God's Provision!!

ALL praise, glory, and honor shall go to The Lord Jesus, the One True Most High God!!! Monday of last week we received a call from Bethany telling us that a gentleman had donated $10,000 to our adoption!! We were absolutely blown away!! Then Friday we received another call telling us that this donor had spoken with someone else about our adoption. This person matched the first donor's donation of $10,000!!! We knew that God called us to adoption. We also knew that it would only be through His provision that we would financially be able to do adopt though. We had no idea however, that this would be the way He would provide!! Out of the 13 years we have wanted to adopt, we always desired that our adoption would bring God glory. This is a work that only He could do! Two strangers that have heard of our need and have so generously given. That is the Holy Spirit's doing. Our family has been so excited this week to know that we are one step closer of adding another person to our family! 

Even last night, Tucker and I (Dana) were talking and he was saying how he can't wait to get to move to the next step so we can get "our" new child. I also had someone come up to me at church last night hugging me and expressing her excitement over the donation because Ellie had shared in her college class! It always makes me smile and tear up when my children express their desire for this adoption and to call this new child "ours". They don't refer to this as something that mom and dad are doing. They refer to the adoption as something "we" are doing! That is just another way that the Lord blesses my soul! One thing is for sure... This child will be loved by his siblings!! 

Needless to say, we are ecstatic!! We are so grateful for these two donors! I know that they were vessels that the Lord used in our lives. They have forever changed our lives out of their obedience to Him! I am not sure that we will ever be able to fully express our gratitude to them! But, most importantly, we thank the Lord Jesus! He has truly been our Jehovah Jireh! He has done "far more abundantly anything we could ask or think"!! (Eph 3:20) 

Adoption- Ethiopia

As you all know, Billy and I are in the adoption process. Adoption has been on our hearts for about 13 years. After Major was born, we knew that we wanted more children, but was not convinced that having them biologically was best for us. Through out these years we sought the Lord many times about if the time was right. We have even had meetings with Bethany and many informal conversations with an adoption attorney to gain more understanding and wisdom on the process. However, the Lord never gave us a peace to truly start the process. 

In February of 2013 Major asked us to consider starting the process for adoption since were all back and would be for a while. Our kids have been very aware that we have wanted more children!! Our first thoughts were that it would be crazy to start an adoption process with all that was going on in our family. We agreed, though, to pray. To our surprise, after about a month of praying, we both felt like this was indeed the time to start the process! We turned in the first application. We got our approval within days. We then had to submit the full application. The next step was to have a meeting to discuss the countries that would fit our desires of time frame and so forth. 

Through this time between then and now, we have felt lead to Ethiopia. We knew that we wanted to just maintain our children’s birth order. Other than that, we did not care if it was a boy or girl, or how old they were. One of our deepest desires is to adopt a child that desperately needs a home. A child that is in many ways seems un-adoptable. As we continued to pray about the child that would be ours, our hearts were softened as to what “conditions” we would be willing to take. We knew that we could not take certain types of health issues with the possibilities of going back on the field. Yet, God surprised us once again of opening our eyes to be more open. 

One day, as I was looking at the waiting children for Ethiopia I did not put any age perimeters. I came to the last page for Ethiopia. I came to the last child. I looked at him and wanted to know more. I read his bio and my heart started beating faster. I watched his 50 second video and fell in love! He was my son! I called Billy and asked him to look at this child. I waited on the phone, and when he finished watching the video, he agreed that this was our son! I am not able to go into this child’s story quite yet, as he is not ours officially. But, what I can say is that, he is the child that we have been looking for. He desperately needs a family that will love him unconditionally and not leave him. Despite what ever trials that surround him, he was made in the image of our Savior. 

This is where you guys come in!! We ask that you pray with us. We want to bring our son home as soon as possible! 

Please pray for:

-The fingerprints to be approved.

-Provision of finances. (Right now, we need $1,700 to be able to move to the next step.)

-That the Lord would be preparing this young man’s heart for a family. That in only a way that He can, healing would already be taking place of the hurts and pains he has had to experience.

Our Next Steps

-Once we have the fingerprints approved and this fee paid, we can move to completing the dossier for Ethiopia.

-We are applying for grants from adoption organizations that help families pay for adoption.

-We are praying that God will show us creative ways to earn some extra money to help as well. 

