From the Inside Out

School was out the end of last week. I still have 3 more wks to go on my contract, but it is definitely a different pace.

I am having fun creating/enhancing my backyard to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. There is plenty back there already to attract both: honey suckle, coral honey suckle, trumpet vines, hummingbird feeders, etc. I also bought a lantana and a yellow flowering plant that looks a little like a trumpet vine.

Sunday, I saw my first hummingbird of the season. (I saw one last year.) It was black and looked like a baby -- all skinny and scrawny. I know they are tiny, anyway, but this is t-i-n-y! Then, yesterday, I saw another baby that was lighter in color. I didn't see any distinguishing markings and I didn't have my field glasses out, so I don't know what kind they were.

I love my backyard!

Happy Birthday, Andrella. You are the greatest foster daughter we could ever hope to have.

Today is Mason's 3rd birthday. It will be the first time since he was born that I haven't spent at least part of this week with him. Jim is flying out on Wednesday for a few days. But, I am okay about it .... no, really.........(sob, sob, sigh.....)

Woohoo! Dacia, you are five years old today! Hugs and kisses, my sweet Princess!

Another Interruption: Women's Other Rights!

Check out this blog entry from Allison about her lactivism. It never ceases to amaze me that in women's fight for equal pay, equal opportunity, etc. that some very basic rights would be thwarted.

Kauai, Day 6 (July 20, 2005)

I am so grateful for those who have held me up in prayer and those who have been my spiritual mentors. Besides my parents, Joe Barnett, Marita Jackson, are among those who have discipled me. They have both heard me cry from the depths of despair. They have nursed my wounds and listened patiently to my hopes and dreams, my regrets and my disappointments. Lately, I have enjoyed sharing with them about what God is doing in my life.

Marita called me this morning to see how everything was going. It was great to hear from her. I left a message with Joe and he called me back.

My friend N is hurting. Her husband suffered a stroke and has been acting eradictally. He filed for divorce. She is confused and deeply troubled. Who wouldn't be? She has resigned her position with the school district. Her children and grandbaby live in Houston. I have connected with her 3 times so far since I've been here.

There is a young man who showed up at the Kauai church about the time we arrived. His name is Christian. He is staying at the homeless shelter and has attended every single activity. His knowledge of the scriptures is remarkable.