Thank You! (Probably going to be boring if you're not a FAMILY MEMBER)

Thank you to ALL our wonderful family and friends for sending Christmas cards, gifts and your love. We surely know that the Post Office and UPS have made a killing off of us living in Finland!! Sometimes I don't mention people by name but we are so thankful for your love and kindness.

Thanks MOM for the awesome Panera Bread bagels you mailed us, totally made our day!! Thank you for the gifts and the volunteer project you did, YOU ROCK!

Thank you Alan and Sharon for shipping Delaney's Dora the Explorer couch, so kind of you, we really appreciate that!! Thank you for the gifts you mailed and the shopping spree you took us on before we left.

Thank you Dad, Sheila and Jenny for the wonderful gifts. Delaney loves to snuggle with her new princess blanket and likes to drive us crazy with the slide whistle. Thank you for Christmas money.

Thank you Karen and Phil for the wonderful gifts, Delaney loves her new jackets and princess doll. Thank you for the Christmas money! Also to Bob and Ruth, thank you for the Christmas money.

Thank you Jessica, Josh and Jordan for the movies and season 2 of The Office (we're addicted).

Thank you for all the other great stuff too!

Aunt Paula, Uncle John, Kendra, Adam - thank you for the ICE CUBE TRAYS!! Delaney loves her puzzles and drawing stuff. Kendra, thanks for donating to Lottie Moon!!

Aunt Linda, Uncle Jerry, Amanda - thank you for the items from home and the wonderful stuff for Delaney. She loves her outfits and puzzle and all the other great stuff!

Thank you grandma and grandpa for the gifts. Delaney loves her tiara and her princess sweatshirt.

I hope you know how much we appreciate each and everyone of our family members. We are so thankful for you making our first Christmas in Finland special for us. There are very MANY of you and sometimes you might get overlooked (it's not on purpose). I'm trying to be better in that area of my life. We pray you have a wonderful NEW YEAR!

Vampires, Mummies and Christmas Eve

As I'm sure for most of you the holiday season has FLOWN by. We had a wonderful first Christmas in Finland. We attend church here with an American family from Utah (no they actually aren't Mormon), they invited us over for Christmas Eve dinner. We ate turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. I do love most of Finland's food but a girl has to have her pumpkin pie!! It was nice to have the tastes of home. On Christmas Eve most families in Finland will go to the cemetery and place candles on the grave of a loved one who has passed away. We went out after dinner to the cemetery and it was absolutely beautiful (spooky, but beautiful), there were candles everywhere. At one point I did feel like I was in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Anyways.....

The past two weeks I've been having a hard time figuring out what my place is here. I feel like I'm not doing enough or giving enough or not being used enough. God totally answered my question. I was able to have a girl over for lunch and got to pray with her and encourage her. Please continue to pray that we might have more opportunities like these.

Tonight is New Year's Eve and there is quite a show going on outside our window. It's like the Fourth of July here. People are able to buy serious fireworks so we're in for a LOUD night. Delaney thinks she's at Disneyland!!

Date Night and more...

The Lord has blessed us with WONDERFUL team mates here in Finland!! The Sivonen family graciously offered to keep Delaney overnight so Jason and I could go out. This was our first date since being in Finland. About time, huh?

Jason and I took the train to Helsinki and went to this cute little cafe called Cafe Ekberg, their bakery is known for creating the Napoleon (it's a pastry type dessert). The food was great and we had a wonderful time just enjoying each other's company. We did some Christmas shopping and we actually got to stay out past 8:00!! Ha!

Earlier this week I went to the swim hall with a friend and FINALLY did the SAUNA thing. Before I came here I used to be the most modest person but I have found I have to throw the modest thing out the door. The sauna is one of the most relaxing rituals, I've become a fan!

Yesterday we received three boxes from the U.S. We received so much great stuff, enchilada sauce, sweetened condensed milk, CHOCOLATE CHIPS and so much more. I was able to make some fudge (a Christmas staple in my home). We are so grateful to our Sunday School class back in California, thank you for the wonderful things. Also, thank you mom, Jessica, Jordan, Aunt Linda, Uncle Jerry, Amanda, Grandma and Grandpa for all the gifts, Delaney can't wait to open them. We love you guys.

Ice Ice Baby!