We thank you in advance for your prayers for us, this process, and our son. We will give you guys updates as we receive major new news! We have started a prayer group to come along side of us through this process. If you would like to be added through Facebook or email, please send me a message I will add you. :) 

Happy Birthday Ellie!!

Well, I am sure that everyone thought We had forgotten about the blog!! We are back!! :)

This month, specifically this past week, we were able to celebrate Ellie's birthday! She turned 20 years old!!! I can not even believe that she is 20!! Where in the world has the time gone?? It is hard to believe that our little girl is no longer a little girl! But, this year the celebration was a little more special. We feel so blessed to have her here with us. We know that we came extremely close to losing her and that it is only by God's grace that she is alive! Her life was a gift to us 20 years ago, and her life was a gift to us September 26, 2012. As believing parents, we understand that she, as with all of our children, is not ours. She is God's and He allowed us to have her longer, thankfully! We are so excited to see what all God does in and through Ellie!  

Happy Birthday!! We are SO thankful that God gave us YOU!!

Back in America!

As so many of you have known, I (Dana) have been sick. I also know that many of you have been praying for me during these last few months. Thank you so much! We have felt your prayers. We have felt peace even during these days and weeks of not knowing what to do.

It all started in April. Billy was actually in another country in SE Asia. I woke up in the middle of the night coughing. It lead to an asthma attack. It took a while to recover though. I believe that it was smoke from one of our neighbor's houses. The rainy season was coming to an end, so more cooking could be done outside. Throughout the next weeks, I developed a more habitual cough. Then here and there, it would become worse. I had several asthma attacks. I tried seeing a doctor here, but I did not feel comfortable with the medicines he prescribed. Through a friend, I was able to speak to an American doctor in a different location. He told me what to do. By this time, it was June. Unfortunately, these things did not work. The next  time  I spoke with him, he told me take double the steroids and a few other things. This did not seem to help either. At this point, my breathing was labored. I felt weak most of the time. Sometimes after school, the boys would come home and just rub my back and tell me it was ok. Oh!! That surely saddened this mom's heart!! I hated for them to see me so sick!

In July we had a team come from home. Three of them pulled Billy aside within 24 hrs of being there and told him I had to come home. I think for me and Billy, this was hard to hear and a relief. A relief that we were not the ones making the decision. Yet hard to hear, because I did not want to leave my family. We both knew I was sick. I knew my oxygen levels were down. I knew there were days that I was just so tired from breathing that I wondered how much more I could take. It's hard to describe, but I just didn't want to go home. This place was where I was called! Hence the relief of the decision no longer being ours. So, a week later, I went home with the team.

I had a doctors appointment scheduled the Monday following my arrival. This started my regimen of new allergy and asthma medicine. I was also given a TB skin test. This later came back positive. Thankfully, my chest x-ray was clear! I did have to start taking INH to keep the TB dormant. I will take this for 6 months. I am not contagious, I promise!! :)

Just a side note... What is crazy is I think I know where I was exposed. Since the skin test, I have been praying for a certain little girl that we saw in a store. She was visibly sick. She was coughing and shaking. It seemed that no matter what isle I was on, she would appear. Her mom was just yelling at her, which was not typical. I felt so horrible for her. Billy and I wanted so badly to take her to the hospital, but we knew that we couldn't. I believe that little girl is who exposed me. I pray that she is alright.

Please continue top pray for my healing. Please pray that God would give us the wisdom we need to know what to do next. We need to know if Billy and the boys should return to the States, or if I should go back now that I have new medicine. Thank you so much for your continued prayers!

6th Grade Graduation!

Major has now graduated from Elementary school twice!! Schools in our city graduates after 5th grade, but here they graduate after 6th grade. So now we have had the privilege of graduating twice, but with slightly different ceremonies! Major's class had eleven children that represented 5 countries, but 9 different cultures! Quite a diverse set of kids!! We are so thankful for his teachers and their love and support they showed Major this year. We look forward to next year, however, in the secondary department!

Major receiving his certificate from Mrs. BJ

Major's class with four of his teachers.

Major and Mrs. BJ

Major's class

Major receiving his "Most likely to become a dentist or doctor award"!
This is due to how many teeth Major lost this school year and his handwriting
ability!! :)

Happy Birthday Billy!!

May 12th we celebrated Billy's birthday! We drove to a city about 2 hours away and ate lunch at Wendy's and had a Frosty! Then, we went to a mall and watched "The Avengers"! It was a good day, but for some reason I (Dana), did not take the camera to document the day! :( But, trust me when I say, it was a good day!


