December 8 – “Some thanks-stuff”

Chris and I got to do something really special yesterday.  We delivered the toys that Seasiders donated to the Galveston Urban Ministries office.  Our entire trunk was full, and we even had a bicycle crammed into the back seat.  The workers told us that it was just the third bike they have received this year.  Sounded like donations for their toy store ministry were down considerably.  They were especially excited with the cash donation.  Now they get to go do some shopping on their own for some specific items they have found out about.  All in all, they were very grateful.  Thanks, Seasiders.

 

While we were out running around, we also went by Walgreens.  Why a drug store?  Well, we had to pick up a special delivery for Seaside.  The Humphries Family up in Alaska sent us a photo poster thank you note.  Great pictures of their family and a very sweet, Lauren-esque message of thanks to the church.  Thanks, Seasiders.  By the way, Lauren is still in California with their little baby.  The young one had major open-heart surgery yesterday.  Last we heard was last night.  The surgery was past nine hours and still going on.  Keep praying.

 

We stopped by Academy to do a little Christmas shopping.  Actually, we knew of one particular thing there.  Found a few others.  We haven’t really had time to develop our usual Christmas list yet, with all the hospital stuff going on around here, so we are thankful for these kind of minutes that we do have.  Chris likes to have list in hand and ideas in her head for everyone on that list before we ever hit a single store.  May have to change things up a little this season. 

 

We grabbed some lunch to bring home from Shrimp n Stuff, thanks to a gift card.  Always a great bite.  Problem is, the location we went to didn’t do grilled shrimp.  Chris ended up getting boiled shrimp tacos.  She said they were fine, but just not the same.  Guess we need to hit up their food truck in Jamaica Beach.  They do grilled stuff out there. 

 

We also managed to squeeze in a little walk around the block.  Both of us.  Well, all three of us.  Freddy got to go, too.  She behaved admirably, I might add (Freddy, not Chris.  Well, Chris behaved pretty well, too, I guess).  We passed one lady out with her pooch.  And the rival went absolutely nuts barking at us.  But Freddy very calmly stayed at my side, looking over her shoulder a time or seven to make sure we weren’t followed by the noisy beast.  Chris did well, too.  Around the block is as far as she has gone since her procedure.  Me, too, actually.  My back felt OK.  My hip did get sore, though.  Arthritis, I guess.  But we are thankful to be going that far.

 

 

 

Father, please be with that little baby and Lauren in California.  Watch over them.  Give them strength.  Help them and the doctors and nurses to really sense your presence.  Amen.