for Christmas today. silly me. And let's not discuss bathrooms.

You wonder why I am cleaning in a frenzy. Well, it's keeping my mind from wandering to an airplane. An airplane that flies over a huge body of water. An airplane that could crash. An airplane that could get snow-bound and not arrive in Minneapolis..ever. An airplane holding my precious child, and her two sweet friends that I have adopted in my heart. The frenzy is the medicine God gives me to keep my sanity. Not to mention Heather's friends are coming over tomorrow after church to celebrate Thanksgiving with her, and I want to be prepared. I like to be a good hostess.

Anyway...I'm not ready. I won't be ready...until I see her face and squeeze the ever-loving stuffing out of her. a hundred times or so.

God, grant me grace and peace!

Short-timer attitude

My baby's coming home.

This is a huge statement for me. I am having a hard time wrapping reality around it. I think I am doing all the right things to prepare for it. I've washed her car...and I'm in the process of adding a coat of wax. I'm cleaning her room...Faith has inhabited it quite joyfully and it needs a good dusting. We are taking the car in to have it's little hiccup problem cared for today. I'm trying to focus on getting the house in shape after it's long appointment with clutter. But I am having such a hard time with distraction. Christmas season is here, you see. As you can tell, my mind was focused outward, instead of inward toward wifely things. I have yet to get much Christmas shopping done. Fortunately, my list isn't very long this year. I have taken on the added time-constraint of house/dog sitting for a week, starting today. Finances being what they are, it is a blessing - however, it is a bit sticky in the timing department.

What isn't reality is the emotion of it. Sooo many people are squealing with excitement when they find out the date. I'm not. I guess it's because it seems she is only coming for a visit. I have a strong suspicion that she is a short-timer in the "live at home" department. She seems to have grown quite the set of wings. I guess my heart has grown accustomed to the thought. Time will tell, though! Let's see what happens when I see her face close up, and hold her in the biggest hug you have ever seen. I have a feeling that all the emotions I've been looking for will find me, and settle in. Look out, Chuck, and have a box of Kleenex handy!

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift

Wow. Sitting down is painful. My feet and legs are talking, and it isn't a joke they are telling me!
It's been a very busy week, but one with a HUGE payoff. The women's Christmas Brunch was this morning. Since I am the "head volunteer" over this event, it means I am the first to arrive at every part, and the last to lock the door and leave. I spent a few hours shopping...several times. I made the centerpiece. GASP. I know, I know. I am not known as a craftsy person. "But God" (one of my favorite Biblical sayings) has a fabulous sense of adventure and humor. He gave me a vision..not of the whole event this time, but of the centerpieces. So, I set about making them. I have a picture of the prototype..the finished project looks much better.

So, that was an adventure that I just don't have the strength to re-tell. It did come out lovely, with the help of my sweet friend Clyrinda. SHE has the gift I covet. The gift of tissue paper. She is the queen! Somehow, I can't get it to fluff and fold properly. She says I try too hard, she may be right! Maybe it wasn't enough serious attention when mom was trying to teach me the task of laundry. I dunno. I do know that Clyrinda was my angel.

Next, there were all the phone calls lining up volunteers and assigning them tasks that fit with their schedule, and my needs. What a lovely group of women God blessed me with!! They were a joy to serve alongside. We had quite the party, ironing gargantuan tablecloths while listening to Christmas music. 5 hours later, the Sanctuary was set up, and the fellowship hall returned to a state of semi-confusion. Not bad, if I do say so myself!

Then, there was the shopping for the food. Brunch, you understand, requires much attention to detail in the way of lovely presentation, and yummy unusual foods. Women need their food to be filling, without over-filling. We simply cannot be seen stuffing ourselves. And if it doesn't look tempting and tantalizing, we don't even bother. We'd rather go home and raid the cupboard. So, with the amazing simplicity of Costco, we brunched on Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Quiche (or Smoked Bacon and Cheddar), Cinnamon Pound Cake, and sliced Oranges. Add to that a coffee bar with 6, count 'em 6, flavored creamers, hot cocoa and hot apple cider. It was lovely. and Yummy!

Clean up was ... worth it. I got there at 7:15 this morning, and locked up at 1:45. Not bad, not bad! The rain gave us a wonderful Christmassy feel (this is San Diego, remember), the worship was lovely, the message perfectly in tune with the theme, and - Here's the best of all 2 ladies accepted the Lord for the first time.

