Back to the Basics

One Sunday afternoon, shortly after our Casa Adobe Bible study, a few of us girls were chatting about how we thought the day went.  We loved the company, the food was great, we enjoyed the discussion—all in all a good day.  Then I admitted quietly (or at least I thought it was) that I didn’t really get today’s bible study, that I had a hard time understanding what it was all about.  Tali and Daniela’s ear perked up and made me repeat what I said.  Apparently, they didn’t get it either :)  The relief in the room was almost audible.  In fact, they admitted that Bible studies were really hard for them because their knowledge on biblical things is not that extensive and so they don’t feel they can contribute that much to any discussion.  So, I mentioned that we should start our own Bible study, one where we start from the beginning (literally, in Genesis) and go from there.  Much to my surprise and delight, they both agreed.  So far, with our busy schedules and such, we’ve only managed to have one Bible study, but it was a great one.  We started with Genesis 1-3, the story of not only the beginning but also the end and, to boil it down, of why we need a Savior.  Even though it was back to basics, I found our discussion so refreshing!   We ended our conversation with two HUGE questions:  what is Sin and how is it different from Evil?  And if God is good and perfect and all-knowing, why did he plant that dumb tree in the Garden anyway?  I guess we’ve quite deliberately stumbled upon a centuries’ long debate—so much for starting with the easy stuff!  Next time, we will pick up where we’ve left off, bringing with us some “research” we’ve been able to find in the meantime.  I look forward to it!

I’ve also been immensely enjoying living at the new house.  We love the adventure of cooking there: experimenting with new foods and flavors and being extra careful not to cook too much.  We are also enjoying the challenge of making storage options out of nothing—you have no idea how far cardboard boxes, twisty-ties, and cement blocks can go!  It’s not beautiful, I’ll give you that (unless you go cross-eyed or squint your eyes or something) but it works.  And that’s all that matters right now.  Another new adventure for this week: washing laundry by hand.  Gotta say, I admire those women before washing machines were invented—what biceps they must have had!  After washing a pair of jeans, Sarah looks over to me and her eyes said it all: only wash what we need to survive.  So, we washed our socks and underwear and called it quits.  We can borrow Casa Adobe’s washing machine later :)

Sarah and I playing chess in the park in San Jose

I also can’t tell you how much I enjoy having Sarah here with me.  I’ve grown so used to her being here that I just know I’m going to have a hard time adjusting to her absence again.  Not looking forward to that one.  In the meantime, I shall just go on pretending as if time is not actually flying by, that she does not in fact have a return flight already booked, and that she does not actually have a life of her own to go back to.  For now, she’s mine :)  

And I just want to shout out that MY FAMILY IS COMING TODAY!!  I get to see my mom and dad and my aunt and uncle and, above all (sorry mom), I get to see Rhys!!  Man have I missed them all.  Pray for safe travels for everyone and that I don’t smother them accidently with my hugging :)  Stay tuned!