I Love My Family

This evening, I practiced piano at home—something I've not done in a loooong time. Afterwards, I went for a walk outside with Dad, cause it was a pleasant, beautiful day, and the others were gone. I am loving and feeling so much closer to my family after the India trip—it's amazing! I feel like somehow we all got to see more of each other, work together in ministry, and so each other interacting with a team, and with new people we met. We've realized where each person is at, and learned more about each other's strengths and personalities. Somehow seeing each other 24/7 in a different context was very valuable. And we've all bonded around India—having a growing love for and interest in it. I think perhaps also knowing I will be moving out so soon, and may never live with my family again makes me love them all the more—I already miss them sooooo much when I think about it, and it brings tears to my eyes.... But I know it is time, and the changes, though perhaps difficult, are necessary and will be valuable in teaching me many things and preparing me for the future. I think just lately I have stopped criticizing my family and wishing they were more like this or that, and starting deeply loving the little things about them, and realizing the blessing they are to me, in so many unique ways that many others' don't experience from their families.  My little sibs especially are growing up soooo much so fast, and it's been really good to spend more time with them and bond more with them, since Anjali has been away this month.  I hope I can keep a close relationship with each of them as I move out of the house.  Anyone have any tips on how to do this?

Canoe Trip

This weekend was the annual CYA canoe trip. I had missed the last two, so it had been a while. We had a small group of 10 in 5 canoes, but I was pleasantly surprised that it ended up being one of the best trips, in my opinion. The group consisted of Eric, Craig, Steve S., Carrie, Angie, Laurie, Laura P., Rebecca P, Alissa, and myself. Friday night's traditional camp arrangements didn't work out, as the site was full, but God had other, better plans in mind for us! We camped at Calkins' instead as our back-up, and it turned out to be a great blessing, because shortly after we arrived, it POURED rain and their was quite a thunderstorm. We were setting up tents just as it rolled in, and wow it was amazing. For a while, the Platt girls and I hung out in the tent with the rain puring around us, while others huddled in the barn.  The rain continued to pour, and we had some amazing lightening displays of purple.  I was worried about the weather for the next day though, and I remember praying that if God wanted us to go, that he would grant us dry, storm-free, and warm weather the next day, even without humidity (though I didn't believe that was possible, as it had been an extremely humid day). We finally had a nice dinner of corn chowder, broccoli, and hot dogs with brownies, all cooked on the grill in the barn. It was quite cozy sitting around in camp chairs in there, and we very very grateful that we had a dry place to cookout, unlike if our original campsite had been available. After a talk by Mr. Calkins about light from 1 Jn. 2, we talked around the campfire for awhile before heading to bed. I was soooo tired after my crazy week at piano camp, and slept deeply straight through till morning, despite my very damp sleeping bag, and having forgotten to bring a pillow.

The next day dawned, and we set out to canoe.  The sky was still cloudy, and thunder occasionally rumbled in the distance, causing us to fear a storm. However, to our amazement, it gradually cleared up until we had a bright, sunny day, with get this—next to NO HUMIDITY!!! I was shocked, and overwhelmed by God's care and love for us, in even this little way, far beyond my poor faith to believe He could do it when I prayed. Having only 5 canoes, we stayed close together for the most part, and the water level was high because of the earlier heavy rains and flooding, making for easier canoing and lush, green surroundings. So lovely and pleasant in the afternoon!  Some memories:

• The first accidental (or so he says) canoe tipping by the infamous canoe-tipper Steve when he was trying to goof off and splash another canoe or something, and somehow accidentally flipped the one he and I were in in the process. I was completely unprepared, but fell laughing into the water, thinking it was hilarious—for a few moments. Then I began to feel the throbbing from my right knee and leg having hit a rock pretty hard, and began to get concerned cause it didn't subside quickly. I had to rest for a while, but was able to continue enjoying our adventurous canoe trip.

• Having splashing wars, mostly started by me, and seeing the surprise on others' faces. Somehow, they didn't think I had it in me!??? 

• Tying all 5 canoes together like a raft, with the whole group lazily floating down stream, while eating brownies and corn chips, letting the people in the outside canoes do the work. The looks of astonished passers-by. lol. Standing up in our canoes and singing psalms. Good group fellowship!

• A few of us girls lying out in parked canoes “sunbathing” and pretending we were re-enacting Anne of Green Gables with the girl lying in the canoe, and then pushing off into the water.  Whereupon Steve promptly jumped onto the end of the canoe, riding it out with us, and tipping it once we were in deep water.   We told him he had read his script wrong—Gilbert was supposed to SAVE the girl from a sinking canoe, not overturn the canoe!

• Climbing rocks and jumping into the water over and over again at a deep spot—soooo fun! Only the current was strong, so we girls often had to be rescued from being pulled out too far.
  

Yup....it was a good trip, and YOU should consider going next year....(that is if anyone actually still reads this)...

The Obvious Stated

Wild West Photo Shoot with my Mission Team in Kansas