Minnesota green and shimmery summer, balm for the soul

First, let me tell you the last I heard about Lydia. Thank you so much for praying for her! Right before I left town, Monday night, I received word all her surgeries went smoothly. She is still in the ICU and yet cannot receive any visitors. I'm very sad that I couldn't see her before I left, but she has many "siblings" from the orphanage who are anxiously waiting for doors to open so they can keep vigil by Lydia's side. It seems that Lydia's social worker is doing a proper job caring for her, and the driver who hit her is also taking appropriate responsibility. Lydia must be suffering terribly, and faces long, painful recovery ahead, so let's keep asking that she will be comforted, loved, and at peace. God is exalted in and through her life.

The kids and I had a good trip across the ocean. We're here in Minnesota to celebrate the wedding of Drew's brother & his precious, outstanding bride.

I revel in the unmatched beauty of a Minnesota summer. This morning I enjoyed a nice long run. I just didn't want to stop! The air is crisp, all is green and fresh, sun glowing through trees, beautiful homes and lawns and flower gardens, a giant turtle crossing my trail, a loon on the vast White Bear Lake, Orioles perched on the wetland reeds. Last night on a walk with my sister we saw a deer and a turkey in the wooded trail.

The very best gifts are he people here. We are part of a good, big, loving, messy, flawed, forgiving God-pursuing family. I am ever thankful for our parents/grandparents, brothers and sisters. Ah, so many beautiful souls. I feel rich with relationships, and set in this spectacular natural environment, it's almost too much to contain. God's gifts are endless! My heart is swelling up with abundance.

Tomorrow Drew arrives in Minnesota. Longing for his embrace.

This weekend is going to be a blast at my parents' farm.

Sunday we visit with Brothers & Sisters.

Next week is packed with a zillion pre-wedding celebrations, then the vows are made on Saturday. We're so thrilled and thankful to be here!

Finally, we fly back to Changsha on June 22.

counting the graces

thank you Father for

Jennifer, Silje, Mom, Dad, Paul, Peter, Dan, Mandie, Titus, Michael

weeding the rock garden in the sunshine

happy happy happy kids

heart connections, affirmation of relationships

Portia, a morning together

being active outside with no thought to air quality

sandy lakeshore, clean swimmable waters

seeing growth in others

you filled me with love and forebearance far beyond what I could muster up on my own