More Summer Fun!

summer st. louis

summer st. louis

pilgrimage 08

dhq party

Last Day of Vacation

Family

I've written lots about our new addition, Kyle and he is wonderful. I just want to say how much I love my whole family. Abigail and I had so much fun this week. We always do. And I love being at DH with my sister and her husband. It's great to watch them in action and to see and hear how God uses them. And of course, Chris and I always have lots to talk about when we drive around taking care of the multitudes of errands she has to get done. The boys are funny and don't seem to mind hanging out with their aunt Evie. And being with Steve and Ketsia is wonderful, even before Kyle came. Now, it's fun watching them adjusting to parenthood. I'm really blessed with a family who care about each other and like to be together. So, even if it was just for a week - it was a good week and I'm grateful I had it.

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When did he eat last? Is it every 3 hours? Should we have changed him before taking him for a walk? Does he need a hat? Should he be sleeping or awake? All questions that 2 aunts and 1 cousin are asking this evening as we babysit Kyle so his parents can see a movie. A movie, by the way, that Matt and I want to see too, but are graciously letting Steve and Ketsia see first. Kyle is 2 weeks old today and continues to be spoiled by us all. I only have another day and a half before returning to St. Louis and Pilgrimage preparation. I plan to get as much baby time as I can. This week has significance in the Merritt family too - soccer try outs for Matt and Ben. Lots going on here or as Matt described it "this house is crazy!" And then you add the Olympics! (Just what is synchronized diving?) Back to the house - it's a fun place to be with lots of energy and laughs.
One week is definitely not enough time for meeting a new nephew, enjoying the rest of my family and actually getting rested. But, it's what I get and will have to do for now. I probably won't take the remaining days until Christmas.
I've linked my blog to facebook and not sure how I feel about that. I'm not sure how I feel about fb in general. It seems to take over a person's life. It's fun to catch up with old friends but still, so many applications to sort through and some strange, random people asking me to be their friends. Present readers excepted, of course. Tomorrow, a little shopping, baby holding and another day of avoiding lotus notes. I bought a new camera and will try to figure out how to download my pics tomorrow, too.

kyle nelson diaz

I've actually seen and held Kyle today - the first day of my vacation. So, in this album are new pictures which I've taken myself. It's wonderful being with my family and celebrating this special gift. I'm sad that it's only one week, but excited that the Diaz family will spend some time in St. Louis later.

Sundays and other days

Yesterday I started reading the book of Joel. The first chapter is not the happiest, but is certainly relevant. I live in St. Louis, identified as the most dangerous city in America. (as an aside my sister lives in Detroit, 2nd most dangerous and my brother in the not so safe country of Haiti - there's a study for someone but I digress.) This is a depressed city in many areas. If you drive on the north side, you would think they had lived through a war and no one cares about reconstruction. A couple weeks ago I went with my cousin to her northside church, St. Alphonsus the Rock Catholic Church. I'd been promising to go since I moved here and finally it worked out. I went to learn a little more about my cousin, Connie's faith and to get a sense of an active worshipping community in that part of St. Louis. We are doing a strategic study to determine our role and it will be important to have partners in whatever we do. Wow, I was amazed. First, the gospel singing was strong, musical and moving. Connie and her husband are in the choir. It's a multiethnic, spirit-filled group. I loved it! This was the most evangelical service I'd been to in a long time. The priest challenged his congregation (and me) to have a sense of urgency about sharing the gospel message. He preached on the parable of the weeds and said the hope for the weeds was in us. He finished by acknowleding that he preaches on this topic frequently and would continue because St. Louis had not yet seen a revival. He reminded me of our Global Day of Prayer group who are passionate about St. Louis being transformed. I recommitted myself to be involved in this city and whatever little part I can play in bringing the Kingdom here. So, I'll continue to read Joel because I know there is hope and the power of the Holy Spirit coming!
Last weekend I was at CBLI (Central Bible and Leadership Institute) with Darta and Karina. Well, actually, they were with their camp staff friends and I met up with some of my friends. I also got to know some of the Midland young adults a little better. I had one of those moments during the Sunday morning worship. I was sitting with my good friends, Chris and Linda. They have played important roles in the lives of the youth and young adults in the territory. In front of us were Darta, Karina and their friends from this division. In front of them were a group of young adults who I have known all or most of their lives. There sat Nathan, who was in Grand Rapids when I was DYS and sang in my little praise group. Kirsten, who I've known since birth and continue to develop an 'adult' relationship with. Eric and Cathleen, I've watched them grow up and marry and become amazing leaders. Another Nathan, who has grown from a quiet young boy to a mature, engaging young man. I was struck by how blessed I am. I get to see the fruits of my small bits of influence in the lives of so many from here at home, in Latvia and the future blessings of new lives in my life like Jenny, Kelly, Crystal and Rob. There they were all around me. And I haven't even mentioned the dozens of officers who were there and went through training while I was on staff, now serving God faithfully and making a difference. I haven't said it very well, but I was absolutely overwhelmed with the goodness of God and His faithfulness to me. It was also a reminded that I need to live in the present because God has more to do and I want to be part of His work.

Latvia comes to USA

A few photos taken from the girls' (Darta's) 1000's of pictures from the summer. They saved them all on my computer so I have property rights, right?! Karina left on Wednesday and Darta will go next Thursday. It's been a good summer for them.


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