Half-way point

Saturday. Half-way through waiting for Hannah to come back. Grateful for Internet technology so we can communicate with her. Also grateful for her heart. Last night she sent an email wondering if she could leave some of her things there--towels, shoes, clothes--how could I say no? And now I feel guilty for not overloading her bag with things she could have left there. Things I don't need. Things I take for granted. She had at least 7 more pounds of room in her bag. That could have been a lot. I could have done more.

If there is a next time, I will.

Casting

"Cast all you cares on Him..."

So Hannah's leaving for Mexico tomorrow.
And She won't be home for 3 weeks.
And there are lots of things that could happen there to her that I can't do anything about.
And I have a friend who recently unexpectedly lost his wife, I saw him today, and didn't know what to say.
And there is a friend who's recently moved to a city far away and she's struggling.
And next year's tuition payments will start in 2 months, and the money isn't there again.
And my mom recently had a cataract removed.
Any my nephew is struggling in his job.
And Mark works very hard.
And my church is losing its pastor.
And my car's gas gauge is usually on empty.
And while Hannah's in Mexico, she turns 17.

"...for he cares for you."

Vacation, check

This summer is almost over. Already.

In front of Grand Coulee Dam, Washington

We've "done" our vacation--2 weeks away visiting family & friends in NW Washington. Praise God for safe travel.

Now, Leah is broadening her horizons, attending Dordt Discovery Days for the first time.

In just over 2 weeks, we'll bid Hannah farewell as she goes to Mexico for 3 weeks.  When she gets back, Peter will be on a week long mission trip to South Dakota, then it will be August, and time to start school again.

See why I say summer is almost over?

 

Memorial Day

Yesterday I drove across the state of Iowa and back. All along the way, in each little town were cemeteries. Not something I usually take note of, however they all caught my eye (I wish I'd taken along my camera) because of Memorial Day. Each cemetery, usually a place of grey and green, was resplendent with color. Each grave carefully and lovingly decorated. Some graveyards were lined with flags, honoring the fallen soldiers who have made and defended our country.
It made me think of my heritage, and those who have gone before me. My uncles who fought in WWII or Korea, my father-in-law, also a Korean Vet.
I also thought of those still living. My friends who have been to Iraq and back and live on with their memories of what they saw there.
Counting the cost of freedom today. Praying for our country. Praying for our leaders.

Wrapping up another one

I can't believe it. Last year at this time I was grateful for two more years, a nice long time, before I have a high school graduate. Now it's a year. And it isn't enough.

I'm not ready. But she is. She is getting ready to spread her wings. And fly. And soar. And do much greater things than I could ever dream. And whether she knows it or not, I will be there. Cheering her on. Praying her through.

Good day, praise God

Really, I mean that. This morning on facebook I mentioned that I have a headache, but I also said that Hannah's fundraising efforts are nearly complete. Out of $1508 dollars, she'd collected all but $188. Yay, God!  Guess what came in today's mail? $200 for Hannah's trip! Not only did God meet her need, he EXCEEDED it! And I was worried she wasn't sending out "enough" letters...in the words of a farmer friend of mine, God's got this. I should've known. Faithless heart that I am.

Now, I have to say a big thank you to my friend, Nicole Baart for making me a winner! Hee-hee! Guess who's going to be reading all day on Mother's Day? Woot!

Be blessed today, friends. God's got it.

conflicted

Today is my day "off." My day to get all my errands and chores and cleaning done. As well I should. But all I want to do is sit. I did get the groceries--saved $7 with coupons--and still have a bit left over from this week's budget should other items come up that I've forgotten, not much mind you, but if we're short on milk this week, we should be able to get another gallon.
I'm eager to attend the Ladies Night Out with Leah in a neighboring town tonight. It will be good to kick back and laugh for a while. And I can "do" $5 a ticket. If you're in the area, come on over, should be a fun time. The funds raised go to One Body One Hope, a ministry our church is associated with that has a generous donor match going on this week--up to $5000 will be matched by an anonymous donor, and that money will go a long way to help build a security wall around Christ is Our Hope Orphanage in Liberia, Africa!