Some randomness leading up to more Random tomorrow

I haven't been blogging much lately, mainly due to lack of time. But some of it is just being out of the habit. Since this blog is the primary way we keep family and friends informed about what's happening, I've decided it really needs to be more of a priority. Because I've enjoyed blogging so much I had begun to think of it as something more "fun" than "necessary" but have come to understand it's both.

Our work limits what I can share because we want to be sensitive about privacy issues and, the fact is, ministry is messy and everyone doesn't need to know every last little detail. But while I'm limited in what I can write about ministry-wise, I'm pretty free with other aspects of our lives, and with the crazy that occasionally regularly occurs around here. But sometimes I am at a loss for something to write about and it's nice to join a meme or link-up where the subject is chosen for me. With that in mind I'm hoping to get back into the Random Dozen hosted by The Lid each Wednesday and Flashback Friday which is hosted by The Other Lid. Women for whom coffee is one of the major food groups and therefore my kind of people. 

One of my 'projects' recently has been figuring out what to have my daughter put into the suitcase that a friend is bringing for us. In case you have ever wondered what missionaries stuff into their suitcases, here's an abbreviated list of things we've been ordering online or having Tina buy:

cheap mechanical pencils

Ranch dressing mixes and craisins

a can of cranberry sauce (for Thanksgiving!)

Kindle cover

jeans for Ivan (from Goodwill)

several books to help me with the English class

tinted moisturizer 

regular moisturizer

several months worth of Shaklee vitamins and supplements

radio/amplifier to use with 'Gloria'**

flannel sheets

tools for Ivan

fabric (of course!)

[**'Gloria' is a little machine that has the music for all the songs in our hymnal. We just press the buttons for the number of the hymn...a very handy "tool" since neither Adriana or I play piano. But not worth much if you can't hear the music! So the amplifier is also a handy little tool :) ]

But I didn't even have to wait for the suitcase to receive a special, early birthday present -- it came in the mail! My sweet SIL, Rita, sent these early since she figured I could use them more now while it's winter*** than around my birthday in December when it's REALLY blazing hot :)  Thank you Rita!!!

Aren't they pretty?! I love the colors and they're SO SOFT. Luuuuuurve!
[***Not to rub it in or anything *cough, cough* but it's 81° here today -- the equivalent to mid-February for our friends in the northern hemisphere.]

Received the sad news that my niece, Elizabeth, became a widow today after her husband passed away very unexpectedly. She and Mike had been married less than 10 years and had so many plans and dreams for their future together.  Pray for her, won't you?