One thing that I am missing from the U.S. is ice. They don't have ice makers and I haven't found any ice cube trays. One thing I loved in the states was getting a BIG FAT DIET COKE with lots of ICE! If you've traveled throughout Europe I'm sure you know about the "ice" and "refill" thing. No ice at most of the restaurants and no refills. It always confuses me because they have the soda machines out like you should be able to get a refill. We've found a couple places were it's all you can drink and we definitely load up on the Coke Light. I have found these plastic bags that make little ice cubes (I've enclosed a picture). It's very "different" but it gets the job done. I still don't understand how the water doesn't spill out of the bag. I am missing my beloved Diet Coke, but I'm starting to get used to Coke Light (a little different but it also gets the job done).

Losing Tan, Learning Language

Wisking whipped cream at Thanksgiving (Laney obviously thinks I'm strange)

Helsinki at Christmas

Shaun, Jason and Mikko carving the Thanksgiving turkey

Window display at Stockmann's (major department store)

The Luthern Church in Helsinki

It's been another fun filled week in Finland. We have officially been in Finland four weeks tomorrow. I've noticed my tan beginning to fade, I'm looking a little pale in pictures. The sun peaked out today for about five minutes and Delaney shouted in excitement, "The sun, the sun!! Look!" The sun comes out about 9:30 am and sets about 3:30 pm. It's a wild adjustment.

We had language class back to back this week. Totally HARSH. I was doing my homework for the class and thought I had stuff down. I was thinking yeah, I've got it!! I show my work to the tutor and OF COURSE it's all wrong. Today our tutor has us write some dialogue then wanted us to speak it. I write it out and then he says flip your paper over and tell me what you wrote. FIRST OF ALL...I couldn't even remember what I had written in English. I start to panic, I feel tears coming to me. I am looking at this man, saying to myself, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO SAY!! Needless to say, I did not have a good day at class.

Last night we attended a small group bible study. They are going through a study on missions and they invited us to tell about our journey into missions. It was great fellowship with other believers.

PRAISE: I went to get my hair cut and got to share with the stylist what we were doing in Finland and why we were here. I plan to go to her again, pray that I might build a relationship with her and get to tell her more about our Savior.

PRAISE: The last two days have been like a miracle from the Lord. Delaney has been a different child, behaving better. Continue to pray for her adjustment period.

Sauna? Say What?

It's Sunday evening and we just returned from a fun filled weekend visiting our future city of residence, Jyvaskyla. We met with a supporting church and Jason shared about our plans for the church plant. The Finnish church was warm and welcoming. We stayed with a WONDERFUL couple from the church who plan to be part of the church plant.

While Jason was at a youth event I stayed at home with Tina and our children. This couple happened to have a sauna in their home (well almost everyone does). Tina asked me, "Have you been to sauna yet?" And I said no, I hadn't yet. She told me we had to do sauna and that it's a wonderful experience. In my mind I was preparing for the big "unrobing." Yes, they go to sauna naked. I kept thinking you have to do this Heather! You can't go in your bathing suit, you're living in Finland now!! Do as the FINNISH do! Tina put the wood in the sauna and said it would be a while for it to heat up. Jason comes home and after a few minutes, Tina said so are you and Jason ready for SAUNA? Come to find out, she just heated it for Jason and I. I got so worked up for nothing, however, I now know I'm ready (maybe a few crunches shy) for the sauna, come that day. It was a great EXPERIENCE and it was nice to unwind, it put us right to sleep.

It has snowed this weekend like none other. We got off the train close to 9:30pm and we had a bit of a walk ahead of us. The snow was so deep the stroller was useless. Delaney went CRAZY, she hated walking in the snow. I was dragging a stoller and screaming child while wind and snow are blowing in my face at below freezing temperatures. The Lord is teaching me a lot about my attitude and life with a three year old. As we were walking through this snow storm I stopped and thought MY LIFE HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED!! Many Finnish people have asked, "Why are you living in Finland?" Tonight I thought to myself, "What the heck am I doing in Finland?" I was shortly reminded that God has sent us and weather will pass (hopefully).

Jason was a big encouragement tonight because I was in serious freak out mode when we got home. He told me to blog about it, so I did. I feel better!

