It’s September. At least, that’s what the calendar says. Outside, though, here in Papua, it’s screaming July. Hot, humid, tropical, ain’t-no-such-thing-as-fall July.
The end of September launches an annual time of seasonal delusional disorder (SDD) that affects ex-patriates hailing from temperate climates now finding themselves in perpetual summer.
The first stage of SDD is […]
I’m going to tell you the least cool thing about me: I love Facebook, and I have very few thoughtful qualms about technology. Both have enhanced my life overseas so much, it’s hard for me to be anything but positive. Here’s the short list of reasons why I think of Facebook as a gift.
My friends […]
I’m a road-tripping, homeschooling mama… and I love it!
I can tell you where to find the best playground in California, the best milkshake in Idaho, and the prettiest back roads in Colorado. I can entertain and educate my kids all over the country… for free (Let’s just go ahead and have a moment of silence […]
Lately I feel like God’s gentle hand has highlighted an area of my life where He wants me to go deeper— daily obedience. Recently He has been presenting me with this question: “Who is in control of your life right now?” And I had to answer “me.”
When it comes to the BIG decisions […]
I pack Evan’s backpack and hope I remembered everything on the list. This week is my firstborn son’s very first day of school in a two-room schoolhouse on our small island in Indonesia. And I’d hate for my baby to not have his pencil box.
Many things in our lives are normal, like the fact that […]
Natalie with two of her kids at the start of a long church service. “Long church service? Bring it, we’re ready!”
Sometimes I imagine a future job interview in the U.S. The interviewer scans my resume, frowning slightly and tapping a pen on the table.
“Well, Mrs. Holsten,” he says.
“Yes?” I lean forward hopefully.
“I see […]