Gratitude

Today was yet one more of those awesome October days we have enjoyed again and again. I can't express what a wonder it has been to have been blessed to enjoy both September and October, days of sun and mild temperatures this year.

The last two weekends in October held such special blessing for us -- a long drive to northern New York state on a sunny day, in which we could enjoy the vivid colors of the changing leaves and then the special hospitality of Nate and Denise Olmstead and their sweet children. Those were only two of the many blessings the weekend gave us.

This past weekend was filled with laughter and special warmth as my family (Thelma) gathered for a time together with my parents. Though we talked about serious considerations for the future with my parents, my father's gentle humor had us all laughing at various times during the weekend. It was a special time for us to long remember.

And in two days November begins. Am I ready to return to Ecuador? I ask myself. More ready now than a couple weeks ago. Oh, it's not that I have packed any suitcases or finalized much of anything, but the special times together of the past couple weeks have helped me feel that I am completing several of the things I hoped to do during these months.

Today (in Atlanta) we have had some special moments with Adrian. He's walking now and beginning to jabber, getting a feel for "talking" and it's fun to be here with him. Last evening with Cade and Marcia and today and tomorrow with Duane, Liliana and Adrian are bringing these nearly two weeks to a special climax.

So we say good-bye to October, and look forward to greeting November and what it will hold for us. I am choosing the theme word of "gratitude" for November. October gave so many gifts of family -- both with the Nisly side as well as the Eberly. November will bring gifts of its own. I am choosing to focus on being thankful for each and every gift, large and small, hoped for or unexpected. October was truly a gift. November will be also.

Welcome, November!!

October musings

it seems impossible, but today is October 15. it's another of those gorgeous fall days that I love so much -- I see beautiful leaves on the trees and some on the ground, and I have to restrain the urge to collect the bright, colorful evidences of God's handiwork that lay scattered on the ground as I take my walk. the vivid reds, the warm golds, the always-beautiful greens...

These are exciting days for Clayton and me -- plans are shaping up for us to return to Ecuador in November. Lots to plan for, lots to work out, lots that is still undefined, except that our hearts are at peace with the plan to return. The next two weeks will be very busy -- well, actually, the next four weeks will be really busy. :) Marcia is going to help us design a new prayer card. I've worked on an informational "brochure" to give out to help people understand our work and future plans. Clayton is working on establishing our financial support base... it feels like the rush of harvest time activity is at hand!! Praise God!!!