Time Passing

Firsts here have made way to seconds. Faith went on her first "teen" outing: a concert at House of Blues.  We were truly blessed as a close family friend was able to give up her time and eardrums to take her. This precious soul is an extra blessing, as she is truly vested in Faith's well-being and spiritual growth. She has really helped ease the ache of missing a big sister.  Faith hasn't been a big music lover until now - now she is experiencing the joy of listening and following her favorite artist. It's funny to me how the times have changed. When I was a teen, we only knew of our idols from listening to the radio, buying albums or 8-track tapes, and occasionally listening in if a friend happened to be graced with a special ticket to a concert. Nowadays, you can follow your favorite band on Facebook, Twitter, and their own private blogs and webpages. You can go to concerts live, or via the web. And yet....things remain the same. The same giggle, the same glow, the same fantasies in a youngsters heart over a man who makes music. Times don't really change all that much, do they?

I am getting ready to send my 2nd box off to Hungary. The first one took only 6 days to receive, and the letter I sent 7 days, so I am feeling very confident!  I have considered many times what should go in, how much room I have, how much money I should spend...all the joy of my heart in anticipation of the look on her face when she receives it. I love a little surprise tucked in with the practical.  Heather did send me a list of necessities, especially with her outreach coming up the middle of October. I have been watching the weather there and trying to anticipate needs. Oh! the fun a little box can bring.

A second month is ready to begin over in Hungary. It seems so strange to say that she has been gone a whole month! I know that things are settling down into the "new normal' for her. The calls to and from there  are less, the hours of sleep are more, familiarity has helped ease the distance from those we love.   There is lots of humor, new languages to learn, and trips to plan for from this new base of operations. What a tremendously loving and comforting God we have, to make this transition with and for us!  For I see Him stretching us on both continents. In different ways perhaps, but always with the same goal: conforming us into the image of Jesus. He is a faithful God, good and kind. I am excited to see what else He has for us to experience.

Autumn is coming here, for while the weather is still  hot I can see the change in the lighting. We're getting some moisture in the evening, the light is a little more golden, the days are beginning to shorten.. I am really looking forward to some frosty mornings, rain dancing on leaves, and wearing a sweater from time to time.  It's just another way to say: God makes everything beautiful in it's time (Eccl. 3:11)