Oasis

The new Bible study group was called Oasis. They are going to study the book of Romans. It's a hefty book and not my favorite, but it's been more than 3 years since I was in a weekly Bible study. That's a long time. TOO long.
When asked which Bible study I was going to go to this year, my quick response was, 'As many as I can and at least two.  I need to be filled up.'  Today was the first one.
I arrived this morning and the room was already filled with women.  Some greeted me warmly and I searched to remember how I knew these ladies. Name tags helped some and conversations filled in the blanks. But so many women - of all ages - most of whom were unknown to me, was overwhelming. Would this be an oasis?
I escaped to the little office on an errand for my mother.  Greet, smile, deep breath, short prayer, and re-enter the room of the unknown.
Even more women had arrived, and, fortunately, familiar faces - old friends.  We briefly shared stories of our lives - births, marriages, jobs, travel. One sweet friend shared the hurt in her family and tears came.  More prayers needed here.  But these were so much better than the introductory conversations that have happened far too often in the last 2 months.  It was good to be real.
Too soon it was time to go in.
I sat between two of my mom's friends. Hemmed in with people who have prayed for our family for years.
And then we sang.
The voices rang out strong, melodic, and with conviction - loud in the bright room, full of praise and love for our God, glad to be there, heart filled with familiar words and tunes.
And I wept.
Refreshing water in the desert.
I have not heard women singing like this since - the women's retreat I went to in France when we were in French study three years ago.  I have not heard it in English in, well, I don't know when.
What overwhelming joy it is to sing praise together in the body of Christ in my mother tongue and to be with women who love the Lord. Oh how I need this.
Lord, fill me up to overflowing so I can give more of you to others, be your light, show your mercy, love with your kind of love, and serve like Jesus served.
Oasis.  It is here.  Praising God is that green haven in the dry and thirsty land that is my heart.
He is so good.  All of the time.

Tomorrow is my daughter's birthday. She will be a teenager.  Never again that sweet baby girl in my arms, but always my baby!  She is kind, intelligent, responsible, determined and artistic.  I am so thankful God gave me a girl!

There are other times and places of oasis here. My mom's home, our upstairs haven, friends, sunsets, twilight, walks, the pool, a new bed.  People who do for us what we do not deserve - grace again and again. So many stories, so many gifts, so thankful.


Thankful also for answered prayers:

School is going well so far. 

Kids are beginning to make friends.  

Things are going well at my mom's house.
The missionary child we prayed for is getting better.
Thankful that our friend from language school whose newborn had major heart problems can still rejoice in God, even when the child died at six months.
Thankful for some rest here.
Thankful that our journey to Florida was safe and we were able to connect with a lot of family and friends and churches.  Thankful that that trip is over and regular life is going well.

Dear old friends

Cousin Sandra

Susanne and family

Lynn - it's been years

Wendy - first time since her wedding!

Cousins

They drove a long way to see us

Great friends

A hot day at St Augustine

He fixed a dryer for my cousin

Patty's boat in 'dry dock'

Rocky and Mom

Touring my favorite university.  University of Florida ROCKS!

Time with Chris's dad

Thankful for being able to volunteer in the libraries at the kids' schools.
Thankful that I miss Cameroon.  I miss those friends and places and jobs.
Thankful a church here gave Chris an office.
Thankful he will help out at Liberty with a world arts class, that he'll present at a conference in Texas next month, that his boss at the running store asked him to fill in a little this month.
Thankful Ben gets to play the trumpet at school, Kristin will join the school choir, and Noah got in drama class.
Thankful for friends, family, churches.

Hillcats win!

Joyce

My invention

Presenting at Rivermont

And thankful for the unexpected-

This is around the corner from where we live.  See the quarter in the foreground?  HE is HUGE!
I've never seen anything like him!

This dirt road is in Florida just outside of Orlando!