A Week of Transitioning

I have arrived safely in California, thanks to all those who have been praying!  This month's 'visit' is the beginning of an indefinite stay in California.  I will be home for a month in July/August before I officially move.  However, I brought most of my stuff (that will be clarified later...) with me on this trip.

This week started off with a visit from my twin cousin, the wonderful Hannah Sauder.  It was sooo good to spend some time together, sorta celebrate our birthdays, laugh, cook, and reconnect.  On Saturday we made Kim a birthday dinner which included margherita pizza.  It was so fun to make that we decided to make pizza again on Sunday night.  This time, Hannah had the idea of tossing our dough like the pros, so we found a video online.  It's not super complicated, but nothing I would have come up with on my own!

Here's Hannah's demonstration-

 

We made another margherita, this time changing a few things around to perfect it a little.  Also, since I had some peanut sauce in the fridge leftover from a Thai dish we enjoy, I thought it would be fun to make a Thai pizza. 

It was a very enjoyable time and a great start to the week!

Monday and Tuesday I did some weeding, mulching, and preening around the house.  Also, VBS started Monday night.  The theme this year was Culture vs. Christ.  It was such an uplifting week and definitely challenged me in several areas!

Tuesday night I started packing.  I didn't spare much in the clothes department; in fact, I will be packing clothes for my return trip to Indiana since I didn't leave enough behind for my month at home.

Wednesday Mom and I ran some errands in Lafayette.  We got home just in time for Edie and I to dash up to Rensselaer for my last piano lesson.  It was so bittersweet.  'Lasts' can really be hard for me as I'm very nostalgic.  I've taken piano lessons for as long as I can remember and will miss them immensely.  However, Dr. Egan more than sufficiently supplied me with books and volumes to use someday if I teach.  Also, he instilled in me the desire to not only play my music but feel it.  I'm glad Edie will be continuing on in the fall and I was told I am welcome to join her when I visit home.

Thursday I had my possibly last day at Homestead.  I'm not sure yet if I will be working there later this summer or not so I didn't get too nostalgic when I took off that apron for 'maybe the last time'.  In the evening we had VBS, then left a little early for our recital.  Last year Edie was too afraid to play, so this year we were really hoping she would.  When it came to her turn, she did a beautiful job and had so much fun she told Mom, "I don't know why I didn't play last year."

Friday morning I got up early to ride Bandit before heading to the airport.  Mom took me to the airport and it was so good to have that time together.  Everything went smooth, that is, until I landed in LA.  Earlier I mentioned that I had most of my stuff with me.  It just happens to be that at the moment, I only have one of my checked bags.  Only one made it on my flight for some unkown reason.  Fortunately, the bag that did come was the bag with my church clothes and some (but only some) of the essentials.  Unfortunately, it was also the bag with most of my winter clothes and some other random things that I don't really need right now.  Some of the other essentials and my summer clothes were in the bag that never came.  So, Aunt Sue took me to Wal-Green's for a few things on my way to Grammy's.  We went out to dinner, then I unpacked, showered, and hit the hay.  I was exhausted!

This morning I got everything situated in my room.  Here it is:

 

I've visited Grammy's house so many times before, and it's nice to be in a familiar place.  Although the familiarity goes about as far as 50 steps out the front door, we already took a little excursion to Trader Joe's and Von's today and before long I'll know my way around here ;).

 

Right now I better go finish making dinner!  Have a blessed weekend.



Birthday Bash for Edie

When we turn eight years old, we get a big birthday bash complete with a piñata and friends.  Mom and I spent all Monday morning taping, filling, running, gluing, mixing, wiping, cutting, and well, you get the picture :)  Then around 3:15 our house was livened with eleven guests and an excited birthday girl.  It was so fun to watch them get along so wonderfully and have such a 'joyful time' (according to Edie).  And even though the party only lasted an hour and a half, I thought all the preparation was worth it. 

