Break-fast
Well, our church's week-long fast is over. Some good things came out of it, that's for sure. Anyone who was there this last Sunday as our Kathmandu pastor friend shared about taking that "step of faith", illustrating it with stories of the miraculous, was likely moved to a new level of thinking and more importantly, action. I especially was encouraged to go forward even though I don't know what things will look like after I take that first step. And it was a wake-up call to remember the most miraculous event, the most important justice for people, and God's greatest desire: salvation.
On a more earthy level, I have finally been able to break out of my hopeless mess of a kitchen and have clean counters for the first time since coming back from Cuba. And I feel like it was somehow related to prayer, like something lifted and I came out of a fog that I had been calling "Attention Deficit Disorder". Two other people mentioned having an extraordinary clarity and efficiency in their work/jobs at the end of the week. Coincidence? Perhaps. But I think God works on many levels.
One more thing to share. The first Sunday, the same pastor shared about Dwelling in God's Presence. I wrote a poem or perhaps the beginning of a song.
Dwell
My desire for today
is to be with you
Not worrying about tomorrow
or striving to get through
I want to live where you are
I want to sit at your feet
I want to dwell in your presence
I want to hang on your words
I want to gaze in your eyes
I want to dwell in your presence
Lord, you've been our dwelling place
from age to age
You are our refuge and strength
You have been faithful
since the beginning of time
You've proven your love never fails.
I want to long after you
I want to be in your arms
I want to dwell in your presence.
I want to stay close to you
I want to capture your heart
I want to dwell in your presence.
Sunday
Saturday
A Rekindling of Passion
Yesterday I picked up a book I hadn't read in a very long time: Mars and Venus in the Bedroom (don't worry, single friends, I will try and be sensitive here). And basically, it just rekindled in me a desire to focus on my husband, our love life, the importance of romance etc.
Married friends, don't take for granted your spouses! For one, you may all of the sudden get that phone call at 4 a.m. and for another, life is so much sweeter when we value our loved ones and revel in their love.
Yesterday I picked up a book I hadn't read in a very long time: Mars and Venus in the Bedroom (don't worry, single friends, I will try and be sensitive here). And basically, it just rekindled in me a desire to focus on my husband, our love life, the importance of romance etc.
Married friends, don't take for granted your spouses! For one, you may all of the sudden get that phone call at 4 a.m. and for another, life is so much sweeter when we value our loved ones and revel in their love.
Friday
Please Do Not Adjust Your Set
Sorry for the delay in posting photos. I've finally picked the ones I want and am just waiting for my techno guru to get them onto the computer that's hooked up to the 'net. Then, watch out, because you are going to see one hot mama on the beach! (it was so fun).
Anyways, we are starting to get back into a groove. But I really should continue attacking my enormous dish pile.
Sorry for the delay in posting photos. I've finally picked the ones I want and am just waiting for my techno guru to get them onto the computer that's hooked up to the 'net. Then, watch out, because you are going to see one hot mama on the beach! (it was so fun).
Anyways, we are starting to get back into a groove. But I really should continue attacking my enormous dish pile.
We're Ba-ack!
And what a chilly welcome we received last night! Good thing it warmed up again today. The kids said good-bye to Grandma & Grandpa this morning. Rachel cried and kept wanting more hugs, but adter they left we had some fun being race cars and rolling on the bed and playing hide and seek.
Such culture shock going from young couple in love mode to Mom & Dad mode (and soon I'll have to cook and unpack and all that). But it's also a delight. So much sleeping to catch up on. I was really worried that the insomnia would continue, but it wasn't too bad last night. So nice to be in my bed again! Mmmm, flannel!
We'll have pictures soon. We just got a new computer, so I'm not exactly sure how Rod's planning to download/transfer files. Looking forward to seeing you all again!
And what a chilly welcome we received last night! Good thing it warmed up again today. The kids said good-bye to Grandma & Grandpa this morning. Rachel cried and kept wanting more hugs, but adter they left we had some fun being race cars and rolling on the bed and playing hide and seek.
Such culture shock going from young couple in love mode to Mom & Dad mode (and soon I'll have to cook and unpack and all that). But it's also a delight. So much sleeping to catch up on. I was really worried that the insomnia would continue, but it wasn't too bad last night. So nice to be in my bed again! Mmmm, flannel!
We'll have pictures soon. We just got a new computer, so I'm not exactly sure how Rod's planning to download/transfer files. Looking forward to seeing you all again!
Wednesday
There´s No Place Like Home
Soon, we will be on the plane to rejoin our family. I´ve missed the kids quite a bit actually. It is so surreal here. A totally different life. We´ve enjoyed our time immensely. People who have been to other resorts in the Carribean say that they´re better...more polished...but we´ve really been captivated by the feel of this place.
Saw an amazing show last night. Amazed by the skill and athleticism of the dancers, and the incredible musicianship of the singers and instrumentalists.
Had a fun day at the beach today. Went kayaking, beachcombing, and even dug myself into the sand.
We have our last ala carte restaurant today at 9. All that´s left is packing, a bit more beaching, getting through customs and then onto our plane. See you all soon!
Oh, by the way, Rod and I have an idea for preserving the unity of Canada...we´ll all meet in Cuba!! We feel like we´ve already met half of them! Lots from Quebec, too...Anyways, I think I´ll be getting back to the room.