What more could you ask for?

Don't ask my feet and legs that question, ok?

God is good, and my Christmas season is off to a marvelous start. Next: preparing for Heather's arrival Oh, if you could only see the smile on my face!

Catching Up

Well, it's been a long time since I've updated my blog. Seems time has been zipping by while I've had my mind in a million places at once. Perhaps, as we go by, you'll see why.

Let's go most recent, to the farthest back.

Here is the Christmas tree we just picked out to grace our Living room. It was really different picking it out without Heather. You see, she loves a tall, fat tree, and I love a nice Noble Fir. Since we seldom get a Noble, I had real hopes for this year. Heather usually gets her pick, you see. But, I thought I had less competition this year :D Mom that I am, I called and talked to my distant daughter. She put in her request (with emphasis) and you can see what we all picked to bring home. sigh. She must be greatly loved!!

This one ought to make you smile. This is the turkey dinner we made and sent to Heather, ready-to-eat. NOT. Heather was in Israel on Thanksgiving. There was no way possible to send her favorite meal over there, unless I wanted to give her a lovely case of Ptomaine. Sooo, Janet and I got together with Faith and did the next-best thing. We made these fun pins with great help from Faith, and mailed them to the girls before they left. It's amazing, we found out afterward that Donna got hers 3 days after mailing, Heather's took a full week, and Lauren got hers after she got back from her trip to Portugal, 3 weeks later! I guess that means she didn't get to wear it over there. Any bets whether Heather and Donna wore theirs??? I thought not.

These are pics from Thanksgiving Day at my in-law's. We had a very relaxed day. The food was amazing, the family was funny, and there was plenty of turkey to go around. Sorry, Heather. I promise to make you one when you get home!

She loves to have her picture taken. Notice Tom (the turkey), He enjoyed his day out, too. It was a great joke! Don't remember what it was, now, but you seldom see me laughing in pictures, so I put this one up just for you.
Great to see the grandparents were able to come.
Now, we move back in time to the gathering at my parent's house. We always meet earlier in the month so that everyone that has in-laws can get there to celebrate. My parents are great that way, they make allowances and give lots of grace.

Faith climbed the hill...she decided she was Queen once she got to the top. Funny thing..she always loves to climb that hill on Thanksgiving. Seems to be a tradition for her.

Crazy cousins played games out front after dinner. Burns off all those calories so there's room for dessert.
It's been a lovely season. I'm working on getting the house together for the Christmas season. Decorating is hard without Heather's perspective. I guess I'll find out how I did when she gets home. I'll just wait to see what she rearranges while I'm sleeping (:-D)

Did I mention she'll be home in 2 weeks?! I'm getting excited. I know she's changed. I hope she finds me changed, too. All for the better. May God continue to work in us, conforming us to the image of Christ, until His appearing.

Now, on to the Christmas Brunch I am organizing for church. That's next week, to be exact. Stories to follow, I'm sure.

Unicorn Birthdays

Faith celebrated an early birthday party at Color Me Mine tonight.

The theme: Unicorns

She and 7 of her closest friends painted fun ceramics...and talked.

We had cheese-stuffed crust Pizza, Fruit punch, and of course birthday cake. And talked.

Then, we went back to the house, opened gifts, and settled down for a lovely viewing of Ratatouille. and talked.
After a brief 6 hour nap, we awoke, talking. Truth be told, someone was talking and sleeping. But I'm not saying whom. After a rousing breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes, sausages, and hot chocolate, we burned off steam playing balloon volleyball. and talked.

I love little girl birthday parties. I love serving them junk food. I love jammies and movies and giggling girls. But most of all, I love my little girl, and watching her grow up.

Colored Bands

Faith has joined the ranks of children all over the world sporting colored rubber bands on her teeth. She is elated!



Now, most children don't really relish the thought of metal wires in their mouth, reshaping their teeth, gums, jawline and, overall, their very face. Faith isn't like them. She was so excited to get past the "palate expander" phase, that she begged her orthodontist to put a rush on it! She was given the grace of six weeks, in order to bypass the holidays. Not this girl! She wanted them installed the very next day. With a tolerant smile, she was given an appointment for 1 week.



We planned. We prepped. We got her teeth sparkling clean - a chore she really dislikes. We planned a lovely lunch full of crunchy edibles. We packed a tooth brush in our backpack, and warned the teacher we would leave school early. We even whispered the big event to our closest 20 friends (the whole class, of course!) We ran off, smiling from ear to ear...to our unknown fate.

