The last few days have been tough. Nothing specific has made them such, just the little things of normal life that add up to some frustrating, busy, chaotic, hard, or just random days. As I went to bed last night I decided to pick up a book I'm in the middle of to unwind a… Continue reading Laundry, Pancake Batter, and a Throne of Grace
Category: Uncategorized
Ice Cream and Laughter and Laundry, Oh My!
Last week I was around a lot of people who were finding out for the first time that I was hosting an AFS student. After their initial reactions (whatever they might have been) often conversation would come around somehow to how the experience was matching up with my expectations. I knew there would be hard… Continue reading Ice Cream and Laughter and Laundry, Oh My!
Meeting Elisa
Written August 13, 2016 ... 2 days after becoming "mom": So I picked up Elisa this weekend. Yep, this is real... And crazy and perhaps really crazy. At the same time, not crazy at all, but somehow normal. At different points I stop and think "what am I doing?" and at certain points I'm sure… Continue reading Meeting Elisa
An International Community
One of the things I'm loving about being an AFS host is that I have so many opportunities to learn about other countries and cultures. Throughout the year AFS plans various events for the exchange students and families. There are currently about 35 students from over a dozen countries (maybe more) currently placed around WNY.… Continue reading An International Community
Where it all began…
"So how did it come about that you are hosting an exchange student?" This question in various forms has passed through my ears into my brain countless times in the last couple months. The fascinating thing is I literally have no clue where the idea came from initially. I was standing at my stove making… Continue reading Where it all began…
Write 31 Days Challenge – Instant Motherhood
"So basically you're an instant single mom to a 17-year old from another country whose third language is English?!?" As I heard someone say this to me this week, I realized again how "unconventional" this all really is. Though those who know me aren't surprised. My journey into, and now, through this year as… Continue reading Write 31 Days Challenge – Instant Motherhood
A woman named Joy…
Joy. That isn't really the woman's name, but it's the name I call her. To be honest, I tried and tried to learn and remember her given Chinese name, but it wouldn't stick in my brain. All I could remember was that it started with a "J" sound and the last name began with a… Continue reading A woman named Joy…
Blessed are those who mourn…
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 This verse was the basis of our sermon this past Sunday. Unfortunately, the concept of mourning also seems like it could be a theme for this week. Just to remind us all, here are just a VERY SMALL list of the some… Continue reading Blessed are those who mourn…
Summer Bucket List
I've stumbled upon the habit of having a "summer bucket list" the past few years and a few weeks ago I started putting together my list for 2016. It's not a traditional bucket list in the sense that I actually expect to check off every single thing, but rather one that reminds me of all… Continue reading Summer Bucket List
Broken Pieces
A friend asked me the other day how my day was and how things were going as I prepare for a trip I'm leaving on next week. I wasn't exactly sure how to answer. It had been a good day and a good week, filled with beautiful moments of God at work. It's also been… Continue reading Broken Pieces
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