this 'n that

Two things I was happy to have the opportunity to do while I was home...

1. Drive up the Columbia River Gorge and see some of my most beloved places on earth. Here's a pic of my favorite stop along the old historic highway. It shall remain nameless since there are almost never people there when I stop and I'd like to keep it that way (in other words, please keep your mouth shut if you recognize it)!



Here's the view from said "stop":



2. Drive to the Oregon coast with some friends and take in God's beauty. Here are Kristin and I with Haystack Rock in the background.



It’s been pretty low key around here since returning to Africa and I've eased back into life in Burundi without any difficulty. Kristi and Claire (WR receptionist and my closest Burundian friend) met me at the airport Thursday afternoon.


Claire and I at the wedding of a WR colleague earlier this year

Doug, Deanna, and Maddy came into town Friday morning so we spent time catching up during the day. It was great to be with them again.


hanging out at the pool with Deanna and Maddy

I read a great book this weekend- “To Own a Dragon” by Donald Miller and John MacMurray. I found it funny that I was reading (and enjoying) this book since it is written for men and specifically for men who have grown up without fathers, neither of which applies to me but it was still an interesting read since I've known Don and John and I really appreciate Don's humorously honest writing style.

My friend Sarah is coming down from Kigali to Buja tomorrow for the week. We share the same name as well as the same birthday and we both sadly celebrated alone on airplanes on our way back to Africa from the US. I'm looking forward to catching up with her.


Kristi and Sarah

And lastly, I have to mention the sad news of the day... much loved Australian TV personality and conservationist Steve Irwin aka 'The Crocodile Hunter' died today. He was stung by a stingray while filming at the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's north coast. Some of you know how much I loved this guy so thanks for being sad with me. "Crocs Rule!"