Just 50 Days

     About two weeks ago I was digging through a box of stuff trying to find something when lo and behold - I see this bracelet. This was given to me by my piano students (sisters) who'd traveled to Ecuador for mission work with their dad.  It's been probably two, maybe three years since then and I'd forgotten about it. Seeing it there in that box gave me a little thrill of joy. It was as if God had sent me a little message - years ago - that I'd be on my way to Ecuador soon. I just didn't realize it at the time. :)
     When I first heard of Global Encounters 3 years ago, I knew it was something I wanted to do. It wasn't possible then, but I kept up with the ministry through email, newsletters and blogs. All during that time I thought I would go on their Colombia trip (which is happening right now, by the way) but when the time came to finalize my application, I settled on Ecuador. To see this bracelet now weeks after the decision was made, gave me confirmation of His will. It is so exciting to follow our Lord!
    Just 50 days now to Ecuador - I can't believe it's so close. (The time between now and then will fly by as my schedule is very full.) Please keep me in your prayers. Preparations have begun already and there's still so much to do. I'm not looking forward to packing - taking what I need and not too much of it! :)

Flowers

      I spent a little time yesterday afternoon taking pictures. As I was out walking from place to place, I realized how long it'd been since I'd made time to go and do that. Kind of ridiculous how long. :)Always a pleasure to walk around and see the beauty of creation. It also gave me a chance to again use my awesome new camera that I bought at the first of the year. (More on that in an upcoming post) I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed taking them.....

 

 

 

 

Spring & Redbuds

 

 

     One of the hallmarks of spring (in my mind, at least) is the Redbud tree. It is one of the first to bloom in spring - showing us with it's brilliant hues that winter is finally coming to an end.  In past years, I have taken pictures of a fully-bloomed redbud with inches of snow covering it's limbs. Such is the fate of a tree that blooms so early in the year. :) 

     We have a large Redbud in our front yard. We planted it 15 or 16 years ago to match one on the other side of the yard.  However, that one was so old that it fell onto our porch in a storm not long after we planted the new one. We were so sorry to lose our old tree!

      Every year I watch as buds begin to appear. It excites me every time. Again this year, our tree was gogeous. I took my little sister out and used it as a backdrop. Redbuds just make everything better. :) 

 

Tri-State Music Festival

 

     Two of my students played in the Tri-State Music Festival today. Thankfully, my sister covered for me for about 20 minutes (I was working my shift) so I could run around the corner and hear them play. What memories returned of my own years playing. Ahh, the excitement and terror of playing for a judge! They both did really well - I am so proud of them. :)