Green Thumb

We've been enjoying the product of Jim's green thumb this month. He planted Cosmos on our balcony. Its blooming really late and since it snowed this morning, he moved the planters inside. We have also collected a large jade plant, a bonsai, 2 spiders, several English ivy, and a few others. Nice to have some growing greenery.

First Snow 9.25.10

View from our living room window. Just a dusting this morning and melted by noon. But everyone says winter is on its way. What happened to Fall? In fact there are still yellow green leaves on the tree outside our bedroom window.

Countryside

Some things are very different in the countryside. This is Gobi Altai's garbage truck.

9.5.10

Ramblings

7 days of work at the shelter under my belt after 6 weeks in the U.S.

Already, there have been days of much laughter, chatter, times wasted, beads rolled and products created. Lots of listening, increased understanding, plenty of confusion and some bonding. In the context of poverty, money is the central character even tho mostly absent. It is elusive, desired, idolized, much pondered yet seldom seen. Without cash, a body is hungry, cold, sick, stuck, and distracted. There is never enough. To buy: meat, school books, coal, cinema tickets, cigarettes, shoes, jacket, water, soap, flour, oil, make-up, dental appointment, pencils, glue, bus fare, pills . . . endlessness. Are we creating opportunity or dependency? Are we teaching character and work ethic or are we being manipulated and bossy? Do we offer another chance or draw the line? Love and grace are easy words to say and much harder to live. Am I working for the Lord or for reward? Do I pray as much as I complain? Do I focus on history or possibility? When I look at the ladies, do I see need? A face?  A challenge? A friend?                                                Yes