Summer

We celebrated the first day of Summer in Key Biscayne, with 15 of our new Orientee's.  We are in the midst of one of two yearly  2 week Orientations, this being our first with Steve in his new position.  We are so impressed with our new missionaries.  What a privilege to get to know and work for such amazing people.  Key Biscayne is the place that we held our weekend retreat, which was at a small, but comfortable motel near the beach.  There was a playground and pool for the children and we were steps away from the ocean. There was area there where hundreds of Iguanas reside.  How strange to have them just feet away from us! 

Despite the heat, we performed several team building activities outside.  Yesterday afternoon was "free time", so Steve and I came home and after a stop at Costco,  I cooked him a steak and myself some salmon and we relaxed in our chairs and napped and watched golf.  The highlight of our day was skyping our children and grandchildren who were at Mom and Dad's house for a pajama breakfast to celebrate Father's Day.  Oh, how we would love to be with everyone on days such as this!  But, alas, we are here and family is there. 

The news is informing us that we are breaking records with heat.  All I know is that upon rising in the morning, the windows are steamed up and when I open the the door to the balcony, the air is so heavy that at times it is difficult to even breathe.  I walk the dogs early, usually about 6:30 am, and take them out quickly for the afternoon.  Evening walks are a little more comfortable the later we go.  Last night I took them out at about 9:30 pm, and then went for a swim in the pool.  You can not believe how warm the ocean and pool waters are.  Of course I am used to warm pool water having living in Arizona, but I am always stunned at the temperature of the ocean when I dip my feet in.  The sand bars go out for quite a ways, so to swim in the ocean is more than possible and enjoyable.  Sometimes the water is as smooth as glass.   Not good for surfing, not that I am a surfer, but great for just swimming and being in the water. This really is a beautiful place to live.  

Stefani came in last week for several days, but it was anything but a fun visit.  We spent the entire time in doctors offices getting her tested for fainting episodes that she has been having over the last few months.  Fortunately the tests have shown her to be healthy, although a Mitro Valve Prolapse showed up.  But that is not the reason for her episodes and there is nothing to be done for MVP.  She wasn't very thrilled with Miami, but then she didn't see much of it either.  Must be strange to visit your parents, and not "go home", but visit them in a totally new environment. I am sure that added to her desire to get back to Phoenix as soon as possible!

So, Summer is here . . . . I am making the effort to see the beauty and the good in all that is around me.  God is teaching me how to be content in all circumstances, in plenty and in want!