Little Extra Sunshine

Some might think that Arizona gets all the sunshine it needs, no problem. I disagree.

It was rainy/stormy/damp/gloomy on Wednesday and Thursday. It helped to make it feel like home for the holidays. Kind of. Still, it didn't make up for missing Thanksgiving at home.

But...little extra pieces of "sunshine" have made it into my life in the past three days, and I am so grateful.

Erin & her gracious family have been lifesavers. I almost felt "normal"--like I would be in MN or WI--this weekend.

After church on Thursday morning, I headed north to Mayo Hospital to do some visits before heading to Erin's aunt & uncle's house in Scottsdale for some turkey & fun. It was a little awkward at first to be a part of a different family's day, but in the end, it was a good time.

Friday morning, Erin and I went on a quick jaunt in the neighborhood, then ran to Target to check out their $3 movies and eat. And even though the Christmas music has been playing and decorations are going up, this weather makes it hard to be convinced that its Advent or anywhere near Christmas.

And last night was spectacular! Mark (my supervising pastor) and his wife Karen invited to LUMI: a luminaria celebration at the Phoenix Botanical Gardens. The desert has its own beauty, but on top of that, the Chihuly exhibitions throughout the park were breathtaking. We spent hours following the lit trails and admiring the glass sculptures. It was an absolute amazing thing to see. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area.


But the fun didn't end there. This morning, we headed back to Papago Park. Grandpa Chuck (Erin's g-pa) gave us tickets to the Phoenix Zoo! I love zoos. We saw giraffes, monkeys, rhinos, snakes, goats, tigers, a lion, cheetah, flamingos, turtles, and everything in between (well, things that can survive in the desert, at least). Now, I'm gearing up for the San Diego Zoo!


And then Erin and I spent the rest of the day eating our favorite Indian food, napping, going to see Polar Express in 3D at the Imax theatre, and stopping in at the only local REI.

I could not have asked for a better weekend to kick-off the holidays.

I've realized this is all so much easier having someone around to do things with. It makes being here 150% better. The only bad news is that Erin's only here another 10 days before heading home for good. At the same time, it also means its 10 days closer until I get to go home for a visit. You're right, Laura, let the countdown begin!

Well, now that you know everything that I've done in the past 72 hours, I had better figure out what I need to do to get ready for church tomorrow.

Miss you. Hope you are well!

With joy--

HGJ