Assalam Alaikum

A friend of mine made a Central Asian feast this weekend - plenty of fruit, nuts, pilau, naan, and soup. Delicious! We also celebrated two birthdays. Good times.

Into the Woods

I spent the weekend camping with friends at a nearby state park. We had a great time - lots of conversation, food, naps, books, food, naps, games, food, and naps. Being outside, listening to crickets chirp, wind blow, knowing that one's main decision is choosing cool ranch chips or bbq ones is a lovely way to spend a couple of days!
(I can't get photos loaded, so those will come later. If we are facebook friends, you can see some photos on there.)

Back from Chile

Thanks for remembering me and our team to the Father! We returned from Chile on Sunday, May 25, after a great trip. More about that soon. Your support and encouragement has been much appreciated!

I'm making cookies for "Songs and Sweets," an ESL program. Since it's run by Baptists, we had cookies.

Continue to pray for the people of Santiago!

Santiago

I am leading a trip to Santiago, Chile, Friday, May 16, through Sunday, May 25. Our blog is chicasservinginchile.blogspot.com. Thanks for remembering us to the Father!

Run Bonnie Run

13 miles.
That’s how far a half-marathon is.
That’s how far I will run/walk on Nov 15!
I signed up for a half-marathon. This is a goal that can be achieved only by the grace of the Lord. I am signing up for training sessions with a local organization that will guide me in twice-weekly runs and provide an exercise plan.
Signing up for such an event is certainly uncharacteristic behavior for me. It’s quite a personal challenge. I will be 35 in November, and I thought this would be a good way to mark that. Maybe when I am 70 I will do a full marathon.

Listening

I have been enjoying Before the Throne from Sojourn Music (http://sojournmusic.com). It is a pleasing mix of styles, all pleasant and fresh. I especially like “I’m coming back,” “Evergreen,” and “Come and sing.”
It is available on iTunes, or you can buy the cd on their website.
What music are you enjoying these days?

Living well

Tonight I talked with several women in their 70s and 80s. One woman talked about how she had always wanted to read the Bible through, and now that she was 84, she thought she should get started. Another talked about how much she was looking forward to reading a particular book that I have wanted to read. Another spoke of how the Lord led her to join our fellowship; one reason she likes it is because our pastor has a global heart.

I want to be like these women if I make it to my 70s and 80s. They are interested in learning more about God and studying His Word, caught up on world events, and involved in various local ministries. I want to be able to look back at a life well spent.

Psalm 90