Do you ever feel like your body is attached to the end of a bull whip that is your life? It has been way too long since our last update. We try to make a new post every 2 weeks, but the last 2 months have been so full of activity that we haven't come up for breath.
We got to take our trip to the US and it was amazing! The clean air, incredible food, and department stores where hypnotic at first. Of course the jet lag didn't help and B even fell asleep while eating a donut!
We got to spend really good time with family and friends. Of course we communicate with our computer, but it was a whole other thing to really be together.
It thrilled our hearts to see the boys playing with their cousins and friends. They don't normally get a lot of this and it was so nice to let them go, not having to worry about the added dangers we usually deal with.
One of our goals for C was to remove the training wheels from his bike. We thought it would take a day or two, but he jumped on and took off like he had been doing it all along.
Grandparents got to make up for lost time and found all kinds of things to do together. C is always talking about building things, so he and his Pop did some real construction work.
Lots of folks stopped by to hang out, some a little braver than others!
We were able to get all our medical visits up to date and everybody was so good to us. We were absolutely amazed by the way people loved on us over these days!
We were able to share our stories and challenge the Body in one to one meetings, small group studies, medium sized luncheons, and large group events.
T and I also got to catch up with friends. One night we found out how many guys like us it takes to build a fire.
T jumped in and ran with a group of girls who were training for a marathon. I thought she was crazy, but enjoyed seeing the smile on her face after every visit with her friends.
The trip home went pretty smooth, but we found out that jet lag going east is even worse than traveling west. Once again B used his dinner plate for a pillow.
C had his final soccer game a few days after we arrived and made the game saving stop at goalie! We were so proud of him and the team who scored their first victory.
At the last game we had to clear the field before we could begin play. We were quickly reminded that we weren't in Arkansas anymore.
Soccer provided a great opportunity to make friends here. There are two families we plan to continue spending time with even now that the season is over. The games provided some time to talk, but we really look forward to going deeper in our conversations.
B enjoyed the soccer season also. He always found some hill to be king of.
We returned to find out that our closest co-workers are leaving the country. This has resulted in added workload, but more than anything we have just been bummed about losing our friends. However, G really blessed us last week with a new couple whom many of you may recognize. We are so excited to have them here and working closely with us!
Last weekend we celebrated Easter in a big way. If you aren't careful the holidays slip up on you here because you don't see the section dedicated to the celebration at Wal-Mart. We knew Easter was coming, but it just didn't feel like it (if you know what I mean). Saturday night everything changed when we received three boxes filled with Easterness!!! Peeps and all!!!
We also got to attend a sunrise service at a park. It was really cool to worship together! The park was full of worshippers. Most were giving themselves to the created (rather than the Creator), which made the event all the more meaningful.
We have a new group of 8 people who just arrived. This was their first Sunday here and they were really taking in all the sights and sounds. It was surely and Easter to remember.
The best part for me was a conversation I got to have with a passer by. I got to tell him the reason this day was so special and why the One we were worshiping was unique. He had already been asking these questions and I was able to help him understand the sacrifice and the resurrection. It felt so right and good to proclaim His story to such listening ears. Please ask that this man and I would meet again and that next year he will be added to the number of those who worship the risen King!
