9/11

We planted a tree in our yard ten years ago today, to commemorate the lives that were lost on this fateful date.  It was just a small birch tree when we planted it, and it sprung up a new shoot a few years ago so Kory trimmed back the first growth so the two trunks are the same height.  It’s ironic that we planted the tree in honor of the Twin Towers, and now we have a tree with two trunks, growing side by side.  It’s still a small tree, but at least it’s still alive.  I’m a “survival of the fittest” kind of gardener so anything that lasts ten years in our yard is doing well.  Kory put flags by it today in remembrance.  It’s sad to think what’s become of our country in the last ten years.

I’m not sure how long our company from Norway will stay with us, but we love the fact they are here.  Roda and Greg are making the most of each and every day.  Yesterday I took them to LaConner and they walked around the town and popped into all the cute shops.  They only came with backpacks on their backs, so buying any souvenirs is out of the question, but they sure liked looking.  In the afternoon we took them down to Padilla Bay and let them use our kayak out on the water.  It was a wonderfully warm day, but the breeze was a bit strong so they had quite the challenge getting back to the boat launch.  Kory, Kaleb and I just enjoyed sitting by the water’s edge, reading books and soaking up some of the last rays of summer.  Afterwards we had dinner out on our deck, then Kory and Kaleb took them to the Skagit Speedway for a night out on the town.  They want to experience it all.  

The fire in the Olympics has made for some pretty dramatic sunrises over the valley, so Roda and Greg got up before the sunrise this morning to watch the drama unfold in front of our house.  The fog lays low, the sky is orange, then the horizon turns pink, the sun comes out and the fog lifts up and washes out the entire view.  It’s quite the sight and they didn’t want to miss it.  Afterwards, I took them down the road and let them hand feed the wild birds in our neighborhood.  They thought that was a hoot.  Simple pleasures.

After we left for church this morning, Roda and Greg borrowed our car and headed down to Seattle for the day.  I love that they can take themselves around and see what they want to see on their own schedule.  We were kinda busy today anyway so it worked out well.  After Kory and I took a quick nap this afternoon, we had a home fellowship meeting with our old group so that took up the rest of our day.  We so love getting together with everyone and figuring out how best we can be used by God to show others the love of Christ.  That’s what we’re here for, and sometimes, it takes a village to make it happen.  We’re looking forward to what this “year” will bring and how God will work through us.  Hallelujah!