Grateful

--for two arms and hands! Not being able to use them fully makes me appreciate them all the more. And with both arms injured, I am less likely to overuse them allowing the bones to rest and heal.

--for friends who care and help

--for restful naps out on the deck enjoying the beauty of summer.

--for long walks around the Taylor University campus, and good books to listen to on the way.

--for very practical help with household chores. April and her daughters gave us a couple hours of their day to do whatever we needed and spoiled us with a treat from Ivanhoe's and flowers to brighten our home.

--for meals delivered and many more to come. Kristie set up a Meal Train schedule that soon filled up, others begging for the opportunity to bless us with food.

--Kristie also noticed the need for weeding and stopped by after work. She enjoys getting her hands  in the dirt and the instant gratification of a tidy garden. She just doesn't know when to quit!

--for my faithful caregiver and loving husband who keeps his promise of nearly 50 years ago, "in sickness and in health, for better or for worse."
I am especially grateful that he is in good health and able to get away for the long bike rides he enjoys so much.
On the 4th, he stopped to check the corn growth. Even after a very wet and difficult planting season for the farmers, the corn seems to be on schedule.

"Knee high by the 4th of July"

I have been following the news from the visit of our sister-ship, the Logos Hope, to Buenos Aires. Earlier this year I had toyed with the idea of combining a visit to the ship with a reunion of old friends in the land of my youth.
Though the winter in Argentina has been unusually cold, the welcome the ship received there has been a very warm one. The Vice President had offered very kind words during the official opening. This article tells more: Vice President's Endorsement.

--for technology which allows me to stay connected and involved even from home. It was wonderful to participate in the Sunday worship service via Livestream.

Although I haven't attempted to paint since the accident, I did add words to the most recent piece as a way to say a big thank you to all.