Sunny weather

I don't think I've seen a single cloud in the sky all week. It is hard to believe that so many other parts of the country are being hit by severe weather right now because it has been so beautiful and peaceful here. We are sending good thoughts to those affected by hurricanes and, for our Chicago friends, are hoping that the rain stops soon and the sun comes out!

It has been a busy week for us, but a good one. Eric has his charge conferences, the annual all-church meetings, for both of his congregations tomorrow. That has been a lot of work for him--two churches make for twice the paperwork!

I have had the opportunity to connect and reconnect with lots of folks this week and to be part of some exciting conversations. We both attended a gathering of pastors from the Western District where there was a panel of young clergy who shared about issues facing elders and deacons of the younger generations. The website umcyoungclergy.com has some interesting videos that explore some of these issues.

Also this week were meetings with three different congregations in the county that are embarking on new community ministries related to the hispanic community. One is an ESL class and Bible study, another a community fair and another an international worship service. It is so exciting to be part of these conversations and to participate down the road as these programs are launched.

Last night, Mat and Leah came over for tofu enchiladas and salad (made almost exclusively from local items!).

After dinner, we played Taboo and ate heaps of Tillamook Mudslide ice cream! We had a great time visiting and kept our friends way past their bedtime (which is significantly earlier now that school has started again for them).

Mat and Leah also brought us a food dehydrator to borrow and we are currently drying some pears, plums, apples and oranges. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

We decided just yesterday that we need to take a trip to the coast! So, tomorrow after charge conference, we are going to head to a campground about an hour and forty-five minutes away and stay overnight--I can't wait! We might even have some dried fruit to snack on by then!