Montpelier, Vermont, June 25, 2013~

Dear Journal~

I'm sitting here by the kitchen window, watching yet another summer storm whipping our trees into a frenzy.  The sky is full of angry, racing dark clouds, and the rain is falling in sheets.  The thunder is loud and the lightning flashes frequently, but thank God the sirens didn't go off like they did last night, pulling us all from a good night's rest (and forcing us into our built-in storm shelter).

I just hope the yard escapes in one piece.  The last time we had bad weather (seems like only a few days ago, but it was last week), it peeled part of our roof back.  The roofers just left yesterday; they got it done in the nick of time.  I pray the roof holds this go around ....

The kids are in the basement, playing (well, Paul, David, and Grace are, anyway; the two youngest ones, Maddox and Josiah, are with me here in the kitchen.  They really don't understand anything about storms, but every time the lightning flashes and the thunder rumbles, they look around as if to say: "Did you just make that horrible noise, Mommy??"  LOL It's so cute!!

I am happy to say that all are doing well.  Grace has adjusted to being an American child: she has all but given up speaking her native Hindi; the only time she ever utters it is when she's very angry or upset.  She speaks English like a pro.  She is enjoying her time away from school for the summer, as are Paul and David.  But because of the rains we have had, it is too wet for them to go outside, so they must make do and entertain themselves in the basement or in their rooms.

Grace made me cry last Sunday at church: she went to the front, to the altar, where she gave her heart to the Lord Jesus Christ.  I was so proud of her!!  Now she joins her big brothers and her parents.  We are nearly a total Christian family; the only ones who aren't are Maddox and Josiah, but Greg and I are hopeful that they will make this same step of faith when they are older.  That is our biggest prayer concern right now.

I just hope this rain stops in time for the Fourth of July fireworks.  I don't want the kids to be disappointed, in case the fireworks get rained out, but if they are, at least they'll have some televised displays on the TV; but it just isn't the same as being at a display, live and in person!

We have had a pretty wet summer; may be great for the crops, but it sure wreaks havoc on weekend (or summertime) plans!  If it doesn't clear up soon, I (and the kids) just may go crazy!!!!

Well, Maddox is grunting like nobody's business, which can only mean one thing.  Time for a change.  I will go now; until later, I will write again.  Sorry it's been so long, but with five active kids (three of them under the age of ten), I just don't have that much in the way of free time!  I hope you understand!  Take care and God bless!

~Love, your friend in Vermont, Ravenna Eddleston.  :)