First Week Complete

Our first week has been exciting. Last night was our first language class, very interesting. We had our language tutor and his wife over for dinner, I was so nervous entertaining in another country. It was great. We found out our tutor is Finland's 4th ranked squash player (it's like racquetball) The wife watched Delaney while we had our lesson.

Today I made cupcakes for a birthday party we were attending. Everything was going well until I got to the frosting. Something here is different, the butter, the powdered sugar, I couldn't figure it out. The frosting turned out sad, it wouldn't get thick. I improvised and put it in the middle of the cupcake (like a ding dong) Needless to say I cried, got frustrated and got over it.

Today Jason, Delaney and I tried to deliver cupcakes to the neighbors on our floor. No one was home so we delivered them to the family that lives above us. They actually invited us in and Delaney played with their boys and we got to talk with the husband. We were told that Finns don't normally invite you into their home the first time they meet you, that was a PRAISE!!

I have to say, I really LOVE it here. I do miss home but there is just something great about this place. Helsinki is beautiful and we can't wait to post pictures during Christmas time. I've posted a few pictures of our place. More pictures are to come. We don't take our camera out alot because it's ALWAYS raining. It's been a GREAT first week. Thank you for your prayers and love.

Finland! Finland! Finland!

We have finally arrived. It's been a while since I've blogged, sorry to keep you hanging. Funny story about our flight out here. Our family sat in the middle row on the airplane and one seat was open next to me, a woman sat down. This woman did not speak English and I never did figure out what language she DID speak. The flight begins with her force feeding my family carrot sticks. It was totally hilarious. I was polite and took two and she motioned to me to keep taking more, more, more. About 15 or 20 carrot sticks later she was satisfied with how many I took. This woman knew I didn't speak her language but she talked to me the whole flight in her language. It was hilarious. I just nodded my head and smiled.

Finland is great. I've yet to see blue sky or sun but I'm sure those days will be here soon enough. Our life has changed in so many ways. We went from having our own car, now we walk and take the train (which Delaney loves). We went from wearing flip flops everyday, now we wear socks, boots, sweaters and jackets.

Yesterday was a busy day. The pastor of the International Church and his wife took us to get our lives in Finland set up. We got our library cards, cell phone contract, internet and bank account. What's funny is how many different places you go for things. You have to go to the pharmacy for pain reliever and the optomologist for contact solution. I'm so used to grabbing it all in Target. For all of you who worried about how I would survive without Target, worry no longer. I have found two stores which are the equivelant to Target and Walmart plus they have the grocery section included. HOORAY!

Pictures are to come soon. Love and miss you all!!

Home

Okay, so there are a million things I should be doing right now but for some reason I've found myself blogging. I'm totally in procrastination mode right now. I have so much to do that I keep telling myself I'll do it "later." I thought that we had completed most of our "stuff" before we left but I'm finding there is still so MUCH to do. I have to apply for an international driver's license, VOTE, get out of JURY DUTY, reduce five luggage bins to three and get the banking thing situated. I mean, REALLY, does any of this sound fun?? Uhh...NO.

I've had a blast being at home thus far. We've seen new babies, new hair cuts, visited with friends and spent lots of quality time with family. Lots more still to come. We're taking Delaney to Disneyland on Monday! I think Jason and I have as much fun as Delaney when it comes to Disneyland.

Please pray regarding our visas. We're supposed to leave Oct. 16th but it's not looking that way, we're still waiting on the visas. God's timing is perfect, I'm reminded to entrust all that stuff to Him.

I miss my dear friends from FPO and pray that you are all doing well. We love you guys and can't wait to hear of your adventures.

Until next time....

Washington D.C.

We had a GREAT time in D.C. today! It was most definitely a whirlwind of a day. I'm actually surprised we got to see as much as we did in such a short period of time. We got into D.C. at about 10:45 am and had to be back at Union Station at 5:00 pm, not a lot of time. We jumped on the red line and headed to Connecticut Ave. where we ate at a french restaurant, Bistro du Coin. It was such a cute little place and had amazing food. We prayer walked the street and then headed off to the memorials. We got to see the newer WWII memorial, it was beautiful (see enclosed pictures).

We journeyed to the Washington Monument where we were bound to end up having a conversation with someone. As our team was sitting a little boy came up and wanted to play with Delaney and the two other little girls that were with us. We had a great conversation with the mom and found out they had just moved to the US from India. One of the guys in our group shared the gospel with her and then we were able to hand her a track in Hindi, which was her native tongue. It was a great opportunity. Thanks to those who were praying for those opportunities!!

