(Chapter two of Calm My Anxious Heart opens with a description of the author’s time in Hong Kong, from a purely positive perspective — the point was that we choose to focus on either the negatives or the positives.  I wanted to see if I could do the same; here’s my attempt.)

Although it’s officially winter here, the weather is mild.  Our spacious house is surrounded by trees. In the mornings we hear birds and in the evening, frogs, but traffic sounds are blessedly rare in this rural setting.  Our home is set well down a private lane where solicitors don’t bother us and Ariel can play in the yard alone, yet we are only a short distance from Wal-Mart, the library, the bank, etc.

The kitchen is large, with lots of cabinets.  The tile counters can handle the heat of pots fresh off the stove, which is gas, so it still operates when the power goes out.  The dishwasher Michael installed for me last Christmas saves time in the evenings.

I have plenty of time to stay at home; we go out only on Tuesdays for errands and Sunday mornings for church, most weeks.  We’re free from ongoing outside obligations.  I get to spend plenty of time at home with my girls, hearing their laughter and watching them grow.

Our extended family is near enough for semi-regular visits, and we are surrounded by museums of every variety, as well as historical sites.  We are within driving distance of both the mountains and the beach.  Homeschooling requires no recordkeeping for us.

My husband is faithful and devoted to our family, working hard to support us while striving to spend lots of time with us.  Our little girls are healthy, beautiful, and smart.  Ariel has a sweet spirit and loves the Lord.  Sophia is too little yet to show that, but she is sunshine personified — nearly always smiling and cheerful.