Transition

Home from Sacred Road for almost two weeks, and just now getting a chance to look around and see where I've been, where I'm at. Our last night on the Rez was almost an all-nighter, with a special dinner, a singing and sharing time, a video of all our adventures through the summer, cards and gifts exchanged, and then, finally, hugs and tears. Us girls drove home and packed after the party, and then I slept for about an hour and a half before getting up to drive home, early so I could get Scott to the airport for his flight. Scott and Kyle were good companions over the mountains, and it felt lonely when I dropped them off at the airport, sudden goodbye to the summer's consuming whirlwind.

That very night we delved into party mode here at home, apparently making up for all the family gatherings I missed over the summer. Birthdays, anniversaries, out of town guests (my Berlin family!), work days at our house and the Dillow's, Annie's baptism. So good to see everyone and just spend time with family.

Yesterday Mom and I cleaned the house together and then I had some time to answer e-mails, go through things at my desk, tackle a stack of mending and ironing. And to realize where I am. It's tempting to call it "in between," but I know that there is no time unmarked by God's purpose or unused by Him. I might describe it as waiting, but while I am waiting, most certainly He is working. It's a quiet place, a thoughtful place, a free place. And as always, it's a place permeated by the presence of God. A friend said, sweetly, that she hoped God would show me what He wanted me to do next. I smiled and thanked her, and said I had no doubt about His leadership. If there is a weak link in the chain, it is me. Hopefully I will follow, but most certainly, He will lead.

Gifts

Blue sky, golden sunrise over green fields.

Birthday waffles for breakfast with blueberries, peaches, whipped cream, and sprinkles.

Calls, texts, e-mails, and cards coming in all day from friends all over the world.

Cool job in the lawn this morning filling up water balloons with Joshua while the girls baked my birthday cake inside.

Greeting the Schmitts, friends from home who stopped by to drop off their daughter Marina at the Granberry's for a few days.

Mary sending Joshua to get tacos from a little Mexican store in Harrah for a special lunch treat -- so tasty!

Making suds and laughing with the kids at Totus during craft time today as we created felted soap.

Hugs.

Connie's excitement about my birthday: whisking me out of my chair at dinner and dancing me up to the front so everyone could sing to me, crowning me with her princess headdress, carrying my card around "secretly" all day ("I need everybody but Julie to sign this!!"), proudly presenting me with her hand-decorated card ("Happy Birthday love Julie rocks!"), giving me a tight birthday squeeze. "I love you so much, Julie!"

Cake made by Molly, decorated by Katie, enough to celebrate with the whole team.

Working together with my friends: scrubbing ovens and back steps, loading and unloading vehicles with kid's club and meal supplies, chopping vegetables for pasta salad, peeling potatoes, washing dishes.

Coaster made by Thelma this morning, given to me tonight.

Evening call from the team in Warm Springs complete with a rousing rendition of the birthday song.

Beautiful potholders, a gift from Mary.

People to love and be loved by. "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." Love each other, that your joy may be complete.