Tomorrow is Parents Night Out so Jason and I are actually getting away by OURSELVES! Hooray!! Tomorrow is shot day for Jason and I. Delaney only had to get a TB test, she lucked out! Some kids had to get eight shots, YIKES! Love you all. I'm counting down the days until we get to see you all.

Are We There Yet?

I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have about 2 weeks left on the "farm." I'm not gonna lie, I am ready to leave this place. We've built wonderful relationships and have learned so much, however, we're ready to be in Finland ALREADY!! We've been sent pictures of our apartment in Espoo and it made everything very REAL. The apartment is straight out of an IKEA catalog, we feel so privileged.

This Thursday the entire camp goes to Washington D.C. for a cross-cultural evangelism trip. I haven't been to D.C since I was in high school so I'm excited to take it all in for a second time. Please pray that we might have opportunities to talk with people about the Father.

One thing I've enjoyed here is that I've been able to bake. I've made cupcakes, Key Lime pie and cinnamon rolls (I have a pile of requests for more). I've learned to improvise with the kitchen utensils. I've realized I CAN survive without my Kitchen Aid.

I'll write on Friday and fill you in on our D.C. trip.

Life as a Soundtrack

Okay, so I feel like there are a thousand things I could see myself doing in life and one of those things was writing music or movie reviews. I didn't think I could be a very good movie reviewer because I just LOVE all movies, even the really stupid ones. I think I have seen maybe 3 or 4 movies that I just couldn't stand but other than that I just like to watch movies. What can I say, I'm easily entertained! However, music reviews I could have done. I love all types of music. Some of my favorites include Jimmy Buffett, UB40, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Sting, Coldplay, Etta James, Harry Connick Jr., Eric Clapton, Kenny Chesney, Jars of Clay, John Mayer, Norah Jones, Sade, Sarah McLachlan, Tim McGraw, U2, Michael Buble, Fleetwood Mac, Fiona Apple, the list goes on. I love almost every genre of music, however, there are a few I just can't stand. I can not listen to HEAVY METAL, it hurts my head. I do like some HIP HOP but most of it has lyrics that aren't so fabulous.

I love how music can take you to a certain place, can bring back certain emotions, can be an escape. If you didn't already know our daughter's name, Delaney, came from a Jimmy Buffett song. I remember listening to that song when I was in high school on my dad's boat thinking if I ever had a daughter I had to name her Delaney. I remember driving in the car with my mom listening to the oldies station (which has always been one of my favorite) and her saying, "I remember this was my favorite song in the 8th grade and I had a crush on..."

Do you have a soundtrack to your life? Do you have those songs that represent certain times of your life? Do you have a song that helped you get through the bad times of your life? Do you remember being obsessed with a certain song and playing it over and over, driving the rest of your family crazy? Here's my goal...I want to compile a list of songs that would be entitled "The Soundtrack to my life..." What songs would be included in your soundtrack? Something to chew on.

One artist you must have in your music collection is ENYA. I recently bought some music for the Ipod and I came across Enya. I've always loved Enya and I have found the GREATEST compilation of her songs. The album is entitled "Paint the Sky with Stars, The Best of Enya." This album has 16 songs and if you buy it from Itunes it's only $9.99. This album is actually 11 years old but it really is the BEST of her stuff. If I could recommend any album this would be it. I put it on my Ipod and my walks have been a thousand times more enjoyable. A few of these songs will definitely be on my "Life Soundtrack."

The TERMINATOR!!

Okay, so this weekend was wiggity whacked with a CAPITAL "W." I awoke in the early morning to the sounds of Delaney vomiting. I tried to be a good mother, I was rubbing her back, trying to help clean up the mess but my gag reflex kicked in. If there's one thing I don't do it's vomit. Jason being the good father that he is took over on puke duty. I awoke Saturday morning with the "feeling," it's like you just know you're getting ready to be sick. The day was gone, Over, DONE!! I was sick and puking my eyeballs out, LITERALLY. Nine hours later I finally take a look at myself in the mirror and see that the blood vessels (especially in my right eye) have broken. I look like a freak of nature people! My friends have lovingly named me "The Terminator." (Everyone insert your best ARNOLD impersonation) I mean, children were staring at me at dinner. It gives me a pretty good laugh. I've enclosed a picture of the eye for your viewing entertainment. Thank you ALL for your prayers during our sick time.