I waited the 20 minutes in the office, smiling inside at the future that awaited her. She came out grinning behind locked lips. The color choice was hers, and hers alone, to reveal. She waited...she smiled...she beamed. A small mouth of pink. She chose light pink and dark pink because "she saw them next to each other and they were so pretty she just couldn't chose anything else!" Color, you see, is everything.



We ran back to school, eager to show off our new addition. She walked up to the lunch table to shouts of "Faith, let me see! let me see!" She just couldn't hold it in another second. She beamed. I have to tell you, my mother's heart was beating a strange tattoo, wondering what her reception would be. Children are beginning to be cruel at this age. I held my breath...briefly, it turned out. There were numerous shouts of :"Faith, they look BEAUTIFUL!" by boys and girls alike. WHEW!! How wonderful to hear God bless my little girl with the joyous voices of her classmates. They really celebrated with her. I hope she understands when she's older what a true gift that was. It is forever printed on my mind, and my heart.

Fairies and Pumpkins

Harvest has arrived in Santee.

As you can see, Faith has been busy. She planned and comprised her whole "Fairy" costume herself. Didn't she do a fabulous job?! She had a little more trouble planning her pumpkin. You see, we don't celebrate halloween here. We choose to celebrate the abundance of blessings the Lord has poured out upon us. In this season of trials, changes, and firestorms we had much to be thankful for. She wanted a pumpkin that showed her joy, her sense of beauty, and the reason for living. Her Jesus. Of course, putting flowers, hearts, and butterflies on a medium sized, orange, scored round object is delicate at best. Asking Dad to carve them is even more delicate. She auditioned many different choices. Many hours of research. We have on display, top of the crate, her masterpiece.

I believe it to be a huge success!

Since our church decided not to put on a Harvest Festival this year, Dad and Faith chose to drop in on the one at Sonrise Christian Fellowship. Take a peek at the fun they had:

It was a very fun night. Since we are running out of mini Oreo cookie packets, Faith has opted to give out the candy she received that her orthodontist would frown upon. I think the message of love and kindness on a night when evil would rather reign is truly living on in her heart.

Fairies are definitely ready for sweet dreams!

Giddy Voices

I just got the most excited phone call I've heard in ages...it was practically giddy! Heather's grandma just called to tell me that she had a nice, long chat with her this morning. I can't tell you what this has done for her. Her feet weren't on the floor...she hadn't had her coffee yet and I don't think she needs any now! She said it was marvelous to sit and talk like Heather had no where else to go, and all the time in the world.


It's amazing what the sound of a loved-one's voice can do. The sound of a child's giggle can light up a room. Daddy praying over the meal brings unity. Mama's voice singing a lullaby can still an emergency room.



Heather didn't have to call her grandparents. She could have chosen a letter or email. She could have chosen to call any number of people who love her and miss her. To be frank, she hasn't called a soul since she got there that I know of. I don't know how she worked this tiny miracle, but I am wholly touched. Thank you, Heather. You have blessed a multitude with your simple act of love and kindness, and time.

The Eye of the Storm

There's nothing like a fire to remind you of what's important in life.

San Diego county is engulfed in either flames, smoke, ash, or all three tonight. This isn't the first time this has happened. We went through very similar conditions almost 4 years ago to the day. The biggest difference is that last time, Santee was encircled by flames and covered in at least an inch of ash. Santa Ana winds and drought conditions make a perfect scenario for this mess. I have to admit to being a "nervous Nellie" yesterday, something I rarely feel, much less acknowledge. I didn't really get peace until I loaded up boxes of dry/canned food and left them by the door, ready to throw into the trailer for an immediate escape. We hooked the trailer up to the car at 9:00 last night...just in case. Now, today I find myself in a circle of almost clear air and no wind...something I imagine being in the eye of a hurricane must look and feel like. Kind of eerie...yet not. The rest of the county is inflamed. I am thankful to be prepared (almost), but even more thankful that I am the one making calls to see if my friends/family/Bible Study ladies are ok, instead of being the one in the path of destruction this time. I don't know why the winds blow the way they do, I don't know why one house goes up in smoke and one across the street doesn't. It isn't for me to know. It is for me to pray. To trust God. To offer any comfort and hope I have. To offer my goods to those in need, when called upon, to the best of my ability.