I for one, am so happy that HE gave the gift of life to a handsome man 38 years ago! There is not a doubt in my mind that HE created Billy just for me! I am one lucky lady to have the privilege to call him my husband! Happy birthday to my sweet sweet William!!! :)

Will

Fifteen year ago today, Billy and I were given our second child. Little did I know that April 16, 1997 would forever change my life. I am thankful that I didn't know ahead of time, or I would not have been able to stand the days to come. However, since we are not given that foreknowledge, I was able to enjoy the days that I was given with my son. Yes, I said enjoy. Everyday we were able to see Him in a new way. We were able to see what peace that surpasses all understanding really means. We saw how intricate of a Creator He is. We experienced joy in the midst of utmost stress. Since there was so much evidence of Him, it allowed me to calmly, patiently, and enthusiastically sit by Will's bed waiting for his next little movement or facial expression.

Despite the stress surrounding his birth, he was a miracle! (As I have stated before in other posts, I was not supposed to have children.) He was early and weighed only one pound, but he was perfect! He had dark hair and eyebrows, perfect little fingers and toes, broad shoulders, and a sweet little face. He was knitted very well by his Maker! We do not know the reasons why he went into stress and needed to be born since the doctor's could not find one. We do not know why he left us on his 8th day of life either. What I do know and rest in, is his days were numbered and accounted for. He fulfilled his purpose, and it was time to see his Father.

As I sit here today and reflect on what this day means to me, there is that part of me that mourns the loss. I want so badly to have held him, snuggled with him, watch him play baseball and other sports, see him interact as a little brother as well as a big brother, and watch him grow in his love for Him. But today I have a choice, as all of us do in loss. Am I going to sit here and look at all of the things that I did not get to do or experience with my son? Am I going to let Satan rob me of the blessing of his life? To focus on those things would be discounting all of the things that I was given. I was given a son bearing my husband's name. I was given the opportunity to hold him one time and have him respond to my touch letting me know he knew I was his mommy. I was given the opportunity to know my Father in ways that I would have never known without this circumstance in my life. The grace and the mercy that was bestowed upon me during this time, was undeserved. My son showed me in a more tangible way the sacrifice that my Father gave. To experience the loss of a child is an unbearable pain, yet my Father chose this pain. Through this circumstance, I was given the opportunity to trust in the unseen like never before. Even though there were moments that I failed, He was right there ready, willing, and graciously waiting to pick me up.

On more than one occasion I have been asked if I would change this life circumstance. To me that question is unrealistic. As a mother, I long for my son. As a child of His, I long to know Him more. The only answer and choice is, I had to go through this so I could know Him more. I had to learn to trust Him for my next breath when I thought my heart was literally going to break. I had to trust Him, that His ways are bigger than my ways. I had to trust that He would make it all work out for good. I had to trust that this would draw me to Him in ways unimaginable.

"You give and take away, You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Blessed be Your name"

"Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, It is well, with my soul"

These lyrics from these two songs have new meaning now. He has taught me that it is well whatever lot He gives me. It might be hard to see it, but I have to trust. It isn't well because of anything I have done, it is well because of all that He has done. It is because of His unfailing love that in the midst of loss or heartache, that I can say, "Blessed be Your name".

Blessed be Your name. You have taken away, but You have given so much more. Today is a time of remembering. I choose to lay a stone of remembrance of all that my Father gave and blessed me with.

Today, on Will's 15th birthday he is celebrating with his Father. I know he heard the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

Happy Birthday Major!!

March 24th we celebrated Major's 12th birthday! I can not believe my baby is 12 years old! It does not seem possible! When I was pregnant with Major, we found out that Major had a hole in his heart. We saw a cardiologist, and was given the run down of all that could take place at birth and the first two years of his life if the hole did not close before birth. We let everyone we knew know! Major's Maker graciously closed that hole before he was born! Even though that was his physical heart that was healed, I believe that Major's "heart" was being molded at the same time. He has such a tender heart and is so compassionate. I could tell story after story of the ways that he has shown this love for people and how it physically affects him to see people hurting or in need. I am looking forward to seeing how this compassion is used in his life. Major is a gift and has brought so much laughter into our lives. I am blessed be to his mother! Happy birthday!

19 Years and Counting!!

Happy Anniversary!!

