melting.

before I said that my life had taken a turn for the better. and in some ways it did. but then it got worse. I got overwhelmed and stressed. I cried myself to sleep one night. things weighed in from every corner and I didn't see an end in sight. but the Lord was faithful. things started to look better. and these pictures chronicle the turning point. just as winter melts and reveals the beauty hidden beneath the snow, so too is my despair melting and revealing the beauty of the people and things that I love. cold no longer holds us captive. we can explore. we can adventure. these are summer's first fruits.

spring.

as spring comes we are trying to spend time outside. but old habits die hard and our homes have become one. our coffee table is adorned in drawings of friends both old and new. some Americans came and I realized how valuable these people are to me. yet with the warmth and light of spring, my battle for sanity grows more difficult. loneliness creeps in from dark corners. I'm working hard to focus on these people I love and who I know love me. and through it all I remember that the Lord is the anchor and rock in my life. he is my sure hope. spring brings changes both physical and relational. we are growing and changing. there is pain in that, but there is also hope. I am reminded of the Lord's great goodness.