What I am finding, is down time. We are conserving electricity because SDG&E has cautioned us that we are short 40% of our normal supply lines. We are conserving cell phone usage so the emergency services get priority time. We are conserving energy, since going outside can really mess up your breathing. So...what are we doing? We are keeping each other company. We are praying. Faith is busy rediscovering friendships, and cementing a new one with the neighbor across the street. We turned a bedroom into a haven for girls and had a sleepover last night. We had a pedicure party in the living room. We are rediscoving the joy of conversation. We are realizing, again, what a blessed people we are.

I was watching the news yesterday, and one of the primary newscasters was watching his house finish burning to the ground. A home he had lived in for more than 25 years. I found it most remarkable that, while watching, he was realizing (partly) his loss, but kept commenting from the heart how happy he was that his family was safe. He truly had his priorities in the right place. His heart was sad..of course! But his life wasn't over. And believe me, that wasn't what others were saying. I heard one fool state his great loss over his favorite television set. I heard elderly people at Qualcomm stadium rejoicing over the comfortable sleeping bags they had, the abundance of food they were fed, and the overwhelming kindness of strangers. I heard today that they had to turn away the over-abundance of donations from individuals at the stadium. People are giving all they have for the needs of others. Churches have turned their properties into homes. Mall parking lots are housing horses, zebras, and donkeys. Hotels are sending chef-created hot meals to shelters. Off-duty medical personnel are ministering in abundance.

God is still on His throne. He's given us the opportunity to re-evaluate our prorities, our abundance, and His place in our lives. Our deep need for eternal hope and permanence, because one day all this will be gone. For good. May we be found sharing the gospel - the good news that never fails!

A good story

Just so you know, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

I have spent many uncountable days in this very place, doing this very thing. It is the essence of warmth, comfort, fellowship, friendship, and community for me. It brings joy to my heart, and a smile to my lips.

Thanks, Faith, for joining me on the couch for a good story, a good cuddle, and good conversation. Now, all that's missing is a good fire in the fireplace, the sound of rain on the roof, and Heather.

I love my girls!

Autumn Vacation

Well, we decided it was time to get out of Dodge..so we headed to our favorite camping spot: Silver Strand State Beach. Now, I know that most people don't think to go to the beach in the fall. And I certainly don't want much competition for my favorite campsite...but I have to tell you how absolutely lovely it was. When we arrived (very late on Friday), it was partly-cloudy and cool. We pulled right into our spot alongside our very bestest friends, Janice and Richard.
We had a lovely steak dinner (around 8:30..ugh!), roasted a few marshmallows, and put the whole family + 1 to bed. Awakened in the morning to the sweet sound of rainshowers on the roof and very wet surroundings. NO problem! We cooked up breakfast and headed into the large RV next to us for a lovely showing of the original "The Parent Trap". Lovely therapy! Afterwards, the sun came out, dried us out, and we were ready to hit the sand for a great time of relaxation and refreshment.

One of the most marvelous things I saw this weekend was a clam...returning to it's natural habitat. I have to tell you, I've been to the beach A Lot! Yet I have never seen a live clam dig itself back into the sand to hide. It was fascinating and wonderful...God is so very creative and amazing!

Of course, you can NEVER miss a beautiful Ocean sunset...

Dinner was marvelous! After several strolls around the campground, we settled down for some S'mores, Campfire, and a rousing game of 20Q!

Don't you know it, the day you have to leave is always the most beautiful. Makes you want to run home and plan the next camping trip...right away!

I'm so glad we took some down time and just relaxed. It was wonderful.

Firsts

We have had a series of firsts around here. Let me share them with you.

First of all: Faith went to an overnight birthday party with someone she hadn't known terribly long. Now, this in itself is unusual. Faith likes to spend the night with someone in her own house. Safe and secure, all things in their usual places, all sounds and lights as they should be. Parents in their proper beds, dog preferably in hers. Well, she has been becoming buddies with a girl from class last year named Alyssa. Alyssa is in her class again this year, and invited Faith to her party. She came home from school positively alight with delight and joy. After talking to Alyssa's mom, we gave hearty approval. Now, Faith has attempted to spend the night before, with great trepidation and death-grips around my throat as she kissed me good-by. Only to call hours later desperate to come home. Or, if she did manage to stay, it was because some loving woman had the determination to keep the child from calling home all night long. This time, there was less nervousness, no clinging, happy children who greeted her at the door and ushered her into joy and kindness. No phone calls. No choking tears. No regrets for having gone.

The next first: Chuck and I had an evening all to ourselves, no children anywhere in sight! The obvious reason: Heather is in England, Faith was partying. Oh, how sweet it was to know that the girls were in God's capable care and we could just let our guard down and relax! It was a night of remembrance: old movie, pizza and salad, snuggling on the couch. Of course, mom that I am, I fell asleep on the couch waiting for the phone to ring, summoning me to pick up my sensitive child. I stumbled to bed at 11:30, surprised and pleased.

The last first: I made a pumpkin pie completely from scratch! You see, I love autumn. Autumn is crisp, cold at night and warm during the day. Autumn is falling leaves, warm sweaters, and anticipation of holidays to come. We had just returned from Bates Nut Farm, and the thought of pumpkin pie was just too much temptation for us all. So, feeling domestic, I bit the bullet today. I cut open a pumpkin, skinned it, pared it, and plopped it in a pot to boil. I mashed it, then added the wonderful seasonings that make Thanksgiving so much fun. After we had a lovely bowl of hot soup for dinner, we drooled with delight as we sat down to warm pumpkin pie with Whipped Cream. YUM!

Good Firsts. Good memories. Great God.

* don't worry Heather, I saved some pumpkin filling for when you get home!

A Good Day

Well..the annual family trek to Bates Nut Farm was today. It's something we look forward to every fall. We love the wind, the trees, the leaves landing on our heads, the sights and smells. We love the color orange...everywhere. This year, we had a new "fourth" to our group: Faith's new friend Mikaylin took over Heather's seat in the car and kept the chatter up the whole way. It was a lovely day...a slight cool breeze reminded us that Autumn had arrived.

They started their time in the corn maze. Friendly competition and fast feet began the journey to find all 8 stations. Faith finally found the path and got all her stamps, Chuck had to help Mikaylin a little bit.

Next stop: to get faces painted. It's always good to have a reminder of your day when you get home..something to show off to the neighborhood. What a decision! So many choices! A taste of the holiday to come: Harvest

Of course, you must have your picture taken in original, farm attire!

Of course, what is a trip to a farm without a Hay Ride??? We got in line with the other excited travellers, anticipating a wagon pulled by lovely dapple-gray draft horses. A swift change, and we got to experience what Festus on Gunsmoke lived on a day-to-day basis: a Mule ride! Somehow, it just wasn't the same.

And then, for the finale, picking out the pumpkins. I have to tell you, I really missed Heather at this point. She has such an artistic eye, she can find whatever pumpkin she is looking for, no matter what shape she has in mind. It's a true gift. The pumpkins were a bit different this year, more uniform in shape. Not as much variety in size. However...persistence definitely pays off!


Mission Accomplished, thanks to Daddy. Another memory for the books. We took our weary feet, and extra-large bag of Kettle Corn, home with a smile. While we missed Heather today...it was good to keep the history going and the memory books filled for Faith.

A good day.

A Taste of Home

I am getting ready to send Heather another care package...and couldn't fit myself in it. (:D) I also couldn't fit in something she loves, something the two of us enjoy very much. It's the pears off the tree in our yard. So...Heather..here is a sampling from our crop this year. I know you can't really taste them, so let me assure you that they are a sweet, juicy, flavorful batch of goodness.

I really enjoy putting together little packages for the girls (I know she shares!) It's fun to think about what might bring a sense of home, help, or just plain silliness. I wish the box I could afford to send was bigger. It just isn't. The sense of surprise is what brings me such delight. I like surprises - the gift kind, anyway. And I really like to give them. There's something about someone putting some thought into what might bless you that brings the greatest sense of love to me. It truly is the thought that counts.

So, Heather my love, here's the thought that counts. A taste of home.

Beauty

I just saw the most beautiful picture, I have to share it.

I happen to think that it speaks volumes.

Look at the colors.

Look at the clarity in the eyes

Look at the smile

THIS is a face that is joyful, content, glowing.

I love it sooo much!

I can't wait to see this face in person!

Heart's Desires

I am sooo excited!

Heather is preparing for a (another, in fact) dream of a lifetime. A trip to Israel. I can't tell you how long she has longed for this. When she broached the subject openly the first time, years ago, her dad had an immediate answer: NO. Dad's do that. They consider the cost, the safety factor, the emotional cord and it's ability to stretch without breaking. Mom's consider the last part, too, only they seem to be more willing to push the baby bird out of the nest.