Nineteen years is a long time in so many aspects. For Billy and I, this is how long we have now been married!! We have hit that mark in our marriage where we have been married more than half of my life, and now half if his!! That is so crazy to think about!! We have grown up together in so many ways! I have more memories with him than without him! To say that he is my best friend would be an understatement!! These years have been a journey that's for sure! The exciting part is, that the journey is not over! We have more to explore, more laughs to be shared, and even more tears. Through both laughter and tears though, I believe we grow closer. We learn more about each other. We learn more about ourselves. It is never dull or boring! I doubt the future will be either! I look forward to another year and more of the journey that we are walking together!

"I found the one my heart loves."

A Sad Goodbye

This type of day is one that you wish didn't have to exist. It is a day that you know is coming, and in some aspects have been planning since their birth. This is the day that you send your child off. Ugh!! Except now, it is different. This is reality! Not only are we sending her off, but we are sending her off to another continent. I mean this isn't a few states away, this is thousands of miles (10,500 give or take), and at least a two day trip! I get we are not the first to do this, but this was our first! You question everything you've done as a parent. The harsh reality, however, is that the time is here whether we like it or not.

It is time. The last minute has gone by. The tears are streaming. Ellie gives each of us a hug and a card that she has written. She gets to Major, and he will not let her go. I tell him that he has to let go and his response was, "I can't!" I give her a book that I had made for her and we say bye and hug one more time. We stay until she is completely out of sight! Major doesn't say another word for a couple more hours.

Turning to HIM in the midst of the tears and heart ache, there is peace. I was reminded that her Maker loves her more than I do! HE has her in the cleft of HIS wing. HE is with her always! She is ready. How do I know? HE is her guide. I am sure mistakes will be made, but in HIS loving kindness, HE will be there to pick her up. After all, HE loves her even more than her mother and father do!!

Ellie, keep your eyes focused on HIM. HE will never leave you. HE is your Helper, your Guide, your Strength, your Comfort. HE is all you need. You will never go wrong when you follow HIM, despite what others may say. Look to HIM. Yield to HIM. HE loves you so much! You are the apple of HIS eye!!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!!

As we sat, along with three other families, on the lawn in front of the bungalows waiting for the new year, I couldn't help but wonder what this year will hold?! I guess there could be so much excitement as well as some fear in that answer depending on if you are an optimist or a pessimist!! I guess it is safe to say that whatever it is, it will not be boring! Life never is! With all of the new in our lives right now, I can't help but to think what other firsts we will have. Some seem overwhelming, others I think we can take in stride. One thing is for sure...Whatever does take place this year will not come as a surprise to HIM! That is so comforting! HE has seen every second of everyday! HE knows the comings and the goings. HE knows the laughter that will shared and the tears that will be shed. HE knows the victories that will be had, and the trials that will be faced. HE knows! HE has gone before us as a family and each of us individually. This might be a new year, but HE is not new! HE is the same, never changing, always faithful, and always good. What more could bring comfort?!!

Happy New Year! May this be a year that rests in the ONE who has given it to us!

Billy in the entryway of our bungalow.

The boys riding the waves!!

Merry Christmas!!

CHRISTMAS- This one word can evoke so many different things, both positive and negative. It could mean family, gifts, shopping, parties, holiday traffic, decorations, stress, debt, gift wrapping, food,music and carols, or a Special Birthday. Even with this list, there are so many more things that could have been said. We are so used to what Christmas is in our American culture, but when you move out it, it is different. There is no Christmas music being played at every store starting at Thanksgiving. Nor is every store decorated in red and green. There are not the parties and gatherings that usually take place, or the gift exchanges. There is definitely not the late night shopping, or last minute runs to get those few stocking stuffers you forgot! Which in turns takes a lot of the stress out! Instead of Christmas being a part of a culture it becomes a day. One day. This was a little hard for me, as I like the shopping and the madness of the holiday! I like store hopping just to make sure that we are stretching our dollar to the fullest! I love having my tree all decorated with the ornaments that the kids have made or that we have given them over the years. I love seeing their wrapped gifts under the tree waiting in anticipation for them to open them! I look forward to the teas and parties! I love the candlelight service on Christmas Eve! I love our Outback Steakhouse dinner that we have made tradition with the family! I love that we always watch a movie, then send the kids to bed, then put out whatever gifts are left, fill stockings, and then talk about what gifts we think they will like best! This is my favorite time of year!

