Entertaining Angels

The Asante Crew (minus the boys).

There are the things in life that I plan. Those things that I fret about and establish what every possible obstacle might be. The things that I arrange for and rearrange for as if I might be expecting the queen. The events that in the end stress me out because they have been over thought......and then there are those that seem to fall into place without me really realizing. Those times when I say yes without a seeming thought. Sometimes a brief period of panic follows but generally in these circumstances there is no time for panic.

Our basement transformed.

Meal times were a bit more lively this week!

Jacob getting in on the action. He loved having the girls around.

 For the last three nights we have had the incredible privilege to host the girls from the Asante Children's Choir. It wasn't something I planned to do.....yet with less than a week to prepare we had 11 girls from Uganda and 5 chaperones enter our home for three days. I feel like I responded to their plea for last minute billeting without fully thinking about what would be involved.....without attempting to plan out every aspect of what the sudden influx of people in our home would mean. I am saddened to think that if I had, we may have missed out on an incredible blessing. With the help of many willing friends and neighbours beds were created, meals were prepared, grocery trips were made and we excitedly embraced our visitors from afar. It was truly amazing to watch how all our needs for this visit were provided for, in abundance. For three days our house was filled with laughter and singing and many Dutch Blitz games, with prayer and stories, with loving embraces and gratitude for the humble accomodations that were provided. I did not have time to worry about the work of preparing meals or the capacity of my hot water heater. I couldn't dwell on the capacity of our 1000 square foot bungalow. I had committed to share our home and it was time to get to work.

Jacob and his best friend from Uganda. We will sure miss you Miss P.

During their short stay, our family has established heart ties with 16 new friends. We have been humbled by their gratitude and zest for life. Our large group of visitors ministered to our hearts in a truly unexpected way. We have learned much about willingly accepting and serving when God calls. The bedding was provided, the room shared and cozy, the food prepared, the laughter shared all without the time to plan and stew. Thank you Asante Girls for teaching the Ehmann family to share what God has blessed them with. You have humbled us.

-46 and a Pair of T-Rex Slippers

It has been cold in this part of Canada. Perhaps a wee bit of an understatement. At -46 cars protest to start, skin freezes, and in our house forgotten extension cords get broken. There is not much one can do in this kind of temperature except admire the crystal clear sky from the warmth of a home and listen to the constant whirr of the furnace. At least that would be the case in most homes. In ours....there appears to be a T-Rex loose this evening. I have been informed he is mostly friendly. That he only intends to chase and capture the woolly beast that roams our home......affectionately referred to as "Sophie the dog". So while, unless you happen to be a dog, you are safe in your own home, I thought I would advise you of the potential "hazard" in ours.

Ready or Not Here It Comes

Even in this season of waiting there are times when I am simply astounded by how fast time passes. As if I haven't been present in every moment of my life. As if somehow time has been whisked away unbeknownst to me. When did that little bundle we brought home from the hospital learn to dress himself and negotiate bedtime? When did I grow up and get married, start my own family, create my own home? Amazing and sobering at the same time.

Today marks the first day of 2015. The passing of another year.  Truth be told 2014 was a tough one, on many fronts. There were many blessings sprinkled amid the challenges.....many of them coming from the mouth of a small child....but it was laden with struggle, disappointment and discouragement. I am looking forward to a new start. A year of anticipation and hope. A year of growth as a family (in the literal and emotional way). A year to love well, serve well and steep in gratitude. A year of renewal.

For almost a year we had the following verse posted in our bathroom by our sink.
 "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:23

While my aspirations for a year lived well, expressing gratitude, acting in service and love are honest I know I will find moments of failure. Moments that I have allowed to slip by or be stolen. Moments of sheer humanness. How great it is to know that I need not wait until 2016 for a redo.....but that it begins afresh each morning. How sweet His mercy. Now the trick is to etch this truth on my heart and not merely frame in by my bathroom sink.