Rice and Beans of Life: Balancing Life

Balance ... Steadiness

For everything, there is a season ... these seasons, constantly changing ... the challenge, finding a healthy balance through these seasons of change. Balance involves steadiness. Much like life in the States we need to balance family, solitude, ministry, sista's, church, school, outdoor play, study and ... this Mama's biggie ... tech time which inevitably leads to solitude for me! ... and speaking of balance, this blog has been sitting here for a week waiting for me to finish it!

Father is training us in steadiness ... finding that balance. Many things vie for our attention and distract us from Him. The steadiness He desires is that no matter what change happens, we are aware of HIM in all circumstances. As soon as something grabs our attention, attempting to throw us off balance, Father desires we talk to Him about it. He helps us balance whatever is before us ... this is the way of Peace.

Psalm 112:6-8 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

Life in the City ...
The highlight of our week (last week) is obvious, the EMM retreat! Our Spirits were refreshed and edified like a well watered garden while surrounded by the intense heat and dessert like climate of Chiquimula, Guatemala. We converged at El Tule from 5 different nations: 5 families, 18 children (13 boys, 5 girls!), 3 brave childcare workers, 1 teacher/encourager/grandpa, and 1 spirited EMM regional representative. There was someone for everyone. Within minutes our hearts were Holy Spirit bonded and we were strangers no more. This Mama's heart was content ... Constant playmates from sunup to sundown, a swimming pool, worship, edification, tears, Spirit lead prayer times, coffee and chocolate with sistas, the momentous climb up the volcano, the refreshing dip in it's rain filled crater, and His constant presence ... Here's to 346 days until the next El Tule! ...

She's all grown up ...
Thanks Smuckers for the treat!

Blessed by a visit from a Stumptown youngin', is she really old enough to be traveling through Costa Rica alone? I'm getting old!
... Early morning Easter celebration: breakfast with our church family, worship practice at 7:30 for Daryl, Jedi and I ... "Aunt Jean's Potatoes" for Easter lunch, tastes of home ... a suitcase of snacks, the biggest "Easter basket" ever received ... Monday April 17th, we officially closed on the New Base, God is SO good! ... We celebrated by making a typical Mennonite dinner for the family we bought the property from, Meatloaf, Green bean casserole, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and Shoo Fly Pie! ... the work has begun in getting the new base ready for the students to return the first week in May ... there is plenty of work for everyone, feel free to stop by anytime and help! ... our beloved Volcano, Poas, is closed due to spewing large rocks and gaseous fumes ... books, beautiful books at the English library ... getting back into school routine after a week away has been challenging especially with the excitement of moving to the new base ... tears as we said goodbye across the miles as my uncle Ken moved to his heavenly home ...
For everything, there is a season ... these seasons, constantly changing ... finding balance and steadiness in life as we seek the Prince of Peace.

Praise
-First official date night Friday 4/21 to celebrate Daryl's birthday 4/22 ... thankful for the Gordley's keeping our mighty men
-Closing on the New base
-Safe travels to Guatemala and back home
-Health and life
-Sweet connections and opportunities to share our heart bilingually
-English books

Prayers
-Balancing life, keep our focus on Him, steadiness
-Vehicle purchase
-our next House, closer to the base
-Do not be anxious about anything ...
-Wisdom on school options for Jedidiah
-A special day to celebrate Daryl's life this Saturday