This year was different. It changes the holiday when you have a different view of the day. What happens when a culture doesn't acknowledge this day? What happens when you turn on your tree lights on and a neighbor comments about it? What happens when there are not the gifts to buy or decorations to put up? What happens when almost all of your traditions surrounding the holiday have to be forfeited? Well, you acknowledge the day in the privacy of your house! You realize it might just be better to not have the lights on the tree! You enjoy the gifts that are bought, given, and received! You treasure the memories of past traditions, and you look forward to making new traditions! You change your perspective ultimately! None of these things are what really define Christmas after all! You change your focus from the world's definition of the holiday, to the True meaning. You look at the things that you can not have or do, but you rejoice in Who you have! This year was different! It was a good different!

Just in case you wondered...We celebrated Christmas Eve with a candlelight service with two other sweet families! We were even surprised by carolers as our night was coming to a finish! We had Christmas dinner with about 35 other people! HE knows what we like, and HE cares, even if it is the little things!

Carolers on Christmas Eve that came to our friend's house.

Dinner Christmas night at another friend's house, a total of 40 people!

Thanksgiving

We have now celebrated our first major holiday away from home. Thanksgiving. To be honest, I was concerned with how we would handle not being with our family, and going to the different family gatherings, experiencing another exciting Black Friday, the food, the games, and everything in between that takes place the week of Thanksgiving. We were able to Skype with part of our family Tuesday morning (their Monday night). For several years we have met at a Cracker Barrel that is halfway between us. Once we were able to log on, and saw the family sitting there and were able to see each of their individual faces, the reality hits. We are not at home. It was so good to "see" everyone, yet it made us miss them even more. I think we all fought the tears back while on video, but afterwards it was hard to keep them back.

This year the kids had asked me to make a dinner for just the five of us. This is the first time I have ever done that. They wanted me to cook some of their favorite things that we have every year. I did my best at finding the ingredients needed, some of which I had to improvise. We had roast, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, brownies with peanut butter in the middle, and chess squares. We went around the table and said the things that we were thankful for. It was a blessing to hear what the kids had to say. Some of the things they had to say, I was surprised at. I guess when you are away from family and the life you are accustomed to, you realize what is truly important. It was a great evening! We decided that no matter where we are or what plans for the holidays we have, we will continue the tradition of having dinner with just our family.

Two families that were getting together on Friday, as the kids had school on Thursday, invited us to join them. We headed over around 11 and stayed the majority of the day. We enjoyed our day greatly, but more so enjoy the friendships that are forming!

On Saturday, we were able to Skype with the other side of Billy's family. It was great to see everyone having fun and enjoying their time together. Thankfully, we had something to look forward to after talking to them! We traveled to a nearing city and went shopping! It was not quite like Black Friday, but it was shopping non the less. We were gone the entire day! It was great though! Despite being gone for so long, no one complained about anything!! Again, I think it was just a time to enjoy being with each other, and realize what is important. When we got home we were able to Skype with my family. It was a great end to the day!

Sunday, we joined several other families as they celebrated the holiday. We enjoyed a great big lunch filled with all sorts of favorites from the different families. There was conversation, games, and a bonus for Billy and the boys...Football!!! Someone had bought a weeks worth of games. They were able to watch the Lions and Packers. May I remind everyone that the Lions is Billy's favorite team!! Yes, they lost, but it was the point that they got to watch American football!!

At the end of the weekend, we could say that we had been carried through the holiday. Yes, there were tears and homesickness. But, there was also new beginnings. There was the reminder that He cares about every detail. He provided people for us to be with. He provided time for us to Skype with our families. He did not leave us alone during such a family oriented holiday. Most of all, He is what we are to be most thankful for. He is good all the time, all the time He is good!

Tucker turns 13!!!!

Happy 13th Birthday Tucker!!!

It is so hard to believe that 13 years have passed since we were given the gift of our third child!! It was a long nine months of scares and complications, but it was more than worth it! On a Friday 13th, I had a scheduled c-section and Tucker was born! Soon after he was born we were told what had been causing his problems and had it been ANY worse, he would have died. BUT, there were other plans for his life!! Thank you, Father!! He has been such a blessing to us! Billy and I look forward to watching him grow into the
man he is called to be.

Motorbike!!!

We are so thankful to have motorbike now!! The kids LOVE not having to walk everywhere and carry heavy backpacks!! Billy and I are able to get things done in a fraction of the time! It has made our days so much more productive! We are so grateful to Him!

