And the time flew by slowly...

It's been such a long time since I've written anything here.
Written anything for others to read.
I admit, I have spent much of the summer writing for myself.

I have spent the majority of the summer working.
I found myself blessed enough to have not one job, but FOUR.
My job at the library, ever presesnt and ever amazing.
Babysitting for the same family I have for years...
Two more beautiful little sisters I have yet to have the pleasure of knowing.
Babysitting for two crazy boys...
they keep me on my toes and teach me patience and a new kind of teaching.
Babysitting two charming boys...
who captured my heart from day one with their simple views of life and amazing way of making everything a lesson.
I couldn't have been busier, and yet I could not have been more filled with joy.

This summer God has taught me a lot about being me.
I learned that I am stronger than I thought... because I'm made strong in my weaknesses. I learned a new definition and a new reason for humility. For your greatest asset could quickly be your greatest weakness if one is not humble...

I learned that I cannot live without being surrounded by children. They are not just a calling, they are a passion and a love. Kids are so deeply entwined into my being that I cannot imagine how my life would be without them. My little monkey taught me that. He's a miracle, a blessing, and my little hermano. Through him I gained a new family too. My Colombian familia.

I learned that I love cultures. I fell in love with cultures all over again. The beauty of someone else's beliefs, the way they grew up, how they joke, how they show affection, anger, and compassion. The romance of a new language surrounding me at dinner.

I remembered books... why I love them. Why they can be a retreat and a harbor. I remembered the adventures and the beauty of the written word. I missed my fairy tales! (I shouldn't be trusted with a library card...)

I remembered the heartbreak of grieving... and the love of Christ in the midst of all the pain and confusion. The lighthouse on a rock a midst a raging storm.

And day after day I was reminded how loved I am. In the absence. In the business. In the stress. In the unknown. In the rebellion. In the pain. In the waves never ending. In the flowers that bloomed where I did not plant them. In the butterfly that landed on my arm this summer. In the smiles of the kids I was blessed to watch. In the cling of my Monkey. In the movies with my mom. In watching baseball with my dad. In hearing the play by play from my brother who took the time to methodically tell me every detail.

In the peace of tonight...
Where I could watch Jane Eyre, paint my nails to feel girly, and thoroughly relax. In not having to set my alarm in the morning.

In falling in love with the ultimate Beloved more and more every day... Truly Lord, I am blessed.