First things first, they made name tags since not all the girls knew each other.  There was a mix of church friends, school friends, and neighbor friends.

 

Then they ran outside to play!  And just as they went out, the man who we've asked for many moons to come do some digging in our back yard showed up and did the work right then!

I'm not sure the girls really noticed as they were busy swinging, petting ponies, or playing in the playhouse.

After some play time, they came up to the deck for cupcakes, watermelon, and punch.

The birthday girl:

 





 

 

 

After the snack, Edie opened gifts.  Some of which were enjoyed with the girls a little later :)

Group photo!

Finally, it was time for the piñata!!!  Each girl drew a number, except for Edie who was going to go last. 

However, about half way through, the piñata dropped some candy and the girls dove for the candy!

Except for Edie who politely watched.

Since there was some candy left in the piñata, we decided to let her cut into the line and hit it before it was totally gone.  Each girl got some candy to take home and there was never a tear shed.

Pony rides and a craft were after the piñata.  The craft was tissue-flower boquets, an idea inspired by the tissue-paper flowers I made with Hannah for the Valentine's Day party in Ixtlan.  Thanks for the idea, Hannah!

 

Once the organized activities were over, the girls played with various things until their mothers came to get them.

But the party wasn't over yet for the Lehmans!  Thanks to Edie's great choice of a birthday meal, we got to enjoy steak, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and melon.  Then we were joined by some extended family for presents and cake.

That night I was so worn out, but I would do it all again.  And I think Edie would too :) 

Happy 8th, Edie!!!

Just yesterday, I went to visit for the first time my beautiful, brand new baby sister.  Just yesterday I held her safely in my arms as she slept.

And somehow, yesterday turned into weeks ago.  Months ago.  Years ago!  And the precious little baby has grown into a beautiful girl.

At eight years old, I still see in her the innocence of a child.  But I also see a girl who has displayed maturity in practicing diligence, compassion, joy, and sacrifice.

 

Edie, I'm so incredibly blessed to have you as a friend and sister.

 



 

Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day :)

SPRING!!!!

Spring.  I love spring. I love love love spring.  The flowering trees.  Oh, so beautiful!  The tender, bright green leaves that unfold from the branches.  They just lift my heart.  I love it.  So much.

Perhaps it's because to me it is the picture of promise.  Spring is full of promises.  While the weather has yet to reach a balmy 80 degrees, the flowering trees and slowly rising temp kindle the fire of hope inside me.  Even though I had 10 weeks away from the bitter cold here in Indiana, the beauty of spring has not diminished this year...

Before I really really begin this post, I want to clarify that not everything is going perfectly well at all. In fact, sometimes things are still really hard.  But I know that #1. my problems really aren't that big. #2. the more I dwell on those things, the more I feel down and life is just too short for that. So in this post I'm not pretending that life has suddenly become easy and everything is better *yay!* No.  Instead, I'm counting my blessings and seeing how wonderfully God is working in my life.


So...now let the post really really begin.

If God cares about the earth He created enough to bring it back to life after a season of dormancy, how much more He desires to give His children life, hope, and purpose.  In the spring season, all those who believe in the death and resurrection of His Son are reminded of His love during Easter.  And in the Wolcott church we partake of communion near to this time.  Coming together as a family for Easter and church family for communion is just a special time.

 

In addition to the normal spring events, there are some things that have happened in my personal life this spring season that give life and hope.

 

First of all, a close friend of mine recently announced her engagement.  This really isn't exciting since it means that she'll be moving 2 hours away and won't be working with me any more on Tuesdays and Fridays at Homestead.  But to see how God brought their lives together and was so faithful through the whole process was something God knew I really really needed to see.  Watching her faith grow boosted my faith.  So while sometimes it's quite saddening, it really has been a blessing.  A sign of God's faithfulness in somebody else's life that again confirms He will work all things together for good in my life as well.

