I just can't help but tell you about this one.
It was the day before we left the US.
Rich was getting ready to go into the van (that the church had so graciously lent to us!) and banged the door on his leg.
He cried out in pain and let out the word *crap* (yes, I have his permission to write about it - he thought you might as well know about his "human-ness" - smile).
Kylie from the backseat - very compassionately: "Dad, did you cramp your leg?"
Rich: "No"
Kylie quietly to herself: "I just hate it when Dad craps his leg!"
Rich and I had to laugh SOOOO hard when I told Rich about it later (after Leilani had told me - she was the only one who'd heard it)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
About desserts
Not only did we have lots of scrumptious "fellowship desserts" (see previous post), but also the real stuff that makes your body - umm - expand... :)
We enjoyed a LOT of great desserts, or let's say, the German Christmas cookies and baking - plus a lot of rich American desserts - yumm!
Now I'd like to loose the few unwanted pounds - and how about getting into shape... exercise?!
Rich is already at his favourite pass-time tonight - fishing! Though not with the kayak (speak: exercise), but that will follow soon, I know:)
I'm sweating away just typing words - at almost 10pm... and loving it!
We enjoyed a LOT of great desserts, or let's say, the German Christmas cookies and baking - plus a lot of rich American desserts - yumm!
Now I'd like to loose the few unwanted pounds - and how about getting into shape... exercise?!
Rich is already at his favourite pass-time tonight - fishing! Though not with the kayak (speak: exercise), but that will follow soon, I know:)
I'm sweating away just typing words - at almost 10pm... and loving it!
Friday, January 30, 2009
BACK HOME!!!
I am more than excited to let you know that we've had a safe trip over the big pond and are finally back HOME!
I was overcome with emotion when the plane touched ground in New Zealand this morning!
Amazing what 4 years can do! I definitely didn't feel the same way when we arrived 4 years ago...
I don't know if it was exhaustion or what, but I couldn't hold the tears back...
I'm SOOOO glad to be back home!!!
I've never run a marathon but this morning at the landing I felt what seemed the emotions of somebody that's run a marathon - and come to the end.
This trip has been good and important in many ways, but also very stretching for me and our whole family. I can't wait to get settled again, unpack and get organized - AND - get into somewhat of a routine again. You don't realize how important routines are (all the little everyday things like shopping, cooking, driving places, laundry, communication, emails, finding "stuff" and more) until you don't have them anymore and you spend so much time and energy in what normally goes pretty much effortlessly.
We were BLESSED during our trip in many ways - most importantly through so many BEAUTIFUL people and the friendships we have with them (including some of you)!
WOW!!! How truly RICH we are!!!
It almost felt like we were eating "rich desserts" every day - relationally speaking.
The kind of visits we had, we would you normally space out over say, a year or more. We had one after the other - and even if it's scrumptious desserts, if there are too many too close together, you can get indigestion :)
Not that we have indigestion from getting together with YOU, but we are definitely VERY TIRED (and not just from the plane trip)!
Anyways, I'm rambling. Am just so happy to be back!
Within just a few hours after our arrival, we received several phone calls, were offered dinner, had visitors with welcome cards and yummy food.
We felt so loved!!! WOW!!! We've never had this kind of treatment before and definitely not when we arrived 4 years ago and didn't know a soul in this city besides the Cole-family that moved the same day as us (from Auckland).
It is wonderful to be loved by so many wonderful people - not only in Germany and the US - but here!!!
THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
And - by the way - it's full-on S U M M E R here!!!! YAY!!!
Kylie had barely come into the house when she walked out of her room in full princess attire - and Shayden was very happy to spend time outside in the warmth and rediscover his toys. I am thrilled to have him back in his highchair for meals! And he can't crawl out of it either - yay!
Leilani went to the orientation meeting at her new school within an hour after we arrived back and Jeremie is OFF - with his friends... :)
Rich and I are looking forward to being back in our bed (with Shayden next door!).
