For the Record...

It's late, but I'm becoming a night owl/morning bird for these last days prior to becoming responsible again...

It's been a great week, and it's just begun. Here are some highlights...

• Temple time: I think I have become so accustomed to living close to a temple and would have a really tough time living further than I do now (less than an hour). What a blessing it is to serve there, even on a weekday!

• Dad time: I love talking to Dad. Catching him on the phone during the middle of his work day is my specialty with our time-zone and schedule differences, but he's a better multi-tasker than I am, by far, even with back-ground noises, he hears and talks over it all... what kind of bluetoothe do you use?

• Missionary time: the sisters are preparing a really neat young man, JC, for baptism. He is becoming increasingly strong as he develops a deeper personal conviction of scripture study and prayer- tools to help us overcome the influences of the adversary and press on in the ebs and flos of life's journey. We are hopeful that he'll feel a greater connection with individuals within the ward family soon. The example of the sisters and JC is inspiring to me.
  

• Pool time: on hot (and cool :) ) days, it's so refreshing to step into our backyard and take a plunge into the pool. It's not long enough for laps, but it's deep enough for..... agua-jogging! My knees and feet are happy to enjoy low-impact running for a change. Aside from swimming and aqua-jogging, it's just so pleasant to read in the backyard and enjoy the veggies from our garden as well... thanks to the roommates who did all the prep work this season.
  
  
• Triathlon time: Marci's son, Luke (7), invited me to compete with him in the Little-Big Adventure triathlon that's coming up this Fall. I spoke with her on the phone this afternoon, with him in the background, telling me about all the fun he's had this past month since I last saw them. He's a fish in the water, a hero on his mountain bike, and a speedy man on his feet. Luke has such a love for life and is such a great example to us all (he's been taught by two incredible parents too). One of his highlights to share was his "coach's award" for his summer swim team this year- Way to go Luke!!! Can't wait to spend more time with them as summer continues and we gear up for our race together! Marci named our team "Walkin' On Water," which was inspired by Luke's knee-boarding on lake Anna this year :)

• Institute time: each week, all the young single adults in the are are invited to gather to learn more about Jesus Christ by studying from the scriptures together. A few different classes are held. Brother Toma has been teaching a class focusing on the writings of John this summer. He's so good at sharing insights and inspiring us to search the scriptures more diligently and glean from the lessons taught in the scriptures. Most importantly, we always leave class with a great sense of the joy that Christ offers us as we heed to His teachings and live in obedience to His commandments given in the scriptures, both ancient and through our living prophets and apostles.
  

• Tourist time: I don't know that I'll ever tire of the monuments and the history of this area.