Hello Everyone! We haven't fallen off the face of the earth! Between getting to share our home with people we love dearly, going to camp, going to Kamloops Canada for a mission trip, and just trying to keep our lives somewhat under control through all of this, things have definitely been a whirlwind! Summer in the life of youth ministry is definitely busy, but we are so grateful for where God has planted us. More and more, Artesia and the people that we love here is becoming home to us. Thankfully, our actual house is becoming more of a home to us as well. God has been doing more and more in our lives and in the lives of the students around us that have been direct answers to prayer! We are getting a deeper connection with those around us, both adults and students, and God is forming a deeper love for those we share life with out here. Some of the ways that God used to do this were through our great time at Highland Lakes Youth Camp this summer and also through getting to serve together in Kamloops with Bridge Baptist Church. We got to see four of our students come to a saving relationship with our Father through camp, and many others grow more comfortable in who God has made and is calling them to be! That was just a small snapshot of camp.
Our time in Kamloops was perfect by my standards! Bridge Church Baptist and their staff were incredible to work with, and challenged Tim and I in such a big way. They were using the place that God had given them to minister, connect and love on the community while still boldly sharing the truth that God made a way for us to have a relationship with Him through His Son, Christ, and He is the only way that God lovingly made for us! It is safe to say that God really used our time there to remind us of the importance of boldly and lovingly sharing this truth with the world around us. It is what we are here to do, and the best gift we could ever share with those we love! We worked hard with all of the people who came with us and had a blast at the same time.
Another thing that was perfect by my standards was the weather in Kamloops. It seemed to rain every day, while still clearing up in time for us to finish painting the Church. It was the perfect blend of the beautifully dreary, overcast weather that I love and the mildly sunny skies that we needed. The temperatures were in the mid-seventies each day, and the scenery was beautiful. Don't get me wrong...I love New Mexico, and it has some of its own charms. However, if I had it my way, our entire state would look and function weather-wise like the states of Washington and Oregon! Another thing that I just adored about Kamloops was how much everyone took great pride in their curb appeal. Each street was adorned with hanging baskets overflowing with beautiful flowers and well-orchestrated planters that invited you into their homes and businesses. The scenery was spotted with beautiful blue atlas cedars, cherry trees, raspberry fields, and my personal favorite, red maples!
All this made me a little sad to come back to the 100 degree, New Mexico weather and landscape. More than that, it made me LONG for Fall to be here! Those who know me well can vouch for the fact that I get about one month or so into summer and start longing for the sweet smell of cinnamon, roasted winter squashes, pumpkins on the porch and the beauty of the colorful landscapes of fall! I know I have to hold tight for a while before we really get to experience the beautiful charm of fall, but I could not be more excited about it.
In preparation of what to do with our planters this fall, I stumbled across the Flores del sol blog on autumn planters. Not only was it very inspirational for fall planters, but for every day decor! This can tide me over until the crisp cool of fall makes its way to all of us!
