Redemption in the Mundane

I took my friend a cup of coffee from our favorite place. Well, it was my favorite place until I introduced her to it and got her hooked too. It is a local chocolatier that makes the most amazing mochas. Life changing. I'm sipping on mine now.

When I pulled into the parking spot at her place I had to take a deep breath to hold back the tears. When I knocked on the door I had to steady myself and put on a smile. I was just giving a friend a cup of coffee, but it was so much more than that. She had to stay back and I couldn't cross the threshold. We didn't touch. Just a quick coffee exchange and a few pleasantries.

My dear twenty-nine year old friend has cancer and has had two surgeries to remove her entire thyroid and is currently on a week of isolation following radiation treatment. She can't see her precious two boys for a whole week. She can see adults, but there are tons of rules. After so many hours she still has to be so many feet away... Over time the feet away decreases. It's complicated.

I was supposed to watch those precious boys today so their daddy could do whatever he needs to do, but the baby got sick. So, the least I could do was grab coffee. I had no idea it would be such a complex cup of coffee.

We read to the boys every night from The Jesus Storybook Bible. The subtitle is 'Every Story Whispers His Name.' Through every story, it reminds us that Jesus was always God's plan to rescue the world. Jesus is 'The Rescuer.'

As we approach Advent and begin to anticipate His arrival, I find myself getting more and more excited. This world is hard. Complicated. Sad. But, God had a plan all along. A redemption plan. To right the wrongs. Make everything new.

We don't get to experience that very tangibly on earth, but I find so much joy in knowing that it is coming. This world is not my home. There is so much more coming.

I've experienced my fair share of tragedy and heartache in this world. I couldn't face it every day without the hope of redemption. Nothing is every lost forever. Nothing and no one is worth giving up on. And I love that I get to face it all alongside dear friends that smile when I deliver the most delicious mocha.

Happy Halloween

We had a fun-filled Halloween day! Nate and I joined Ben at school in the afternoon to volunteer at his class party. We helped set up, helped the kids get into costume and just generally enjoyed some fun at his school. I did learn that when they say Bostic parents are involved, they mean it! My guess would be that 2/3 of the students had a parent present and some of them had a parent + grandparent + sibling + entire fan club! There were people everywhere. I will always do my best to attend anything I can so that he is never that child without a parent present. And we will include all the other kids that don't have a parent in our fun! Wow. I've never seen parental involvement like this!

His class.

 The parade.

Ben kept saying, "I wander if we get to march or if we just have to walk." They walked.

 Ben's table buddy was absent, so Nate happily filled in.

 And even got his own treat bag.

 Oh the joy!

Our tradition is to gather at the apartments on our campus and trick or treat all the residents there. Our group is growing!

 Family

  One of the apartment residents set up the golf cart (a kid favorite) as a trick or treat stop. It was fabulous.

 Girlfriends

We went to a local church's INDOOR fun. It was a super cool night. 

I never thought Nate would make it to the top.

 And once he did he sat there saying, "I'm not strong enough!"

He did slide eventually, with a face of sheer terror!

 Batman was not afraid!

 Loved it.

 Best buddies.

 This game made a childhood dream come true.

 Ready to take on the world, together. 

 He made one!

 The MKs. There is nothing like being a missionary kid. The bond they share is indescribable.