Day 40: Highlights

I have looked forward to today all week and it absolutely proved to be a fabulous day. Here are the highlights:
1) Roy promised his workers that he would take them out for lunch at El Que Pasa today as their Christmas gift for being great workers all semester. And so he did...accompanied by Darian and me. And of course it was just tons of fun. Good kids. Lots of conversation. Good food. These kids (Alexis, DJ and Drew) are so loyal to Roy and he teases them unendingly...and they give it right back. But it's all lighthearted and it's obvious there's so much cameraderie between them. It's sweet.

2) This morning I 'messaged' a longtime friend of mine from high school -- Jeff -- who is probably a millionaire--or close to it -- to let him know about two mission trips Darian is going to be taking to see if he can support her. She needs $2600 which is a bit overwhelming. But he was always good to support Savana on her trips so I figured it would be good to get a headstart on this huge sum of money. Anyway, he immediately messaged me back and said he would send $1000--and when her deadline gets closer, let him know how much she is lacking and he will send her whatever she needs. Oh. My. Goodness.  He called me later and we spent some time catching up. He's one of those friends that is just plain easy to talk to--so down to earth and silly and nice. So it was fun catching up. Heartwarming knowing that after all of these years? We're still really good friends. He's the same guy he was in high school really...just a little bit older.  (Emphasis on the little.)

3) I cleaned my house today--one of those thorough cleanings that includes sweeping and mopping and dusting and vacuuming--while Pandora plays its heart out. And then I cooked so lunch is completely ready for tomorrow: lasagna, salad, french bread, and pumpkin pie for dessert. This sort of thing doesn't happen too often these days. But it did today and I'm so glad that it did.

4) On a whim, I decided to call Yvette--Harrison's mom--to see if he could spend a couple of nights with us. And she said yes. Jace was clueless that I had done this and he left school before Yvette arrived to let Harrison know. So when he got home and I told him to go back and get Harrison...well, the look on his face was priceless. And then he said, "Mom! You're so sick!" And of course...that's lingo for 'You're so cool!' But that sick word always stops me in my tracks. But regardless--in Jace's eyes I was a hero today...if only for a moment.

5) The music concert was tonight at the church and, as always, I was amazed. That Ed Pelto is absolutely ridiculous. He manages to get so much out of those kids and they sounded stupendous. It was a perfect length--each group performed three numbers. And I enjoyed every single one.

6) And then when it was over I went over to say hello to Donna Robertson. And then Tricia joined us...and we talked for quite some time. It was fun--genuine conversation. Authentic. And gosh I love that.

So all in all? It was a great day. And as I came upstairs to blog and then head to bed, I left Savana in the kitchen--finishing up the cinnamon rolls that we will have for breakfast in the morning.