Now, I don't share this deep dream with Heather, not that I don't want to go experience it also. But, for her, it is something so much more than a country with stories to tell. It holds mysteries and beauties that her artistic eye and heart can only dream of. And so, with trepidation, she signed up. With trepidation, because there is so much here to consider. So much so, that she called home to talk about it. Now that part gives my heart it's great joy. She wanted to share her heart with us, and gain counsel, before she committed. What parent doesn't delight in that?! So, I quickly consulted the Spirit and gave the only counsel I could: pray...and pay. I want to see her fulfill her heart's desires as best she can. I want her to experience all the Lord has for her while she is wholly focused on exactly that. I want her to fly.

It's funny...I'm still cheering as she flies away.

Gifts

The package arrived! yeah!

It took 12 days from start to finish, and when I asked Lauren if she had heard that Heather got a package, all she could say was..."You mean the Brownie Mix? YUM!"

I love that no matter where they are, they stay true to their chocolate preferences!

I am still waiting to hear what Heather thought of all the stuff jammed inside it...I hope it was a blessing and a cause for laughter.

the Home Front

Another week has passed. I imagine this picture is what my girl's room at the college looks like, only with bunk beds. I imagine this for 2 reasons: 1) her room at home should look this neat when she is occupying it! 2) I have no pics of her "flat" and therefore have no other point of reference. This picture thing is rather important to me right now. I have been able to talk with Heather. I have laughed (a lot), cried (some), and listened and shared news. But I have not "seen" her in her new home. It is the one thing I find most frustrating. I am no longer sad, wishing she were here with me (I am most content in that area.) I have never been worried about her safety or calling. What I can not do is "imagine" where she is living, and therefore can't "imagine" the impact she is having on it, and it on her. I feel like she got her first apartment, and I haven't been invited over to view it. Silly, perhaps, but true.

On the home-front, we are settling into a routine. Chuck is back to work, Faith is getting on track doing homework. I am back to walking with my friend in the mornings. Cooking seems easier and harder at the same time. I keep reminding myself that it doesn't matter if Heather likes a dish or not, it's Faith's palate that has to be accounted for. Laundry is less. Night times are still a bit off...no girl to wait up for and fill in on the day. I find myself running to the computer a lot more to see if she's online. I guess old habits die hard. I like sharing my late-nights with my owl. But all-in-all, we are settling in.

I'm dying to see what happens when the package I sent arrives in England.

23rd Psalm

Like well-cared for sheep, the girls have arrived at their destination. I have only heard tidbits of the last leg of their journey, so I can only imagine what relief there must be knowing that their sojourn is over. I know, for myself, the sense of relief I had when I heard their voices. (Lack of communication can make a parent a trifle nervous.)

I am so pleased to hear how they met an angel of the Lord at every turn. When the map was unclear. When the food was unavailable. When the door was locked. When the bus was...a bus. God has been there, a very present help, every time. Am I surprised? No. My God is The God of grace, mercy, abundant love, and gifts. He loves to give good gifts to His kids. All kinds of gifts. Chocolate for dinner, an old can of soup, a hoarded roll and apple to fill the void. Beauty in unexpected places. And sheep.

Yes, sheep. The girls wanted to see sheep, and green valleys. I know I had to talk them into going to Wales. It took a lot of persuading...it was a long way out of the way and a cost was certainly involved. But the gift of Dolgellau is unexplainable. Sheep say it best. The land is full of them. And rock walls, made with hands and held together for centuries without mortar. A land full of color. Green hillsides. Ancient trees. Breathtaking mountain ranges. Dancing streams with crystal clear water. You see, Wales impressed me when I was there at 15. And again at 26. But the sheep....you see, sheep remind us that we are much like them. Sheep need leading. Protecting. Feeding and Watering. And rest. Lots of rest and peace. The shepherd provides all of it. Without a care for himself, he cares for his charges for a lifetime. His lifetime. As does our Shepherd. He leads us into peace, rest, refreshment, nourishment. He protects us like no other can. You see, we get lost when left to our own devices. We end up hungry, ill, lost, and ill-natured when we do things on our own.

Sheep are lovely. And Wales is full of them. Most of all, Wales is a place to remember your Shepherd, and relax in His tender care.

I am glad they are at the college now. I am more glad of the journey to get them there. The preparation for what comes next has been well worth it. I know that God met them at every turn.