Two Months Later

The new year is well underway and it's been too long since I've blogged.

A short recap of our last few months:

Steinar was asked to work at the Norwegian Seaman's Church in Miami for a few weeks in December. He obliged and we tagged along. Some highlights to that trip:

1. The kids pleasantness and cooperation superseded our wildest dreams or imaginations flying to and from Miami from Seattle.

2. To Annabelle's delight, meeting Snow White, Rapunzel and Tinkerbelle at Disney World.

 
3. Making a day trip to Key West with Brent Miller of Seattle.

 

4. Visiting Diane Lewis not one, but two times during our stay.

5. Sandy beaches and playgrounds  galore.

The Miami Church had its grand opening a few weeks before we arrived, so the staff housing wasn't completely ready for us. The conditions weren't much different from what we have here in Esperanza at times: no hot water, no internet access, no phone system, no TV. These are all things that we know how to make do without, but the biggest difference was being in the center of a community but not feeling connected to the community. It made me even more grateful for the community life we have in Esperanza, but it also made me more mindful of what it might be like for people to come to our community for the first time. Are they seen, engaged, loved, pursued? I would like to say yes, but I am sure there are times when people slip under the radar. I really want to be responsible for making sure that when people visit our community here that they do not feel lonely, isolated or that they are missing out on the life of the community.

Next, we celebrated Christmas and New Years in Esperanza this year with Steinar's family, my grandparents and other Esperanza Staff and residents.. I love being around my grandparents, especially since living in Norway I saw them so seldom, this was a treat for me. Grandparents are so very wonderful to have, and I am grateful for mine. Likewise, Annabelle and Benjamin got to spend time with their grandparents and aunty day in and day out from when they woke up until it was time for bed. Their love tanks were filled to overflowing!

Tomorrow we will be entering a new season in our life as a family and as missionaries. All of our days since arriving here this summer have lead up to this very day. Esperanza's Family Six-Week Session is upon us and we are excited. Today I measured the kids height on the door frame to Benjamin's room. Both kids have grown 2 inches in the last four months. It's evident that they are growing as their abilities and interests develop. I am hoping that during this session Steinar and I,  too, will grow and that it will be evident to see God's work in our lives.