You can’t imagine how excited we were to hear from the “Other half of the Group”. We have been constantly wondering how they are faring out there on their own in Africa!!! It was very kind of them to leave us a comment and everyone loved hearing from them. We are glad to know they are having a good time.
It sounds like Zanzibar may not be the place for us. We had already decided to go to Lake Malawi. Jason and Antionette are going with us and they have / or are reserving a 2 story, beachfront cabin for each family for 40,000 shillings each night. We plan on going on Thanksgiving Day and staying through to Tuesday. We were watching one of the Planet Earth videos on fresh water and there was a whole section on Lake Malawi that made us very excited (until the part about the predator fish that come out at night). I had to laugh when I heard Bethany addressing her pillow as she prepared to go to bed…”So…, NO swimming at Lake Malawi at night!” I think that child is a fish, she loves the water.
Jeff, it meant a lot to Bethany to get a letter from dear old dad. She had me read it to her twice. We all enjoyed it, actually. She asks me every day if there is a letter from her mom.
Eldon, the kids were delighted with your account of Sophie’s latest accomplishments. They all miss you guys and their pets. Jon hangs on to every word of the progress in the orchard.
Katrina, I decided it won’t work for us to help with the Christmas program. I don’t know what date you planned it, but we only get home a few days before the 20th…and Steve has the sermon that day, and we have to be in our own church after our two months absence or they might put us on the visitor list when we finally do show up. It’s a bummer the dates don’t work out for us ‘cause we sure would like to do that.
Garhett, those 3 pals of yours would be forever indebted to you if you would meet them at the airport with pizza!! They downed Vanessa’s pizza biscuits pretty fast, but I think they miss you more. They think you are the most humorous of all the commenters on this blog. Too bad they don’t think much of their own writing or else you might actually hear from them…
Last evening a dozen boys showed up and begged to play “football” but they really wanted to play soccer.These boys I think were probably Jonah’s age, but they are all smaller than Matt. Steve and Jon and Chris played very hard… Steve is the noisiest player of all. They had such a wild time I think they will all be back for another game today. All the boys had a good time and Sam was red and sweaty for an hour afterwards.
Christmas program
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 08:32 - Link
Angie,
I am sorry, but not surprised to hear that the 20th of December would be pushing it for you! The Pastor actually wants to do the program in the evening of that day. He wanted Cashmere and Abundant Life to be able to come and participate as well. If that helps any, I don't know? Please, don't feel pressure to help. I know you will be exhausted! We sure do miss you guys!
We ran into Rocky and Maria at Cost-Co today. It sure made us miss you guys even more. They miss you all being in church. Have I mentioned we miss you all? : )
Toby is doing great! He has calmed down so much and he is so adorable. I love the way he puts his paw up and just wants to love everyone! What a gift he is to our family. The bunnies are doing fine. The kids are really enjoying them too.
Rhett and I started a Bible study with a few people at his work last week. We got up to Cashmere a little early, so we drove around for a bit. We could see your house in the distance and "it" seemed so sad and alone. There weren't any horses, children, lights...but soon it will be full! It was strange being up there without you guys. That was the first time I had been up there since you've been gone.
Well, I better go tuck the kids in and finish up bedtime prayers and hugs!! Take care and may God be with you all!
The Morgan's
Hollywood and the Big Tree
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 10:57 - Link
I was kinda expecting a few calls from Hollywood today but haven't had any so far. The Pear Bureau video crew were here all morning interviewing me. John, Jessica, and a sound man named Patrick. They got here at 8:30 and left around noon. They even came into the house to interview Ronnie for pear recipes. Then I took them to Mick's to get some shots of the guys pruning. They interviewed Guillermo for a couple minutes even. After all that they will probably cut everything but 10 or 20 seconds. It will be on-line at the Pear Bureau web site sometime in January or February. They will be back sometime in April or May for some more shoots. Jon, you can meet with them at that time. This type of activity just isn't my kind of thing.
After they left I got out the power pole pruner, a 12 foot ladder, a 10 foot ladder and my loppers and started to work on the big cherry tree in our yard. WOW! It took the rest of the day to get it done. Tomorrow I'll attack the other 2 cherry trees and then the peaches. Think I'll leave the ones out by Dave's house for him to do.
The fertilizer I put on cost $.37 for 1 pound. Two years ago it was $.16 a pound. Should drop some by next year I hope. Gas should be below $2 a gallon pretty quick I think. We'll see.
Teresa, Ronnie told me that it was yoiu that sent the message the other day instead of Jon. If it was you, thank you! It's nice to hear from a daughter from a far off country.
Sophie's friend Tasha came over to visit her this evening. They had a good time playing. They played tug of war and catch me if you can.
Jon, Blue Star closed the anjou pool on Friday. The homeplace was #1 out of 180 grower lots. Mick's was #4. Tigner #54. North Rd #11. Moubray #6. So we had 3 of the top 6 spots. They also paid warehouse profits over a week ago. They were quite good. 50% cash.
Bethany, please do not swim with the predator fish or even alligators. Isabelle, Chistina, Brianna, Vanessa, Jonah, Sam, and the Kirby kids either for that matter. We need you all back home. With all your body parts. (legs, arms, etc.) We wish all you guys would hurry up and come home. We miss you very much.
We are praying for everyone there. Remember, Jesus is coming soon!
Love Y'all,
Grandpa, Dad, Eldon and Grandma, Mom, Ronnie
long time
Posted by Nikki Struthers on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 02:56 - Link
Hi everyone,
I was reading your blog entry about our trials. I have been having some trials of my own here in Korea lately. Mostly just dealing with living in the city. I knew it would be hard, but I had no idea that with all the comforts surrounding me I could be so uncomfortable. I keep up with your blog, though sometimes it's every few days, but I long to be working hard like that. Most days I would give anything to trade places with one of you! I knew that doing mission work in the city would be a bigger sacrifice for me than living in a hut, but even I didn't know how much of a sacrifice. Most days when I walk outside, I have to remind myself that I will not suffocate in this concrete jungle. I am just thankful that of all the cities here, we are in this one. And of all the places in the city, we are in this part. It's actually quite spacious and clean-as far as Korean cities go-but if you get a chance to look at some of my photos on the blog, you will see the miles of towering apartment buildings and you will understand my claustrophobia when I look at them.
I am praying for all of you and truly enjoying reading your adventures. Angie, your thoughts on trials really helped me to put my feelings in check and realize that this is a life of sacrifice that we live, and some sacrifices look different than others, but we are working toward one goal. I miss you all very much! My kids miss you all too!
Blessings,
Nikki