Soon, we will be on the plane to rejoin our family. I´ve missed the kids quite a bit actually. It is so surreal here. A totally different life. We´ve enjoyed our time immensely. People who have been to other resorts in the Carribean say that they´re better...more polished...but we´ve really been captivated by the feel of this place.
Saw an amazing show last night. Amazed by the skill and athleticism of the dancers, and the incredible musicianship of the singers and instrumentalists.
Had a fun day at the beach today. Went kayaking, beachcombing, and even dug myself into the sand.
We have our last ala carte restaurant today at 9. All that´s left is packing, a bit more beaching, getting through customs and then onto our plane. See you all soon!
Oh, by the way, Rod and I have an idea for preserving the unity of Canada...we´ll all meet in Cuba!! We feel like we´ve already met half of them! Lots from Quebec, too...Anyways, I think I´ll be getting back to the room.
Monday
Famous!
Well, Rod and I have become famous at our resort. Yes, we were chosen to take part in a couples´ dancing competition. It was crazy...we had to do four dances and then do the twist and then the can can. there was a bunch of us winnipegers up there. We ended up in second place!
Trouble sleeping again last night. What a bummer...here to sleep all i want and i can´t do it!
got a little too much sun yesterday. Today will be nice again. i guess i´ll have to stay under the umbrellas more today. hoping to do our beach shoot today. Going to our first a la carte restaurant tonight.
People are waiting, so i feel rushed again. Lots of Canadians here. meeting lots of people. We´re having a good time!
Well, Rod and I have become famous at our resort. Yes, we were chosen to take part in a couples´ dancing competition. It was crazy...we had to do four dances and then do the twist and then the can can. there was a bunch of us winnipegers up there. We ended up in second place!
Trouble sleeping again last night. What a bummer...here to sleep all i want and i can´t do it!
got a little too much sun yesterday. Today will be nice again. i guess i´ll have to stay under the umbrellas more today. hoping to do our beach shoot today. Going to our first a la carte restaurant tonight.
People are waiting, so i feel rushed again. Lots of Canadians here. meeting lots of people. We´re having a good time!
Saturday
Cuba!!
We are here! The weather has been less than beach like, but that wasn´t such a bad thing as we slept much of yesterday. i should say...tried to sleep for me...I´m still having trouble sleeping. I think it´s getting better though.
Now i know part of the culprit. hormones. yes, in timely fashion, my first cycle has begun! please pardon the lack of capitals, the shift key is very sticky.
today we´ll be going to varadero. hopping on a bus after lunch. we´re still deciding about havana. it´s quite expensive, so either we´re going to try getting our own taxi, or we´re just going to miss the must see capital city.
don´t know what to say. i feel like i´m just racing against the clock!!
lani, if you´re reading this, let mom know we´re doing fine, and i would love it they could comment and tell us how they´re doing...you´ll have to walk her through it though. I´ll be checking back on monday or tuesday.
christa, if you´re reading this, could you give mom and dad some assistance in church or make them feel at home. i know you will regardless if you see them. thank you.
well, i´ve already used up 1 minutes of my half hour. Maybe next time I´ll include some journal entries.
Adios! Love you all!
We are here! The weather has been less than beach like, but that wasn´t such a bad thing as we slept much of yesterday. i should say...tried to sleep for me...I´m still having trouble sleeping. I think it´s getting better though.
Now i know part of the culprit. hormones. yes, in timely fashion, my first cycle has begun! please pardon the lack of capitals, the shift key is very sticky.
today we´ll be going to varadero. hopping on a bus after lunch. we´re still deciding about havana. it´s quite expensive, so either we´re going to try getting our own taxi, or we´re just going to miss the must see capital city.
don´t know what to say. i feel like i´m just racing against the clock!!
lani, if you´re reading this, let mom know we´re doing fine, and i would love it they could comment and tell us how they´re doing...you´ll have to walk her through it though. I´ll be checking back on monday or tuesday.
christa, if you´re reading this, could you give mom and dad some assistance in church or make them feel at home. i know you will regardless if you see them. thank you.
well, i´ve already used up 1 minutes of my half hour. Maybe next time I´ll include some journal entries.
Adios! Love you all!
Monday
Mah NYAH nah
Tomorrow we leave! I cannot believe it! I have hardly been able to sleep these last few nights. The grandparents are here. Now I just need to pack...
Our flight leaves at 9:02 a.m. We fly Westjet, so I'm looking forward to cushy leather seats and individual TV's (well, Rod is looking forward to the TV's...I'm looking forward to books, Reader's Digest, Crosswords etc.) We get back next Thursday just after 7 p.m.
I've been having a bit of anxiety about leaving the kids and wondering "what if". But God gave me Psalm 139. It's nice to know that even in Cuba, He is there. And he knows me and he knows my kids. He is so faithful!
Adios!
Tomorrow we leave! I cannot believe it! I have hardly been able to sleep these last few nights. The grandparents are here. Now I just need to pack...
Our flight leaves at 9:02 a.m. We fly Westjet, so I'm looking forward to cushy leather seats and individual TV's (well, Rod is looking forward to the TV's...I'm looking forward to books, Reader's Digest, Crosswords etc.) We get back next Thursday just after 7 p.m.
I've been having a bit of anxiety about leaving the kids and wondering "what if". But God gave me Psalm 139. It's nice to know that even in Cuba, He is there. And he knows me and he knows my kids. He is so faithful!
Adios!