What's Happening?

Another fabulous week at FPO. When I first got here I felt like this time would go by so slow, however, the weeks are really flying by. This week had been a lot more relaxed due to shot clinics on Tuesday and today, Friday. Our focus this week has been on Church Planting Movements and how they work. I feel like I've been in a seminary class. We've been looking at the churches in Acts and listing what made a healthy church and what caused reproduction. I've actually really enjoyed it, which is shocking because I could never see myself taking those types of classes.

Jason's 30th birthday was yesterday. I felt totally bummed that he had to spend it here but we made the best of it. Delaney had a couple friends come over and we made cupcakes for daddy's birthday. Delaney and her two friends played dress up and had a tea party, it was a good day.

Tonight we went out to dinner with friends for Jason's birthday. Good fun!!

Tomorrow we are doing absolutely NOTHING!! Hooray. Well, we might go to the mall, I feel the need to SHOP!! I will probably post tomorrow about something random. Thank you mom and Jess for the letters, gift cards and encouragement, you don't know how much that means to us. Love you!!

California Dreamin'

"All the leaves are brown"... Just as we were in the midst of feeling homesick, friends from our home church, Mike and Crystal, were here at the ILC for their Candidate Conference. We weren't able to spend much time with them but it was so great seeing someone from home. They totally blessed us by taking us out for Jason's birthday Wednesday night. We are so excited to see all the families from Immanuel Baptist that are answering the call to missions.

Downtown Richmond, VA

Downtown Richmond is absolutely beautiful. Old brick buildings with so much character. We had some Mexican food and then went to Cafe Guttenberg which was a coffee/book house. Richmond is about a 25 minute drive from the campus. I was just glad to get out and about. I am so grateful for the provided cafeteria food but I can only stomach so much. Wish you guys were here, you would have loved Cafe Gutenberg.

Family Picture

Hey Mom, Jess, Jordan and Josh,

Here's a couple pictures from the Sunday before we left. We had a good time celebrating Jordan's birthday with you. Love you and miss you all!!

Happy Friday

I can't believe we have already finished week two! This week went by extremely fast. I think I'm finally starting to get used to "communal" living. It's been so strange, like I'm back in school again, living at the dorms, but my husband and daughter live with me. (Insert Twilight Zone theme song) Okay, so yesterday was pretty cool. For lunch we were told that we would have a "special meal." We were told it would be some type of Middle Eastern food. The meal was Moroccan and was actually spectacular. We had lamb meatballs, flat bread and a type of pico de gallo which had cucumber, onion, pepper and tomato. We were told we could not use our left hand because in that culture your left hand is considered unclean. We didn't use utensils either. MUCHO fun experience!!

Today was a pretty emotional day. They had a psychologist come and talk to us about the amount of stress we will be under and the effects of culture shock. They also talked to us about making sure we say "good" goodbyes. I think everyone is dreading the day we say goodbye to our families at the airport. This will be a tough day!!

Tonight a group of us went to Chipotle for dinner. This brought back found memories of home. ME LOVE CHIPOTLE!!

What did I learn spiritually this week? "God wants to be glorified in our lives." Obviously this is a very simple lesson but really got me thinking. Is my talk glorifying the Lord? Is my witness glorifying the Lord? Is my behavior glorifying the Lord? Am I willing to give it all, my life, so that God is glorified? Uh....YES!! I leave you with one last statement, "HIS GLORY IS MY REWARD!!" May God get the glory in everything I do.

Fun Times at ILC!

