Evan arrived home safely from his trip to Peru at midnight last night after dropping Maria off at her apartment in Morehead!  They had a great time over the holidays with Maria's family,and I'll share pictures soon. 

He brought home this cake that is a tradition in every home in Peru over the holidays.  He said they sell them in every store that you walk into and families serve them on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.  We'll try it this evening. :)

He gave me this little trinket that I think I'll use as a necklace holder.  .

Maria's mom sent this beautiful plate that I hung in the kitchen this morning.

Our other special news is this:

Olivia turns 13 today!

I snapped a picture of her before she left for school.  It seems like  yesterday she was a bouncy little toddler who could barely stand still in the foyer after church.  People use to call her Tigger, because even when you were holding her hand she couldn't stop jumping up and down. She's a little stressed today, because she is suppose to sing in the talent show but she wants to back out.....

Tim tried to encourage her by telling her how glad she would be if she went ahead and gave it a try.

I don't know what she'll decide.

I'll let you know tonight or tomorrow.

I've managed the morning routine again at the house, and now I'll slip back into resting.  Physical healing is so much like emotional healing.  Time cannot be substituted for any amount of treatment.

If you find yourself today in a time of healing of any kind, know that you are not alone and that God does promise to make things better in His time.

Ps. 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

My friend Martha sent me this verse last night and reminded me that no matter how tough life gets, God will never allow us to be defeated.

For we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair...struck down, but not destroyed.

II Cor. 4:8,9

Thankful for all of you and claiming His promises today as I lay back down to rest,