I have been back in Japan for a little over a week now, so I think its about time to write on the blog again.
Today I listened to a sermon from my church back in Santa Barbara. It was about recognizing God, the ways he is at work and the things he is teaching us. I definitely needed to hear that right now and it got me thinking about where I have seen God, especially this summer. So to recap my summer I will tell you all the ways I saw God at work throughout this summer
He gives rest to the weary.
At the end of last year I was worn out and in bad need of some rest and relaxation. Usually summers are good for that (unless its a furlough summer with my family :). My family ended up not being able to come to the States for their planned furlough summer, so I was really bummed that I didn't get to see them this summer, but I think it did make it easier to have a more relaxing summer. Now I just can't wait to see them this Christmas! God knew all along what I needed most, and even though I thought I needed to see my family I think he knew that I needed rest, and I think my family did too.
He smiles on good friends.
The first thing on the schedule was a visit from one of my best friends since first grade, Becka! We went to different colleges and now she is teaching in Indonesia, so we haven't seen much of each other in the last 5 years. The amazing thing about our friendship is that after a couple hours it feels like we have never been apart. We were able to talk about anything and we had a great time just hanging out together. It felt like being with part of my family and I was so blessed through talking with her about everything that I was feeling and thinking about.
He is a God of relationships.
One of Frank and Loriann's favorite places is San Francisco. So it was really fun for me to get to go along with them to visit there this summer. We did a lot of fun things including going to the Exploratorium, the zoo, a Twins and Giants game, the beach, Golden gate park and riding a trolley. But, I think the things that stick out most in my memory are the people I met there. The first night we had dinner with friends of Frank and Loriann's from their time teaching in San Francisco. They were such a fun family to hang out with, very generous, kind, fun and a bit quirky, but it was great! While we were there we stayed with one of their other friends. She lives alone, but has a 2 bedroom place, so Frank and Loriann and the kids always stay with her when they go visit. She was incredibly hospitable and fun to be around. She is one of those people you just want to hang out with and who can pretty much always make you smile. I feel like I could almost see God smiling down on all these people and especially their relationship with the Mastromarinos.
He loves beauty.
We went camping for about 5 days for Alysse's birthday. Our campsite was about a 5 minute walk from Convict lake which is near Mammoth mountain in California. It was a beautiful location, quiet, secluded and perfect for us. We enjoyed hiking around the lake, kayaking on the lake, driving to Mammoth, "swimming" in the hot springs and watching the beautiful sunset each night. We were surrounded by God's beautiful creation. There was even a deer that frequently came within 5 feet of our campsite before we would notice it!
He enjoys music and lights and fun.
Frank, Loriann, Alysse, Aeson and I enjoyed a fun packed day at Disneyland again this summer. It was full of rides, songs, magic, fun and joy. We had a wonderful time and definitely made the most of our day. One of the highlights for sure was the World of Color show that we got to watch at the end of the day. It was an amazing show with water, lights, music, fire and even a story of sorts. I was in awe pretty much the whole time. Afterwards Frank said that he cried because he was thinking about how someone thought of this show with all its lights and water and music and fire and how amazing that was. I am sure that God would enjoy a show like that, all the beauty, lights, music and people watching in wonder. I am not saying that I think God supports Disneyland or anything, but I think he enjoys it when we enjoy things. He was probably sitting up there so proud that his creation can create something like that!
He has a special place for family.
No matter where I go, what I do, how long its been since I have seen her, when I see my sister it feels like I am home. We have so many experiences in common, she is the only one I share my genes with (since the rest of my siblings are adopted), she understands what it means to be a Hardeman (but also sometimes not feel like one), she makes me laugh at things no one else can and I always end up having a great time with her. This summer I saw here for a little over a week up in Oregon in our Aunt's house. So of course my Aunt joined in on most of the fun, which was great because she is an incredibly fun person. We had a great time doing fun things like tie-dyeing, going to the zoo, playing games, watching the dick van dyke show and seeing the last Harry Potter. But, we also had fun just talking, singing along to songs, shopping and reading books. I think God definitely made us for Families and finds great joy when we are together.
He delights in the details.
While I was listening to the sermon online today I hear the unmistakable laugh of someone I know. It instantly brought a smile to my face and made me marvel at the small details God must delight in putting in there just to brighten our day. So, thank you Judy for laughing during the sermon and for having an unmistakable laugh :)
Well, we start school in less than a week. I am nervous, excited, and overwhelmed, but I am trusting that God knew what he was doing when he opened the door for me to teach 3rd grade this year. So, my challenge is to recognize him, his work, and what he is teaching me each day!
