It's finally summer in the Great Northwest

I always say the people of the Pacific Northwest celebrate summer. There are times when summer seems so short, when it seems like it has been raining forever...and then the sun comes out and we forget all that!

We have been camping, river rafting, picnicking, working on our deck, we even got over to Leavenworth and the Stonewater Ranch. We finally got to see the Leavenworth's community theater's annual production of the Sound of Music! And I have spent many hours by the pool reading, getting too hot, jumping into the water, and then reading some more.

The Gathering CampOut at Fort Casey

The campfire is the center of every great campout and so it was with us. Mercedes from Spain was with us, it was her first time camping, or sleeping in a tent. She even got to build the fire one night!

From Fort Casey it is a not too long walk to the Keystone ferry which takes you to funky Port Townsend. Amber W. got in on the Josh Kelley family portrait.


Sunday morning we had a Kelley family breakfast. I camped with Micah and Amanda. We had an all electric kitchen. Here is Amanda making the pancakes. My other daughter-in-law Marilyn commented on how good I was at bringing luxury to camping as I showed her my cafe con leche with foamed milk (a french press can easily foam hot milk!)


Grace, Kaitlyn and Mercedes. Mercedes really enjoyed Kaitlyn, in fact Kaitlyn was more disposed to letting Mercedes hold her than Kaitlyn's grandma.

We had church outside. I appreciated Josh's short sermon. He spoke of how our church is a community, a family living together. So a campout with campfire and s'mores and all the other outdoorsy fun is spiritual activity where we grow in relationship.

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Micah and Matt leading worship. I got a great video of one of the songs, but I forgot that my singing was recorded too....so I will spare you the misery. Pity, the song was one of my favorites.

And last weekend was the Gathering Church Picnic at the beach!

As Mercedes said to me. "Your church has so many young families, so many children!" And their were kids everywhere, and they, and their parents had lots of fun.

Christa and Luke

Mercedes

At the end of July it was time to say good-bye to Mercedes. We had spent some good times with her, and bonded well. As she and I were driving back from Fort Casey together, she asked me many questions, and told me about churches in her home city of Burgos, Spain. As we know, the gospel is not readily available in Spain these days. She was impressed with the life and the joy we enjoyed as we worshipped together. Church where she lives is strict, solemn, and apparently doesn't have many young people.

She also asked me about the word Grace. She liked it very much as a name, Josh and Marilyn's daughter's name is Grace. But moreover, she noticed that we used the word a lot more than as a name. And she wanted to understand what it meant. I started to try to give here one or two of the many definitions and explanations we have all been taught, but I realized that she would have to understand what God's grace was to her as she sought it out. And so that is what I ended out telling her.

When we said our good-byes we were touched at the huge tears that fell from her eyes when she realized this was farewell. Later Marilyn suggested that she wasn't used to the affection that it is common to us, and she loved it. I suppose that Spanairds are not Mexicans.

Thank you Paul!

Last week Eddie's sister's husband Paul brought his great skill and experience, and tools to help us finish our deck. Now we have almost double the living space! I love it.

Paul framing the roof

Eddie building our new fire pit. We also put up a roll-away tarp that can be used to cover us and the fire in case of rain.

My dear friend Carol came out to help me break in the outdoor living space. Eddie stayed at Paul and Suzanne's place while Carol and I enjoyed a couple days of fellowship. Carol had just returned from an outreach to Uganda, and we had a lot of talking to do. She also brought us a gift of beautiful windchimes that continue to bless us.

The Ten Brinks are coming! the Ten Brinks are coming!

We are all anticipating Jay, Faith and the kids arriving sometime soon from Mexico for a 9 month furlough from the mission field. And also, we are all very excited about Amanda and Micah's annoucement that we will be getting a new grandchild in March.

Isaiah with his graduation padrinos Pola and Juan Luis

Isaiah graduated from primaria in Mojocuautla. He did very well in the bilingual (Spanish/Cora) school and was one of three who won an academic olympics that sent them Tepic for more competition. He said to me "but I haven't graduated from my English 6th grade".

