Cactus Flower

All the work of Carnaval Retreat is done.  Two days of shopping, one day of packing and prep at home, one day of early arrival to prep on the island and host 30 early arrivers, four days of actual camp, whew!  We hosted around 150 campers and "os demais" - pastors, workers, etc.  In the midst of all the frustrations and plain hard work, I allowed myself the joy of some shadows - Idson, Jadiel and Nataly.  Jadiel is my little bud from past retreats.  His grandfather is the island caretaker and his mother frequently works in the kitchen as she did this past weekend.  Jadiel and I enjoyed plenty of quality time together - sometimes a little too much. He helped me on two afternoons to make cake to sell in the canteen.  Since he was my official partner in business, I took the opportunity to instill lots about work ethics, capitalism, economics and love! Would you pray for all my little shadows, but especially for my litte shadow and culinary student...

Interesting collage of some of my status messages on facebook this year.  I especially enjoy saying when I am using my Cracker Barrell mug that three other important women in my life also have in their homes.  Fun to remember Mrs. Whitten insisting on washing all the dishes while she was in my home in September this year for about a week.  Funny to see that black tea and jelly are things that I almost always run out of and can't find here in Sobradinho.  And even when our day seems long and not quite good, we can always forget it and start anew the next day! Zephaniah 3:5 ...Every morning He brings His justice to light;       He never fails...