It's been too long.

Goodness. I can't remember the last time I spoke on this lovely arena for thoughts. Here I am finally ready to give it my all and I'm at a loss for words. So, here is our day in pictures.


Raining.
Our rain barrels overfloweth.

Sleeping.
Sweet little boy.

Reading.
The Gone Away World by Nick Harkaway. Sam doesn't read many novels, he's enthralled with this one.


Thinking and praying.
Haiti: about thousands of people who now have nothing while I waste potable water while doing laundry and dishes.

This month there will be no debt bomb. Sam and I have decided to give everything we can this month to the relief efforts in Haiti. Our avenue for doing this is through our "in-laws" Steve and Nancy James who have lived as medical missionaries in Haiti for years and years. They are lovely people who are genuinely altruistic. If you'd like to give to them see Sam's previous link to their donation site.

Hope you and yours are well. We would love to hear from you.
N.

When We're Not There

I've been intending to post dramatic screen shots of a crossed-off loan, discuss the universal truth behind the awkwardness of first days as I transition to a job at the local VA hospital, and wax philosophical about the merits of a wholesome breakfast.

Instead, I would like to use this little white screen as a opportunity to light a candle for our extended family.

Haiti, the tiny half-island, is a special place to us. Kirsti (my brother's lovely wife, Kedzie's deliverer, and our beloved sister-in-law) spent most of her childhood in Limbe, in the northern part of the country. Her parents, Nancy and Steve, have been medical missionaries there for decades. After several years back in the states, they returned to Haiti to work as community organizers, helping small clinics offer needed medical care. Steve and Nancy have taught us what it is to hear a call in your life and follow it. They are intentional, peaceful, gentle, genuine and honest. Steve and Nancy, the entire James family, has taken us into their fold, and we are better because of it.

Nancy and Steve were here when the earthquake happened, scheduled to return to Haiti the next day. Somehow, they made it back, and early reports indicate that the northern margins of the country are much less affected then the southern devastation. Knowing the culture, the language, the gatekeepers and the way there, Steve immediately packed up a truck, including a few fellow doctors, and headed toward Port-au-Prince. His goal is to survey the scene, work with organizations already there, assess the needs and return home to develop a plan. And that's where we are now. Needless to say, communication is difficult. Steve's satellite phone is spotty and inconsistent. Nancy is in their home in Limbe doing all she can to not wonder herself silly.

So, we light a candle for our family, who are following a call that takes them very, very far away. Hopefully, the light will hold them up, and maybe even spill into the shadows of a place that was already desperate before this horrible week.

If you're interested, you can support Steve and Nancy directly here:

internationalministries.org

Money update.

So, it's been a while since we updated the money banner. Here's what we did last month in the way of bombing our debt: $695.39. A bit smaller than usual, but with the holidays and Sam switching a job (his last couple paychecks were smaller) not bad.

New grand total of (insert drumroll): $96,187.36. The better number is that we've paid off $3,053.98. Rad. We've actually paid off one of my student loans in full already! It feels good to make some progress.

I hope you all have warm fires burning in your stoves and you're snuggled up with the one you love.
n.

unintended silence

I'm sorry for the unintended silence. I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. We sure did. I thought I would take a moment to share some of our holiday with you. Our holiday in pictures!

This is another photo of the huge snowstorm that hit us. Since then (like the rest of the country) there has been a hardcore cold front. There's snow dustings often when we wake and below zero weather with the wind chill. This may sound like nothing to you northerners, but down here it's COLD. So cold that people don't do things. For us it's been fun to bundle up again.

Holiday crafting was in full swing. Sam made a quilt for our niece Kyleigh (in CO). (I forgot to take a picture of this...it was awesome and pink). The first pic is of a dress and shawl I made for niece Eily's doll we gave her. Turned out well I thought. Idea for the dress is from here. Altered a bit to make it fit the doll given. Other pics are of the advent calendar I made for my sister in law. It turned out so lovely and I think she was thrilled. Now I need to start working on one for us for next year! We've already been thinking of what we'll put in the sweet little pockets!

Christmas Eve service. Made me a bit weepy this year. Silent Night sung by many and candles lit with the help of your neighbor...that's what Christmas is all about. Oh, and yes, that's Sam in a pink robe. He was Joseph this year. The second pic is our niece Skyah who turns 6 this month! Where does time go?!

Our friend Andy came in from Chicago for 48 hours. Quick but good visit. What is it about old friends that just makes your heart full and feels so easy?

Well, that's what we've been up to. What about you? Drop us a line if you're so inclined.

n.