Almost time to return to Oaxaca

It is hard to believe that we will be leaving for Mexico in 6 weeks! That means I am back to reading my Bible in Spanish, and we need to get that big garage sale organized! (we say that every year) And this week I notified Mira Vista of my last day available for work (Sept. 10)

We have stayed in telephone contact with Laura and David, and Angie and Berna...and by internet with Dave and Mary Kay. Facebook has also been very useful to keep us close to the happenings with our family in Mexico...so I am ready to get back to see everyone face to face.

But before that I get to have one very special adventure! My father and I are going on a tour to Spain! On our way down to Oaxaca, Eddie and I will stop at my dad's. Eddie will house sit for Dad while we are in Spain (Sept.24 to Oct. 5). From there Eddie and I continue south planning to arrive at Mision Victoria by October 10th.

Prayer Requests

So as I close, I would like to ask you again to pray for us.

--- for Mercedes as she goes back home

--- for good time with family in this short time left

--- that the Lord will provide what we need for travel and living expenses which will obviously be more this year

--- for our health, that my joints, knees and shoulders, settle down and I be able to give my all in the work we do, and many outreaches in to the mountains

--- for Oaxaca and the people of the mountains, that God will break through the darkness and bring light to the people of the Ixtayutla region

Support for our ministry can be sent to The Gathering Christian Church, P.O. Box 512 Mount Vernon, WA. Write the check to The Gathering, and put our names in the "notes" section for a Tax deductible receipt.

Summertime....for now

It has been so long since I blogged. Life has been the same pretty much for me, working four to five days out of the week at Mira Vista Care Center. Eddie has been driving over the mountains to guide on the Wenatchee River with YD Adventures on the weekends. And I have been too tired to go with him. So I have been reading, reading, reading....I love missionary biographies!

Okay, the sun did come out every now and then, and very gratefully, we had a sunny, albeit, cool, Father's Day!

Laura with some buttercups she found on the trail

Grace looking at little creepy crawlies found in the stream.

At Last...Summertime!

Until last week, every day was the same grey and wet. We had an unusual amount of rain and the river was full. The sun came out around June 21st. I know that wherever you are, you are likely experiencing wild weather, or flooding, or rainy season (in Oaxaca), but the people in the Great Northwest are taking a break and having a joyous time celebrating summer!

Marilyn, Grace, Eddie and Sarah

Daddy Micah resting from long days of getting their new house ready to move into, and 21 month old Kaitlyn.

Micah, Amanda and Kaitlyn

Sarah enjoying her first S'more of the year!

Of course the best part of being home is being able to spend time with our sons and their families. We just had our first barbeque and s'mores. We have been enjoying the pool too! In fact yesterday I took my dirty clothes over to the laundermat, and swam while the clothes were washing.

Eddie spent all day yesterday babysitting Grace and Sarah, and I helped Micah and Amanda clean the new house so they can move in. I was greatly entertained by Kaitlyn's antics. When she is well fed, not tired, and not afraid that her mom is going to go away she really warms up to me.

Welcome Mercedes

Mercedes making her first S'mores.

Josh and Marilyn have an exchange student from near Madrid, Spain, a lovely girl named Mercedes. Laura, Marilyn's sister, is enjoying having someone to hang with and help her with Spanish.

Mercedes made real points with me by asking if I weren't Mexican, "because my Spanish is so good!" She sat with me in church Sunday. Though she speaks good English, she needed help with unfamiliar words like "outcast" and "worship" (Josh was preaching about the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.)

The Gathering

We have been enjoying being a part of The Gathering. We attend two different homegroups, depending on which days I have off. Josh, has been preaching on the book of John, and I really enjoy his teaching. If you go to the website of the Gathering (in the sidebar to the right of the blog) you can listen to the sermons.

I am looking forward to the church campout in July. We are hoping that a group from the Gathering will be able to come to Roca Blanca for an outreach in November or October.

YD Adventures

Eddie at the lodge at Stonewater Ranch carrying his river gear

This was a hard shot to get, my camera just isn't fast enough, or maybe I used the wrong setting...Eddie is at the top of the photo in the yellow "coolie" hat, going through the rapids we call "Slant Six".