We rarely have to put four of us of on it, but wanted to make sure that we did fit!! Right now, Billy drives two trips if we all are going somewhere since all five of us can not fit!!!

When it rains, this is what we look like! Billy was getting ready to take lunch to the kids!

Celebrating 12 weeks of overseas living!!

We have been living overseas now for 12 weeks!! That is hard to believe!!

Billy and I have started language study. We have a tutor coming to our house 5 days a week for two hours. The first week was very overwhelming!! But, as time goes by it gets better. I think now, our brain's are in the learning mode and can it handle it better!! We are getting roughly 30-40 new words A DAY! Good news is that we can already see the benefit of what we have so far! It has allowed us to communicate better with our neighbors, people in stores, the guy that cuts Billy's hair, and a few small conversations on the public transportation! We can not wait for the day that we can really talk to people!!

Ellie went on a trip with the school as a service project to teach English. The area that they went to is much different than where we live. It is a little harder place to live and be in, especially as a girl. Despite that, she had a wonderful time! She believes that this trip was a directional trip for what she wants to do in her future. We will see, how He leads!

Tucker has is now done with soccer. They struggled through year,

but at least he got good practice! He does enjoy playing futsal which is very similar to soccer except it is indoor and they use a smaller ball. We live two doors down from a place watch or even play himself. The other night he was able to play with Billy and the security guards from the school! He scored 2 goals!!

Major is trucking right along! I think he has been least affected by our move than any of us!! He is doing great in school and is down to only 16 teeth!! He keeps losing teeth one after the other!! The problem is that his big teeth are taking their time coming in!!

A few more things we would like to share:

1. Through the language learning and Billy and the boys interest in futsal, Billy has spent some time with the owner of the futsal place. His dad lives on one side of us and is our trash man. There are 11 children in all. This one particular son owns and lives at the futsal place. He and a few of his brothers enjoy talking to Billy. A few times after playing they have sat around and talked. One night I took popcorn down to them and they talked until 1:00 in the morning! Billy will practice his language, and they will practice their English! We hope that this allows time to develop relationships with this family and allow Him to do what only He can.

2. Billy has been helping coach soccer at the school for the last several weeks. (The coaches wife got real sick and they asked him to step in and help.) Through that he has gotten to know some of the guys. One of them Friday night said that we could borrow one of his family's motorbikes because his dad is out of town, but he had not talked to his mom yet about it! So, we didn't think much of it! Then yesterday, he said his mom was fine with it and he brought over to our house!! We will only have it for a week and a half, but WE ARE SO GRATEFUL!! This will give us an idea as to how driving is here and what size bike we need. This is such a blessing! HE IS SO GOOD!!

We hope everyone is doing well and we miss you bunches!!!

It was a LONG day!!

Yesterday, Billy and I decided to go to a city nearby to try to get a few things that we can not find here. Since we do not have our own form of transportation, we took a bus. They have some nice buses that have decent seats and air condition. We took a mini bus (this is the normal public transportation for us) to the road to catch the big bus. We wait and wait and wait! For some reason the type bus that we were looking for never came. Finally after a long while a bus came. We get on, but there is only one seat open. Billy of course, lets me sit down and he stands. He stands for an hour and a half! To our surprise, no one got off at any of the stops on the way! But, more people did get on!!

Along the way, since I had no one to talk to, I noticed a few things...

1. This elderly lady was sitting across the isle from me and was just starring at me!!! I tried to ignore it, as this happens very often. Unfortunately, she did not stop starring! Eventually, I turned and looked at her and smiled. She in turns gives me a big smile back! She seemed so happy that I smiled at her!! The cute thing was, she was so happy that I had acknowledged her and smiled that she did not mind smiling back with a big smile despite all of her teeth being rotted!

2. I was looking out of the window along the way, and noticed something I had never seen before! There was a man washing his dump style truck in his underwear on the side of the road!!! Just a little disturbing!!! :/

3. We go a little further, and I start to realize that the music has gone from the native language to English. Then comes a song from Phil Collins! His voice was a flashback to the 80's!!!

4. Again, I am looking at out of the window and I notice children out in a school yard, I am sure for P.E. I was able to see them for several seconds the way the school yard was positioned. The kids had there hands on their hips, and by their movements it appeared like they were square dancing!!! I am sure they weren't, but that's what it reminded of and gave me a little laugh on the inside!

