"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." ~ Matthew 5:8

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Up the Mountainside

At the end of March, we-the Pittmans, the family I lived with last fall, and myself- went out of town for a mountainside picnic and a day of relaxing. It was wonderful! I've come to love the dear people I spent the day with; the spring weather was glorious; the scenery breathtaking; and the break from routine was refreshing.
 
We picnicked in an apricot orchard-so beautiful!
 
It really was this green. Glorious.
 
Two of my dear friends and host sisters. I've spent so many happy hours with them! I count my host family one of the greatest blessings of my time here (and to think I was terrified at the thought of moving in with them! God is good.).
 
Wendy. I so appreciate her friendship; her patience and grace towards me, her readiness to laugh and chat, her listening ear. I'll miss her!
 
Anna and Michael: I couldn't catch my other student (Katie) long enough to get a good picture of her!
 
Scott and Wendy with their youngest, Will.
After lunch my host sister Maryam (15) and I began to climb, following goat paths or just making our own trail.
 
 
 
 
Maryam is gentle, eager to learn, and affectionate. I'm so thankful she offered me her friendship!
 
Every time we turned around, I gasped: partly from being out of shape, and partly from the view. I'm not trying to be corny, but it's out here that I realize more than ever how great God is.
 
And His handiwork is in the small as well as the large.

A little tired but exhilarated by the climb!
 
Spry 11 year old Anna caught up to us along the way, and we were glad to have her cheerful determination to join us. I'm so glad I got those hours with these girls; I won't soon forget that day.
 
 

2 comments: