The Travelling Toddler

 

We returned from our trip for a retreat/ conference on a neighboring country late at night on the eve of Easter Sunday. It was a refreshing time for me especially (cool weather... in a mountainous area), the wonderful times of worship, reflection, spiritual renewal, and long talks with colleagues going through similar struggles and joys.

Abe sported his new dog "leash." Chalk that up for one of those things I thought I'd never do as a parent... carry my child on a leash. It was actually quite convenient for airport travel. Our little explorer could do circles around mommy while we were waiting in line, and he had a little friend to play with when he had to stay still. We call the doggie "Pedro" (I think every dog in my lifetime will be given a Spanish name, thanks to that New Mexican upbringing).

 

There was a local style animal/ swim park next to our hotel where the Millers and friends got away for a few hours. Mark had a chance to work on his biceps...

 

And Abe did too. Like father like son!

 

We really enjoyed connecting with Felise and Shalom, close friends from Dallas training days. They have two children, the youngest who is a few months older than Abe. It was great to watch their parenting and get a foreshadowing of things to come. :)

We had a special time of worship on Easter morning (groggy eyed but glad to gather with others), at the church we attend while in the city. It's a very alive Anglican fellowship, which grew out of a kind of revival in our area about 10 years ago. Most of the church is young, with lots of babies and toddlers exploring the back rows during the service. Abe is right at home. They use the national language in the service, which keeps our national language skills fresh (as I work on learning the Lono language).

Easter afternoon, we went to the beach (some are Christmas & Easter church-goers; we're Christmas & Easter beach-goers). It was Abe's first foray into the joy of playing in the waves and he loved it. He laughed and splashed at every crashing wave. Too bad we didn't have the camera to chronicle those giggles!

A Grandma Martha update to those who have been praying: She is doing really well these days. End of March, she went through a two week series of radiation for some pain that was bothering her arm, and seems to be feeling much better since. We continue to pray for total healing (in whatever way God chooses). The drug Femora seems to be part of the solution right now.