Eddie won't be going on the Gathering campout because he will be on the Salmon River in Idaho with YD Adventures. He also helped with the guide training this year, spending a week out at Stonewater Ranch, where we have so many friends.

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Erickson!

Last year when I was on the Salmon River I spent a lot of time talking with a young man named Steve. As we rode down the river on a gear boat he told me about his growing relationship with another YD staff guide, Katy.

It was so sweet, as it always is, to listen to the heart of a young man of God growing in love and maturity, with God, and with a beautiful young lady. It was wonderful to celebrate their wedding this summer along with their family and so many of the YD staff

Mira Vista Care Center

I have been working at Mira Vista since I was a nursing student in 1997. Mira Vista provides skilled nursing, and also long term care for the elderly. We care for more acute cases than a "nursing home" and so the work is always challenging.

I have come to recognize that caring for the elderly is a high calling. My co-workers and I do something that is often only recognized by the patients, their families and God. It is our pivilege to give dignity and value to people who are forgotten by society. We participate in some of the most intimate times of change and loss in the life of a family.

It is very hard work for me emotionally, especially as I age, and as I have lost my own mother. I am starting to care for patients my husband's age, and that is a bit of a shock....and disturbing. Still, I am able to give so much love, and it is reciprocated day by day by day.

One of the best parts of my work at Mira Vista, besides the patients, is a wonderful staff. Above all is our Director of Nursing, and our Administrator. Every year when I return from Mexico, they have done something to make ours the highest quality facility and a pleasant place to work.

With a few of my favorite co-workers, Aida, me, Lolita and Myra.

"I forgot I wasn't in Mexico"

I had a funny thing happen the other day. I had a young patient (62 years old) who suffered from chronic pain. I had done all I could to relieve her pain, including a warm blanket to her aching shoulders and ribs. When she sighed and said, "well, it's better, but it still aches so..." I just didn't know what more to do. Suddenly I found myself reaching out to lay hands on her to pray. I forgot I wasn't in Mexico!

Please understand, I have learned, and taught much about spiritual assessment, how to address patients' spiritual needs. But a nurse always needs to respect their patients wishes and always asks permission to pray.

But sometimes when you are having a tearful heart to heart with someone, you just naturally squeeze the hand and close your eyes and talk to the Father. And how good it is to bring the Lord's loving presence into that precious space.

I told the above story to one little gal, the widow of a Pentecostal pastor. She said to me, "Honey, you can pray for me any day!" And I have.

under His mercy

All our love to you all. We all are going through the days challenges learning more and more what it is to trust the Father. I have been suffering from a lot of serious knee pain these last few days. I know that many of our beloved friends are also finding the faithfulness of Christ in suffering.

As I read the histories of the modern day saints, missionaries who gave every last bit of devotion to Burma and China, and even to the abolition of the slave trade...I am humbled. I have not yet touched the full measure of suffering these mighty ones have known. Still, God does not minimize our individual sorrows, but promises to be with us and carry us!

Since the focus of our lives these past few weeks has not been so much what we are doing but what God is doing in us there won't be too many pictures.

It is good to be back at Whatcom Meadows, in our own home, albeit a 31 1/2 long 5th wheel with 3 sliders. Our location is among the trees, and the air is fresh, and the rhodies are blooming!

And whenever there are other people here, they are on vacation, and therefore in a rather good holiday mood. There is laughter, renewing of friendships, the smell of grilling meat, the laughter of children. The swimming pool is open too!

I always feel a little conspicuous when I head out to work in my scrubs, obviously not one of those who enjoy Whatcom Meadows as a vacation home, but rather my half of the year residence.

But this little place, fancy by our standards, a far cry from what WE call camping, is already full of memories for me. The best ones are those where I have been on my face worshipping my Father.

May I assure you, I am no super spiritual person…but there has been a lot or things happening in my heart and spirit and to fall on my face is the only way I can respond when I see what He has been doing.

That is why I want to share the following song with you. When I listen to Jesus Adrian Romero, it obviously takes a little while for me to understand what he is singing (he sings in Spanish). Then, as the understanding emerges I am struck astounded by what God is saying. Truly, many singer-songwriters are prophets, Jesus Adrian Romero has been that many time for me.