 

Another area God has been really good to me is the amount of work that He has provided.  At one point near the end of my stay in Mexico, I wasn't guaranteed many hours at the Homestead where I was working before my trip to Mexico.  I wondered if maybe I should give up the few hours I did have and just find another job.  I fished around online a little but didn't look into anything too seriously.  Then a little bit before my return, I got an email saying I could have more hours and it was enough to keep me from looking for a different job.  Also, I'm picking up more hours at D&K Electric where I do secretarial work and so that is a big blessing.  I am going to accompany the spring program on May 9th at Cornerstone and with the date rapidly approaching, this week has brought several long practices and next week will bring more.  Fittingly the theme for the program is "From Buds to Blossoms" :D.  All that together is enough to keep me busy for now.  Overall, I would just have to say that God has provided, specifically in the work area, more than sufficiently for today.

 

One more quick example: recently I began reading a book during my devotions that has helped me a lot with where I'm at in life.  Among other things it's reminded me that purpose isn't having some big assignment or responsibility.  Too often I look past the purpose God has for me in search of something greater, and then I miss my purpose entirely.  Purpose really is being used where and how God wants to use me.  I've been challenged and most definitely encouraged by it!

 

Though at first appearance these do not seem like huge promises or rays of hope, God has been using small things to once again so patiently remind me that He is at work in something much greater! (I forget too easily.) 

 

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying delicate green leaves peaking through a late snow, cheery yellow daffodils smiling among the drab flowerbeds, and of course the flowering trees.  Because after all, IT'S SPRING!

 

Life At Home

For those of you still reading my blog...sorry for the silence. I've been wanting to sit down and write for a few days now but haven't felt like it's been the right time.  If I wait a little longer I'll have more to say...well I figured I might as well just start.

My first week at home was kind of a blur.  Jim and Maria were here on Wednesday night/ Thursday en route to Myrtle Beach for vacation.  Grammy was also here visiting for a few weeks.  There was a young group invite my first weekend home and Tuesday was my first day back at my part time job at Homestead.

Then, last Wednesday Mom flew with Grammy back to California.  Grammy had been in the Midwest since early March and at our house for a few weeks and so when she left, Mom went along for 6 days.  That means that this past week I have been 'Mom'.  Okay, not really.  I couldn't give myself such a title synonymous to 'Wonderwoman' when I do not at all deserve it.  But I've been getting the kids ready for school, doing some school runs, cooking supper, cleaning, and had a laundry day.  Since I'm only working part time this is all very doable.  But every time Mom leaves I'm reminded of how much she does that us kids take for granted!

The boys will probably be glad when Mom's back since I like to cook a variety of meals.  Instead of the traditional meat and potatoes, I prefer dishes with more veggies and rice.  One of my brothers asked if I had to put veggies in everything.  *Sigh*  Cooking for a family of differing tastes can take some of the fun out of cooking.  But I have still been enjoying it :) Thanks to Hannah teaching us how to make cinnamon rolls, I got a better feel for making yeast bread and have had a few successful encounters with it which is quite exciting.

Recently I was wondering if I need to be planting my garden.  After all, it's been sunny and rainy. Perfect conditions for growing those little sprouts.  Then today it snowed.  It was so cold the wipers on my car were frozen to the windshield so I had to use my sister's car to run the kids to Aunt Beckie's for carpooling.  Guess my question got answered.  I should probably wait just a little longer. ;-)

So that's a quick summary of what I've been 'up to'.  As far as the deeper things...

Being gone for 10 weeks probably sounds like no big deal, but coming back to life in Indiana has been an adjustment.  In my few weeks back in the States, I've realized that while it's great to be home, things will never be the same as before I went to Mexico.  Time brings change and those ten weeks were no exception.  I can only trust that these changes are part of God's perfect plan.

