March October

Just noticed how far behind the blog I've gotten - much to make up for. It's been quite a year - a God year; but then isn't every year? I will attempt to bridge the gap and be more faithful to the future.

The months that have gone by have been filled with family, commuting, and ministry. The husband and I have been heavily into photography; he has ’skilz’; most of our work is on flickr.com. (Clicking the pictures should take you to more pictures). We’ve spent time on the street where we live just enjoying our neighbors, celebrating birthdays, engagements, triumphs, losses – people we’ve known since we moved here.

There were graduations - Bridgette from UC Santa Cruz (with the colorful braids whizzing by in a sea of people), Antoinette from Cal State San Bernardino now living a while Paris, and our vivacious queen from high school heading to take Chapman College by storm! The kid had a stellar year in the 5th grade and now he’s in his final year of elementary. We had great concern when the Giant cornea was scratched; but God is good and he is healing nicely.

As pastor of Friendship Community Church, the husband performed his first baptism and it was for precious mom and daughter members whose family near and far came to witness it. We have watched our youth grow under the dedicated loving care of Mike and Norma, enjoyed the worship presence of Leon Patillo and his wonderful wife Renee, and enjoyed the love of our congregation throughout the year in trial and tribulation, as well as times of rejoicing.


The summer also was a time of more trips and reunions too. In addition to Santa Cruz, we skipped down to the Palm Canyon timeshare (pool below), and were in Ogden, UT for the husband’s family reunion the Juneteenth weekend (city celebration below), stopping at the Las Vegas timeshare for a hot minute. His high school had friends coming in from all over to descend upon The Westin Hotel, Pasadena – a wonderful weekend of fun.



We also surprised the kid in visiting the Ramona timeshare again enjoying two days at the San Diego Zoo, getting to see the Panda girls (one above) before they returned to China the very next day. We also enjoyed short little jaunts like the 3rd Street Farmers Market in Upland.

Overall while absent we have been experiencing reaffirmation, forgiveness, growth, replenishment, hard work and refreshment, His blessing and Hand in our lives … singing ‘if I Could Still I Wouldn't Take Nothin' For My Journey Now.’ I’m recommitting to blogging. I’ve missed it. Thanks for sitting in.