Philippians 1:3

What a blessing to serve a full-time mission!  We are thankful for this blessing in our lives.

Missions are a microcosm of life.  

Over-all so pleasant and rich with things to learn and do and try and experience,

and people to know and love,

but every now and again trials or problems, (opportunities to solve), will surface.

And they should...for our own good...

at least that is sort of the reason we are on earth after-all!

****************

But, the thing I love is that even when times are tough, there are always blessings that tuck us in

and remind us that people will be kinder next time and that all of us need to improve.

Let me share three of those blessings this week:

Henrique's Grandma walks slowly down the mountain every Sunday 
and brings her smile to church. Her life has not been easy,
but her countenance is as she uplifts those around her.  I want to be like that.

In a brown and gray country,
I am thankful for the gift of color and flowers.  The trees are magnificent!
It is difficult to be discouraged long when the world is full of such kind creations
reminding us that we are loved.

On one trip around the island this past week,
we noticed some people gathered by the side of the road.
I was driving and slowed way down to see what the excitement was?
A small group (growing larger) had gathered to collect water from a small break in the water line.
Buckets and excited voices, all lined up for free water.  A celebration of sorts!

*************

It's the simple things that lift us up.
A smile, color, nature's beauty,
and if we are smart...

we too, will bring as many buckets as possible
to collect

LIVING WATER...the kind given FREELY
the kind that will make our Spirits' smile.

And they should...for our own good...

at least that is sort of the reason we are on earth after-all!