Que Seas Mi Universo by Jesus Adrian Romero
When I first began to understand this song, it broke my heart. It convicted me to the core. You will not be surprised, I hope, to know that working hard day by day, even if you are in a mountain village in Oaxaca can cause one to become a “Marta”. I have been too busy, over many months, if not years, to take the time to truly nurture the relationship that had caused me to say, “Here am I Lord, send me!”

So these past couple weeks I have been redisciplining myself in many areas. I don't look at the computer until I have spent time with the Lord, I fill my quiet with quiet, or the Word of God, reading inspiring bios of missionaries, and pursuing prayer.

And then Sunday, Scott Ramin was preaching, and what I heard is that “our zeal should consume us!” And it brought me back to this song. So I told Scott that I would copy the words, and translate them.

So now if you like you can click here to hear the song. On the side board you should see the link that you can use to watch/hear the song on UTube.

Que seas mi universo That you would be my universe
No quiero darte solo un rato de mi tiempo
I don’t want to give you just a little of my time
No quiero separarte un día solamente
I don’t want to separate just one day for you

Que seas mi universo but that you be my universe

No quiero darte mis palabras como gotas
I don’t want to give you my words like drops
Quiero un diluvio de alabanzas en mi boca
I want a flood of praise from my mouth

Que seas mi universo That you would be my universe
Que seas todo lo que siento y lo que pienso
That you be all that I feel and think
Que seas el primer aliento en la mañana
That you be the first breath in the morning
Y la luz en mi ventana
And the light in my window

Que seas mi universo That you be my universe
Que llenes cada uno de mis pensamientos
That you fill every on of my thoughts

Que tu presencia y tu poder sean mi alimento
That your presence and power would be my food
Oh Jesús es mi deseo.. Oh Jesus, is my desire.

Que seas mi universo That you would be my universe
No quiero darte solo parte de mis años
I don’t want to give only part of my years
Te quiero dueño de mi tiempo y de mi espacio
I want you to be owner of my time and space

Que seas mi universo That you would be my universe
No quiero hacer mi voluntad, quiero agradarte
I don’t want to do my own will, I want to please you
Y cada sueño que hay en mi quiero entregarte
And every dream I have I want to submit to you
Que seas mi universo

That's all for now...

Home again, brrrrr

on the way home...

When last we blogged we had left Jay and Faith and were heading for the states. We made good time and spent one more night in Mexico (Hermosillo) and drove all the way to Palm Springs, California the next day.

We really had a good time while staying in Palm Springs. My dad loves to be the host with the most, and is an amazing cook. But in addition to his fried chicken and excellent omelets, he took us out to a very fine dinner that I will not soon forget!

My dad teaching a young museum visitor to fly --- on a flight simulator!



Dad is an honorary member of the American Volunteer Group, aka the Flying Tigers who flew to protect China just before WWII.

Dad is a volunteer/historian/educator who practically lives at the Palm Springs WWII Air Musuem. I need to recommend this place to you! If ever you are in the Palm Springs area, it is a wonderful experience. Ask for my father, Robert Andrade and tell him that you are a friend of mine and he will give you a royal tour. Check it out on the web. www.air-museum.org/

Greg and Terri's granddaughter Eevie, with her mommy and daddy, J'aime and Erik

Another highlight of the visit was just hanging out with my brother Greg, and his gorgeous, gracious, loving and dearest wife Terri. You might guess that she is one of my best friends. We always have the best time together!

Eddie's aunt and uncle hosted us in Atwater, California. Doris and Allen shared their home and family with us, and we agree that stopping to visit this lively group will be a must on our trip from now on.

Feeling well rested, and unpressed for time we decided to check out the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield between Sacramento and San Francisco. It was a fun diversion, made me miss my homeschool field trip days.

Soon we were passing the familiar highway signs of Corning and Orting and the Olive Pit, and then Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta. We spent the night in Grant's Pass, and I swear I was awaken by the 4.1 earthquake they had off the Oregon coast.

The next morning we woke to northwest drizzle, but we were so happy to be back in the land of the evergreens. There is a certain comfort given by being surrounded by green, rich, wet unchanging green. Now as for the rain, I know that it is important in the the maintaining of the green...still sun is preferred.

