March Goodness

Life up North...


When I say they teach them young in the village...I mean it! Thought you'd enjoy this little one making some bread for lunch. The 'oven' is behind her, where they slap the dough on the side to cook.


Her family lives across from the clinic. She's a new favorite. (The blonde hair can't be explained...definitely sticks out a bit.)


In each village we visit, they graciously give us an 'attendant' to escort us around. On this day, I thought I should document our three attendants taking us to a house for lunch. All under 10.

A local friend and I enjoyed a little 'trek' to this village (top left) for the survey. When we got there we found out everyone living there was from the same family! There last name in English means 'village'. That's pretty fitting, I'd say. :)


This is what we found in the house we ate lunch at!

Back to the city!

Even though I've only been gone for 2 months...it seemed longer and I was really missing me some L. How good He is! It was quite a blessing to get to spend time together, whether cooking dinner, riding donkeys, or catching up on what He's teaching us. Did I forget to mention...she's amazing?!



We started out our time with a little crocheting lesson. Me and Big O giving it a try.


L was having too much fun, if you ask me.


Then up the mountain for a picnic!


Picture time...


Eatin' time...


Donkey ridin' time...
(I know. I make it look so easy.)




It was also good to see the kids again. Just to make sure they haven't forgotten Aunt Ayo!

Movin' on Up

Ringing in this new year: A local friend and I went down to the coast, enjoyed the beach and sunset, and then surprised our lovely L at the airport! Of course, we had to have cool signs...





We had to get in all the face time we could before I moved up north. But no worries, I'm sure crazy pictures will continue. As for the move... you've now gotta meet KR. She's a keeper.




This ended up being a good strategy for keeping those curious little ones away from the car for awhile. Who knew how much difference the word 'ibra' could make? (ibra=shot) :)

Christmas with b!!

This Christmas was quite dfferent indeed, but was made special by a sweet friend. I was able to visit with my friend Lil' b in the place she's called home for over a year now. It was so nice to catch up, and to get a glimpse of her life on this side of the world. She was so gracious to take me around- to see the Taj Mahal, meet her teammates and neighbors, and just enjoy the holidays together. (She even let me be a hammock hog AND get in a run at their park!) Lots of movies were watched and hot beverages consumed...it was great! It's amazing how He uses the Family, no matter where, to bless and encourage. Thanks, Lil' b!!






The train ride to the Taj. It was a great 'cultural' experience- as was most of what I encountered there! :)


I think if you shake it a bit, it'll start back up...


We got to spend some time in the park with the kiddos. (But I didn't join in on this game... we named it 'tackle')




She's got some great sisters over there. I'm so glad I got to hang out with them.


Of course, L and I had to give her a little Middle Eastern spice for the holidays!

Thailand (with Restaurant Guide...)

We found green grass!!



We started each morning off right...with bacon.






Our driver, Johnny Depp, got down to take our picture. You should ask L about the rubber tree seminar we received.



We had to say goodbye to the beach, but the big city was waiting for us...



Culture shock.



We got around by 'Tut-tut' rides once we got into Bangkok. Good thing we're already used to reckless driving/riding.



My roomie is cool.



I think they heard we were coming. The sandwich of the day was Ham. :)



This one Outback burger (yet again, with bacon) won the 'Meal of the Trip' award. Hands down.



L learned the appropriate Thai greeting from Ronald.



Until next time, Ronald.

August Rush

I can't believe August has now come and gone- It's been a full and exciting time. Here's some photos of Jtro's visit here and our vacation.


I still can't believe she made it! Jtro, you're the coolest.




I think she became fond of the food here, but maybe not the large amounts of it put in front of her! :)


This Beauty may look familiar. She's my friend's g-ma from the village. She was visiting the city, so Jtro got the privilege of meeting her, in all her spunk.


Jtro's new little friend.


After showing her around these parts, we headed out to be tourists!




The Nile River... Along with MT, who graciously took two culture-shocked crazies around town.


We even got to ride on the Nile one night!


It was so nice to visit and vacation a bit. It also helped to be in such good company. So much has already happened in returning to life back here. So... more to come soon...

Beach, Bowling, & Boxing

Our latest 'Family' vacation took us to the beach in celebration of a Second Birthday. We're blessed to have a city only a few hours away with some fun things, such as...


Bowling! It had been a while, and I'm afraid my final score showed it.


The Beach.


Plenty of really cool kids.


The Birthday Boy and his new punching bag. The chocolate ice cream left on his face made for a more realistic photo, I think.


I think his parents see potential.


We had to document the foot, just to make Mom proud. :)