Childhood & some neighbours in need

As my belly swells further these days, I am reminded of how fast children grow.  Look at these little ones!  They used to be much smaller, I assure you.  But last year's shorts don't fit anymore, and new shoes are needed too.  (Not to mention growing appetites!)  It is beautiful to look back through photos and videos of the sweetness that is their childhood.  

Trees are very attractive to a six year old.  And when big brother climbs up, little sisters just have to join.  Crab apple trees are great for little ones to climb.  They always seem to have that large sit in the middle before thick branches begin to fork away from the trunk.  We had a great time at the park that day.  Beautiful weather, and hours of outdoor adventures.  

The weather has cooled down this weekend, but it looks to be a temporary blip.  Looks like more sunshine and heat for the rest of the week.  None of us can wait for the strawberries to debut en masse!  D and I are planning a trip to the Kitchener-Waterloo area farmer markets to pick up some produce in bulk.  We have been told it's more reasonable than Toronto prices, and with the Amish and Mennonite communities around, we're hoping for organic.  (Pretty pricey in a big city...)  I seriously have my jam jars counted and ready.  Strawberry jam ranks pretty highly around here.

I am currently working on a few projects here in the meantime.  Most impressively, I have started knitting a sweater for baby.  I'll try to share it this week.  This is my first knitting project.  My gauge is probably a little wonky, and every so often, a crooked stitch appears.  Despite all that, I love it.  I've always wanted to knit and baby clothes are a manageable project to start with.  I've not gotten very far, but a few rows here and there are just the thing for me now.  I am easing back into some old hobbies.  Things that I can pick up and put down as needed.  (Imperative with an almost 2-year old.)

I read this article today and my heart is just broken.  So much suffering for these people and throughout the Middle East.  So much suffering.  I don't know how they are able to live through it.  What's more, I can't believe how much we practically ignore their plight here.  Those faces, those cries, they rise up like condemnation for every convenience I enjoy.  (Ahem, we had delicious cream of broccoli soup and sandwiches for lunch...)  As the Good Samaritan showed, these strangers living so far away are our neighbours in every sense.  May God comfort them as only He knows how.  And may we not forget to remember them in our own lives; to help shoulder their burden in any way possible; to love truly and completely even those whom we can't see.