Leaving Love

It was a full Saturday with little time to spare.  Jen from Rockside Ranch had called.  Her unusual invitation to assist with the "pig castration" was answered and coffee in hand, we even arrived a few minutes early.  I'm pretty sure my "fine figure of a man" knew not what he was getting his self into by not wearing the tallest muck boots he could find.  The rain was at a steady down pour but Jen, wise beyond her years, requisitioned an awning more suited for sunshine blocking.  It was pretty handy until the wind blew the accumulated water from the roof and sent it running down your back.  But I'd say the rain was the least of our worries.  Grant and Wes wrangled these fairly large piglets to the "table" and Jen did the honors of removal.  Me?  I was the scalpel holder and used a large dosage of iodine to make things all better.  About half way through this operation, Ben showed up on a white horse.  Well actually he arrived in his white pickup but it seemed like his presence gave this organization a boost.  The guys were certainly glad to have him there. 

 

I can't say as I've ever been in on such an activity but it was an adventure and one for the books.  Thanks Jen for an interesting outing. 

 

After a quick shower and a small bit of lunch, my "fine figure of a man" and I headed back to Etna to attend a funeral for a mom of a couple of girls of which we are quite fond.  The support of a community is a so needed when loss occurs.  Sara and her dad greeted us at the door.  Hugs.  Thank you~  Shelby was so courageous as she picked up the microphone and sang from her heart.  A song of missing her mom.  So proud of her.

 

Back to QV in the pouring rain.  We watched the last half of a slide show Morgan and Danielle are preparing to share their adventures of their recent trip to Kenya. 

 

Our final activity for the day was a family we so dearly love.  Phillip and Corrie brought their four adorable children to our home for dinner.  It was evident from the get go that I need to invest in a box of toys, puzzles and crayons for the little people who we are blessed to entertain.  Dinner was active.  You forget all too quickly that little people move a lot, eat very little and require a lot of energy.  Corrie, about 36 weeks pregnant, looks so amazing in her "I have about 3-5 weeks left" state. 

 

Susannah, a very loving 4 year old, had on a pair of  red sparkly shoes.  She wanted me to see her favorite pair of shoes and know the red sparkly things come off and that she leaves them everywhere.  As if warning me for this possibility, she made this all very clear.  There are many things from the evening that I could share but let's just say that our home was blessed and our hearts were warmed.

 

At church this morning, I saw Susannah.  I told her that last night after she left I saw a red sparkly piece of her shoe on my couch.  She told me it was to remind me that she loved me.  Four years old.  So loving.  Filled my vessel. 

 

It's amazing how big a heart really is.  Enough room to love so many.  God certainly knew what he was doing.  <3