To The Land Down Under

It has always been something on our "Bucket List" to make it to Australia.  Although Australia is a beautiful place to visit it has special meaning to us as Vern's brother Murray has lived here for over 20 years.  He visited us in Venezuela three times, as well as several times in Durham and we would often connect in BC.  It has been so cool that after all these years it has finally worked out for us to make it over here and to visit him and see his world.  Vern's sister, Jen, from B.C. also made the trip so the four of us have enjoyed making some fun memories together.

Crossing the Finish Line

Yesterday was the last day of class for our fall semester and on Thursday night our 3rd semester students graduated.  The last week of class Vern and I co-taught the "Family in Ministry 2" class.  It is a fun and interactive class as we talk about a lot of things in preparing our families for ministry.  Some of the topics we cover are: the MK Idenity, the missionary family and all the transitions they go through, and grief & loss. One day we have a group of adult MKs come in and share with our families about their MK experience and how their transition to repatriate went for them.  We teach this class to our 3rd semester students so now these students are officially finished with their training. It has been such a priviledge to spend these 18 months with these dear people who have hearts to serve the Lord.  And as they head out into this new chapter in their life we will be cheering them on.  

Because You Prayed

Tomorrow night is our graduation and so we are almost to the finish line.  For me it has been a good but challenging semester.  As many of you know I have had health issues since August. Therefore as the semester started I wondered how I would be able to accomplish everything on my plate.  So many of you have prayed for me.  I was hoping God would answer your prayers by giving me better health.  However, that was not the way God answered.  Instead, he provided an amazing young lady to come and help me out in my department.  Allegra is exremely talented and gifted in too many ways to count.  As I look back on this semester there are so many "Yea God" moments of events that we were able to host for our families.  You prayed and God answered!  I am super excited for Allegra as she graduates and is one step closer to serving the Lord overseas, however, she will be greatly missed.  Thank-you Allegra for being such a huge blessing to me and for serving and investing in our future MKs.  

Welcome to the World Layla Elise!

This morning we welcomed another precious gem into our family, Layla Elise, who is now our 7th grandchild.  She weighed in at 6 lb. 7 oz. and is 19 inches long.  Seth and Camille are the proud parents.  Jeremiah, Aubrey, and Gavin are pretty excited about their little baby sister.  It was so sweet to see them interact with little Layla when they met her this morning.  On the way home little Aubrey made up a song, "Layla, Layla I love you Layla." It is such a joy and privilege to have these little lives to invest in.  We are so richly blessed!

A Not So Silent Night

We have the joy and privilege of having two of our children and families living close by.  We love celebrating life together.  This year will be a different year for us since we will not be home for Christmas.  With Camille soon having another c-section and newborn baby it worked out best to have our family Christmas celebration yesterday.  From the noise level in the house I think it is safe to say a good time was had from playing games, eating, wheel barrel races, dancing around the living room,  and enjoying some music with Vern's Christmas gift.  We are so thankful for these memory making moments we have together in our journey in life.

You Like, You Buy

This afternoon we had our open market.  Each child received some money in which they could try to buy whatever they wanted.  However our vendors spoke Spanish and German so it was a challenge to be able to communicate just what they wanted.  It was just a small little experience of what it will be like to be in a foreign country and not being able to speak the local language.  In the end I think every child was able to buy some sort of treat.  One little girl was proud of the cabbage she bought, although later she was able to make a deal to trade it was a chocolate bar.😀

Many open markets overseas have interesting smells so our little open market had some crazy smells as well.  One little girl plugged her nose as soon as she walked in the door.  😛