Some very common things that you see in normal life here or on the roads are the rice fields with make shift scarecrows. There are tons of rice fields here! Another thing is construction workers whether they are working on the road, or building a building, they all wear FLIP FLOPS!! No matter if they are sawing something, jack hammering, laying pavement, throwing bricks, or anything else they wear flip flops! I really don't know how they don't get seriously hurt!

Anyway, Billy and I had a nice time together, and we get a few things done. Now, it is time to head home! We take a taxi to the bus station where we are told that it will be one hour before the type bus we want will leave. The problem with that is then we would be late for Tucker's soccer game. A bus pulls up, and this couple tells us that this bus is going in our direction. So we got on!!! I think we should have turned around and gotten off!! This type bus has a row of two seats then a row of 3 seats. The seats were small (my shoulder's were wider than the seats), and it was a full bus! I felt like I had no option but to stay on so we could make it to Tucker's game. Shortly after we leave the station, this man stands up leaning on the seat in front of me and started talking. Then he started singing and clapping. A little into the song, we realize that it is a song about the religion here. He finishes about 5 minutes later and talks again. Then, people give him a few coins. Then another guy comes walking up the isle, and he starts singing and playing his ukulele! Billy and I just look at each other and try to not laugh! We determine that we are going to get off at the next stop! A little later, we smell smoke, and as there are "No Smoking" signs on the bus, we can't figure out who is smoking...It was the bus driver!!! To our dismay, he did not stop at the same stops as the bus going did, except for one. But, we didn't recognize it as a bus stop until we were pulling away. You see, the bus driver never came to a complete stop even as a lady was getting off the bus!

Driving here, is not the same as it in the States. There a lines, but they mean nothing! There were several times that we were passing other buses or trucks with coming traffic! The bus driver would just swing us from one lane to the next. At one point, the nationals stood up and were looking and making moaning type noises! Then, there was one time that I really thought we were going to crash. He pulled over to pass someone and there was a a big truck coming. The truck was not going to move, nor was he! Somehow, we slung over just in time as the truck passed us honking! The nationals were saying things and making noises. I thought, if they can't believe it, then it has to be bad! Then we were told by this guy trying to help us that our stop was next. It wasn't! We got off several miles to early. We walked for maybe a 1/2 mile then caught a mini bus. He takes us to a point to catch another mini bus. We finally make it to the school and were only 15 minutes late to Tucker's game! Whew!

To end the day, our gas tank that heats the water for our showers had gone out. The one that was delivered Billy could not get hooked in. We called some friends and they came over to help. Thank goodness!! What ended up happening was... We had to take the tank form the stove and hook it up the water. Then take that one and hook it up to the stove!

Needless to say by the end of all of this, we were ready for bed!! :)

Settling In!!!

An update is long overdue!!! Cultural Training ended and was great! We absolutely loved being there and with other people of like mind. We hope that through the time there we developed lasting friendships despite the miles that will separate us.

After coming home, we had two weeks to prepare to leave! It was a whirlwind! You don't realize how much there really is to do until the last minute, and then it is to late. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to spend with all of our friends that we had hoped for. Time was just to short.

NOW...We are in South East Asia and have started to settle in!

We have a house and have it just about furnished! Despite our language barrier and little help we have been able to find, purchase, and have delivered almost everything we need! It has been very comical at times. I won't lie and tell you that there have been a few frustrating moments in the midst too. To back track a little, the house that we are living in is not the first house we thought we would live in. We tried to rent two other houses, but neither of those worked out. I believe this was the house for us! It has a big back yard that provides ample space for the boys to pass football, practice soccer, pass baseball, and there is even a cemented part for a basketball goal! The boys really needed this and I believe that is why we are living here!

The kids have so well adjusting to their new living environment. We could not have asked for them to do any better! We are so proud of them! :) Tucker and Major have started school. They seem to like it, considering it's school!! They have small classes which makes it easy to make friends and get acclimated. Tucker is also on the junior high soccer team as well! He is anxious for the season to kick into gear! Ellie is volunteering in the elementary department of the school and is loving it! She has been able to help out with several different areas including PE for 3rd and 4th grades, math for 6th grade, assisting the 2nd grade teacher as well as the Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers! Needless to say, she stays busy!!!

Right now Billy and I have been focused on getting the house set up. Between buying furniture, appliances, dishes, cookware, and everything in between, to learning how to have water and gas tanks delivered, and walking everywhere we go...we stay busy! We hope that later in September to start language study.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. The adjustment period is not over. We have already experienced getting news of sick family members back home, a nephew to be born tomorrow, and several other situations going on at home. With each of these situations, reality hits of how far away you are, and what you can't help with or be apart of. Yet, we know the purpose of being here and try to stay focused on the goal.

