Cooling off again, YAY!
The clouds have graced us with their shade and promise of rain once again. The temperature is cooler, much more comfortable, and the allergy attacks have lessened. Not gone, but more bearable. I hope we don't end up having a really hot summer like the last few days have been, but I'm afraid it was just a harbinger of things to come. So I'm going to try and enjoy these cool weather days while I can.

I've been meaning to post here about the work my friend Kim and her husband Joe are doing in China. I added a link to their web page under the "Places to go" section of my links here. http://www.labtoes.com/ They have moved from their family home in Idaho to work as English teachers in China. They are working with a team through a program with Food for the Hungry. And if you read through their newsletters, you will see that there are many opportunities for people who may wish to join them in China in nearby villages to teach English to the people there. You do not need to know how to speak Chinese to be able to help teach English, because most of the students have some experience with English from their classes in school. The Chinese people are very interested in learning to improve their accent and word useage from native speakers of English. It looks like a very exciting cultural experience, and possibly a life-changing mission opportunity. I encourage all of you to read through their letters, and look at the amazing landscapes of the rural part of China where my old high school friend friend lives now.

And the most recent news, just discovered this very afternoon, is that we have a Raccoon mommy living under our porch with her 1 little baby. Ron heard scratching noises under the porch, so he pulled up one of the boards and I brought the camera out, and he got video of the Momma and her baby. Momma was growling at the camera, and baby (eyes not even open yet) was chattering. Very cute! We can't move to the forest, so God brought part of the forest to us! I think it's very cool.

And hopefully before the end of the day we will have news of my brothers newest edition to his family. My Sister-in-law went into labor this morning, so there should be a new baby soon! This seems like an exciting day today! Started with a hot air balloon flying over our back yard, my friends sitting next to me in church, plenty of food on the table, in cupbords and in the freezer, a raccoon family under our porch, and soon I will have a new baby nephew! :)

Peace and blessings to you all. May the Light shine upon you.
-Sparkling