goodbye subaru

I know it's not a big deal, but our car got picked up yesterday.  To go to a junk yard.  I got $400 in $10 bills for it.  Can I just say I'm kind of sad?

We only needed it to last till December...just another 2 1/2 months.  But, alas, it started making crazy noises.  We took it into the repair shop.  The transmission is dying.  It will cost more than our car is worth to fix it.

Thankfully there was a short term solution (thanks dad and mom; and again SO sorry Jules).

The Subaru was so perfect for the time we had it...wonderful for our family.  I loved this car.  As I saw it drive away I felt quite nostalgic.

Granted, we were going to sell it in December anyway, but I assumed it would be going in a happier way...not broken down and no longer of use.  Evee says the wheels look sad in this picture.  Anyway...

We leave in December, head for New Zealand, land there in January.  In these moments, here and now, we've been sitting across tables, talking with friends, sharing our vision, asking for partnership.

To be quite honest, most days the task is overwhelming.  All that is unknown can diminish what is known.

And yet, I am regularly surprised.

...in the fact that people listen, care about others - us, but even those they don't know
...the amazing people we talk to and their desire to bring love and hope to others and the way in which they are involved in this process, unique to each person
...in each conversation, as we share stories, I am reminded of God's faithfulness and his guidance thus far
...how His strength is made perfect in our weakness and how my strength comes from quietness and rest in Him

For as unnerving as this process is, asking people to pray and give for the church plant in New Zealand, I have found much beauty in each conversation.  My own passion for the journey we are on is fueled by sharing and listening. 

Ultimately, I am thankful for these intentional conversations.  They bring hope and remind me of Jesus, who gives peace.

living quarters

When grad school housing ended (June 30th) we moved in with some friends who offered to take us in...for 6 months (!!!).  Wonderfully generous people and we feel very blessed.

I knew it would well when on our first day here Evee stated, "now I have three sisters!" and they have all been sisters every since.  They actually call us out on it if we don't count each one as a sister.

I thought it would be worth while to capture our living quarters that will change drastically over the next 6 months.  From here to weeks of travel to (possibly) a temporary place in Christchurch while we search for a place and then to wherever we settle within Christchurch and call home.   It will be interesting, and good.

And yes, Iris is now walking...

this week

...in (no more than) 48 words.  A rhythm for the weekend.  Taking time to look back on the week past.  A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.

I would so love to read your words!  If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
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Tonight I snuck into the girls' room to see if I could find an extra pacifier on the floor.  I did so by the light of my cell phone.  

I found it and felt victorious. Yay!


Most days it is the littlest of things that make me smile.

NYC for passports

We applied for the girls' Australian passports yesterday...in the city...in person.

There are only 7 places in all 50 states to which you can apply, so really, I am thankful that one of those locations is a relatively short train ride away. 

Even with the effort of getting into the city, traveling by train for a total of 4 hours for a 30 minute "appointment" (dropping off of documents and the application), it will be nice when in the end 3 out of the 4 of us will have 2 passports. 

I am thankful that Emilie came with us (thank you!) and I'm thankful that Evee thought it was a fun day in the the city, even though it was basically a train ride there and back (which is pretty fun). 

Last night at dinner Evee said that she felt like she was still on the train.  As I laid in bed, I felt the same. 

I put Iris in the tub to wash the city off her feet and she pooped while in the tub. 

Now we leave to pick Clint up after he's been in Canada for the week.  And that makes me happy. 

sequins and sand

 

We found out that the sequins on this shirt make light on the car ceiling when the sun hits them.  This made our day.  

That and a sand timer.  Evee found one in the play room and was mesmerized by it.  She sat across from me, asking me to look as the sand went though.  I struggled to sit and stare for that long minute.  

Another reminder for me to look and be thankful for the little.  The smallest things can bring joy, if we allow them to.  I'm glad I have Evee to make me sit and stare at sand (for a whole minute).  I don't often take those moments on my own.  She's a beautiful person, this Evee.

And, thank you Ms. Jill for the beautiful outfit.  She wears it proudly until it gets dirty and I make her put it in the dirty wash.  I was reminded while sitting across the table from you tonight that home can truly be anywhere and I felt at home with you.  You do not know the blessing it was.  Thank you for that too.

this week

...in (no more than) 48 words.  A rhythm for the weekend.  Taking time to look back on the week past.  A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.

I would so love to read your words!  If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
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Weekly rhythm.  Meetings.  Thinking.  Planning.  

My parents come yesterday afternoon.  Anticipating their arrival and feeling the ease of being with them.   Watching Evee interact with them.  Thankful.


Sometimes at night worries come as I try to fall asleep.  Choosing to trust, be grateful.  We have a good life.

this week

...in (no more than) 48 words.  A rhythm for the weekend.  Taking time to look back on the week past.  A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.

I would so love to read your words!  If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
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A week without words here, which is far to long since it often means a lack of processing and purposing our days...although I feel more organized this week in many ways.  Defining the days and getting into a rhythm.  Feels good and it feels about time.   


And last week?  A bit of fun and peace while summer slowly/quickly comes to a close...in the midst of sermon prep for Clint and usual work flow.  A gift in many ways and perfectly timed.  The beach.  A roller coaster.  Quiet evening fire with friends. 

junior high and more

My dad picked me up from junior high.  I had spent the last week in volleyball tryouts.  It was the day that you find out who made the team.

There was no A-team and B-team.  Either you made it or you didn't.  I didn't.

I had felt good about the week.  Felt that I'd given my best and did okay.

I came to the car, trying to hold it together.  When I saw him, though, the tears started.

We sat a brief moment and then he walked me back into the building, into the coach's office.  He asked if the coach wouldn't mind telling us why I hadn't made it and what I might work on if I thought about trying out next year.  He was clear, but kind in his words.

The drive home was quiet.  I'm sure he held my hand.  I was disappointed, embarrassed and just sad.

When we got back to our house we sat in the driveway for a long time.  He shared with me something recent that he had been disappointed about at work.  Something he had worked so hard on, but in the end someone else got credit for it.  I remember the story.

He has a way.  Not relating per se, but being in the pain.  Just there.  And in being vulnerable, sharing his sadness and disappointment.  He's done this other times, like a couple months after we miscarried.  Clint was traveling and I went to Michigan.  My dad and I walked the pier and I sobbed.  He held me and, again, told me a story.

I didn't try out again for volleyball.  My brother, the athlete growing up, even offered to give me pointers (maybe that was if I wanted to try for basketball, of which he was a star :)).  I don't think I had the follow through.

But, those moments with my dad, as hard as they were, are something.  I don't know why I thought of this story the other day, but I did.  I'm so thankful to have that memory, even though I never would have chosen it.

(love you dad.)