01-DEC-2008
Visions of Sugar Plums
One of my favorite eateries--Panera. My favorite pastry is in the bottom right hand corner--orange scones. Very yummy!
02-DEC-2008
Countdown!
This is our family's advent calendar. We have had it for at least 20 years, maybe longer. It was made by Avon, and my mom gave it to us. We have used it every year, and it is a big part of our family tradition. Even when our girls were teenagers and too cool for Christmas decorations, one of them always moved the little mouse to the next pocket every day. This morning Boppaw got to show the little mousie to Eliza, who appropriately oohed and aahed. I don't know how many more years it will hold together, but we'll use it as long as we can.
04-DEC-2008
Javier's Bed
I'm in Nicaragua visiting my sponsored "son" Javier and his friends. He is actually one of the lucky ones, because he has a house with a roof and a concrete floor. When I walked in and saw this bed, I knew I would not be able to sleep in my own soft and comfortable one if I did not do something. So he got a set of boxsprings and mattress. After I got home and ready to post this picture, I realized my previous December 3 photo was a picture of my bed. What a contrast, and how blessed am I, and are most of us. I hope that Javier will have comfort and rest on his new bed.
05-NOV-2008
The Graduate
This is Wilmer, who just graduated from high school in Nicaragua. My friend has been sponsoring him for several years, and we are so proud of him. This is a huge accomplishment in this country, and I have never seen Wilmer smile so much. Felicidades, Wilmer!
06-NOV-2008
Three Monkeys
Today we had a pool party at our hotel to celebrate many of our boys graduating from high school. These three asked me to take their picture and I told them they had to do the See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil thing. Even though they are in their late teens, they sometimes seem like little kids and the smallest things make them happy. We could all learn from Javier, Deybis, and Wilmer.
07-DEC-2008
Purisima
On December 7 in Nicaragua, they celebrate "Purisima" which honors the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. As it was described to me, people set up altars on their porches, and children go from house to house in the neighborhood. They sing songs about Mary to the people, and in turn are given candy. It is similar to Trick or Treat in the United States. I actually had to leave today so I didn't get to experience it, but it sounds like fun.
08-DEC-2008
Jeffrey George, MD--A Tragic Loss
Our friend Jeff George (on the left) and his 15 year old daughter Hannah were tragically killed last Wednesday in a fiery single car crash near Roanoke, Virginia. Jeff was a heart surgeon, who saved my dad's life by doing his bypass surgery six years ago. My husband Bill (on the right) and I went to junior high and high school with Jeff. He was in youth choir with us and was Bill's roommate on choir tour. He was our best man at our wedding. Bill and Jeff and other friends went on several hiking trips out west in the last few years (this pic is at Mt. Rainer). We are saddened and shocked by this loss. Hannah was an only child. Teresa, his wife, lost her whole family in an instant. Jeff was a kind, humble, loving man. I know that Jeff and Hannah are with God in heaven, but it is a small consolation to us.
Times like this remind us to hold our loved ones close, hug them, kiss them and tell them "I love you." Because life is truly very fragile.
09-DEC-2008
Hope Springs Eternal
Today I stopped by the church to work on a few things, and there were several floral arrangements left over from the memorial service yesterday. This photo is in remembrance of Jeff and Hannah. Although it is vibrant and colorful, I am sure it pales in comparison to what they are experiencing now. And, Sarah, you are right--Hope springs eternal.
10-DEC-2008
When you Wish Upon a Star
My wish to all my pbase friends is for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
