After the year of back death, pain, monstrosity, terribleness, I feel overwhelmed with joy at the healing that God not only has enabled all bodies to be able to do, but specifically my body. The pictures below show some of the joy that I have been able to experience recently since my healing. Last year so many things were just plain painful and so I didn't do them and didn't look forward to doing them, and when I had to do them, wanted to get them over with as soon as possible... well it's a whole new year where God has given me a new lease on back life, I call it Back 2.0.
So bike riding. My kids love to do it and I love to watch them do it. I have been working with Creed on riding his bike this year, sans training wheels. It is so much fun to run behind him and watch him fall...I mean, to watch him get closer and closer to that moment when balancing on a bike finally clicks. I remember learning to ride, and it was such a great feeling when it finally set in, and the saying is true, you never forget.
He went a few feet the other day on his own, and after pulling himself off the grass had the biggest smile and yelled "I did it!" I'm reminded of the whole C.S. Lewis example of how God delights in our small steps towards perfection but isn't satisfied until we reach it. I'm so delighted to watch my child grow, but I won't be satisfied until he's riding like a champ! Ah the joy of being able to run, and help my wonderful Creed learn to ride. I haven't been able to get a picture of this yet but I hope to add it to my next blog. Below are my other two boys having a blast riding their bikes! Asher calls his bike his "Bee" bike, because it has a huge bee logo on it. It's so cute... "can you watch me ride my bee bike" every day after school.
Then there is the ministry, which I love. I mean who wouldn't love a job where as part of their work they get to go rock climbing with a bunch of wonderful MKs? I don't know, it sounds pretty amazing to me! Thanks again, by the way, for making this possible :)!
This past Saturday we got to go rock climbing and it was so great! I love hanging out with the crazy and wonderful M's.
Beyond Rock Climbing, I really enjoyed just hanging out with some of my favorite MKs this weekend. The college age ones who have long since passed through the youth group. Below is one of my female leaders, Nadia, who doesn't really have a fondness for cats, but you would never know it the way they love her. But, I suppose that is the way cats are, they are drawn to the people that don't really like them. Nadia is a great addition to the MK team. she went to the youth group and is now back volunteering (has been for a long time actually). I really enjoy working with her and have invited her to join me on my Thailand adventure, summer 2015, yeah she's that awesome! I know the kids will love her!
Monday night went really well! I enjoyed speaking to the kids, "A Tale of Two Pharaohs" which you can listen to if you are interested by clicking on the "Caleb's Media" link in the upper left hand corner. After that we had a Jamaica Meeting, which I'm excited to be a part of because it means that we are getting closer to going back to Jamaica! This will be another great year there, where we will be spending most of our time building a house for some people who really need a new house. Think about trying to fit your whole family in your leaky tool shed. Yeah it's kinda like that. I'm really excited to have my cousin Sami with me this year. From Thailand to Jamaica, wherever you go, the "Lord of the Rings" taught us it's always nice to have someone named Sam along for the journey :).
The trip will cost $1,800 and if you are interested in being a part of it ,specifically, you can click on the tab in the upper left hand corner "Supporting the work". That will take you to a donation page where you can type Caleb and Diane in the search box. All your support is appreciated and I am humbled by your willingness to stand with me. I still am in awe of the fact that because of you I get to do all these wonderful things!
This week has seen the beginning of watering season for me. Yes I call it a season and I look forward to it being over. I bought some great sprinklers this year though, and I'm excited for the 'new' technology, at least that's how I'm spinning it to make it more palatable. I'm also really enjoying driving with Mark every morning. It means that I get up a little earlier than I would like, but it's good bonding time and I'm really enjoying it. We will get that boy his license one small drive at a time :). He's a really good driver!
Please let me know if any of my links don't work! You all bring me such joy and I'm so grateful for you! I pray God's blessing in your life! It's a pleasure to be on the journey with you!
Caleb and Diane and boys and soon to be a girl!
