A large stray beast

Milling across the street from our house

Stray dogs are a menace, but our community deals with another abandoned animal--the mule. I was so surprised when I first saw one milling around on the street, eating garbage and looking oh so forlorn. They are left when they can no longer work for the owner, leading a cart of vegetables or other wares. Injustice surged within when I first saw them. This is inhumane! A mule that had faithfully worked his whole life, to be left to roam, to die. But then I remembered the poor people that I often see. Does that same emotion of compassion surge when I pass them? Even today we ate with a family whose tin house may be destroyed within a few weeks by the authorities in order to rebuild cement buildings. It's a good idea, but the people lack the resources that a forced project like this takes--money for one. There are bigger issues at the table than wandering animals, yes?

Time in the States

Words can't adequately summarize our last few months spent in the U.S. We were refreshed by family, friends, sermons, nature, and Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream (the least on the list of things such as this...but on the list nonetheless!) My heart rejoices that God renewed us and brought us back to our country with a vision and a joy. This is supernatural, my friends. Here are just a few of the highlights in picture form...

We loved the public institutions that the states provides...museums and libraries! Here is E doing exercise on something in the Science museum in Chicago.

Yeah for Grandpa and cousins and Auntie Sara and Uncle Brian. They fed us great food, taught us Settlers of Catan, and laughed with us.

We spent much time in the car going cross-country. In and Out Burger was enjoyed!

We got to see both snow and sunshine! What a great thing to enjoy the great outdoors with freedom.

A fun hike in AZ

Grandpa H's horse who took J on a wild ride. He looks calm and sedated here but don't let that fool you, he's devising the plan to gallop and try to knock off J under the low barn. Good thing J has his father's agility and hung on while sliding off the side so he wasn't scraped off.

Thankful for Grandma and Grandpa H and Aunt Jenny and cousin Taylor.

It is hard to capture the many conversations in photos. We must know the best people in the world, we have learned so much from their lives and walked away encouraged by their trust in God. This spoke life into us and we are forever changed. We love the body of Christ. Thanks be to God.

Happy birthdays, though belated...

We've had a happy whirlwind of a few months, so first we will catch you up to speed on birthdays!

J turned 11 on Dec. 30! He wanted a "Klondike" bar birthday--

hence the one decorating the cake!

An adventurous day spent at the Cleveland Zoo.

Every birthday is special when Grandpa Lisy is there!

E turned a big 13 on Jan. 27! We celebrated in Arizona with a free rib meal from Joe's. Nice! (Notice the lack of a coat, what beautiful winter weather in AZ!)

A fun birthday party with some AZ friends.

We are so glad that God has put these boys in our family. May this next year grow them closer to Jesus.

Happy Birthday!

So happy to have this little huggable dearie in our lives. May the 6th year be a growth in grace and stature for her.

A visit from an angel

Walking to the local store to get some treats.

Hugs. A listening ear. Someone who takes your kids to get ice cream. I needed a visit from this dear lady. The Lord provides the right people at the right time. Thank you God and thank you Karen!

Never a Dull Moment

It was haircut time for us ladies of the house last week. We found our favorite stylist, Laila, in her new little salon at 6 in the evening. A cute "hallway" studio, with clean white tile floors, a bright light, one chair, one shampooing sink, and a cassette player that played some ethnic dance music. B. was first and Laila began chopping away. (She has a good eye for even hair, though she certainly likes to cut short!) B's hair was half done when I noticed that Laila began to cough and went for a brief walk outside. When she returned she bent down to get a drink from the shampooing sink. Unfortunately we heard a retch and poor Laila began vomiting. The minute that followed felt like a good 1/2 hour as I asked her if she needed help, debated if we should quickly run out of there (!), said "poor thing, poor thing," and then determined to sterilize myself upon our return home. She felt much better after that episode and put a towel over the shampooing sink (remind me to always wash my hair before going next time!). Though I urged her to rest and we would return another time, she wanted to complete all of our hairdo's. So she did. And we all showered vigorously when we returned home.

I love an adventure. I do. But sometimes I just long for something here to be routine, ordinary, what I expected. I guess "dull moments" don't always require much faith in God to get you through them though. He is near and cares for us and a little sickie stylist.

Signs of Fall

The start of new online Veritas Press classes--Medieval Literature, Composition, and Theology

New classes at the local French/Arabic school in the afternoons

And pumpkin pie!