Bloggers Block.

Hello all! Have you wondered where I have been? I know, it has been a month since I last filled you all in. I have missed sharing with you all. How are ya?

If I could sum up the past month in one word I think it would be OUTRAGEOUS. Outrageous in the most positive ways and also a little outrageous in some negative ways. This past month has been full of highs and lows that have left me feeling tapped out. I have opened my blog many times with the intention of capturing certain moments or feelings but I have ended up starring at the blank page unable to articulate anything I have been experiencing and feeling. As you may have been able to tell from my last few blogs, the girls and I have been facing some pretty tough situations. We have had to dig our heels in deep and grasp the hand of Jesus like no other. Even in the midst of some extremely difficult issues we are continuing to create some mountain top, once in a lifetime memories. I don't want to dwell in the negative so I thought I would break my blogging block by creating a list of everything that I have been thankful for this past month. So here it is...

This month I am thankful for...

The love of Jesus who accepts me broken and all.
My roommates both here and back home.
The opportunity to be here on Lanai.
Prayer.
The excitement of God's plan for my future.
The gift to love on these kiddos.
Music that has the power to transcend me.
Old friends who just understand.
The kiddos who show me a new way of looking at life daily.
Our "Charlie" on Molokai who keeps us sane.
Painting class.
Grace.
Visit from Frances.
Daily texts from home.
Situations that stretch me.
The pup that I pet on the way to work.
Tortillas from South Texas, thanks to Teran.
Sunsets that seem to melt the worries of the day away.
Laughter of kids playing outside our apartment.
Coffee.
Talk story.
Fresh fish, Pinot Noir and good laughs after a long day.
Trips to the mailbox to pick up small reminders of home.
Calls and emails full of encouragement.
Tsunami warnings that fizzle out and lead to...
Calls from home that showed me how much I am loved.
Glimpses of HOPE.
The kiddos who read to me each afternoon with their sweet voices.
Unexpected miracles.
"Auntie" being called out down the road as kids coming running towards us.
Quote bowl.
Trip to Hilo with Sharie and Greg.
Maya, the artist at the farmers market.
Beaches full of sea glass.
Kona Coffee Ice Cream.
Rainbows that remind me of God's promise.
Taize community chants.
Justice.
Random hikes.
Technology.
Fresh plumeria.
Hugs from the kiddos each day.
Love all around and in unexpected places.

Thank you all for your prayers and support during this past month. It means more than I could ever express. I am believing that God is working through us and in us as we continue to be here on the island. I know that He knows all things and that He has not forgotten about me or this island. A friend of mine posted this verse on her blog and it has been inspiring me.

Romans 8:28 "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to create something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan." (The Voice)

Peace and love.

B