4-H Service

 For 4-H Audra, Claire, and I went to the Promise Ranch to do some service. Our first task was to build garden boxes. We (meaning the three of us, nobody else knew we were doing this) treated it like The Amazing Race- working together to fulfill the task and beat the other teams. Well, if it was The Amazing Race- we would have won! We followed the directions whereas others didn't, so we were able to complete the task quickly and without issue. It was great.

But, I did admit that I would have actually being on The Amazing Race and do tasks like this day in and day out. It's exhausting!

Refugee Warehouse Celebration!

 From January through March I had the privilege of volunteering every Monday with JustServe at a warehouse in Aurora, organizing furniture and household items for Afghan refugees.

We partnered with the State of Colorado, Colorado Afghan Resettlement Agency, Team Rubicon, Volunteers of America, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Just Serve, FEMA, Lutheran Family Services, Project Worthmore, AmeriCorps NCCC, Lutheran Family Services, and the International Rescue Committee.

Together, we helped 172 Afghan families move into their new lives and future free from war- yet forever scarred by the past.

Today we celebrated the end of our mission.

It was an honor to work with these groups and be a part of the miracles of helping these families.

The refugee stories are horrifying.

And yet, being surrounded by people with humanitarian hearts gives me life. It fills my soul in every way.

The world is filled with wickedness. And yet, there is light. And the light shines from every act of good. From every act to build bridges. To not believe the hate, the vitriol, the prejudices, and the lies. To know we are all part of something greater- a part of humanity. And we can each make a difference, and when we work together, we can literally change the world.

Yes, there is darkness. But I shout from the rooftops- there is also light! May we each do our part to shine.

It was fun to see the NCCC. It reminded me of my NCCC days- that was truly one of the best years of my life. It's awesome to see the program continue. If all youth were required to serve their country for a year- either through military or civic service- this world would be a much better place.

Funny Story!

 Today we were talking about our friends Hannah, Noah, and Caleb- siblings. I said they were all Bible names, and Camille asked if that was on purpose. I said of course, and she responded, "Someday someone will name their child Deuteronomy."

Maybe I have a future grandson that will be nicknamed "Deut!"

Perfect Day

 Audra has a four day weekend, so even though the other two had school work, when I saw the three of them playing "Domino Master", how could I interrupt? I miss hearing the three of them creating, laughing, and enjoying each other. They really are best friends, and with Audra now in school these moments aren't nearly common enough.

Then we hit up the museum, flew a kite, went rock climbing, enjoyed Poetry Tea Time with our YumBox, and had pizza and movie night. A great day- Audra needs more 4 day weekends!

More Easter

 After I took my family to the airport (with the girls blasting Taylor Swift all the way), we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Marriott for Easter over there. We were spoiled! And we loved every minute.

Easter Temple Pics

 I wanted to get some family pictures with the Easter dresses, and Ben suggested the temple. So, we went. The sun was awful, but we tried.

Easter

 It was fun to have Olivia join us in the festivities. She and Audra got matching dresses (and me, too!) and Claire and Camille got matching dresses. They hunted for eggs, made our traditional bunny cake, we ate overnight apple stuffed French toast, and had a great day.