Fall happenings

Last month I was on TV! On September 10th I had the opportunity to be in the studio audience of the Huckabee Report, with Mike Huckabee. I traveled down to NYC, where the show was filmed, with Merge(college/career group) and all of us  participated in the entertaining yet sobering experience. Since it was the day before the 10th anniversary of the attack at the World Trade Center, remembering that day was the theme of the show. There were a variety of special guests, including a search and rescue dog and a man who was in the World Trade Center when it was hit and miraculously survived. It was neat to see a lot of what goes into the production of a show and what takes place behind the scenes. After the show we walked around the streets of NYC, shopped at a few store, took the subway to Ground Zero, ate dinner, then headed back home on the train. I really enjoyed the unique parts of the day as well as getting to know people in the group better.

The following weekend, some of us from Merge volunteered for the Military Family Appreciation Day at Stewart Airforce Base. It was a smashing success. Our group was assigned to make balloon animals for the kids. I was one of a few from our group who was drafted to instruct and lead kids through the inflatable bounce house games. Whew, 5 hours of excitedly yelling directions to kids, cheering them on, balancing on the inflatable structures, and standing in the hot sun was quite tiring, yet completely worth it. From what I could tell, the recipients really enjoyed it and several expressed their appreciation for the volunteers. I told them we were very grateful for them and their service for our country. It was nice to be able to give something back to them for all their work and sacrifice. 

Our current study at Merge is The Truth Project, from Focus on the Family. This is my third time going through the series, but it's content is so deep and profound that I'm still learning a lot and being challenged. The series presents a thorough Biblical worldview along with opinions from a diverse panel of people with varied beliefs, stating conflicting world views. It's been so good and helpful for me, I have a lot more to learn and process. My favorite quote from the series is: "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?"

If I do, my life will reflect that. My recurring response is, "Lord, change me!"- as my Sunday school teacher in Oregon often said.

The baby I nanny is doing well. The development, changes, and milestones are increasing rapidly, it's exciting to be part of it. We're enjoying going to story time with other babies and toddlers at our local library, as well as participating in a wonderful music and movement class. It is so nice to take the baby out in the town, see her learn and interact with others, and get to know some moms, kids, and nannies in our area.

Good news, I can run again! I started two weeks ago, it has been so good to get out and do one of my favorite things, in a beautiful place. I haven't run on the mountain trails in the past two weeks, but hope to make it up there soon. The leaves are changing, the air is cooling down, fall is here!  

Last Saturday I savored the fall scenery, the trees full of changing leaves, rolling hills, farms, as I drove with friends to a town about 3 hours away to move them back down to this area. I love driving in general, but vehicles with manual transmissions are even more enjoyable for me than those with automatic. I don't get the opportunity to drive a manual often, but last Saturday was one of those rare occasions. After we loaded up the cars with the remains that didn't fit into the moving truck, we each got into a vehicle to make the drive back down. I drove a pretty new Kia Soul, which is similar to my favorite car, a Honda Element. It was a blast!

I'm looking forward to visiting my sister and brother-in-law next weekend in Philadelphia. My sister and I are planning to shop for specific fall clothing items! It will be great to see another part of the East Coast in the fall.

I'd love to hear from you, drop me a note if you have time.