Some of you are probably wondering if I'll be going back to Mexico to teach English classes.  And my answer: I don't know.  But as of this fall, my plan is to move to California and live with my grandma.  I'm looking forward to my time there although I'm not sure how long I'll be there.  Maybe six months, maybe a year, maybe shorter or longer?  We'll see how the Lord leads!  So, as of this year I'm not going back to teach in Mexico, but God has not necessarily closed that door.  I'm getting a better understanding of walking by faith :)

Oh, I just heard the car doors.  Mom's home!!

Have a great week, everybody.

Mexico: Goodbye

Today I go home.  There's some real mixed emotions going on right now...

There were times when I probably would've just hopped on the next plane to the US and left the hard times behind.  But God is reminding me of His faithfulness and I can have a deeper appreciation for how much this experience has grown me.  Even though my trip is over, I have been given much to think about in the coming weeks, months, even years.

In this past week the Lord has been working in my heart.  I didn't want to leave with an attitude of 'just get me outta here!' because then I'd be running away from the problem instead of facing it.  Also, since the problem was mostly me, I'd be running away from myself and that wouldn't work out too well.  Within this past week, I've felt more peace with myself and the Lord about the future.

These past few days have been kinda bittersweet as final goodbyes have been said.  There have been too many to list them all, but here are a few examples.  While I won't miss sitting in the classrooms, I will definitely miss the kids.  While I won't miss the language barrier at church functions, I will definitely miss the church family here.  In addition to the people, I will miss the mountains, the yummy street food, and 'Mexican life', like four people zooming down the road on a moped.

There are still some goodbyes hanging over my head that I'm not looking forward to.  I've said farewell to Marshall but I have yet to say goodbye to Jan.  They have taken such good care of me!  Grant, Hannah, and Ivory will be taking me to the airport this morning and saying goodbye to a couple that has so patiently listened to me work through my struggles and gone out of their way for my benefit will not be easy.  Saying goodbye to Ivory who has been my 'little comfort' will also be hard.  I'm really really going to miss them!

So Mexico, goodbye.  Only the Lord knows when I'll see you again.  Friends and family in the Midwest, hope to see you soon!

Mexico: The Prettiest Sunsets

Sunsets in Mexico are so beautiful.  Evening after evening, the sun sinks into the west and the clouds glow vividly in the sky.  I've recognized and enjoyed the beauty, but recently I read a quote in a book that took the beauty to another level.



"'The skies with the most clouds make the prettiest sunsets.'"

My time in Mexico has definitely brought some 'clouds'.  There have been things that have shadowed the light of the sun, making life unclear.  I've questioned God's faithfulness, wondered if I'd ever again find the joy in life that used to be so abundant.

In the moment, I couldn't understand.  What was God's purpose in all this? Were my struggles something I could have avoided by different actions earlier on or were they something the Lord knew I needed to go through to grow?  Was I seriously that immature in my walk with God?  Does the future hold anything but struggles?  Sometimes I still don't understand.  There are still fears, anxiety, and questions.  There are still some clouds in the sky.  But I am beginning to have more faith and confidence in God's good plan for my life.

In His word, God has given many promises. In Romans 8:28 we're reminded: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God..."  These promises give us hope that the sun will shine through the clouds and illuminate them with purpose.  While we wait, that hope can comfort our hearts and be a flame in the dark.

Looking back, there were some pretty dark days.  But the sun was still there.  Looking ahead, I believe there will be more cloudy days in my life.  The sun is already there.  The Son does not leave, and the Light of the World does not cease to shine.  When the clouds come--and they will!--we have the choice to sit in darkness and wonder why.  But thanks be to God, we also have the choice to hold on to hope and believe in faith that the sun is shining, and in His time, the gloom will be transformed into a breathtaking masterpiece.   The Light, who gives all answers, will send a glow on each trial, giving evidence of God's faithfulness.  The more evidence we behold, the more beautiful the sunset.



I'm not sure if that made sense to anybody.  Somebody more gifted with words would be able to more profoundly and eloquently get the point across.  But hopefully you can see the beauty in the analogy.

Have a blessed week!