Frosted Animal Crackers

It has been so long since I've updated this lovely thing. I apologize! As I sit here, nibbling on frosted animal crackers(presently, my favorite snack), I recall last week. Travis AFB was a stark contrast to Edwards AFB. While the kids there were equally sharp and quick-witted, there were some interesting challenges. For example,constructing the set is quite a daunting experience for Jacqueline and me. We are strong, mind you, but we're still females. I,personally don't deal well with steel crossbars, nuts and bolts. I can manage, of course. And thankfully, because of Missoula Children's Theatre, I feel immensely empowered technically since learning this new craft!However, Thursday Jacqueline and I worked diligently to get the set up.We sweat, got a little dirty and used our muscles to the core. I must say, it looked fabulous when we were finished. We felt proud. We left everything up, content with our work, and ready for a break. When we returned the next morning(for the performance)the set was gone. I had a miniature heart-attack.Because we were performing in a movie theatre, the custodians had moved our set backstage for, "Thursday Movie Night" on the base. We had NO IDEA this was happening. Thankfully,the solution was easy. But we were not ready for such surprises!It was merely a matter of miscommunication, but can you imagine the panic in the moment?!

This week has been, in a word, joyful. We are currently residing in Roosevelt, Utah. The city is quaint and so welcoming. After a tedious 16-hour drive on Sunday, we arrived weak and sleepy. We are staying with a lovely family of 6. The mother seems like "Super Mom". She cooks every evening and her kitchen is always open to the needy TADs that we are :). The children(4 of them) are precious;so well-mannered and kind. We had our first home-cooked meal in a while yesterday. We also had the opportunity to play Apples to Apples and Uno with them. It feels like home. Hence, the word "Homestay", I suppose :). Needless to say, this week has been a breath of fresh air. I'm not sure what it was about Travis AFB, but I fought so much loneliness while I was there. Silly, since the Lord is always with me. It's definitely easy to say that, but staggeringly difficult to believe that when you're surrounded by strangers and foreign territory. The sweetest moments of this journey, though, have been in my lonely hours. You know, those early hours of the morning, when you awake with anxiety and a yen for home, for familiarity; for the ones you love.It is hard realizing you won't receive a Daddy or Mommy hug for a long while. It becomes even harder when you think of what you may be missing while you're away. This past Wednesday, I had one of those mornings. I woke up teary and longing for the comfort of my bed. Of course, I dialed Mom, Dad and even my sister, but no one answered. Figures. So, I opened my Bible( that should have been my first instinct) and read this verse:

"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame"(Song of Songs 8:6)

Cool,huh? The Lord is jealous for his beloved. He wanted to spend time with me, but I was so focused on my loneliness that I wouldn't have it.And yet, he's still jealous for me. His love is as strong as death.Amazing. The loneliness attacks daily, desiring to steal my attention from the Savior. Therefore,I must daily surrender to the seal of Christ. He is keeping me. He holds me safe and calm in the palm of his hands. He will not let the loneliness win my heart, for he has already conquered its depths. How undeserving I am! And how humbled I feel...

I love you all. I am so thankful for your prayers and love. You are missed more than you know!

Loving until ALL have heard,
Sus