IT'S JULY!!!! One of my favorite months. At least when I get to see the sun- not so much sun here in Welli right now. But Justin & I are enjoying the raininess and grateful for all that life is throwing our way. I'm especially grateful for our weekend away on a homestay of a working farm in the Wairarapa! Justin did a great job planning a relaxing weekend for just the 2 of us. I am amazed by the enjoyment we can get from life when we slow down, spend time with one another, and laugh like were 5 years old again. Justin can definitely make me laugh. He says the funniest things. And although we saw maybe 20 cars the whole weekend- everytime he saw one he seemed to think that everyone was out & about exploring the countryside. So easy to tell he's an introvert sometimes.

So what else is making me feel like there is never enough time?: Book club, Mosaic, our project to understand poverty in Southeast Asia, work, chores, trying to get a running schedule down, Skyping with home, and sitting down to have a coffee. There isn't enough time for all of this-- but that's why there are weekend's away when you do nothing but enjoy each other & what's around you.

I've heard lots of exciting news at home- people are buying new homes!, Rachelle is about to start grad school, Karly is engaged!, Easton is crawling!, Ella is taking charge of her new house, and people are enjoying the summer. My boss shared a quote with Mosaic this month and I'm really enjoying thinking about it... a good one to end with.... "The place where God calls us is the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger." Frederick Buechner-- Hope you are pursuing where He calls you; and experiencing deep gladness. -- Lacey