Day 169

"On a good day, enjoy yourself; 

   On a bad day, examine your conscience. 

   God arranges for both kinds of days 

   So that we won't take anything for granted."

Ecclesiates 7:14 

The Message

Monday - and the last Monday of summer too. Summer is wrapping up and winding down. And the weather was cool and comfortable (mid 70's) this morning, which even makes it seem more like fall, or pre-fall. 

Another Skype-morning. We can easily talk for 80 minutes and probably could go on longer, but he's got to go have dinner and I need to do other things too. And time is moving on over there too for him. Soon it will be time to hunt him down at the Hartsfield Airport. He and many other people at that navy base are struggling with basic communication and work-related problems. Many are frustrated, close to just giving up, and wanting to go home. Wade just asks every morning to make it through the day. Then at the end of the day, he says, "Phew!! Made it another day. Thank you, God." But the nature of living situations, the cultural struggles, and other things are wearing on everyone. Tempers are shorter than normal, people are saying crazy things, sending bizarre emails. A time away will be a wonderful break for Wade. 
This afternoon we had our last summer-bowling games. This has been a great summer of bowling and I can tell that Jaide and Jared have improved greatly. Well, me too. I've increased my average this year as well. 

The flavor of my days and routines will be changing soon. I'll have visits and work to do at a couple of the elementary schools, starting rehearsals to ring with the handbell choir again, pulling a sweater or two out of hiding from my closet.