The best moments don’t have to be big moments.

They are somethings the brief ones that creep in even after losses.

This last month was certainly tough physically and emotionally with the loss of Manuelito sandwiched by both COVID and Dengue fever!

To say I’m tired would be a dramatic understatement!

At times, simple tasks have been pretty daunting either because of dramatically low energy, or particularly high emotions.

Both of these are normal.

For a time.

Just take a breath.

At first you get dressed because you have to. You make yourself go on a walk because it’s necessary.

Take another breath.

Then it gets a little less hard.

That’s it. Just keep breathing.

You pray and write, get dressed and eat food, go on walks and talk to close friends and all the while these things that you force at first become a little easier.

God brings peace through his words.
And through prayer.
And writing.
And Talking to close friends.

And Holding babies;
hiking in the woods;
sweeping the floor;
watching the littles smile and play,
and in celebrating children who are finally gaining weight.

It’s slow, but as certain as the sun rises- God holds all these. Even hurting hearts.

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He likes to send friends to help. Aside from countless conversations this month in all the small moments, there were some moments that got photos. I’ll share some of these, not to downplay the import of the moments not captured.

(Why don’t we take more photos during the small moments?

We went on a hike to the waterfalls in the mountains round our town.

We climbed and breathed in fresh air with mountain views.

We descended into the riverbed and hiked to a few beautiful waterfalls.

Aaaaand we high tailed it out before it started to rain!

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We took some of our littles out for coffee and cards.

Mimi cheated and helped Stephanie win.
It’s the only reason she beat me.

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Small things, then take a breath.


Kid’s smiles do something pretty special to our hearts.


Oh, and no judgement on the taking kids to coffee thing
– they’re Guatemalan! It’s in their blood!

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Then some adventures with a few nieces and nephews in Antigua

They are kinda great!

Eat, splash, laugh, and breathe again.

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Healing comes in watching kids grow.

Wild hair, just don’t care– Jenny has been gaining weight.

This is a very slow, very hard fought victory!

Of corse, now she gets into all the trouble!!

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This month, Ruavis is smiling.

A lot.

That’s a pretty big deal, and worth celebrating!

I could use Ruavis smiles all day every day.

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And more encouragement when my home church came to visit and be present.

What a surprise when one found some familiar faces! Sharon knew the twins while they were in Ohio!

Folks loving the kids I love is pretty powerful.

When someone see’s their value, and enjoys their presence as much as I do, that’s the best moment.

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It’s not fast. It does not have to be.

I am so grateful for the moments of fresh air.

God is still good.