March 2, 2011
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Let's see...what's been happening in the rather wet and chilly northwest?
Seems like I cook a lot. We've been having diverse folks over on a regular basis - people from the community, from our church, the girls' friends. Also, we just finished an 8 week course that discusses the basics of Christianity - it also included dinner beforehand. Another woman and I did the food prep for that, for about 25 people weekly. Yesterday I made my last batch of 72 rolls.
I spend quite a bit of time in the car living out my alternate existence as a short, non-liveried, unpaid chauffeur. I find that toting along a book to read during the inevitable waiting in afore-mentioned vehicle helps quite a bit.
I'm still enjoying helping out with food distribution to needy families. We do it twice a month, in 5 hour stretches. We love helping our "guests" who are receiving all sorts of goodies from staples to fresh fruits and veggies to frozen meats, but boy - when a stint is done, we sure are tired and my feet just ache. I usually am in charge of cereals and baking staples.
Heidie's been busy performing in the school's latest drama, The Mad Woman of Chaillot. (She has a relatively minor role.) It's an odd play, but the kids are great actors. Three more shows to go! She's not doing the next play - she needs to catch up on some other school work! Meanwhile, Jenny is rehearsing for a spring production of Alice and Lewis, a special side production of Alice in Wonderland. She's Dweedle-dee.
I find that the busyness diffuses the homesickness some.
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Back in January when we drove down to California, we stayed in this cute little cottage:
From there we explored the Redwoods. Oh, my. Truly awesome.
It was like a primeval forest.
So, so tall....
********************"My inward experience has often been a wilderness; but Thou hast owned me still as Thy beloved and poured streams of love and grace into me to gladden me, and make me fruitful. Yea, when my outward circumstances have been at the worst, and I have wandered in a land of drought, Thy sweet presence has solaced me...Thou hast known my soul in adversities, for no affliction dims the luster of Thy love. Most gracious Lord, I magnify Thee for all Thy faithfulness to me in trying circumstances." ~ C. Spurgeon
"I knew, recognized, understood and had regard for you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought." Hos 13:5
"The Lord...led us through the wilderness, through a land of drought and ...deep darkness." Jer 2:6
So grateful for sustaining provision in all seasons.
Comments (13)
Great pictures! -- We drove through the redwoods last year when we visited our daughter in Eugene -- they have since moved back to the east coast. The drive was just breathtaking and I'm sure you'll agree that pictures just don't capture the reality of it all!!
@myhopeisinjesus -
Yes! I remember when you went. The Redwoods are downright surreal. So truly awesome. I hope you've been well! (I'm not on here often at the moment.)
I wear crocs when I am on my feet for hours at the thrift store and it helps a lot.
There is no word to express what we feel in looking at your photos of forest . This is a supreme beauty .
I wonder how much time you will be able to cook like that . Hard and without end job ! Trish take care of you . Fortunately you took some vacation at the end of january in that nice house in California .
It was a pleasure to read you .
Love
Michel
Yes, I've always found that keeping busy is a good way to keep from being sad about things like being homesick.
Those forests look positively magical! I hope to see them someday
Love the light filtering through those enormous trees. What an adorable cottage!
I so identify with Mr. Spurgeon. When everyone else grows tired of listening to me, God is still available and faithful.
Staying busy is a good remedy for lots of things, and you certainly are busy! Someday, Oregon will really be HOME. I remember singing a song when I was a kid.. "th Lord knows the way through the wilderness. All I have to do is follow." My sister got me a Kindle for Christmas, and I am enjoying it so much! It is amazing that it will hold up to 3,000 books! Many of the classics are free on some sites to be electronically downloaded, too, and it slips in my purse always available for those long waits. Since finding, and then storing books (in English) is a problem in our tiny apartment here, the Kindle is a blessing!
I am practically a full time chauffeur- I know the feeling. I, too, keep a book on hand at all times in the car. If I get there and have to wait five or ten minutes, I feel like my time isn't quite as drab and "wasted". Your photos of the Redwood Forest are amazing- someday I hope to visit it.
@Ponder_ing -
Hmm. Maybe I should check them out - thanks for the tip!
@fauquet -
Yes, Michel - the beauty of those forests is almost indescribable.
@TheCheshireGrins -
If you come this way, let me know. I'd love to play hostess!
@kafekotka -
I know! Isn't that light amazing? I agree - so grateful He is always there for us. No matter what.
@DanishDoll -
I never thought about what a blessing a kindle would be for someone in a foreign land! What a great idea. So glad you were given one!
@quilt_cats -
So what are you reading these days? I'm about to read The Help for the second time - for a book club. Such a terrific book!
@i_was_there_and_back_again - That would be lovely. The furthest north I've been on the West Coast is San Francisco so I definitely want to see a little bit more of the Pacific Northwest someday!
@TheCheshireGrins -
Just let me know!
Holy moly! So very gorgeous!
@Winsa -
Indeed. Truly amazing.
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