We've slept in all kinds of beds over the last 9 weeks - from bunk beds, to twin, to double, to king - with all kinds of different "feels"...
There's no place like home - 'night!
I was overcome with emotion when the plane touched ground in New Zealand this morning!
Amazing what 4 years can do! I definitely didn't feel the same way when we arrived 4 years ago...
I don't know if it was exhaustion or what, but I couldn't hold the tears back...
I'm SOOOO glad to be back home!!!
I've never run a marathon but this morning at the landing I felt what seemed the emotions of somebody that's run a marathon - and come to the end.
This trip has been good and important in many ways, but also very stretching for me and our whole family. I can't wait to get settled again, unpack and get organized - AND - get into somewhat of a routine again. You don't realize how important routines are (all the little everyday things like shopping, cooking, driving places, laundry, communication, emails, finding "stuff" and more) until you don't have them anymore and you spend so much time and energy in what normally goes pretty much effortlessly.
We were BLESSED during our trip in many ways - most importantly through so many BEAUTIFUL people and the friendships we have with them (including some of you)!
WOW!!! How truly RICH we are!!!
It almost felt like we were eating "rich desserts" every day - relationally speaking.
The kind of visits we had, we would you normally space out over say, a year or more. We had one after the other - and even if it's scrumptious desserts, if there are too many too close together, you can get indigestion :)
Not that we have indigestion from getting together with YOU, but we are definitely VERY TIRED (and not just from the plane trip)!
Anyways, I'm rambling. Am just so happy to be back!
Within just a few hours after our arrival, we received several phone calls, were offered dinner, had visitors with welcome cards and yummy food.
We felt so loved!!! WOW!!! We've never had this kind of treatment before and definitely not when we arrived 4 years ago and didn't know a soul in this city besides the Cole-family that moved the same day as us (from Auckland).
It is wonderful to be loved by so many wonderful people - not only in Germany and the US - but here!!!
THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
And - by the way - it's full-on S U M M E R here!!!! YAY!!!
Kylie had barely come into the house when she walked out of her room in full princess attire - and Shayden was very happy to spend time outside in the warmth and rediscover his toys. I am thrilled to have him back in his highchair for meals! And he can't crawl out of it either - yay!
Leilani went to the orientation meeting at her new school within an hour after we arrived back and Jeremie is OFF - with his friends... :)
Rich and I are looking forward to being back in our bed (with Shayden next door!).
We've slept in all kinds of beds over the last 9 weeks - from bunk beds, to twin, to double, to king - with all kinds of different "feels"...
There's no place like home - 'night!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thanks for prayers!!!
A HUGE thank YOU if you have prayed for our trip over to the US!!!
After sitting in the plane for 2 hours before take-off, pulling out all the distractions we had for Shayden before we even left so that he would stay happy, everything went very well!
Kylie was entertaining the lady behind her for probably 10 of the 12 hours - or was the lady entertaining her? Not sure - but both obviously enjoyed themselves immensely.
Shayden also had a special thing going with the lady just behind him - she wanted to play with him repeatedly and we had a very happy little guy, laughing again and again - and again!
Both are adjusting very well - even though they're still waking at night because of the jet-lag.
We ALL enjoy GORGEOUS weather with warm, sunny days - no winter here, it seems - at least not the last couple of days. We LOVE it!!!
We don't have internet at the house we're staying - so I probably won't be updating the blog for a while...
After sitting in the plane for 2 hours before take-off, pulling out all the distractions we had for Shayden before we even left so that he would stay happy, everything went very well!
Kylie was entertaining the lady behind her for probably 10 of the 12 hours - or was the lady entertaining her? Not sure - but both obviously enjoyed themselves immensely.
Shayden also had a special thing going with the lady just behind him - she wanted to play with him repeatedly and we had a very happy little guy, laughing again and again - and again!
