Visitors from Germany

With Aunt Miche (Dad's youngest sister) and her family











With my other aunt Miche (Mom's sister) and her family

Kindness

We played baseball yesterday and Jeremy [name changed for privacy] was our second baseman. He is developmentally delayed and cannot yet tie his shoelaces.

At one point, Carlos [name changed] from the other team landed on second base, and was standing inches in front of Jeremy. Carlos is our most loudmouthed and intimidating teenager. As I watched them, Jeremy looked so vulnerable, standing behind this rough gangster. Then I saw the most precious thing:
Carlos turned around, bent down, and tied Jeremy's shoelaces.

Weakness is not always misused. Rather, it invites kindness.

Our Family

Taken on automatic

Dad and Mom





























None of us are entirely fluent in English. My sisters and I are still discovering new words. Like the other day, Elona's boyfriend said, "Where's the ottoman?"

None of us knew what he was talking about.













We do still fit on one couch.

"It was fun hanging with you Sunday. I always wish for more!"

-text from Bethanie

Why do my best texts always have to come from girls? I wish I would get that passion from a guy.




These book covers inspired me to write a poem.

MY HOPE

Someday I'll meet a man, who's on a mission for the Lord.
I'll join him on that mission, with our hearts in one accord.
He's been holding back, since his youth; he works so hard
To keep his eyes from wandering and always be on guard.
When we meet he will bring us together, without delay;
Like Boaz, he will not rest until he settles it today.*

Yet this man is not my hope; he’s not the one I’m waiting for.
For if I were to wait for him, I'd get tired more and more.^
GOD is who I'm waiting for; He's my rock, my solid stone.
I'll save my needs and my obsession for the Lord alone.*
He's never lukewarm towards me, never stops working to reach His goal;
He will accomplish all things for me,* He is the lover of my soul.


*Ruth 3:18
^Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength -Is 40:31
*Ps 62 *Ps 57:2