Fresh

I think the best thing I have gained from this experience is the realization that I can easily feed a large group of adults. It's just a matter of planning and time really, but it's not hard. I can do it. I've been doing it, and I love it. It feels really good to host and feed people. I am so blessed to have the gift of time this summer that I can do this, that I can serve people in this way. I'm grateful for it. 

Pamplona was a total blast. I mean, what an experience! Everything you have seen in the movies and in photographs - it looks exactly just like that. I wish we had been there longer. We visited the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which I do believe is the most beautiful building I have visited thus far. Holy gorgeous work of art. I couldn't help but think, if man is capable of such a masterpiece, what then, oh what, is God capable of creating? We had some neat spiritual conversations, and it was a rich time. 

On Saturday we took a day trip to a German town (an hour and a half away by train) called Mainz. Gutenberg's printing press/museum and workshop are there, along with some of the very first printed copies of the Bible. There is a large city square with a public market, a large cathedral, and dark chocolate ice cream - yum!! There was a group of 8 of us, which felt like just the right size and mix. 

There are two young soldiers that just started hanging around the Festaburg the last couple of weeks - Isaiah and Tommy. I don't believe either of them are Christians. Isaiah is a real hoot. He's got this real sassy sense of humor and so I can't help but give him crap at every possible opportunity. They seem to really be enjoying the fellowship and festivities of the hospitality house and we are really glad to have them around here. 

Tommy and I made an interesting connection the other night. And actually, maybe you guys could pray about this specifically. I'd like that. 

Tommy nonchalantly mentioned that his sister's birthday was coming up and said that we should "say a prayer for her." This seemed like a peculiar thing for Tom to say, so I decided to dig a little deeper. "How old is your sister going to be?" 

"Well, actually, she died recently. From Leukemia."

"Wow, did she. I'm so sorry to hear that. My brother also died from Leukemia. When did she die?"

"Seven months ago."

Seven months ago is so recent, so fresh. Ouch. It turns out that Tom's sister had recently had a baby, too. Since I have lost a close loved one, I know that certain days are more significant and painful that others, so I asked when Tom's sister's birthday was. I want to pray for that day in particular and I want to be sure to reach out to Tom on his sister's birthday.
"When is your sister's birthday?"

"The 31st."

You're kidding me. My brother's birthday is the 31st. So Tom and I have quite a bit in common. We have both lost siblings to Leukemia, and our siblings' birthdays both fall on July 31st. I told Tom I would pray for him and his family, and he, acting very soldierly, said I shouldn't worry too much about it. I said, "Okay, I won't worry. But I will pray." Seven months ago for me was as fresh as last week. 

On Sunday the house was open to all. There ended up being about ten of us hanging around the house. We barbequed, played an intense game of Spoons, and watched a couple of movies. It was a great day. I've been on my own for a week now, and Brad and Debbie will be gone yet another week and a half. As you can see, it's been a very full last couple of weeks, and I feel full as well. Thank you for praying and checking in with me here. As always, love you guys.