My eyes are heavy with sleep at this late hour. But before I go off to my bed, just wanted to say how sweet a night this has been! Went to church and with my dear brothers and sisters, celebrated the most perfect atoning sacrifice of all time this Good Friday at church tonight – Jesus, God’s own Son! And then, as a perfect end to a most exhausting week, me and John ate apple pie and ice cream and are now watching Return of the King. Awesomeness.

And now, just again – wanted to say how thankful I am for the absolutely amazing friends I’ve been granted! As hard as this past week has been, I’ve been encouraged and strengthened more than I knew possible. From hearing from friends far and near who have been praying for me…to going over to friends’ flat for a chill dinner in the middle of the week, just so I wouldn’t have to worry about cooking and could relax! And now this night, chilling with John and realizing yet again how my Father God has kept me going this week, despite myself and my worries and fears! So yeah, I’m pretty thankful, y’all. Remind me of all this when next I start grumbling!

Now, back to end of the Return of the King. Frodo and Sam trudge ever so slowly up Mount Doom. The volcano looms ever more menacing as they crawl up its slopes. I feel like I’ve known that feeling! Sam’s thinking about hazel thickets and strawberries. Oh Sam. One of my all-time favorite moments – “I can’t carry it for you…but I can carry you!” Oh Sam.

Now truly – going to finish watching one of my favorite movies and then drift into the sweet arms of sleep…