Both are adjusting very well - even though they're still waking at night because of the jet-lag.
We ALL enjoy GORGEOUS weather with warm, sunny days - no winter here, it seems - at least not the last couple of days. We LOVE it!!!
We don't have internet at the house we're staying - so I probably won't be updating the blog for a while...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Leaving Germany
Whew! These last 7 weeks in Germany have gone by like a whirlwind...
Just a little last minute cleaning, a few hours of sleep and then we'll leave at 5am to drive to Frankfurt and get on a plane at 10am for a 12 hour flight.
Right now I'm exhausted. And thankful. And cold.
It's been the longest cold-streak in Germany in about 100 years - with temperatures of minus 10Celsius... brrrr
We were welcomed with snow and are leaving in the snow - nice! (even though it wasn't enough snow to go sledding here in the village).
If you think of us - we'd appreciate your prayers for smooth and safe travels and for Kylie and Shayden to sleep at least some of the time (last time they pretty much didn't sleep).
Just a little last minute cleaning, a few hours of sleep and then we'll leave at 5am to drive to Frankfurt and get on a plane at 10am for a 12 hour flight.
Right now I'm exhausted. And thankful. And cold.
It's been the longest cold-streak in Germany in about 100 years - with temperatures of minus 10Celsius... brrrr
We were welcomed with snow and are leaving in the snow - nice! (even though it wasn't enough snow to go sledding here in the village).
If you think of us - we'd appreciate your prayers for smooth and safe travels and for Kylie and Shayden to sleep at least some of the time (last time they pretty much didn't sleep).
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Guess who's 2?!!
This afternoon, we celebrated Shayden's second birthday - even though he already turned 2 last week (Dec.29th). Since I was in bed with the flu at that time, we caught up today.
And catch up we did! We were close to 20 people - all family.
Although lots of pictures were taken, you'll have to wait a bit to see some.
Jeremie took the camera on an "overnighter" to his cousin and newly wedded wife.
Shayden was quite the ham, not minding all the attention and being in the limelight.
He was happily eating away his cake.
WE LOVE YOU, SHAYDEN, and are thrilled that you are a part of our family!!!
Your sunny personality and joy are such a blessing!!!
And catch up we did! We were close to 20 people - all family.
Although lots of pictures were taken, you'll have to wait a bit to see some.
Jeremie took the camera on an "overnighter" to his cousin and newly wedded wife.
Shayden was quite the ham, not minding all the attention and being in the limelight.
He was happily eating away his cake.
WE LOVE YOU, SHAYDEN, and are thrilled that you are a part of our family!!!
Your sunny personality and joy are such a blessing!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
My family and I trust that you had a special Christmas and we wish you a FANTASTIC start into the New Year 2009!
I will not stay up to celebrate tonight, as I am recuperating from a flu.
So far, our time in Germany has been good - and challenging - especially in the health department...
The following verse expresses my desire for 2009:
Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and require His face and His presence (continually) evermore.
Psalm 105:4 (Amplified Bible)
I will not stay up to celebrate tonight, as I am recuperating from a flu.
So far, our time in Germany has been good - and challenging - especially in the health department...
The following verse expresses my desire for 2009:
Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and require His face and His presence (continually) evermore.
Psalm 105:4 (Amplified Bible)
Monday, December 15, 2008
SOS from Zimbabwe
I am DEEPLY moved by what is going on in Zimbabwe, Africa, at the moment. This is not the first report and SOS we have received and I feel to pass it on.
I remember feeling like this years ago during the genocide in Rwanda (we were in Europe at the time, too). We have GOT TO do something, even if it is "just" pray!!!
Please read and do what you can...
Letter from Zimbabwe sent in by John Winter:
I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF... The darkest hour is always before dawn.We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next........I mean they are actually ploughing down brick and mortar houses and one family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when 100 riot police came in with AK47's and bulldozers and demolished their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was 'too close to the airport', so we are feeling extremely insecure right now.
