Wishing Emily safety and adventure

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail."
                                                                              ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

My friend, Emily, is on her way to Africa soon.  I have loved working with her and getting to know her.  There is no one who can resist her smile and personality.  I know she will do a great job teaching English and Public Health to those who are in need, and can't wait to hear about her experiences there.  Good luck in Tanzania, Emily!  Many thoughts and prayers go with you.

Trying Times

I generally try to keep these posts on the positive side, as well as the rest of my life.  However, some things need to be said.  Sooo... on July 27th, Ray lost his 15 year job with Springville City.  It was unexpected and very sudden.  They offered him no severance, extension of benefits... nothing.  After the first few days of shock, we went to work on trying to just get through it. 

Ray has another job now (minus the benefits) and I am so grateful for mine.  I've always had faith that things happen for a reason, no matter how far off that "light at the end of the tunnel" seems.  Okay, it seems pretty far at times!  The love and prayers we received from others have been incredible to us.  We have felt the blessings from those each and every day.  Ray's co-workers cashed in their scrap metal they had been saving at work, and brought us the money.  On my side of things, I received hugs and support (which meant more to me than those giving them thought).  I found little notes and surprise cards and gifts in my locker almost every day at work. 

I want to document my gratitude for these tender acts of kindness that sit on a little shelf in my heart.  Dakota said something that summed it up well for me.  He said, "God's answers to prayers are like popcorn, you just have to light a fire under them."

Family

Blood is truly thicker than water.  We have been able to see some of our extended family over the past week.  Last Saturday, my cousin Rob and his family, and cousin Karen and her family came to visit us.  It was a great afternoon.  My boys enjoyed seeing their cute cousins so much.  They each have such beautiful families. 

Today, cousin Joan came to visit and brought a collage picture she made of all of us at her Easter lunch, Jessica's wedding, and other family events.  It's probably obvious, but I adore my cousins:) 

Here are the pics.