Update

Three weeks ago, Joshua few out to California to see his ailing grandfather. Sadly, this past weekend Joshua's grandfather passed away. Fortunately, Joshua just happens to be in California for work and will be able to attend the service with his family on Monday.

Please keep the Chisholms, Smarkers, and Fujimotos in your prayers.

Full

Our recent weekends have been full of sailing races, circus classes, trips to see grandparents and assorted family members (LA and NYC), dinner parties to make job connections, a graduation parties, a christening and tons of flying around the country for work. We have been camera-free for most of these occations, so we don't have many photos to show for all our running around the place.

Joshua did have 15 seconds of down time and enjoyed a nap with Shanti.


And here we are at Flicker Francis' christening ....

Subtle? What's that?!

In an attempt to paint the cinder block walls in our backyard a calming neutral color, we ended up with this:
Yup, that's blinding orange. Awesome.

Joshua in action

One of the draw-backs of Joshua's position is his ridiculous hours. Currently he is working well beyond sane hours. As a director, this may pick up even more. I've come to realize that my dedication to the surrounding communities entails giving up a "normal" home life (whatever that means) with my husband. We make sure we spend time together and Joshua is good about taking care of himself -- i.e. he can now bench press more than his own weight without a spot! -- however, I have to admit that it is draining at times.

But then I see pictures like the ones above -- Joshua meeting with community members -- and I realize that it is awesome work that he has the opportunity to do. And it makes me excited to finish school and get out there to help the cause.

Obviously, I'm super proud of how talented (and handsome) my husband is.

The Newest Director of CCOP

Starting July 1st, Joshua will be the head of Camden Churches Organized for People, a faith-based community organizing non-profit.

As his wife, I could not be more proud. Two years ago, Joshua took on a daunting position in one of the poorest and most dangerous towns in the nation. He has flourished and helped to orchestrate many positive changes in the community.

When I cross the river from Philadelphia to Camden to sit in on some of the meetings, the community members outpouring of love and support for his work is overwhelming. It is incredible to get glimpses of Joshua's conversation-based approach, his ability to always support and assume the best of others and the faith he has in the empowerment-focused organizing process.

As Joshua now says, "God is good. All the time."

Locust Lake

First camping weekend of the summer: Locust Lake! It's always nice to camp, hike, swim, run and gawk at others.