New Adventure!

It's been awhile.  Not for a lack of things happening but perhaps too much going on.  Doing a large camp in the summer was a bit like getting back on a bicycle after years of not riding.  It was familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.  I haven't been doing as much direct work with Young Life so it was fun to be back in the thick of it at camp.  It's always encouraging to see God move in that time and be reminded of the "why".  

It has now been over 2 years that our niece and nephew have been living with us.  That family growth continues to stretch me and fill my days like I never imagined.  In September we also made a huge family decision to buy a piece of property and we are now living in a much smaller house than before.  It is exciting and scary but Ivan has never been one to shy away from adventure and this may be our greatest adventure yet!  (Follow the adventure on Instagram @casitamontanita )

It's part of the reason I've been silent.  Lots of moving pieces and lots of life.  Many feelings.  It has been a gift to be in my passport country this past month.  It's hard to say "home" because that word holds many places now in my heart.  I  purposely chose not to fill our time here so that I could rest.  Spend time with people for more than a rushed coffee date.  Do some therapy (shopping therapy that is...) and sit.  Sit and read a book (what a gift!) Sit and listen to friends.  Sit and talk about plans with Ivan.  Sit with my feelings.  

About two years ago, I started having some health issues, I really think as a result from stress and anxiety.  Because, I mean, who hasn't experienced stress and anxiety in the last few years?  So while we still did a bit of running around stateside we've also been taking the time to be still and just do life at a little bit slower speed.  (Not too slow, we've still got an energetic 5-year old with us!).  It has been good for my soul.  

Things that I love while I'm here:

• Library visits
• Shopping for clothes because I know what size I am and even if I get it wrong, the return policies are so easy!
• Ice Cream (mint chocolate chip)
• Being taken care of by my parents
• Fall leaves
• Family
• Friends who I can just jump into life with after years of not seeing each other
• Small town charm and cute holiday window displays
• Seeing houses and not just big, ugly walls and fences
• Worship and messages in English
• All the snacks!  
• Hallmark Christmas movies
• Playgrounds for kids that are clean and safe
• Amazon deliveries
• Flushing the toilet paper

Here's hoping it won't be another 3 years until we come back to visit, but even if it is, trusting God, in whom I can rest and find peace.  

Camp!