Monday again???

Another beautiful week in the Rio Grande Valley. The sun shone most of the week, and we actually went without coats or sweatshirts in the day time. Yesterday was extremely busy, as we attended church services in the morning (Chaplain Bill is back!!). Our park Memorial Service was in the afternoon for those who have gone on before us this past year. We honored 30 residents (and two sons of residents) with prayer, music, and Memorial Candles. It was a wonderful time to share grief as well as great stories of those we knew and loved. The evening was blessed by the gospel husband and wife duet, Ambassadors of Grace. A fun couple who share their love of the Lord through music. Thus the reason for this blog not getting finished yesterday!!!

Friday morning we were up early as we had much to accomplish. I walked outside and saw the most gorgeous sunrise (although the most beautiful sunrise and sunsets happen in NW Arkansas). All I could do is think how magnificent the creation of this earth is, and how God created it for His glory and our enjoyment. What a God we serve. "God saw all that He had made and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array." Genesis 1:21-2:1.

early morning beauty

Chaplain Bill's wife Ali has an exceptionally beautiful Christmas blooming right now. I don't think I have ever seen so many blooms on one plant. Again, an example of God's desire to make us happy and to see us smile.

 

 so beautiful - often their cat, Charlie, is seen poking his nose out from under it

Ali and her cactus - this gives you an idea of how huge it is

 

 

 

We took another group on a tour to visit the refuge in Reynosa. Most of them had been to RIN before and some were visiting for the first time, Because of the colder weather, we wore warmer clothes, but the children were so bundled it was almost difficult to see their faces. But as usual, they were overjoyed to see us, and greeted us in both English and Spanish.

 

 the tour group watching the CHI/RIN video 

 Sweet little Leila happy to see me, as always. It seems to fascinate her that we have the same name.

 all bundled up and still studying in the class room

 you can hardly see this little one's face

 he was proudly showing off his gloves

 they were dancing - probably to keep warm

 Belinda - one of the little ones we sponsor

 Belinda and her sister Dulce (which means candy or sweets in Spanish) with Fred

   these were very rare smiles that we got from Belinda, as she is very shy

 

I did get a chance this week to take a tour with the park to HEB, a grocery store here in Texas. It is a large cooperation, who admits that their biggest competitor is Wal-Mart. It was truly interesting - we got a lot of samples - and learned how modern technology is changing the way we shop. We will soon be able to enter into our hi-tech phones (we have the old flip top type!!) our shopping list, then be able to generate a map of sorts that will lead us to each isle and item we need (sort of like a shopping GPS). Guess I like the older way best - check out each isle we want to, and visually decide which item is best suited to us, But from what I understand, you will be able to enter exactly what you want (name brand, size, etc). How in the world can you check the labels that way???? Too advanced for me.

 

This is later getting finished tonight, as we held our second Bible study night at CHI. Love our small group, the discussions that we have, and the wonderful food. Phyllis made a lentil soup, along with a veggie tray - Olive Garden bread sticks, and cole slaw. No dessert tonight, as earlier today we had a volunteer gathering with pie.  Everything revolves around food here in S Texas.

 

As we are in the middle of January already, have you made or broken your resolutions??? Mine for this year is to be more observant of the opportunity to tell others about Jesus and His saving grace. What do you vow to do for the Lord this year?