Hello family and friends. As I write to you I am completely exhausted. Since I spoke with you last much has gone on. Friday we had our "spiritual retreat." What a wonderful time they gave us just to spend with the Father. The setting here is so peaceful. Delaney and I often walk down to the lake and sit by the water and sing. At night when I go out for my walk all the cows are out grazing. The weather here is amazing. It's actually been cold at night and feels like the mid 70's during the day. A group of us went out on Saturday to celebrate a friend's birthday. It was nice to get off campus. I've started to get a little stir crazy every now and then. It's so strange not having a car and being able to leave whenever you want. The campus does have vans we can check out but it's not the same. Last night I baked cupcakes for the office staff and for the girls of Central and Eastern Europe. In the group going to CEE there are only two other couples and all the rest are graduated college girls. It's been fun, everyone is still getting to know each other. Delaney has started opening up so much more. On Sunday we had house church and afterwards Delaney stayed in the common area with all the girls, she showed them her pictures of family and played tea set with them. Delaney has finally bonded with some of the other kids as well, I'm excited to see this finally happening. Sunday evening we had a mapping ceremony. All the families went up and put their picture on the country they'd be serving. I think our family is the most northern family on the map!!
This week has been focused on Spiritual Warfare. The president of the IMB, Jerry Rankin, has been leading all the sessions. It's been a very interesting subject. Well, tonight we have a Ladies Tea and the women who work for IMB are going to be praying for us ladies.
Please email or mail! We miss you all.

MEET VIRGINIA!!

Finally, I post. Sorry it has taken me so long, we've been having computer issues!! So, we're finally here. Traveling on Monday was ridiculous and I mean it when I say, "I never want to have a layover in Atlanta again." We ended up having an eight hour layover. God definitely has been reminding us of the fact that we truly have no control over ANYTHING. Harsh reality!! We finally got to our apartment at 12:30 am, HELLO?! Delaney's head was about to start spinning, however, it never did. The next day we got settled in and got to see Delaney's classroom, meet her teacher and walk the campus. We reconnected with our friends we met at our interview conference, one couple is going to Iceland and the other Paris, France.
Today was the actual first day of our sessions. We went over ALOT of medical stuff and I think we're each going to have to get a large amount of shots, please pray for Delaney regarding that. I did hear about a "spiritual retreat" we get to do on Friday. Basically, they give you a box lunch and tell you to go have a quite time for three hours. I'm excited about this!! A generous couple let us borrow their car and a group of us did a Target run. Had to stock up on some Diet Coke, they don't have soda here. BUMMER!! I will learn to survive.
I miss family and friends terribly. The first couple of days have been hard, I'm excited but a little nervous at the same time. I think I've stopped asking, "What have I gotten myself into?" I think this eight weeks will be a great learning experience and I will try to keep you updated on what's going on. I'm already having withdrawals from my kitchen, I'm needing to bake something. I think I'm going to bake cupcakes for the office staff. I will hopefully post in a couple days. Please keep me in the loop of things that are going on in YOUR life as well.

Stop and Smell the Sunsets

Last night my parents told me they'd take care of Delaney so I could go out and do whatever. Well, I jumped at the opportunity. It was 7:30 pm and the sun hadn't set yet so I thought I'd go to the beach and watch the sunset. What a wonderful display. The beach is actually more crowded during sunset than during the day. I had my Diet Coke, beach chair and my camera. What more could I ask for? I had about 35 minutes until the sun said farewell. I watched families pick up sea shells and tourists take pictures of each other in front of the sunset. I watched the birds dive for their evening meal, felt the wind on my face, smelled the smell of ocean. What is it about the "smell" of the ocean? It's a mix of sun tan lotion, dead fish, salt water and wind. Very strong smells all on their own but fabulous when mixed together. Yankee Candle or some candle company has a candle called Ocean Mist but they never seem to actually capture that unique smell. I love the smell of the ocean. I love that God is so marvelously displayed through the ocean. The strong waves, the gentle sand, the detail in the shells.

If you don't believe there is a God just look at sea shells. I have found shells almost as small as a needle and there is so much beauty and detail in that shell you would have to know there is a God. The fact that that tiny shell can survive the harsh waves and the tumbling among other shells and sand and arrive in my hands is MARVELOUS. This makes me think how our lives can be related to a sea shell. We experience crazy things in our lives, times that we are tumbling among the the shells, times we get scratched by the sand, times when those waves pick us up and then slam us down on the ocean floor and we find ourselves struggling to the surface gasping for air. As we're going through these things He is refining us, making us shiny, giving us an extra swirl of beauty until one day we are MARVELOUS.

God is in the ocean which is why I believe the beach is my favorite place to be on earth. The sun continued to sink into the water and looked like an orange crayon melting into a pot of hot water. As the sun bid it's final farewell the crowd erupted with applause. Whether those folks knew it or not they were applauding at God's masterpiece. Thank you Lord for the simple pleasures in life like FREE art!!