As we were driving in western New York yesterday, Hrvoje and I noticed a faint yellowish tint in the trees. Autumn is on the way, I can sense it! Yes, we’re on the road again. After our time in Indiana this July, we were in Massachusettes for several weeks. We enjoyed a sense of routine for about two weeks this summer, which we needed for Ema’s sake (and our own). She actually was sick for at least a week with an ear infection and a fever that came and went for days. We took her to the pediatrician several times and were thankful to be near ‘home base’. She is cutting an upper tooth but it hasn’t appeared yet, and had a diaper rash that just wouldn’t go away (the magic ointment that finally worked was a combo of A&D mixed with Neosporin to kill the bacteria).

      Here is my little tribute to those who have inspired me this summer. After being in Indiana, I felt like the human form of a blob from sitting for three weeks in classes and having snacks. So, after walking and exercising several times with my sister Jodie, Hrvoje and I kicked ourselves out of lethargy. We were able to take turns running or walking each day, which in turn inspired us to eat better. My friends Elizabeth and Andrea are also training for major races (go girls!), and they have inspired me that I too can jog again! I can’t tell you how this has been one of the highlights of my summer. Just simple exercise… go figure… so Jodie, Elizabeth, and Andrea- I’m cheering for you and thanking you for inspiring me to be healthy!

      I had a horrible moment this summer that I’m hesitant to share… but I will in hopes that someone may find comfort if this happens to you as well… I locked the keys in the car when I went to Target, but to my horror Ema was still in the car! Thankfully she was sleeping the entire time as I ran into Target and had a worker call the police. It was not a hot day and Ema was still fast asleep, but I waited right next to her window peering in to see if any sweat was forming on her little brow. When the cop arrived he called a lock smith near by, who came and opened the car through the window.  When the door was opened about 10 long minutes later, she awoke and was pleasantly surprised to see people around the car! I would have a fallen apart if she was awake and crying inside… that is one of my worst nightmares. I thank God for protecting me from emotional melt-down because I can sense that His hand was over me and Ema! The cop and lock smith said, “Oh, this happens all the time…”. I don’t totally believe them but they did make me feel a little better. 

        We have many meetings in western NY these next few weeks. We’ve been in Syracuse and Rochester, and will eventually be in Elmira and Buffalo, with many stops between these cities. Ema has been great during our meetings because we’ve brought a little bag of toys with us. She literally says “Hi” to people now, and really loves other children. She even cries when we say good-bye to her new found friends after she gets to play with others. Dropping her off at a church nursery is getting easier and she’s in her glory when we go to a park (what child isn’t)! She’s walking by holding onto one of our fingers, and Ema loves her ‘baby’- a little doll that we got at Cracker Barrel. She kisses the baby and hugs it whenever she gets it. Ema is so fun to watch! I’m not able to download any pictures right now, but when we get back we’ll update with some pictures.

My final words for this blog is to quote from Paul when he was describing God to the Athenians. I am comforted and thankful for God’s sovereignty and design for my life. He really isn’t far- I love that.

      ”From one man he made very nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17: 26-28