United Nations

This evening we were invited to a fellow student's home for dinner. As the evening progressed I had an opportunity to observe everything going on around me. What a mix of nations and races all together enjoying an evening of fellowship. Zimbabwae, Nigeria, Mexico, and of course the US. Within the US group there where Hispanic, black and white. Everyone serving the same God. Who would have thought that a little mennonite girl from Ohio would be spending a night under the western sky with a group like this and loving it. Its one of those moments in time that fall under the catagory, Priceless.

Rainy Day Musing

I woke up to the sound of thunder this morning. I have missed that so much. I wanted to be able to stay in bed while the rain pounded on the roof and the thunder rumbled above. Unfortunately that was not to be. It was a magnificent display though.
We have started an intensive series of personality tests for the school. Normally I am not that enthused about things like that, it is interesting but I don't care for the pigeonholing. Much to my surprise I am enjoying this one. I am actually disappointed to miss part of the class next week. It is the night of the Coming Home Parade and the bank has a "float". I have float in quotation marks because my definition of a float and their defination is different. I will be on candy duty that night and try to hit the public with tootsie rolls. I suggested tomatos but they aren't going for it. I wanted to re-enact the tomato parade they have in Spain.
James preached at a church in the southern part of the state last week. It is one of those old country churches. Beside the door was a plaque that read 1904. I could almost feel the history seeping out of the pews. How many generations of people have gone there to worship God? People in the little country churches always seem so friendly and happy to see you. A good example for those of us in "town" churches. To many times we want to visit with our friends and miss the strangers sitting among us.

September Thoughts

Life now finds us beginning the 3rd week of college. You are probably wondering where the us comes in since James is doing all the school work. It just feels like I'm also going through everything too. We might be heading down to the southern part of the state two Sundays out of the month. James was asked to help fill the pulpit at a church that is looking for a pastor. We figured we can try it to see if his schedule will allow and also if the drive won't be to much. I'm not sure how long he will be able to do the balancing act of full time student, working and preaching. I have to admit that I am kind of looking forward to it. Maybe after the first 2 hour drive I'll change my mind.
The days are a little cooler then they were. Only in the 80s and 90s now but the nights are nice and cool. I love to feel the cold air and be able to bury under my blankets. I think I can smell Fall in the air. The mums are being sold at the nursery and all the fall decorations are out. I've always loved this time of year (Halloween not so much). Before I know it I'll be roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving. That is James' favorite holiday. I think it is because he can eat (in the past it also meant see family) and he doesn't have to buy any gifts. Last year was a very difficult holiday since it was just the 3 of us but this year we will have family here!!! If you can't tell I'm a little excited.
Lacey has been acting very strange lately. Sometimes I'm worried that she is going to die. She is 7 now so it would be on the young side of the projected life span. I can't even put my finger on exactly what is different but James has noticed it too. I've been trying to prepare myself for it but if it does happen I'm sure I'll be a mess. Its amazing how attached you can get to a dog.
Well I have enjoyed this Labor Day at home. I just wish it wouldn't be coming to an end so quickly. Tomorrow it is back at it.