So many things to be thankful for...

I agree with the sentiment in this cartoon. As I try to make a list of the things I'm thankful for, it seems like the list could go on and on. But I'll try to limit this post to three items, in the tradition of the three kernels of corn.

1. My children - God has blessed me with two wonderful children who love the Lord and desire to serve Him.

2. My church family - Many, if not most, of you support me in prayer and financially. I would not be in Spain if it were not for you. And I thank God for you often.

3. God's love, grace, mercy and faithfulness in my life - As I think back on the events of my life, I am very grateful that God has walked through them with me and has been faithful when I have not.

I hope Thanksgiving is a way of life for most of us and not just something we celebrate one day a year.

Home in Colorado

It's great to be back home in Colorado. I spent a couple of days in Breckenridge with a friend earlier this week. Today I'm going to a cropping (scrapbooking) retreat up in the foothills with a group of friends. I'll go back to Breckenridge the beginning of next week. It's been good for my soul to slow down a little and enjoy the beauties of my home state.

My daughter and I met with some friends yesterday to have a "mother-daughter" time at a tea shop in downtown Denver. It was very fun and something we didn't think we would be able to do since Jen was supposed to be in Mongolia by now. (Her new departure date is November 13.)

I'm looking forward to many more memory-making moments with family and friends over the next six months.

A Prayer

"May God in His mercy lead us through these times, but above all, may He lead us to Himself."

-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Letters and Papers from Prison)

I'm tired of packing

My guest room doesn't look quite this bad, but it is getting very full of boxes. A German missionary couple will be staying in my apartment while I'm in the States and so I'm packing up everything from my bedroom (that I'm not taking home with me) and other personal items, as well as emptying one of my bookcases in case they need it.

I'm also trying to pack my suitcases for my journey home. I'm taking home some extra things this time (mostly clothes) to leave there as I don't need them all here. I'm hoping that will make my luggage much lighter in the future, but this time I will probably end up paying extra baggage fees. I'm flying Lufthansa and, for now, they still allow 2 bags per person on long-haul flights, but I'm anticipating that will change in the future so I'm trying to prepare for it now.

I'll be glad when all this packing is done and I'm on my way home.

A few England photos

I just realized that this is probably a silly exercise since you can go to my Picasa album and see all the photos, but it gives me an excuse to blog and I need all the help I can get in that area. So here are a few photos from the end of my trip and you can see the rest here.

One of the taller portions of Hadrian's wall, at least what's left of it. It is thought that it was originally about 15-20 ft. tall.

A very common sight in Cumbria.The remains of one of the buildings (the graineries) at the site of Housesteads Roman Fort.

One of the Starbucks in York (the one with the most character).

The Minster in York

Derwent Water, near Keswick, in the Lake District.

I am so grateful for the generosity of some folks in the States that made this trip possible. It was wonderful! I hope you enjoy looking at the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.