Easter People, Easter Praises!

Since my Spring Break was spent mostly in Budapest, it was a whirlwind week.  I absolutely loved the trip but it was not particularly restful. So I was incredibly grateful to have a long weekend to celebrate Easter only a week after Spring Break!

 Easter has always been a special holiday in our family.  My hometown church always has services both Thursday and Friday evening, an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, and worship on Sunday morning.  So for as long as I can remember, our Easter weekend plans are pretty well set!  There is something comforting about doing the same each year for a holiday. If all goes as planned with Budapest, I will be celebrating Easter away from home next year for the first time ever.  So this year I really tried to soak it in and enjoy each special moment with my dad, my sister's family and my cousins!

I think of my mom often, every single day, but I especially think of her over Easter weekend. My mom was a big fan of Easter.  She would put my sister and me in matching dressses and make a bunny cake for dessert. She made everything special and fun for us on holidays!

 "Do not abandon yourselves to despair. 

We are the Easter People and Hallelujah is our song."

 St. John Paul II

My mom especially loved the joy of singing hymns on Easter morning.  The Easter hymn that makes me think of her the most is "Christ the Lord is Risen Today."(I could write so many blog posts on hymns and songs that make me think of my mom...) Easter feels different now because I imagine her in heaven among the saints, singing these triumphant songs of praise along with us!  My mom was an Easter person on earth if there ever was one! 

There is a reason followers of Jesus write so many songs and sing so often - we simply love to tell the story of His love. He alone is my hope, and the reason that I strive to never abandon myself to despair, no matter the circumstances.  The love of God through the cross of Christ always draws me near to Him.  

One last thing: I updated this in my "Prayer Corner" page but I want to share here as well.  I have a huge PRAISE to report:  I am currently at about 70% of my fundraising requirement for my mission to Budapest!  God is so faithful.  I say a prayer over every stack of letters I send!  I pray that God would call people who care about His kingdom around the world to partner with me, to glorify His name and share His love with children and families in Budapest.  Thus far, God is preparing a way for this journey and I am feeling so blessed!  

Thank you for reading about the latest news around here, for caring about my life and sharing in my joy!