I'm skipping my personal video this time. Ironically, it feels like more work than just typing my thoughts. A friend pointed out they use Instagram to basically tell their family's story on an ongoing basis. Maybe I should switch to Instagram? Yet, I really enjoy writing. We shall see. Here's some family updates at least since my last blog.
Matt's new work truck we organised last December finally arrived! This is the first brand new vehicle we have ever purchased! Surprisingly, it was better for us to organise a new vehicle than to deal with jacked-up prices for used ones. Such a weird market right now.
- I went horseback riding for my mental health day. It was awesome, but the guide wasn't confident in my abilities yet and so I was a little bummed the first run I had to trot. My horse Snickers did ok and at least unlike Lass wasn't trying to bite everyone that got too close. I even got to try barrel racing for the first time!
- Sakura had lice for the first time! We discovered this right before we were going to be heading out the door. She went to childcare late that day as I had to treat and comb her hair thoroughly. She did really well throughout. I was grateful I had my lice comb from Argentina handy and we had all the essential oils and other items around to naturally treat it quickly.
- Matt and I organised a date night to go rock climbing. We discovered that the place closed earlier than we thought. Since we had a sitter we went to the office and watched a show and called it a night.
- I also did a zoom call with my one of the ward counsellors and was called as gospel doctrine teacher! Yeah! I love teaching! I secretly hoped they would call me as I knew the previous one had been released and I couldn't think of another calling I had time for. So far I have been sick so I haven't done anything yet, but I have loved really getting back into studying. The last book I truly studied was in Exodus so I've been trying to quickly get caught up. Listening to podcasts on the last week and next week's reading about all the incredible stories made me sad I didn't teach. My favourites from lately are 1. The prophetess Deborah who aided a general in taking the Israelites to battle (Warrior woman?) 2. Elijah feeling lonely so God sends him a friend, Elisha (I get it Elijah). 3. The woman who miraculously filled all the empty pots she borrowed with the one pot of oil she had in order to pay off debts (Where's my miracle pot of oil?) 4. And finally, the amazing woman in 2 Kings 4 who asked for nothing, was given a child, who then dies and says "it is well" (WHAT?? How do you have faith like that?)
- I should also mention I gave a talk at church. I think I spoke too long because the poor stake speaker at the end was pretty short. Nevertheless, it was an interesting time because Matt wasn't well so I took the kids by myself. I abandoned them with friends right before my talk and by some miracle they were totally quite and calmly playing the whole time! This talk was good too as I talked all about trusting the Lord even when things aren't going well. I have had to remind myself of my own talk a lot lately so I'm glad I had the opportunity to study and reflect on that.
- I also had some amazing times with ladies from church and another girls day out where we went shopping. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful women.
This last month has had many frustrations, stressful experiences, and more. I am burned out, but I keep going. I don't really have another solution. This cold has forced me to slow down, but it has not eased the work load. In many ways I pray for a miracle and look forward to whatever solution or easing of the burdens will come in the future. Life is like a rock, it's hard, heavy, and bumpy, but with the right tools the diamond will come out clear and pure in the end.
