Lately....

It's been crazy busy around here and I haven't posted much at all. I am going to try and do a "catch up" blog post so that I feel the freedom this week to write what I want.... and since it's Holy Week I am sure I'll have some thoughts. :)

So there's been a lot of deaths the last few weeks. First, my dad's good friend, Holly passed away suddenly after a medical procedure in Arizona. She was a young 60ish and leaves behind a broken hearted husband. Her sudden death was very painful for my dad and thus becomes a pain for me. A week or so later, a 39 year old father of 4 boys under the age of 6 passed away after a battle with colon cancer. He was diagnosed a month ago. He and his family attend our church in Tucson. I can remember at Christmas when we visited the The Village, Bentley walked in front of his son who was on the swing and accidently knocked Bentley over. He so tenderly came over with his son and apologized. I mourn for the four young boys who won't have their father to so tenderly teach them the ways of the world. Not 6 days later, a young mom of about the same age, died of cancer and leaves behind 2 young children and her husband. Finally, this past week a youth pastor from Grand Rapids died when his house caught fire in the basement. So yeah, some intense days are behind us. In all of these situations, the deaths did not effect me directly- but they do effect people that I deeply care about. Also, I have this "curse" or "blessing" called the gift of mercy and in case you don't know me very well that means I cry at the drop of the hat because I feel deeply for people who are in pain. So I have had a very heavy and burdened heart for the families who lost people they love. I will add that there is joy in that all of these people where people who love and serve Christ and so I am given the knowledge of peace that they are with Christ- and not in pain. It just sucks that their children and loved ones will experience a certain level of pain for the rest of their time here.

There is also a lot of transition happening around here. Chris and Leigh are getting ready to move back to Grand Rapids in mid May. I've known they'd be leaving, but it's really starting to hit. They have become such dear friends and their absence will be noticed. They are such good role models to our children and really love them. Micah had his offer that he put on a house accepted and is moving forward as he waits to hear from the bank (it's a short sale). I will also dearly miss him and the companionship he has offered to me and David. The three of us spend most nights down at our computers watching tv shows and looking up funny things online. (We have our computers on one desk on the first floor). We are getting ready to move in the Burns house with Scott and Kristen. I am looking forward to a new and more long term community house. I am also a little scared! It's hard to share a house with other people when you're making decisions about what goes where and who does what.... but the part that brings so much joy and depth is when you come home to people who love and care about you... it's so great to have a house full of people to laugh with, cry with, and struggle with. So the benefits of communal living far outweigh the struggles.

So all is well here in the "D". We had a great visit with David's parents last weekend. It's hard to be so far away!


Look for some more posting!!