There was a lot of excitement when Tom and Dale arrived this past week! All the kids tore into the package from Jeanne with great excitement! Treats, ramen, clothespins, gloves, vitamins and a can of olives for Leila!!! They were so happy to get something from home. It was fun to read Jared’s letter, too!
Beth was thrilled to get a letter from Emily, but soon Mr. Tall read something on her face and asked if she needed a hug…“Yes”…. And that is all it took for the floodgates to open. She recovered herself quite quickly, though. She said she didn’t realize how much she loves her little sisters. She misses mom and dad a lot, too. She had to swallow disappointment the other day when the baby was born at the clinic and she wasn’t one of the chosen to go and see the birth, but we hope that there are other babies born while we are here so more can have that chance.
Anyway, it has been fun to watch Dale. He’s like a boy running around with his video camera trying to take it all in. It’s like seeing everything through new eyes watching him… those of us who have been here for a few weeks kind got in the mode of, “this is old hat now” but seeing someone new experience this for the first time is a lot of fun.
Jon’s birthday bash was a hoot. The kids planned it forever. They made a mud cake that looked for all the world like a chocolate cake. In fact, I didn’t convince Barasa and Miriam that it wasn’t real!!! It had candles and had writing and everything. We had a real cake… but two cake mixes don’t go very far in a crowd like this, especially when you want to share it with your African friends, so it was nice to add a little candy bar from Jeanne’s package to help it last longer… I was impressed with Jonah. His aunt was busy handing out cake while someone else handed out chocolate and somehow she missed out on the chocolate. They were all gone. Jonah did not hesitate one second… He gave his chocolate to his aunt. What a sweety!!!! Turns out, someone had saved an extra one so he really didn’t miss out, but his unselfish gesture meant a lot to his aunt and everyone who saw. You have to realize that the boys do feel deprived of food around here. There is only so much bread per meal, only so much of the stuff they really like and often they are pretty hungry. Psychologically that has its effect, but not only that... the guys are having to notch their belts a little tighter. Dave was showing off his loose pants this morning and threatening to look like a gange kid with his pants around his ankles by the time he goes home. I don't think he's too sad about it :-)
sabbath
Posted by mom on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 02:42 - Link
Hello, Kristen,David, Mac,and Kota, It's sabbath and we missed the phone call to church. We made it there for class. I woke Granpa up at 8am this am from a sound sleep to show him the deer in the yard eating our grass and some of my flowers by the driveway. So he made it to SS and church and we stayed for potluck. I thought about Teresa and I made spagetti and meatball for potluck. We love hearing about your adventures. But we'll be glad to have youhome. We missyou and pray for you projects, the weather and your safe return. love you.
Pictures
Posted by Jared & Delores on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 05:35 - Link
I'd like to see more pictures of the baptism. I wish you had it at our church. I'm enjoying my camera, even though I wish I could be out there. I look forward to when you all come home. Jared
We had a larger group at church today. Benny was there today and stayed for potluck ( really the first time any of us had a chance to talk to him.) I gave him a copy of the blogs you've sent so he can read them. There was a whole 8 children in church + Emily Anderson. Cindy, Doris seems to be doing well. She had her surgery on Wednesday and returned home Friday early afternoon. We have started taking them food. Mary keeps coming also and her children enjoy sitting with Jared and Joyanna during church.
This morning I found my self saying that one more Sabbath then some of you will be coming back home. I can't help being excited, it seems like you all have been gone so long....
Have a good week and we will continue to pray for you.
Delores
To Bethany
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 08:37 - Link
Hi sweetie,
Sounds like you had an exciting weekend with Christina's baptism and all. I am sure that the lemon tarts were a special treat.
We are at Tiffany's house this weekend in Tucson AZ. We went to church with them and stayed for potluck afterwards. They have a real friendly church, much like ours in Cashmere.
Mommy has been having fun with "baby Noah". He is just 3 months old, but is already quite big for his age.
This evening Emily and Hannah helped Tiffany make pull-a-part cinnamon rolls while they watched the "Apple Dumpling Gang". We will get to taste them in the morning for breakfast.
We are enjoying warm weather in the 80's during the day, and the upper 40's at night. Tomorrow we will move into the hotel where we will stay for the next week while dad is in school.
Then Emily and Hannah will be doing school in earnest.
Last week on our way down here, the girls didn't get much school work done. They were having to much fun seeing all the new sights in Utah and Arizona.
Tell Mrs. Ford that we really like it when she updates her blog regularly. It helps us to no how you are doing!!!! We really miss you, and look forward to every new blog update.
I love you lots,
Mom
We miss you all.
Posted by Peggy Brodie on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 11:18 - Link
I just want you all to know that we miss you very much and that we pray for you every morning and every evening without fail at our morning and evening worshiptime. I read your blog and Abi's and then tell Gordon and Jackie what is happening with you all. They love hearing all the news. They are both very happy here. Gordon's blood pressure has dropped considerably. In fact, I think he may need to have his blood pressure medicine adjusted. He just doesn't have the stress here that he had before. Although, if he can find something to worry about, he certainly will do his best. Take care, everyone. We will see you soon.
