Yes, we are home and quite alive. It is good to be back writing to you. My absence has not been a sign of disinterest or for any serious health issues; it has simply been for the fact that life happened. That’s right, I got caught up in the busyness of life and found very little time to sit and pen the little stops and encounters we have had on our journey down this ‘yellow brick’ road of ours. I also think sometimes life is humdrum and who wants to hear about that? There is only so much excitement that dusting, vacuuming and cleaning toilets can bring. However, I have noticed it is even during these times that I am learning. “So, what have we been doing these past months?”, you might ask. Well, I will gladly retell to you our comings and goings – perhaps the Coles Notes version.
May 4, marked the end of the school year. The graduation ceremony is always bittersweet. We are proud of the accomplishments the students have achieved, but we also say farewell to many as they step out to new adventures. Because of the smaller size of NBBI, we become just like one big family and as a member leaves it is with mixed emotions we see them off. We are grateful to know our Heavenly Father watches over them.
Two days following grad, we (Steve and I) along with one of the music groups (comprised of four students) set out on a two week tour of the Atlantic provinces. What a privilege to minister to many different churches and meet some wonderful Christian brothers and sisters! This was a tiring time for all, but well worth it. We were also able to experience what it is like to be parents to four young adults/teenagers. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!!! It is definitely not a position we envy! They were a great bunch and so full of life. The vehicle ran on coffee and laughter for the majority of those two weeks. Would we do it again? YES!!
At the end of June, we directed the Vacation Bible School program at our church. We had a wonderful opportunity to work alongside other members of our church to minister to 54 children.
Right after VBS, we were able to work alongside many others at NBBI for their Vacation with a Vision week.
Days were filled with chores, maintenance, preparing our home to sell, and appointments. Evenings brought opportunities to go for drives in the countryside, exploring new places and witnessing first-hand the beauty of God’s creation. He truly is the master designer! We also took in several baseball games to cheer on the children of our good friends.
That just about sums it up and brings you to the here-and-now.
Some things I have been learning or reminded of amongst the busyness are:
1. Take each day as it comes – this goes along with #2.
2. Our plans are not His plans – accept that when our plans for the day/week.
do not work out, God has another purpose. Ask our Helper and Provider to
guide us through our plan A and accept willingly if He changes things and
brings in plan B.
3. Admit I cannot do everything on my own – let go and let others.
I am very thankful for our ‘lawn-boy’ these past two summers!
4. DO NOT FORGET THE GRACES!! – BE THANKFUL!
I have been making lists each day of things to be grateful for. This can
make even the most stressful day calm and bring things into perspective.
There you have it. Nothing too ‘wowish’, but my heart wants to share. Even in the mundane it helps to know we are not alone and we need to encourage each other.