An Update (On the Bridge)

 Summer 2019

Summer 2009

It Was a Happy Father's Day

Father's Day, after church, Shaun and Kristal hosted all of us

for lunch at their house, just down the street.

It's not an everyday occurrence to see these men in our family around one table, 

but every day I can thank the Lord for the way that they love their kids.

Good dads! 

These dear girls prepared the meal, 

which was a treat for me as well.

 Truth be told, I had my eye on that cozy spot just off the kitchen.

Kristal has a beautiful way to make a space feel welcoming.

Everyone helped themselves and headed out to the patio

or the lawn.

 

 I caught sight of how these two eyed the desserts with delight.

The little island was just the right height for them. 

This is a glimpse into our father's day -

a beautiful day,

an open home, 

a meal, 

catching up, 

staying in touch,

simply making memories -

and not to be taken for granted.

The Happiest Place on Earth

For anyone who has picked up family at the International terminal,

you know what I mean.It truly is the happiest place,

just as Makenna, after she emerged from behind those doors, said, 

"that is the best corner!"

Julene arrived here with the kids on Saturday night

and Chris will follow in a week. 

I guess they couldn't wait! 

The whole family was there to meet them

and take them home,

where snacks and a comfy bed for each of them was ready.

The next afternoon we spent the afternoon at the Lakehouse,

hanging out in hammocks, 

kayaking around reeds on the lake

racing hot wheels down the slide,

sitting by the fire

and eating.

The fact is, less than a week before this, 

none of them knew about this visit.

There were wishful thoughts, but no expectations.

I think it really took the whole day for the surprise to set in.

The Lord has done great things for us. We are glad ...

Those who sew in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

Psalm 126: 3, 5

Celebrating Friendship

This week we celebrated some special birthdays and eleven years of friendship as Mennonite Girls Can Cook. Lovella hosted us in her backyard tent and put out the most incredible spread of salads and fresh-baked scones. Also, in the middle of the day, we indulged in our own dessert bar.

We talked about the incredible journey we have shared, realizing one of the biggest blessings has been the bonding as a group of women, sharing our day to day lives, our joys and sorrows.  We acknowledge how we are the same and different in many ways. We pray for each other in hard things, rejoice with each other in the good and laugh enough to know it can't hurt us. 

As a group of ten, we have a long standing tradition of sharing five things we are thankful for at the end of every week.  This week I'm thankful for this place of refuge, encouragement, forgiveness, learning and building up in the faith. And as we each seek to be that for someone, we will find the gift we give comes back to us in the most amazing ways. 

For more photos and sentiments shared by Ellen, see https://happywonderer.com/