This is a really big week for the Sorianos! Please pray for us. Gilda is still in the hospital and the doctors are still doing testing to determine the source of her stomach pain. Please pray they find the source soon and she is able to leave the hospital. Rafa is taking his citizenship test and having his interview with immigration tomorrow! He came to the USA on a student.. Read More
We got the call early this morning, only a few minutes before the alarm was supposed to go off anyway. “I’m in the hospital,” she said. She needs us, but the need isn’t immediate. So, we begin to get ready to go and wait, almost like it’s a routine. It’s been almost 10 months since we have been there, but we remember. We shower and wash our hair. It takes.. Read More
I woke up emothional today and couldn’t shake it for the entire day. I started with something on my mind…then when I looked into my closet, the tears started. I couldn’t find anything to wear! Everything in my closet is terrible! This is unfair! Et cetera. Really, quite ridiculous. I hate it when I start a day emotional because I can’t shake it for the rest of the day. Everything is.. Read More
This was a great week! Two great and amazing things happened. Number 1 – Sherwood house is almost ours! We found out that we will be closing on the house at 11 a.m. on July 28. SOMEHOW (thanks, God!) all of the pieces have continued to come together. I am still praying for a few more things to fall into place. This is stressful but I’m trying to enjoy it… Read More
The book that I’m reading with some friends quotes a poem by Russell Kelfer. Four lines especially resonated with me (and all of us): No, that trauma you faced was not easy, And God wept that it hurt you so; But it was allowed to shape your heart So that into his likeness you’d grow. We had a great discussion about how knowing that God uniquely created me and what.. Read More
Sometimes I forget how powerful my words can be. I forget that a harsh word can prevent me from showing my husband the respect he deserves, or even worse, can drive division in our marriage. I did that today and I’m really not proud of it. Rafa took his mom to the store to pick up some personal items she needed. Rafa and I are planning on going grocery shopping tomorrow.. Read More
It’s always good to know who your friends are. Who they really are. Really knowing people – what they think, what they struggle with, what they really love – is crucial in knowing what is at their core. Our pastor gave a great message about this last night too. He gave us some good reminders about how to live well. Strategically. One of the ways Rafa and I live strategically.. Read More
I love, love, love Rafa and I love, love, love spending time with him. But no matter how much I love him, I still enjoy time away from him every now and then! During the summer, the regular church activities slow down a bit and I start to really miss the usual cadence of fellowship. Enter book club! We’re going to meet every week for the foreseeable future. As if.. Read More
We have had much to celebrate over the past week. First was Rafa’s birthday. We went to the drive-in and watched Toy Story 3. He got a bunch of presents, and an angel food cake filled with cherries. On Friday, Rafa’s birthday, we also found out that the bank’s inspection and appraisial of our house went well and that we are approved for closing! YAY! Then we went to Iowa.. Read More
I got an idea for a super-quick, super-awesome dinner last week from (of all places) a recipe next to a coupon for canned fruit. I cooked the chicken slowly, continuously basting it with an inexpensive Kraft poppyseed dressing. I put it on a bed of fresh-from-the-farmer’s-market lettuce. I topped it off with some of those mandarin oranges and some raw chopped almonds. It’s delish – perfect for a hot summer.. Read More
