What a strange week!

This has been quite a roller coaster week! Penny had the worst illness we've ever seen her have since she joined our family. I ended up taking much of the week off from work, since she was out sick. On Wed. when we had planned to celebrate my birthday she was at her worst with her fever spiking to 104. This mama was quite worried. But, the doctor told us not to fear, that she seemed to have the type of flu that he's been seeing a lot of, lately. And he said it typically lasts between 4 and 7 days. Guess what? Last week, I let her take a couple days off from school to go with me to South Dakota for my uncle's funeral. And next week is Spring break. This looks kind of bad doesn't it? Well, thankfully, all of her teachers have been very understanding. And today when I'm celebrating that she's finally starting to feel a little better I hear about this terribly powerful and devastating earthquake in Japan, where I spent six and a half years of my life. Thankfully, my friends are all far enough away from the epicenter that they were not hurt. But, they said it was definitely the worst one they've ever experienced. And I think of the many people who were not so fortunate.





We had the joy of watching Penny do an EXCELLENT job of performing a Thai dance for a talent show tryout, which we were sure she'd get picked for. But, while she was sick we got the letter stating that she had not been chosen. Couldn't believe it! Well, we're excited that she'd like to do the dance for other Thai kids at the Thai Reunion we're planning on attending in Chicago this summer. Speaking of Chicago, my dear friends, the Hanaoka's live there. We're hoping to see them and possibly even stay with them. I was very concerned about their daughter, Kristin, who is living in Japan, teaching English. I used to be Kristin's sunday school teacher when she was four years old. Now she's a teacher, not far from the epicenter of the earthquake. But, I found out that she just happened to be in Tokyo at the time of the quake, where there wasn't so much damage. She's planning to fly out of Japan hopefully by Tuesday.

There was the joy of hearing of people who were safe. There was sad news about a best friend's husband losing a job and dealing with other problems, as well. You would think that I'd be worn out. But, the funny thing is that all through this week I've had a real sense of peace and gratitude. I know it must be the Lord. I just feel more and more thankful for the little things in life. I felt so glad that I have a daughter to care for and thankful to God for answering my prayers for a husband and a family. What gifts He has given us! And none of us know how long we will have the gifts He has given to us in this world. But, we have assurance that we can spend all of eternity with Him if put our trust in Him. That is the best gift of all!