Rebecca's Joy

This month has been filled with inspiration in life. From new beginnings sparked by the wonder of my kindergarten class to the decision to host my 40th birthday party and booking a once-in-a-lifetime experience when school is on fall break.

At the beginning of the month, we went to the Rampart Reservoir via the Rainbow Gulch trail. We loved our walk with the puppies out to the reservoir. The sound of water crashing on the rocks as we walked along the path and the bursts of wildflowers and meadow grasses beckoning us to drink in the rugged beauty of the Colorado forest with lush pine trees and multiple pathways to get to our destination. It felt like a choose your own adventure story, and it was. We bought dinner at the grocery store afterwards, and enjoyed a sandwich picnic in the back of our suburban. Tahlia got her precious cucumber treat, and Takoda wolfed his cucumber down.

The next day (Sunday), we experienced a delicious Indian food buffet with friends after church. We enjoyed Gurkhas Kitchen buffet with fresh paneer, tika masala, tomato coconut soup, chai tea, lamb, and hot fresh puffy naan bread.

Following a week of teacher training, Frank and I attended my staff picnic at school, went to a friend’s birthday dinner where we enjoyed meeting several amazing families, some of whom haved shared experiences with infertility and an adoption journey.

Frank gifted me a Colorado Starbucks mug to commemorate the beginning of a new year in Kindergarten (my 15th year teaching). I also enjoyed going on a last minute shopping spree one Sunday evening to find the perfect shoes to go with my parent meeting for kindergarten.

The first day of school, parents attended with their child. The class enjoyed reading “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn, followed by a Kissing Hand craft (one from the parents for their child’s school binder and a traced child’s hand for the parents). I got my first ever personalized cookies (an apple and a notebook that said, “Mrs. Chrisinger.” I also enjoyed a few crumble cookies.

This month, the dogs decided they are the neighborhood HOA. They patrol the dirt hill, chase baby birds into rock and retaining wall block storage, and bark at the “threats” walking down the open path.

Frank worked quite a bit of time, and also finished his second Nurse Practitioner course. He didn’t have a lot of time off, so one night we slipped away to Cracker Barrel, for a quick “date.” He tried to convince the waitress (who is training to be a professional singer) that he was also attempting to be a professional singer, but she caught on to his antics, and they both had a good laugh. We also enjoyed a few dates to La Baguette and Loyal Coffee. I am convinced Loyal Coffee is my new Lavender Latte spot.

Near the end of the month, we attended a wedding for a couple. Frank has been a mentor to the young man, and we had the joy of chatting with them at our home one Sunday, after they were newly engaged. It was a simple yet elegant affair in a quaint church near Denver. We also made decorations for my birthday cake using royal icing. Frank and Inez won the creativity award, while Marta and I stuck the course. We also got a lemon meringue pie out of the deal. The next day, we enjoyed church, followed by a high tea at Miramont Castle in Manitou Springs. We enjoyed a selection of teas, scones, savories, and mini sweet desserts.

Though many continue to ask, we are still waiting for any information regarding adoption. We continue to trust God’s timing. We covet your prayers.

With love,

Rebecca and Frank