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| I rolled out of bed at 3 a.m. this morning, not to go fishing, but to secure a place on the waiting list for grandson Ryan to attend the 7th grade at the Ventura Missionary Church School in the fall. In the pitch black, my dear friend Stacy  and I carried our chairs, blankets, and hot chocolate to be the first people in line. In the predawn quiet, time sped by as we met new moms also desiring an excellent setting for their child's learning next year. At 7:05 a.m. it was all over. The deed was done. Now we wait to see what God has planned for Ryan next year. Will there be an opening for him?
Consider such a friend as this: one who would give three hours of her sleep for a Grandma and Grandson. | | |
| I am back in California after enjoying 3 weeks in snow covered Pennsylvania, outside of Harrisburg. The whole experience was yet another gift to me as I served and interacted with the 10 guests who came to the Heartstream program for restoration and renewal under the direction of Drs. Larry and Lois Dodds. In the afternoons I was found in Larry’s office sorting, filing and shredding old papers. The camaraderie grew as we all joined together at the delicious healthy meals. Our guests and staff loved to sing and we sang before each meal and often when Mary would start a song on her guitar. The burdens these missionaries face were varied and each left with new hope and direction. Each evening through the 2 weeks guests and staff told their stories. I chose to share my life story on the evening of the 9th…. the first anniversary of Lee’s home going. It was very healing for me to think back through the events of his illness and what God has enabled me to face this year after his death. No challenge has been too great for Him! He has used so many of you to encourage me with words, ideas, and fixing things.
My hall-mates: Becky and Mary
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| Upon returning from my incredible month long trip, the Christmas holidays were staring me in the face. This will be our first Christmas without Lee, dear husband and treasured father. To celebrate Lee's first Christmas with His Savior, I want to bring the beautiful sounds and smells of the season into my home both to carry on our traditions and begin some new ones. It took both Mark and I to do Lee's task of picking out the tree and putting on its lights and we were pleased with the job we did. The next evening these four cheerful helpers came and decorated the tree and shared the yummy brownies another dear friend brought. What a gift of encouragement they are to me.
Stacy, Daniel, Bethany and Dan Eckstrom
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| Lee & I moved our young family into our present home on the Labor day weekend in 1969.... lots of great memories keep me company here. Our goal was to get moved in time for Dawn to begin kindergarten that year.
The first advice I hear from caring friends about being a widow is, "Don't make any major decisions in the first year". In a quiet moment in conversation with Dawn, I was heard to say, "...if I stay in this house". Her quick response was, "But Mother, where else would you live?". I have been taking a new look at where I live and realizing how much apart of me it is. My desire continues to be that it is an oasis for missionaries to stay and friends to visit. And of course, for our Ireland family.
That 'quiet moment' over tea and scones at The Robin's Nest in Ireland.......a favorite spot.
I am doing well, thanks for caring and praying. The relationships of family and the body of Christ are given for such a time as this.... | | |
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