Feb. 26, 2022
Yesterday we made it to Saguaro National Park, the west side. It was so fun! The kids attended an Explorer Camp for the day, which meant Benjamin and I were able to go on a hike just the two of us. While we enjoy family hikes, there was something special about it just being the two of us. We chose a 4.3 mile hike and took our time enjoying the beautiful nature around us. I've decided I really like saguaro cacti. Each one is unique, some are quite funny looking. Driving into the park I felt so excited, I haven't seen anything quite like a saguaro forest before, but I found it simply delightful. I definitely like saguaros better than Joshua Trees. (In two of Gabriella and Tomas' favorite words: No offense, Joshua Trees.)
This past week we've been staying in the yard of a family in Arvaca, AZ. This family is incredibly warm and friendly. They are also brothers and sisters in Christ; there is a sweet fellowship that I feel with them, knowing we are in the larger spiritual family together. They have 6 kids, 5 of which are 14 - 9, so the perfect ages for Tomas and Gabriella to play with. The also have around 20 goats which I find hilarious and adorable. They have mostly dwarf goats and a number of them are "kids". After a period of 4 weeks without friends, Gabriella and Tomas are soaking up all the time with other kids, human and goat ones. Tomas is even talking about spending the night in the goat pen. Stay tuned to see if that adventure takes place.
As many of you know our family is seriously considering a move out of state and after being in Wheaton for 20 years this would be a HUGE change. We love Wheaton and the community we have build over the years. Our neighbors are amazing, our church family is dear to us and friends we've made through small group and LIFE group are life giving. If and when we move the grief will be deep. However, God has shown me that I am a "community maker". I love people and I love being in relationship with them. As a preteen I had many hard lessons in making friends, learning to put myself out there to be a friend, in order to make friends. Those lessons served me well over the years and I know that wherever we live I will be able to make new community. It will take time, quite a bit of time, but I have confidence that we will not be alone. I've seen glimpses of this process even on our trip and it brings me comfort. Never fear Wheaton friends, the process Benjamin in is for find a new job will still take time, it appears we may be in Wheaton for a least several more month.
Blessings to you all,
Ester
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