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. :)

Day Tripper

Our leaders are gracious to try and get us out of the city for a break. Our first destination was the "Strange Tree" a few hours away. Yet another reminder of how historic this place is.


I thought it would be nice to document some of the gardens (especially for Papa and Malene to enjoy). I even found some willing helpers!





And guess what else the Georgians found...


COTTON!


You never know where you'll find a little piece of home.

Top Ten

I thought you might enjoy a few memories from my time in the village:

10- min. before I left, my friend decides not to go and sends me with her family
9- offers for marriage…from sisters, mothers, cousins…for their fellas.
8- cups of hot tea in one day (all in the name of hospitality)
7- months pregnant lady, who I shared a twin bed with for two nights
6- a.m. breakfast over the fire
5- hrs of sleep the whole trip
4- kids in the village wearing pants (no need for diapers!)
3- times cradled in sickness by a village lady
2- hrs packed in a land cruiser
1- Name worthy of praise through it all!


Back in the City...
The same friend connected to the village was married this month. I stayed at her house the night before the wedding, which gave me the privilege of providing these photos for you. Her husband gave this cow as a gift. I’ll spare you the middle picture, but just know her little sister didn’t mind getting a close-up of the process…


Before.


After. As it was served to L and I for lunch.

Weekend Getaway

Al'Hamda Allah! (Praise Him!) What a way to spend the 'Day of Love'.


We were glad to have the kids along for the ride. It gave us an excuse to act like kids ourselves.


This made for some nice walks.


It was good to spend time 'away', but I am glad to be back at language and visiting. Thanks again for all ya'll do!

Grateful Hearts

During my three months here, I've had the amazing privilege of watching and learning from many of His servants. One of those people has been my leader, who has spent over 20 years in this country with his family. He is no longer in the Shadowlands, but dwelling with the Eternal Light. His life was such a beautiful example of humility and gentleness- evidence of a life spent loving Him. Many of you have asked how to remember us specifically. Please remember his family and the team here. I am so grateful for the time He gave us with him. There are now many changes that are difficult, but His Presence and patience are near. Thank you so much for all you do.

Beach Vacation

Here's a bit from our vacation to the Red Sea. Much thanks to the ladies here that are awesome photographers.


There she is- the Red Sea.


Our means of shelter. At some point in the trip, it earned the name 'The Circus Tent'. (Please take note of the Let It Snow windsock on top.)


We really made it a point to do nothing... it was great!


I got to enjoy a few strolls on the beach. (But wish you were there, Dad!)


Another joy to getting out of the city: Camels!




Walking down these streets was one of my favorite parts of our trip.


So many meanings.




We visited the fish market in the city. The boats are hand made and hand painted.


The enemy.
And fishermen in skirts.


I'm sure that my time wouldn't have been so amazing without these three girls. The fellowship with Him was much needed, as well as the fellowship with the Body.

Holiday Joy

Some joys of this holiday seasons:


Lights are always necessary (as well as a knowledge of the voltage changes, if you want to keep them…)


Christmas decorations- we inherited some of them from friends here and others from packages sent to us. Our presents from home are under it!


A couple of the girls here got together a Secret Santa system…I got the privilege of rounding up a few things for the cool girl, AP. Couldn’t have done it without Mom searching for the “perfect” Starbucks tea.


L got her very own Fulla doll!




We made a gingerbread house on Christmas Eve with the boys (much thanks to L’s Mom for the kit.)


What’s Christmas without the kiddos? I got to hear all about her Christmas dress.


He’s being a good steward. Let him be.


I got to wake up Christmas morning to this cool chick! She was excited about the Prince of Peace.


We got some pretty scary stocking stuffers, but something tells me this won’t be the last time you see these…




Nothing beats a good ole’ package from home! Thanks for remembering me!


Although this season was much different from the last, it was a blessed time. Today I was reminded of the verses given to me by my grandfather before I left. They spoke of the promise for those who leave home and family for His sake. “But he shall receive a hundred fold now in this time.” I realized how true it is that sisters and brothers have multiplied and what a joy it was to celebrate this Season, with family back home and others here. Hope your holidays were also filled with joy in His coming.