A lazy week

Philippians 4:4-7 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I know it is a lot but it has meant a lot to me this last week. I have had such a poor attitude about everything. I have been an expert in finding what I don't like lately instead of what I do like. So I was reading a book by one of my favorite authors, Karen Kingsbury, and these verses kept coming up. Each sentence in the verse hits home. Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, not just when things are the easiest or when you have electricity that works or a critter less house or an air conditioner. Rejoice in the fact that He is with you, He is NEAR! I learned also that you can ask for anything. I may not get it, but I can ask for it. I feel so much better. I am happier this week with where I am and I am just trying to learn everything I can while I am here.

Not much has happened this week. I am sure many of you had a more exciting week then I did. The kids and I had school every day. We have now implemented a strict schedule. The kids made that decision. It is working out really well. We have a set amount of time for each subject and whatever they don't get done is homework. We started studying World War 2 this week and why the sunset looks pink and orange. They seem to be really interested in these things, that makes it easier on me.

Tuesday was a short day at school though. I got my first illness. It wasn't too bad. I couldn't describe it to you even if you wanted to hear about it. I was out for the whole afternoon and after a good nap and water I am almost feeling back to normal. If you could, please pray for no more illnesses and quick recoveries.

The kitties that one of the cats had are doing very well. The girls are loving it. They have an afternoon activity now. The back yard is now cleaned out, it was filled with leaves and garbage and branches. Now the girls love it back there. They have spent every afternoon building forts and houses for the cats. The first time we went out there to see the cats there was a huge spider (pictured). It was really pretty and our gardener told us that it was harmless. He said that there are a lot of other spiders that are much bigger near his house and you don't want to get bit by one of those.

US got a new president. I am sure you all knew that, at least I hope you did. Feelings on that, it is what it is and I can't change it but I can surely pray about it. One again I can ask for anything so let’s pray for the right and good decisions to be made in the next 4 years.

This afternoon was real fun. It rained for the first time since I have been here. Well... it sprinkled one other time but we were in the car. This was a real rain and the girls and I couldn't resist. We raced from the front door to the gate splashing in all the puddles then we jumped on the tramp. We were being so silly and it was a ton of fun. I love playing in the rain especially here, it is a great way to cool off. The girls were so happy to be out and playing and moving around. It was fantastic! I can't wait for the rainy season to really get underway. It will be hot but so nice to cool off with a good hard rain and everything will be so green.

That has been my week. As I said, yours was probably more eventful but it is what it is. On Saturday we are leaving for Ilha again. It will be a shorter trip this time; we will be back on Monday. If you could pray for safe travels that would be great.

Thanks for prayers! I appriciate it more then you could ever know!