Entering Washington

Soon we were home in the embraces of our dear, dear friends Carol Kinsman and Connie and Lynn Erickson. The next day we arrived back in Mount Vernon to the hugs and giggles of our little granddaughters!

Princesses Grace, Eddie and Sarah. Grace and Sarah are Josh and Marilyn's little girls.

Our sweet Kaitlyn is Micah and Amanda's baby/little girl. She has grown so much. The first time I saw her get up walk, I was a little surprised...she still is the baby to me!

Back to the River!

Soon we were heading over the mountain to be with the Riverpeople of YD Adventures.

you may think that white stuff along the road and on the mountains is snow, but we call it "whitewater fuel!"

We love driving over Steven's Pass to the town of Plain. This year there is a lot of snow pack, and as it is still very cold, and likely snowing at the top, we are hoping for a long rafting season.

Usually when we go over the mountains from the westside to the eastside of the Northern Cascades, we hit sun around the summit or just beyond.

However Eddie's first trip this season was a bit wet and cool. But somehow that didn't curtail the water fighting! Here he is explaining the finer points of throwing a bucket of water.

The next morning driving home we woke to such clear skies and crystal views. It seemed we didn't get too much sun from them on, but on Mother's Day, which was forcast to be cloudy and rainy, we got a lovely gift of Sun!

A Happy Mother's Day

Well, as you can imagine, spending your Mother's day morning listening to your oldest son preach and your youngest son lead worship with some of your favorite songs makes for a very promising start.

After church we have, for the past several years, gone out to a beach, or hike on Mother's Day. This year we drove up Mt. Erie on Fidalgo Island. The view was breathtaking. So was running around after the little girls trying to keep them a safe distance from the edges of the cliffs!

Best take of the annual Josh Kelley family picture includes Marilyn, Josh, Sarah, Grace and Laura (Marilyn's sister)

Well, tomorrow I start work at Mira Vista Care Center. I have been there since I became a nurse, over 10 years now. They are so gracious to let me leave and let me return every year. I always feel a little nervous getting back on the floor, but as Eddie has reminded me, I always enjoy it.

Bienvenidos A la Casa de Los Abuelos

Here is our "cabin". A 31 1/2 foot Hitchhiker II with 3 sliders. Sometimes it seems big, sometimes it seems small.

It certainly is cozy, as long as the dishes are done and the bed is made, and we keep the floor clear of clutter.



You might wonder how we adjust from living in the heat of Mexico, living in a community of different people, always busy, always planning, always on the go, to the quiet, the cold, the rain and the "just us" of in a "cabin" in the woods.

It has been wonderful to be back with the kids. Our daughters-in-laws are gracious ladies and good mothers, and we love them. Both of our sons and their wives work closely together especially at church. I have already been to two women's activities, as well as worship services and homegroups, and our kids have been right in the middle of it all, as Josh preaches and Micah leads worship.

It is a nice church, some call it of the Emerging Church style. Lots of friendly young people, and also a few folks our age. As Scott Ramin put it, "I am glad to see you back Eddie, now I'm not the oldest one in the church anymore!"

The congregation has grown since we left in November. They focus on community, which can keep one busy, but makes one feel a part of a family, and that is something we are used to in Mexico.

Speaking of Mexico, I find myself checking all of our friends blogs to keep up on what is happening there. I guess I spend too much time on the computer. That is a comment on how I am doing. We still need to get into a routine that will care for our bodies and hearts.

Too often the computer, and some video about the tragedies going on in Myanmar and China takes my time away from the Word. The rain discourages getting out and walking, although yesterday I found that an umbrella makes pleasant a quiet walk with the Lord.

Specific prayer requests:

1) my health and survival in menopause

2)We desire to use our time effectively while here, especially in relationships, and building ourselves spiritually.

3) That the Ixtayutla region freed from its spiritual bondage

4) Please pray that the Lord strengthen us physically and spiritually as we rest and prepare to return to Oaxaca in October.

I posted these photos for the family and friends who would like to see more photos of the kids, here is the latest album. http://picasaweb.google.com/Sweetaabuelita/FamilyPictures