Praise for God

Today is a really good day!  I am not able to return to church yet, but we had our Life Group (small group) at our house this morning at 10 a.m.  It was awesome!  The best part is that Emily and Phil Norman are back from Guatemala after spending 12 days with their 11-year-old adoptive daughter Nayeli.

The Norman's were there for their Empathy Study, which is not something that we had to do.  It is a part of the new Central Authority in Guatemala.  Also, please remember that Guatemala closed to adoption two years ago.  The Norman's were "grandfathered" in because they started before the closing and other special circumstances.  The best news is that there is hope that Nayeli will be home by Thanksgiving.  Now that will be a cause for celebration and thanksgiving!

The Norman's also brought pictures of places they went in Guatemala.  They shared with us after the Life Group was over.  They had stories of going to church in the ghetto of Guatemala City with a mission group that was at Nayeli's orphanage.  They also visited the area around Mayan Families, which serves thousands upon thousands of Guatemala's poor.  Mayan Families as well as the communities that they serve were hit with a one-two punch recently that devastated their lives.  First, a volcano erupted sending ash and lava into the communities and then a tropical storm caused mudslides and the collaspe of roadways and bridges.

I have also had a day of very good control after a night of humility.  During the night, my body decided that it needed sleep more than I needed the bathroom.  The result was  an early morning shower. 

I cannot tell you how much fun I had at the Life Group this morning.  It was great having the Norman's back, but Kelli also led a great lesson on Spiritual Growth.  I know that sounds dry, but it was really good with laughter, honesty, and great discussion.  Family Life's Hope for Orphans uses the following quote:  "As Christians, we are often known for what we are against, but the world doesn't know what we are for. Jesus said, 'Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.'"
Similarly, the discussion this morning was centered around the idea of the "false" things that we do to "pretend" that our spiritual lives are in order.  What we really need to be doing is loving others in real, tangible ways.  Thanks, Kelli!

By the way, I have a bunch of new appointments lined up.  I see the physical therapist for control lessons beginning July 19.  Most patients go for five or six weeks, once a week.  I go back to Johns Hopkins on July 27 for a renal ultrasound and an appointment with Dr. Schoenberg.  I need to get all my questions lined up because this should be the last time I see him.  Dr. Schmidt will be taking over my care after that unless something comes up.  Seth, you are my best question asker, so start making your list, please.  I also have an appointment with Dr. Schmidt on July 29.

Two other big events that are coming up are the beach and Nick Vujicic's visit to Fellowship Community Church.  I will post more about Nick's visit later, but he will be there for five services on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1.  Nick has the greatest message that I have ever witnesses for high school students.  I use his videos in my classroom and in my consulting work.  He is world famous and is coming to Salem!

The yearly beach trip starts on August 7 and 8.  My grown children will get to the beach on August 7, but our beach house rental does not begin until August 8.  Actually, Seth and Claire will arrive a little later because they have to attend a wedding in Bermuda.  Ben is arriving a little late as well.

The beach is a great opportunity to push other things aside and enjoy family.  Last year may have been the best because it marked a big turning point for Matt and Danny.  They had pure joy that week, and it began "the new era" when the boys began to be characterized by happiness rather than anger!  How can I not look forward to that?!