We had an earthquake today!

I can chalk this up as an experience we will probably never have in Minnesota. We were all spaced out in the house. Ken was in the basement, Hope was upstairs reading, and Gracie and I were at the table doing math. All of a sudden, the whole house started shaking. The dining room light started swinging and Gracie and I watched a pencil roll across the table. Hope came running downstairs and said a shirt fell off the hanger. Ken just ran up the stairs. The whole thing lasted maybe 20 seconds and we were left wondering what in the world just happened. I wondered out loud if that could have been an earthquake, but seemed unlikely in Maryland. After getting on the internet, we found out it was an earthquake that registered 5.8! Let the adventure begin!

We are settled into our house with much thanks to Becky M. She was able to come out here for a time and is a master organizer. I know I would still have many boxes left to unpack if it were not for her. She was truly a blessing. We are staying in a cute townhouse about a mile from the pastor's college. Everyone we have met seems really nice and the neighborhood is quiet. The girls have met several friends and two of them are their ages a couple houses from us and they school at home as well. God is faithful in even the details!

The hives I have been battling for the past (almost) 2 years have been back with a vengeance since moving out here. I am not sure if it is the stress or something different about the environment or what, but they have been out of control. I have been miserable and nothing seems to help. Yesterday, my eyes were swollen shut. They sap my energy and I feel guilty because I am not functioning well and cannot care well for my family. When they are on my face, I look horrible and feel horrible. I am so incredibly frustrated with them because I feel helpless to do anything about it and my life is planned around the hives. I would appreciate prayers for healing or something that would help and in the meantime grace to endure well this "thorn in my side".

Thankful for you all,
Becky