Ok, first – this series is out of order because I’ve been mentally working on it for a while, but have been busy this last month – and Part II was news I wanted to share as soon as I could.

The spring after Beatrix died, we made a long and winding trip. We started in Rwanda, went to Denmark, Scotland, Pennsylvania, and then worked our way from Truro, NS, to Calgary, AB. We mourned Beatrix with those who had known her well, and we visited YWAM bases across Canada on a journey that was healing for us & the people who we visited: many had witnessed &/or been deeply impacted by her death.

At each location I gathered a stone: a beach in Denmark, the Isle of Skye, from rivers I kayaked in Lancaster & Winnipeg, from several treasured family places that were generously shared with us, Lake Superior & Manitoulin Island,… you get the idea.

I had a plan for an altar of sorts, a physical reminder of that journey – that whenever we got to the end of that nomadic season, I would put them in a jar/vase. On top, I would add daily notes with things I am grateful for.

Well, I found a vase right away when we moved in. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but it would work. I still needed the right kind of paper… (I really like having good pens and interesting stationery.) I looked a few times, but couldn’t find anything… so it just sat.

But at the beginning of March, I realized I had to just start, even if it’s not perfect. (Thanks, BCC application homework.)

What great timing. I doubt I’ve ever been in a season where I’ve needed  a regular gratitude practice more. It’s helped me so much through being isolated.

Even a quick glance reminds me of things I’ve already forgotten, but more: it’s a visual reminder of a few things that I find hard to put into words. God’s faithfulness. Our wide, deep, & strong community. The healing found in time spent at wild places. And that good things encounter me on a regular basis.