Niel and I have grown further apart...

We "fell back" an hour for Daylight Savings Time, and South Africa did not -- "moving" Niel an extra hour away from me. The time difference between us is now 7 hours instead of 6. I know it seems as though that one extra hour shouldn't matter, but it does! I much prefer it when we're only 6 hours apart.

In spite of the time difference and the ocean between us, Niel and I are able to stay more in touch than we normally have in situations like this. Our high-speed internet and Vonage phone have made the world seem smaller. I'm grateful that we've been able to talk on the phone just about everyday since he's been gone.

In spite of missing Niel and my family-of-friends back in South Africa, I'm enjoying my extra time on Long Island. (By the way, for those wondering: the island truly is long: 120 miles in length and only 20 in width, at its widest part.)

It's wonderful to be staying with my parents in their new home! It's a long story, and it's been a long journey, but, suffice it to say, our new home tells a tale of restoration. As I enjoy the many things I love about our house (more than one bathroom, for starters!), I thank God for His hand on our lives...