For the Small Things...

Last Tuesday, Matthew House welcomed three new freezing Namibian residents through our doors.  Consequently, life here has gone from a brisk but manageable pace in caring for our first resident, getting ready for Christmas and the upcoming family wedding, training volunteers, cooking meals and most importantly caring for the one larger and two smaller Dows - to the sprint we're running now.  I woke up feeling grumpy and strained, but SouleMama's post today helped me find some perspective and the "letting go" that needs to happen in order to enjoy the day.  It's like when a ship is in a storm and they can try to fight it or they let go of the sails and run with the storm.  So, in this season where we find ourselves extra busy, I'm thankful for these small and not so small things...

• Pingu and toddler babble from the other room
• Amazing volunteers 
• Babies soon-to-be here!
• Namibian first-snow-experiences
• craft nights with lovely ladies and my wee man
• a coffee cup that doesn't judge me for refilling it three times today
• the husband who helps to hold me together :)

Cousins

These two peas in a pod were born just 3 months apart.  My mom, sister and niece came for a visit last week and although these visits tend to be far too short - they are always sweet.  It is a joy to watch the bonds of family grow strong between the cousins as they play "sleeping bunnies" and try to share new toys and encourage each other with using the potty.  It reminds us just how important it is for our kids to know where they belong, to give an extra measure of grace when we're tired and cranky, to always hug and say sorry - because we're family and family is a special, sacred thing.

This Moment

Joining SouleMama and her followers in this moment - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

The Guild

Say hello to the great minds who have been presiding over our fridges for the past few years.  Keith has carefully picked out these fellows from a list of the Greats and I quite agree with his choices.  Unfortunately, so do the kids which makes it difficult to keep wee hands off of these charming puppets.