Another June

The calendar says June.

If Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year” than this has to be “the craziest time of year”, but sadly I can’t find a song that states that sentiment. The only thing that comes to mind is a rap song I heard years ago “Ya’ll gonna make me lose my mind up in here...up in here”. Although, some days that same sentiment could be used for parenting.

(Don’t judge. I was young and trying to figure out which genre might suit me best. I believe rap came before the country phase if that’s any consolation?)

The last few months have been hectic. The girls are doing well and growing so fast. The tall gene is in our family for sure. And the talking gene that they got...from their father.

Fifth grade has been quite the learning curve for all of us. There were multiple teachers, nightly homework, research papers choir and band practices. There was much on D’s plate this year. Phrases like “taking responsibility” and “preparation for the real world” were heard. Words that scare parents and almost 12 year old boys alike. The end of this school year is ever. so. near.

Sadly, the best picture of them...

This is also the time of year where Seniors graduate and friends leave for home assignments. Some will leave here and not return because God’s plans are bigger than our own. Our third season of goodbyes like this and sadly, it hasn’t gotten easier for me. In some ways I think it’s harder because the longer you’re here, the closer you get to those around you. This community becomes a second family and when part of the family leaves, well, it’s hard.  And more transition.

Speaking of goodbyes...our friend and CMS* graduates on the 16th. He’s been a Tuesday night regular at our house for almost 2 years while Jason and I go to Bible Study. He came for dinner which was an added bonus or curse depending on the day and the amount of impending chaos. He’s seen the best and the worst of us. We’re all going to miss EJ.

The weather has turned to “dry season” and sadly the weather, especially in the mornings, is awful. Gray, cloudy, spitting rain...not a good combination for aviation at the busiest time of year. And it’s cold. Okay, cold when you think I live in PNG and think it should be warm. Let’s just say the flannel sheets are on our bed and it took two days for a load of laundry to dry.

So here we are. Halfway through 2015 and wondering what the second half will hold.

“For everything there is a season...” Eccl. 3:1

What does this season hold for you? Are you looking forward to the second half of the year with dread or anticipation?


*We called EJ our Child Management Specialist since technically we don't have "babies" to "babysit". Just ask our youngest and she'll tell you. Job description: "Make sure they go to bed on time and don't burn the house down". And in two years he held his end of the bargain.