Less Martha, More Mary

There are no typical days at Blue Skies. Each day is different. Today was different. The families were gone (half in the morning and half in the afternoon) on a wonderful boating/snorkeling trip. That meant our morning started a little later. At our meeting we broke into groups to pray for our individual families. That is where the emotions of the week caught up with me. Sometimes when you have a minute to stop being "Martha" and have a chance to be "Mary," that happens. Don't get me wrong. Blues Skies is by no means a sad place, but these families are in extremely difficult situations and I feel that what I do here is temporary and just not enough. Prayer felt good.

After getting Brayden and his family off for their adventure, I cleaned and did laundry. I had a little down time this afternoon which was welcomed. Braydens mom said they had a "fabulous time." My new little buddy maintained his energy well enough to really enjoy the day! Here is a picture of him on the excursion.

Once they got back I spent some time racing cars with him before it was time for me to help with dinner duty for the night. The theme tonight was Red, White and Blue/Western. BBQ was delicious and the best part of the evening followed with the Blue Skies parade. We had some very special guests tonight at dinner and at our parade. A group of orphans from Uganda were in Port St. Joe. They are a talented group, a choir, that has come to the states sponsored by several different churches, to raise money for their orphanage. Melinda invited them to have dinner with us and to participate in our parade. Just before the parade started, they performed. What a treat it was to hear them!

The parade was a whole new level of cute. They decorate their bikes, golf carts and even the rolling luggage racks. The Port St. Joe police came and led the way with sirens and lights. They circled the fountain several times throwing candy at the bystanders. I told Brayden this morning about the parade and he asked me if it was for him. I told him that yes, it was all for him! He "drove" one of the golf carts (He's a crazy driver, just ask him!).

It's been a wonderful week. Tomorrow is our last day. The week has flown by. I really hope I can get a picture with each of my little "Bluebirds" tomorrow. It will be hard to say goodbye to these families and volunteers but I will worry about that tomorrow. Tonight it is time for some rest.