Cultural Training Weeks 2-3

Wow!!! We have been learning so much! It has been such a good experience though! I wish that I could go into detail of all the things that we have been learning and discussing, but for now, that needs to be saved for personal conversations. Needless to say, we are being prepared for the calling God has on our lives. Whether it be class time, homework, or our cultural experiences outside of class, our eyes or being opened a little bit more. It is an exciting time!

I know that I keep mentioning homework!...But, we have had our share of work to do! Most nights we have several articles to read, then every few days have papers to write. Tonight for instance, we had four articles to read, read 1 Peter, and write a paper! This past weekend we had 6 articles to read and three papers to write! Thankfully though, we are getting it all done!! :)

As, I mentioned last time, we are enjoying being surrounded by people that our in the same circumstances as us. Even though aspects of our stories might be different, we all have many similarities. There is a comfort in relating to people that are going through the same thoughts, feelings, fears, and emotions. It has been such a joy to get to know everyone!!

We are so grateful that there are several other kids here too. The boys have made friends and are staying busy! They might miss the Xbox and Wii, but as a mother, I do not!! Actually though, they don't really talk about it anymore!! They are enjoying riding their bikes, going to the student center and commons area, and swimming. It has been a great time for them to just be outside and hang out with other kids. Not to mention, that these kids too, are in the same boat as them. They are leaving friends, schools, and possessions behind as well. It has made them realize that their feelings are normal and alright to have.

Ellie has jumped right into the class with us! She has shared her opinions and has worked hard. She has, of course, made some young friends!! There is a 2 year old little girl, actually our neighbor, who just loves her! Ellie quite enjoys her too! But, she has also not hesitated in making friends with all of the adults as well. She, too, has seen the benefit of being here!

One thing is for sure, we miss home. As much as we may miss our physical house, that is just an object. We miss the people that make it "home". It is hard for me to imagine what the next months will be like. I know that God will give us grace to go through them and when we are home sick. We will learn to rest in Him. More and more, I see how our lives, each event, has been preparation for this call. I know He will comfort us in our times of weakness. The purpose of going is eternal, which far supersedes being home sick. Even though, that is a true reality, God created us with emotions and it hurts to be away from everyone we love.

Cultural Training~Week One

We have successfully made it through the first week of cultural training!! To be honest this week has flown by! We have settled into our dorm style apartment and are making it home. We are here with 16 other families/singles. There are only two countries that are represented here that is duplicated in persons going. Everyone else is going someplace different. Which is really cool to see all of the different cultures represented.

This week we have had our lunches and dinners provided for us. This has allowed time and opportunity for us to get to know each other and build community. There is something to be said about being surrounded by people who are in the same boat as you. All of us are raising support. All of us have gotten rid of almost all of our belongings. All of us have the good byes lying ahead. All of us have jobs, family, or other circumstances that have been part of the story of bringing us to this point. It has been refreshing and such encouragement to be here.

Billy, Ellie, and I are in the same class, which is the adult class. This week we have focused on who we are. One day we went over DISC. It shows us what type personality we are. The three of us are each different, although Billy and I are more similar. One day we went over mind styles, the way we think and process information. Again, we are all three different, but Billy and I more similar. Poor Ellie is about as opposite in both as she can be!! Then, we have started a life mapping process. This will take us through life events that have molded us into who we are. These events include the good, the bad, and the ugly! It will be interesting to see the testimony that comes from each of our lives. Also, we have been put into small groups to meet once a week to have devotions and pray for each other. (Ellie is not part of this though. Due to her age she will do something different.)

Tucker and Major are apart of the kids department. They are some of the older kids, and considered youth. They have really enjoyed their time here. They will go over some of the same things we will go over to help prepare them for this journey too. It has been so good for them to be around kids that have same excitement as them, as well as the same fears and concerns. It has helped them see that this is all normal and part of the process. Actually, they have already gotten close to some of the other boys here, and they expressed that they don't want to have to say good-bye to them. 

Today, we ventured into "town" and went to Walmart! This was our first outing of the week! It is funny how excited you can become over going to Walmart! We have come to the conclusion that part of the isolation here is actually part of the cultural training in and of itself! Needless to say, we are looking forward to week two!!