Treasures From the Great Exodus

A portable soccer goal with new ball & pump! Ben's favorite treasure.

An exquisite hand-carved chair from Africa... an especially treasured gift from our favorite African. This has quickly become a favorite seat, surprisingly comfortable for big or littles. Most nights I read the children's bedtime story in it as they lay snugly tucked ready for sleep. My camera doesn't do justice to the beautiful detail.

And Twinkle (named by previous owners), our newest member. She is a hermit crab that probably wouldn't make it(or wasn't welcome) on the l.o.n.g. car trip to previous owners home once school ended. So, we ended up adopting her along with her lovely pink home.

All treasures, all fun. Dan and I have collected numerous things from the rotation of residents that have called SEU home. Some are lovely additions to our home, some last only for a little while and are tossed yet a second time. This, like the ebb & flow of treasures coming from.... relationships.

Funny thoughts & comments come from the minds of children who know no other world than that of college semesters instead of seasons. The 'New Year' does not refer to a holiday in January around here, but to a toasty & FULL month in August.

As to prepare them for ALL of our neighbors leaving for a few months I inquire to test the processes of emotion & thought for the older two. Ben, sweet Ben, refuses an audible 'good-bye' to anyone as the week of exodus approaches. He has close friends, tight bonds with the men that we allow to surround him here. Ali, priding in the fact that she remembers this happening last year, acts a bit more cool to that confusing reminder, dear friends are leaving... some for a while, some for good. Some will be remembered for a lifetime, some only for a season. Treasures left for us.

I remind myself of all the wonderful stories each of them will have when they return for fall semester. Summer tales of life, love, & adventure will be ours for the soaking up 'round our beast of a couch during many late nights this fall. Until then, we bid everyone farewell & happy (safe) trails. Follow the Gospel written for us in green... the songs play just for us in the wide awake nature of summer.