..."can I have this?"

Bright-eyed, dirt on cheeks, full of energy, the two little girls came running up to the porch, to sound the bell we hear every day at about 5 pm. I laugh as I walk to the door, knowing the chaos about to pour into our home. When I asked God to make this our home, feeling less like a temporary house, I did not have this in mind. I chuckle. 8 and 6 years old, our neighbor's kids, they come over to check in and play most days. I pray we get to see them grow up into women who love and delight in the the "One true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent". As I sit on my bed this morning, I can hear one of them in her backyard, filling the neighborhood with the sweet sound of children's laughter, welcoming in the ease of a saturday.

We have had quite the week. Moving into the house, hosting several Destino events, a full work week among other crises. Yet, it is well with our souls. We are so thankful. I, Kayla, feel stretched and beyond myself, yet without striving & stress. Thanks be to God.

Austin's brother, Tyler, is in town this weekend. They are shredding up on the mountain today, a long-awaited escape for A in the midst of responsibility here.

I am taking ballet on friday nights. Most of you know, dancing remains a life-long dream. I am enjoying the challenge, though it is so hard!

Last week, as I met with a student in my house, the girls came over again. Chay came into the living room holding a handful of cookies asking, "can I have this?...". After talking about manners & not spoiling our dinner, I stopped and thought about how grateful I am that they could always come to my house for a cookie. If nothing else, I hope we can be a place to escape for a cookie.

Here are some photos from the house (before we moved in) and an overnight we took up to the mountains (to save some sanity)...