You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help -but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going on here simply because you will feel uncomfortable.
There is no ways we can leave here so that is not an option. I ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all. You can't just be in denial and pretend/believe it's not going on.
To be frank with you, it's genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are - IN level 7 - (level 8 is after it's happened and everyone is in denial). If you don't want me to tell you these things - how bad it is - then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning your back on our situation.
We need you, please, to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa This Government has GONE MAD and you need to help us publicize our plight---or how can we be rescued? It's a reality!
The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food, water, shelter and bedding are a reality... Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 adult people and a child on this property, and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water.How can I take on another family of 4 -----and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open?
I am not asking you for money or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and want you please to pass on our news and pictures. So PLEASE don't just press the delete button! Help best in the way that you know how. Do face the reality of what is going on here and help us SEND OUT THE WORD. The more people who know about it, the more chance we have of the United Nations coming to our aid.
Please don't ignore or deny what's happening. Some would like to be protected from the truth BUT then, if we are eliminated, how would you feel? 'If only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way'.
[I know we chose to stay here and that some feel we deserve what's coming to us]For now,--- we ourselves have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those, I can't fight for my rights. Censorship!----We no longer have SW radio [which told us everything that was happening] because the Government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here, they would have an absolute field day. Even the pro-Government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered and blown mindless by the wanton destruction of many folks homes, which are supposed to be 'illegal' but for which a huge percentage actually do have licenses.
Please! - do have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can/may be done.'I am one. I cannot do everything, ---but I can do something.. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.'
Edward Everett Hale
I remember feeling like this years ago during the genocide in Rwanda (we were in Europe at the time, too). We have GOT TO do something, even if it is "just" pray!!!
Please read and do what you can...
Letter from Zimbabwe sent in by John Winter:
I reckon that these are the last days of TKM and ZPF... The darkest hour is always before dawn.We are all terrified at what they are going to destroy next........I mean they are actually ploughing down brick and mortar houses and one family with twin boys of 10 had no chance of salvaging anything when 100 riot police came in with AK47's and bulldozers and demolished their beautiful house - 5 bedrooms and pine ceilings - because it was 'too close to the airport', so we are feeling extremely insecure right now.
You know - I am aware that this does not help you sleep at night, but if you do not know - how can you help? Even if you put us in your own mental ring of light and send your guardian angels to be with us - that is a help -but I feel so cut off from you all knowing I cannot tell you what's going on here simply because you will feel uncomfortable.
There is no ways we can leave here so that is not an option. I ask that you all pray for us in the way that you know how, and let me know that you are thinking of us and sending out positive vibes... that's all. You can't just be in denial and pretend/believe it's not going on.
To be frank with you, it's genocide in the making and if you do not believe me, read the Genocide Report by Amnesty International which says we are - IN level 7 - (level 8 is after it's happened and everyone is in denial). If you don't want me to tell you these things - how bad it is - then it means you have not dealt with your own fear, but it does not help me to think you are turning your back on our situation.
We need you, please, to get the news OUT that we are all in a fearfully dangerous situation here. Too many people turn their backs and say - oh well, that's what happens in Africa This Government has GONE MAD and you need to help us publicize our plight---or how can we be rescued? It's a reality!
The petrol queues are a reality, the pall of smoke all around our city is a reality, the thousands of homeless people sleeping outside in 0 Celsius with no food, water, shelter and bedding are a reality... Today a family approached me, brother of the gardener's wife with two small children. Their home was trashed and they will have to sleep outside. We already support 8 adult people and a child on this property, and electricity is going up next month by 250% as is water.How can I take on another family of 4 -----and yet how can I turn them away to sleep out in the open?
I am not asking you for money or a ticket out of here - I am asking you to FACE the fact that we are in deep and terrible danger and want you please to pass on our news and pictures. So PLEASE don't just press the delete button! Help best in the way that you know how. Do face the reality of what is going on here and help us SEND OUT THE WORD. The more people who know about it, the more chance we have of the United Nations coming to our aid.
