I Feel Better In Sunny Weather

The dry season has officially begun here in Northern Togo.  No rain has fallen for the past 4 days.  I have learned over the years to love the coziness and refreshing that rainy seasons bring, but deep down I’m still a sunny weather girl.  I guess it comes partly from being raised in the rain shadow desert of the Tri-Cities in Washington state.  Yes, it will probably get hot here for a few weeks before the harmattan descends.  BUT the doors aren’t sticking anymore from humidity, our internet stays on most of the time (it doesn’t like the rain for some reason), and the sunlight shines in a special, soul-bathing way for me in the late afternoon/early evening.  Everything feels a calm sort of beautiful in these early dry season afternoons.  I feel like living completely in the moment.  The past and the future stay in their places and I don’t feel tempted to dwell in either one.  The Lord’s presence is tangible and I can’t help but praise Him and soak in the blessing of these moments.  My attitude has been tested today and I’ve struggled with frustration over different things, but right now God has answered my prayers and I feel blessed and thankful.   He has really won my soul to Him.  In moments like these I know this in a deep place within me. I’m overwhelmed by His goodness and love.

What’s Happened Today:

This morning I was home with Caleb.  We had a really good time reading together, talking, making chocolate chip cookies, doing laundry, cleaning up, and making lunches.  We went to the post office and Jacque, one of our teachers, had a package!  She’s sick today and Nicole was subbing for her, so we took the package by the schoolhouse to hopefully boost her spirits.  I picked up Gabe and Asher at 12:30pm and then all of the Big Kids on the team at 3pm and took them home.  Wednesday morning is usually my morning to meet with Christianne and Mazalo in Ketao.  Because David is gone and Caleb is still having some diarrhea and we hadn’t spent much focused time together the last few days I decided to send a message to my two friends to read the passage for next week and to wait to continue with our study until next Wednesday. Right now Abby is over here playing with Hannah. Elijah is over at Aidan’s house playing with him.  Caleb is running around the yard as I sit on the porch and our day guard Amalao is keeping him from climbing on the car.  We’re back inside now and Gabe and Caleb are watching My Little Pony.  Here are two interactions Caleb and I had today.

Me: “Is your tummy hurting?”

Caleb:  “No.  I”m tired” (rubbing his eyes)

Me: “Are you ready for some lunch?”

Caleb:  “No. I’m thirsty!”

I know these are not exceptional conversations but if you have known about Caleb’s speech delay, these are a big deal!!  He’s doing so much better in responding with yes, no and then making full sentences!  I’m thanking God!

Today’s Menu:

Breakfast:  Gluten free biscuits, fried eggs, apple juice

Lunch:  leftovers/sack lunches

Dinner:  Focaccia crusted (GF) Pizza, carrot sticks, lemonade, choc. chip cookies (GF)

Scripture on my mind today:  “Whatever is good, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things!”Philippians 4:8