little list...big thanks

• able to walk on deck 8
• immigration was able to clear us on thursday night 
• breakfast and breadfast
• smooth transfer of extra cargo
• sailing towards madagascar
• questions from caroline
• thoughtful coffee from katie
• holding elle
• running around deck 3
• saying "i'd like a cookie" to just the right person

sites/signs/scenes from my morning walks/runs in durban

one of the highlights of my summer (winter) in Durban was getting to go run/walk most every morning (i walked more than i would've liked because of the massive hills)...  i finally remembered to take my camera one morning and was able to capture a few of my favorite sites/signs/scenes that i passed...

a "locks of love" kind of fence

by "hoot" they mean "honk" (as in don't honk the horn at the gate)

this was the sign for a fun little alleyway cut through from one of the main roads to another...it sort of felt like a secret passageway....

the view from where "Morningside" (the area of town where we were staying) gets its name

surprising view of Jameson Park

i am pretty much absolutely certain that my time of solitude and worship and quiet during my walks/runs was one of my most favorite parts of our time in durban....and it played a really significant part in helping me make the most of and enjoy this particular season...what a gift from God...

gifts gifts gifts

• a day that didn't need paracetamol
• delightful and thoughtful packages from 'chelle
• kids running around and laughing in the rain
• celebrating the lovely & delightful 9 year old caroline

• getting to come home/so long guest house
• the deep sense that the ship is "home"
• huge welcome home hugs
• beautiful views of a durban sunrise

• 2 more runs at uShaka
• critical conversation over a 1/2 price pizza
• peace in marriage
• new floors! 

enjoying the good He sends my way

• saturday morning + seaside + 5 cashes
• date night - always a gift.
• hummus + crackers + coke + ice + lime

• my computer came back on
• 1st day of school! 
• new school supplies

• the richness of my walks with sandy...such depth and purpose
• "he (cs lewis) ceased to take much interest in himself." - walter hooper
• terrific day at "the farm"

• a nap on the albion veranda
• nearly 2 full days spent outside
• my incredible friend molly (and celebrating her life)

• note from jamie
• bananas + brownie bites + sweet time together after school
• the way eli loves bunnies

bits and pieces, tidbits and treasures

things that have made me laugh lately:

songs that never get skipped on the playlist these days:

all will be well (gabe dixon band)
ever be  (bethel)
good, good father (housefires)
no longer slaves (bethel)
i will wait (mumford & sons)
forever (new wine worship)
dance again (LIFE worship)

wishes:

• that we could sail to madagascar (no more delays, please)
• that people would send us christmas packages to the IOC before august 25 (to come to madagascar via container)
• that ebola would end (and that the vaccine would be successful)
• that i could always be real and would never compare

games for you:

• which wish is the most selfish wish?
• what occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in one thousand years?

things i really don't like:

• negativty
• complaining
• my selfishness
• vegetables (no offense, vegetables)

everybody needs a friend like molly

here's a mashed potato poem  (bits and pieces all smashed together)(i just made that up), in honor & celebration of my amazing friend, molly.    

Everybody needs a friend like molly.

Caring. Kind. Real. Raw.

Everybody needs a friend like molly.

Passionate. Thoughtful. Committed. True. 

Quick to offer a word of encouragement, Truth and prayers.

Quick to offer most anything.

Dedicated – wholeheartedly dedicated - to the ones she loves…

Tirelessly? No. (mamas are often tired) 

Inexahaustibly? Yes. (always giving, always loving, always serving)

Always giving, always loving, always serving.

Today, more than ever, I celebrate my friend molly.

She's on the other side of the world – that part I dislike.

But the part I love?  We’re forever connected and side by side….no matter the continents and oceans that are between us.

I miss the waves (& dance parties) through the windows.

I miss the magical gate that connected our lives.

I miss the shared coffee…and shared parenting…the daily sharing of hearts and lives.

Oh, how I miss my friend molly….

She’s my friend…and my life is forever better.

Everybody needs a friend like molly.

happiest of birthdays, dear one.

"try giving thanks"

• children that my children have a hard time saying good-bye to
• friends who come visit at the guest house
• silly moments of drinking sparkling apple juice from a fancy glass.

• the "morningside view" (maybe next time i'll take my camera)
• "staying close to Me IS staying on course." - jesus calling 
• sweet sleeping girl on my lap (exhausted from the fun at the beach)

• jack's candy crush compliment and commentary
• celebrating mighty on the beach
• mr. brian's football clinic in the park 

• coffee cake and card from shea
• eating previously mentioned cake 
• beautiful girls + lovely weather + jungle gyms

• the jonesies are back!
• a trip to the park without a single piggy-back ride  
• thoughtful little gifts for the kiddies from miss amy