While looking at some of my writings from our first year in the Middle East, I came across the following.

One area where we are really encouraged is our health: we are all remaining healthy and strong

in spite of the daily pressures of language study, teaching English nights and bureaucratic demands.

And then there are  the cold temperatures in our apartment. Although it is only mid October,

the temperatures are down in the 30s at night and 40s F in the daytime, not bad if you have heat.

However, by law, the central heating won’t be turned on until Nov 15—a month away!

So we just dress more warmly and heat up one room with an electric heater–when the electricity is on; and it’s off more often than on here.

But, God is our provider and we will praise Him for whatever He allows, even when we are shivering in our apartment!

Prayer: “Father, forgive me for my tendency to complain;

help me to reject the natural, negative thoughts that rise up from my selfishness

and help me to think instead of you in all your excellence and perfection,

and of all the good things you provide. Make praise the keynote of my life. Amen.”

Picture: the boys and Barb keeping warm together