It was a fun summer. Too hot, too long (it's still too hot) but I have much to be thankful for.
We had the opportunity to host our refugee friends and our dear friends the M's for a pool party and cook out. They didn't know how to swim, so the M's (specifically K) were trying to show them how. Momma A was anxious to learn and she was just precious to watch!
Her children (who are awesome by the way - so well behaved!) really enjoyed the water. Their time with us made me thankful of many things. Their friendship and the opportunity to get to know them; our abundant blessings in life that God has provided not only for our needs, but also so many of our desires, and I am SO thankful to be able to share them with others; goodness, the list goes on and on. When you have people visiting your home who spend most of their day sitting in their apartment because they are not familiar with our country and don't have the resources to always get out, it makes you very appreciative to have a home, food, transportation and nice things (or access to nice things) that are not necessities and are merely blessings from God at this season in life.
I feel honored to share them with others, and I am so thankful my friend K thought of having this sweet time together.
K and I also had the opportunity to attend Refugee Day at the Jacksonville Zoo. More than 150 refugees from all over the world who now call Jacksonville their home spent a wonderful afternoon together at the zoo.
One of my favorite parts of the day was seeing our refugee friends from Africa recognize the animals, like a lion, and call it by its African name (Simba is lion...like Disney's The Lion King - neat, huh?). For many of them, I am sure they have seen these animals much more than we ever have. Maybe even in their own backyards.
It was also great to see everyone out and about, enjoying the weather and God's creation. As I said, many of them don't have the opportunity to discover Jacksonville and enjoy attractions, so this was an awesome opportunity for them.
btw - This was my first real trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. Neat place. Would love to go back when the weather is a little cooler. :)
What a wonderful experience it has been getting to know these people and families. I feel so blessed and hope that I will continue to have the privilege to get to know them and work with them.
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