They're Back!!!

Remember I said some time ago that we have a large population of possums here in Fullerton?
Well, a couple weeks ago, Jim saw these little critters in the church parking lot close to the church entrance. There were four little ones.
Unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately for us?) there was a cat lurking nearby, and several days later, Jim discovered the sad remains of baby possums. They really are kind of cute when they are little. And they are also very fiesty! If you get too close to them, they will hiss at you!
One evening last week, we saw this mother possum drinking water on the patio cement next to our house. She did not try to run away even when we came close, so we wondered if she was ill. But then, it had been very hot that day, so we reasoned that she must be dehydrated.
Yesterday, we started to smell a horrid odor (reminiscent of a dead lizard behind a cupboard in Cameroun...), and started to investigate. The smell seemed to be coming from a lower kitchen cabinet. After cleaning out a couple of the cupboards, and finding nothing (whew!), we proceeded to investigate the bottom part of the outside of our house. Jim found a vent-hole that was missing a screen, AND lots of flies, AND a horrific stench! A flashlight illuminated our "possum friend," now deceased.
I've said it several times before, and I'll say it again to you--living in Africa was great preparation for living here in southern California! We didn't have possums there, but we did learn how to cope with many other difficulties that weren't always pleasant!

a week of VBS

We just held our VBS this last week. Of course, alot of time and effort went was spent before the kids actually arrived. Three rooms upstairs were decorated in the theme of searching ("mining") for faith treasures
And there was also the story of Abraham, who followed the Lord's leading into the mountains to sacrifice his son Isaac--trusting God throughout the journey...
And there was also Noah, who followed God's instructions to build a boat--even when there was no water...

And there was the enthusiasm of the kids who came! Lots of energy on that stage as they sang!
The youngest ones are always the most fun to watch!
And every day there was a new skit that told about a "new faith treasure" that this camping family had to "mine" for.
On this particular day, Daniel (aka Pastor Jim) was the man of faith that came out of the "mine!"

We praise God for the fun week that everyone had at VBS, and pray that the Word of God that was planted in these young hearts would bear much fruit in the days and weeks to come.

Men's Retreat

This past weekend, Jim went on his first men's retreat hosted by the men of our church. On Friday morning, about 30 men and boys drove up to the mountains to this beautiful campsite at Seven Oaks Resort.
After the tents were set up, there was time for games, talking, eating, hiking...
Someone even brought out the horse-shoes and the competition began!
Some of the younger boys dammed up the river to create a larger pool of water to play in.
But of course, the real excitement began after Jim returned home to finish his sermon prep! Some of the boys went hiking and spotted a rattlesnake off to the side of the path. When they returned to camp, they found out that one of the campers used to wrestle with alligators and knew how to catch snakes. Returning with them to the site, he killed the snake. They brought their 3 foot long prize back to camp where they skinned it and prepared snake meat for supper! Two of the boys got a portion of the skin and the other got the rattler. What prizes!!!

Work and Play

Well, I'm finally back to work again! A couple of days ago I started a part-time job at a clinic nearby. I am working in a coumadin clinic, so right now am experiencing a high learning curve! It is fun to back in medicine again and soon I will start to enjoy myself as I become more comfortable with what I am doing. Today we celebrated our country's birthday together with several other people from our church family.
One of the families from church has a pool in their backyard, so traditionally they have hosted a "pool party" on the 4th. The water felt good on this sunny, hot 85 degree day! And it was great to be together with friends!
And as always, the food was abundant and great! Happy 4th of July to all!