You know it is summer because there is a stack of books on the table. As I've shared before, reading is a great way for me to get through the long, hot, humid Tokyo summers. I don't do so well with the heat, so I have had to learn to lower my expectations of what I'll be able to get done. And sitting in front of a fan with a book is a great way to fill by mind and challenge my heart and be, well...sort-of... productive in these lazy summer days. 

I am part way reading through the Isabel Kuhn books. She was an CIM/OMF missionary. My mom said she read these books her first years as a missionary in Bolivia which makes it extra special for me. Wow! It is incredible to step into Isabel's missionary shoes of almost a 100 years ago! I am humbled by the sacrifices missionaries like her made and their commitment to all-out obedience, no matter the cost. As I close the last pages of each book, I count the comfy blessings of today's cross-cultural life, which seems quite plush and surfacey in comparison. 

Here's some more books I hope to get to before the summer is over.  Borrowed and "give-away" books are a do-able, affordable and definetly enjoyable way to learn and grow throughout this summer.