visa run

This will be a quick one from Colonia, Uruguay. (My laptop battery is running low.) My Argentina visa lasts only six-months. I then have to start fresh by leaving the country and returning. The closest border is across the water in Uruguay. So, today I took a three-hour boat ride to this cool, historic, waterfront town called Colonia. I will take advantage of the visa run for some space for rest and retreat outside the busy city. I can’t believe I have been here six-months. It will be good to take a step back for a couple days and reflect on all God has had for me so far.

Here is the Wikipedia link for Colonia: http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonia_del_Sacramento

To top things off, it was a warm day! I pulled out the shorts and flip-flops. My feet were loving the fresh air, coastal breezes, and warm sun! And so was I!!!

I hope to blog again soon…as long as I can find the right adapter for the electricity here!

today

Today was the memorial celebration for my grandfather in California. While I miss being there with my family during this time, God has provided so much comforting love and care from family and friends here and at home. So many caring emails and e-cards these past couple of weeks have meant to much. The Forcattos, Deans, and the community here have loved me well these past two weeks and today!

Today during the service I was just about to put on my ipod and listen to my favorite hymn cd from Dorothy Collins ("Jazz Hymns"), since my grandpa enjoyed hymns had picked out some favorites for the service awhile back. Just as I was getting the headphones untangled...my lifelong friend, Matt Archuleta sent me an instant message from his iphone at the memorial service...sending his love and prayers and saying he would give my family a big hug from me! :) Matt then emailed me the below photo of the beginning of the service from his iphone. The honor guard had just presented my grandma with a flag to honor my grandpa's years of service in the army during World War II....grandpa was a Pearl Harbor Survivor and also fought in Europe. Taps was being played at this moment of the photo. This was, especially, meaningful since grandpa was a bugler in the army and a cousin, Russell, played it on the trumpet!

The combination of hearing Dorothy's familiar, comfortable voice singing hymns and this one photo from Matt, triggered the tears! Good tears of sweet sorrow! God provided just what I needed, at the right time! (Gotta love technology!)

Sweet Sorrow

Tomorrow is my grandfather's memorial celebration in California. My grandma wrote this poem years ago. It will be read at the service and printed on the memorial program. What a testimony to God's faithfulness and promises, as my grandma and our family experience God's grace, peace, and comfort in the sorrow!

Sweet Sorrow
By Fay Hutchens

Abundant grace God gives to us,
When there is a special need;
With tender love and understanding,
Each problem He will heed.

He calms the heart with gentle peace,
When loved ones from us go!
Learn to trust His perfect timing,
Because He loves us so.

When sorrow floods the human heart,
With memories of the past;
He reaches down to bless His child,
Giving assurance that will last.

Rejoice! for they are home in Heaven,
Released from earthly pains;
And someday are will meet them there,
Where Christ, our Savior, reigns.

So for today He’ll renew our strength,
As we plan for that tomorrow;
Keeping true to His every Promise,
Through our joys or sweet sorrow.

la boca pad pics

Finally! After two months in my new place, I am getting around to posting some pics. My digs in La Boca has quickly become home. I live just a short walk away from both the Forcattos and Deans, also serving with WMF. I am enjoying the new neighborhood!

I'm testing this new photo album option out. But, I think you can see the captions along with the photos by clicking "View Album."

View Album

Get your own

prayers & creeds

I have enjoyed praying some ancient and recent prayers from the blog, Prayers & Creeds. New prayers and liturgies are posted each day. There is something cool about joining others around the world in sharing in these prayers. I have also added the link to my blogroll on the side.

Homecoming for Grandpa Hutch

Early this morning my grandpa went home to be with Jesus. He passed away peacefully at home at 1:30 am with my grandma by his side. Grandpa was ready to go to heaven after several months of declining health. He was bedridden at home since mid-June. The past week was filled with special, comforting moments for my family as grandpa expressed that Jesus was talking to him and holding his hand. A couple nights ago, he said, “glory, glory” and told my grandma he saw angels.

While I am very sad to be away from home to share tears and celebrate his life with my family, I am grateful for special memories shared with my grandfather these past few years in between my travels and before my move to Argentina. I am thankful for the gift of memories and time shared with my grandparents, growing up about 15-minutes away.

My Grandpa Hutchens was known as “Hutch” since his days in the army. He was a Pearl Harbor Survivor, experiencing the attacks on Pearl Harbor and fighting in WWII in both the Pacific and Europe. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and his remaining army buddies. We are comforted and have hope in knowing he is in the presence of Jesus and we will see him again!

photo memories with my grandpa

Family Photo taken in January 2007. We are so thankful we took this photo, as both my grandpa and Uncle Don (in the center with the denim shirt) are no longer with us.

Me and grandpa this past Christmas 2007

Here's Great Grandpa with my nieces and nephew this past March just before I left for Buenos Aires.