Please don't ignore or deny what's happening. Some would like to be protected from the truth BUT then, if we are eliminated, how would you feel? 'If only we knew how bad it really was we could have helped in some way'.
[I know we chose to stay here and that some feel we deserve what's coming to us]For now,--- we ourselves have food, shelter, a little fuel and a bit of money for the next meal - but what is going to happen next? Will they start on our houses? All property is going to belong to the State now. I want to send out my Title Deeds to one of you because if they get a hold of those, I can't fight for my rights. Censorship!----We no longer have SW radio [which told us everything that was happening] because the Government jammed it out of existence - we don't have any reporters, and no one is allowed to photograph. If we had reporters here, they would have an absolute field day. Even the pro-Government Herald has written that people are shocked, stunned, bewildered and blown mindless by the wanton destruction of many folks homes, which are supposed to be 'illegal' but for which a huge percentage actually do have licenses.
Please! - do have some compassion and HELP by sending out the articles and personal reports so that something can/may be done.'I am one. I cannot do everything, ---but I can do something.. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. What I can do, I should do. And what I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.'
Edward Everett Hale
Friday, December 5, 2008
Up North
This week, Rich, Shayden and I traveled about 4-5 hours north - to participate at a missionaries get-together and visit friends on the way. Rich and Shayden just stayed one night and then went back south to be with the other kids, whereas I am staying the rest of the week.
The organization that handles all of our administration from Germany, Globe Europe, requires missionaries to report back at least every 3 years (it´s actually been 4 for us).
I am enjoying some free time - when else can I get to spend 2 hours in the morning fellowshipping with God?!!!
One of the great things about being a missionary is that you get to rub shoulders with some extraordinary people! I´ve thought this many times and this week is no different.
What a caliber of people, many of them young families, who work in very difficult circumstances!!!
I am sharing a room with 4 ladies, all single. One working in Romania, one in Albania, one getting ready to go to Central Asia and one that JUST arrived back from Mozambique!
Amazing ladies, giving up their lives to LOVE - in Jesus´name!
After spending every free minute catching up on sleep (I was sooo tired!) the first couple of days, I am now enjoying socializing with the others.
I even got to play a game of "Fussball" (Tischfussball) yesterday with 2 of our missionaries from Africa. One of them is African, married to a German, the other one is German. Both have young children. Incredible people!
So as you can see, I´m having a bit of fun here - also got to play some ping-pong with the African brother. The only down-side is that I MISS MY FAMILY!!! Wish they could be here, too!!!
(because of space restrictions, nobody was allowed to bring children.)
The organization that handles all of our administration from Germany, Globe Europe, requires missionaries to report back at least every 3 years (it´s actually been 4 for us).
I am enjoying some free time - when else can I get to spend 2 hours in the morning fellowshipping with God?!!!
One of the great things about being a missionary is that you get to rub shoulders with some extraordinary people! I´ve thought this many times and this week is no different.
What a caliber of people, many of them young families, who work in very difficult circumstances!!!
I am sharing a room with 4 ladies, all single. One working in Romania, one in Albania, one getting ready to go to Central Asia and one that JUST arrived back from Mozambique!
Amazing ladies, giving up their lives to LOVE - in Jesus´name!
After spending every free minute catching up on sleep (I was sooo tired!) the first couple of days, I am now enjoying socializing with the others.
I even got to play a game of "Fussball" (Tischfussball) yesterday with 2 of our missionaries from Africa. One of them is African, married to a German, the other one is German. Both have young children. Incredible people!
So as you can see, I´m having a bit of fun here - also got to play some ping-pong with the African brother. The only down-side is that I MISS MY FAMILY!!! Wish they could be here, too!!!
(because of space restrictions, nobody was allowed to bring children.)
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