Good Company

These dogs are unbelievable. Really, that the Lord would give me two such fantastic gifts is completely beyond my comprehension. TWO of them!! Well trained, lovable, cuddly, nonshedding (for the most part) hilarious, living teddy bears!! Moose is presently sitting by my bedroom looking out of the window. As if he is actually watching something interesting out there. I accidently threw his B.A.L.L. into the deep window well below my window so he could potentially be sitting there for a very long time hoping it might pop out. All in all these dogs are the loveliest company, considering they can't talk. If I'm alone for too long the no talking thing gets to me a bit, but hey - I'll be thankful!

And I heard from the BEAN. She's settled in Guatemala and all is well. What a delight to find a lengthy missive from her in my INBOX. I will love hearing from her this way for awhile. She's far more talkative in print. Unlike her mother who is both a prolific talker and writer.

I'm preparing for the Saturday Night gathering. Laying in bed. Haha. Yes, I must confess that I have joined the happy world of crock potting and my supper is bubbling away contentedly as I play on my laptop. I also have a big pot of hamburger soup that will join the party and fresh bread from the woodfire bakery located just up the hill. Salad and dessert will be arriving with the guests.

So, all is well in my world.

I've invited Jesus to the party tonight, because I like it so much more when He shows up.
Good company all the way around.

She's Off

Another pleasant winter day. No snow and I am happy!

I am happy!! And it's not even sunny today! Seriously, I know we're not supposed to rely on feelings but I have certainly missed feeling "happy" these last few years. It has come in bits and spurts, but I am hoping this will not be a passing spurt. I would love to feel hopeful and content again on a regular basis. (Did you hear that Lord?!?)

And these feelings are persisting even in light of my dear daughter flying to Guatemala even as I type this!! We had a lovely big sendoff at the airport yesterday and I yelled a farewell "I love you" to the bean as she disappeared into the departures area. God is going with her and she is so ready for an adventure of some sort. I trust God will use this for great good in her life - to lead her into more of Him. Whatever that will look like for her. Cause it's usually different for the bean. I had to let go of trying to make things work for her quite some time ago. (Occasionally I still make twitches in that general direction but she quickly shuts me down and it's back to GOD which is always good.) She's traveling with two lovely Godly friends which is also very helpful and comforting. I kind of wish I could go on a little adventure myself.

But it's not my turn and I'm happy (there's that word again!) to stay here and finish off with my students at HCS and to jump in with both wheels and push through my TESL course. And that will bring us right up to Spring and the dear daughter's return! So I have motivation to keep on keeping on - to work hard and finish well.

So, that's where things sit at the moment. My puppies are here loving me as usual, greeting me with the greatest enthusiasm when I return home. They never seem to tire of the invigorating welcome back routine and it makes me....HAPPY!! So on that note I will sign off.

Thank you Jesus for happiness. Even if it isn't mentioned alot in the Bible. I still really like being happy.

Sunshine in January

Oh what bliss is mine - the New Year greets me with so much sunshine and a great melting away of snow and ice. I can handle winters so much better when it's bright. And not slushy or icy. I am tremendously grateful for this bonus. And trying not to be jealous when i look on facebook and see the loveliest photos of friends in tropical places.... skimming the ocean in sailboats, laying comfortably on loungers near the ocean or poolside. Sigh.

So I find joy in my Kelowna winter and thank Jesus for the bright spots here. And there are so many!!

I've been thoroughly enjoying my college course, for one. My classmates are so much fun and my grammar module has even been almost enjoyable thanks to an amazing instructor. The lady I sit next to is a very dedicated hard working high achiever, but she's also a chatterbox like I am so we make our class time into party time by bringing snacks and drinks. And then there is the couple from Korea who I've been able to have over to my home and who have taken me out to dinner. They are a blast and I will surely miss their vibrant hilarious presence in class when they leave for home in February. I've been working on a take home grammar exam this week which seems to be taking me ridiculously long to write. We had a "microteaching" last Saturday which involves each of us students teaching a grammar point for about 15 minutes in front of classmates and real esl students while being videotaped and evaluated. YIKES!! I was very relieved to get that behind me, although it most certainly went better than the last episode in November.

And the dear son's girlfriend came to visit for a week which was delightful. I just can't help but be happy for them as they are just like peas and carrots!! And oh so sad when they must be apart again. A little romance is kinda fun to have floating around in the air.

In the midst of all of this the father in law went home to be with Jesus. It's the first of the old guard to move on and it is truly a sobering thing. I am so happy for him though as he had suffered for years and was just plain worn out. The funeral was very honoring to his memory and it was special to be together with the family to remember him.

This week has been full of preparation for the bean who is heading off to Guatemala to do a language school for two months. I am thrilled for her, although the house will be awfully empty. I'm glad it's only two months. The excitement is mounting and she will board the plane for the first leg of her journey tomorrow with two of her friends from school. She has recently obtained a laptop so I am looking forward to hearing lots of stories and perhaps skyping with her which will keep me happy.

I've been teaching my students at the school and am trying to finish off their 21 lessons so that I can concentrate on the practicum portion of my TESL course. It will involve 10 hours of observation and 10 hours of actual teaching so this will be a huge Sttttreeeeetchhhhh!! Trying not to think about that too much while I'm concentrating on my exam and other students and getting Patrice off on her adventure.

So, all in all it's a good winter. So far anyways. I don't feel heavy hearted and I think I even feel hopeful which is truly a welcome change. I'm grateful to God for His Steadfast presence and compassion and mercy towards me. For I am desperately needy of all of his kindnesses. All the time.