hello. goodbye. Psalm 103.

These should probably be 3 separate posts, but in my limited blogging minutes I am going to have to combine.

hello Moon.

 If you've been on facebook, you are probably aware that we have a student from China that is staying with us for the month of August. It's kind of a roundabout story, a friend of a friend of an aquaintance.......but we are happy to have her here! With a guest room, full bathroom, and private balcony in our lower level we are thankful for a great space for guests, even that stay for a month!

We are learning a few Chinese words and she treated us to a Chinese dinner! We are having fun showing her fun places around Pittsburgh. And many times I magically find toys picked up and dishes done. How wonderful is that? :) We have had discussions on the differences in our cultures, the perceptions of Americans, the freedoms we enjoy (being able to jump in a car and go anywhere or have as many babies as we like), how the world began, how the world will end, communion, gays & lesbians (not seen in China), God and much more. We have found Connect 4 and Go Fish to be good games to play and that the kid's books are very helpful in teaching English! I have also been helping her plan a 7 city tour (that I totally want to go on!). With $5 Megabus fares from Philly to NYC to DC and $1 greyhound fares from San Diego to LA and $150 airfare from DC to San Diego it's more affordable than you might think! She also has a hostel membership and so is able to stay places for sometimes as low as $15 a night. In a few cities, she is also staying with some of our generous friends along the way! It's been quite the adventure to plan. Did I mention I'm jealous? :)

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Goodbye Kristin. {sniff, sniff}

This girl was not supposed to grow up and leave us! What a blessing she has been to our family. Who doesn't love that person that calls and says I'll be there in 15 minutes. And you don't even have to change out of your pj's. {She probably wishes we would.} hehe. She has babysit for us many times and our kiddos love her. We will miss her so, so much but know she's off to an adventure as a freshman at Liberty University.

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Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

My heart has been so burdened for so many friends as of late. So many are going through such difficult struggles. My prayer list has grown longer than I would wish it to be.

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 The twins babies born seemingly healthy, only to go into heart failure. 

The preemie baby who was/is touch & go.

{All 3 babies, by God's grace, are getting stronger!}

The friend whose father has stage IV cancer.

10 of Andrew's co-workers suddenly laid off.

A friend with a miscarriage.
The church family being divided.

A baby born and the mother suffering horrible complications.

The friend with cancer. 

The friends facing uncertainty.
The wife with 3 young kids who faces losing her husband to disease.
The mom with a 2 day old baby whose husband is killed in a car accident.
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The angst in my heart for these situations, all occurring just in a few short months time, is so much. Does anyone else's daily struggles seem small right now? We can only cling to our hope in God, knowing He loves us unconditionally.
We sang this song in church on Sunday, a promise we must live.
You must stop & listen to it {maybe twice}.