Quiet

Yesterday, Belize experienced a  Tropical Depression.  It actually wiped out a couple of piers at Caye Caulker.  But Belmopan just got a lot of wind and rain.  One of the first things I did when I got home last week was to prepare a hurricane kit.  We didn't need it, but its nice to know its ready if we do:)

Last evening, the rain was coming in pretty hard and cool...so I went around and shut all the windows.  We never shut the windows here.  And we had no fans going.  I was reading and realized how QUIET my house was...with the windows closed and fans off.  I think Erika was playing in her room.

That is how my life has felt the last few days.  Very quiet.  Erika is loving the one on one attention she is getting, but she has also been playing in her room a lot.  Something that has always been a struggle to get her to do.  I have things to do.  I could clean my house from top to bottom...but I really am just doing the basics, cleaning sheets, etc, cleaning from the house being empty.  I have so much less laundry and am doing so much less cooking.

But I really MISS my older two.  I know they are having the time of their life.  Their last week in Texas, they are at Camp.  We watched it on the internet last night...and my heart was so happy that we made the decision for them to stay.  I am so thankful for family and friends that are feeding them, housing them, taking them shopping, washing their clothes...the list could go on and on.  We could not do it without our families.

Today we ate lunch out for SO CHEAP!!!  Lee was like, "this is how it will be in a few years..."   Really, did he really want me to cry right now???  

I do feel like, wow, this is how it will be when Tori goes to college.  We only have one more year of Josh living at home and four with Tori.  It is really hard to take in.  And I feel poor Erika will be so lonely with just us:(  But so is life...it happens...we adjust and move on.

I am enjoying no sibling wars, whining, complaining about each other.  But I am really missing my house being so full.  This is okay for a few weeks...but I'm counting down the next six days til my babies get off that plane!

Feeling Refreshed

The trip the states this year felt even more of a whirlwind than last year.  I am so glad that Erika and I stayed a week longer to visit with my parents.  Josh and Tori are still there so they can go to YFN.

Going to Convention in Florida was so refreshing for us as a family.  Our kids made great friends and FMI spoiled our family.  Tori actually roomed with two other missionary daughters, as we were only allowed four in a room.

Poor Lee got sick the day our family went to Epcot.  His birthday and the first ride.  He spent his 43rd birthday in bed.  Good thing his mom had made a special dinner the night before we left.

Erika had lots of oppurtunities to swim on this trip.  I believe she loves swimming more than most anything.  I like that it wears her out:)  I plan to take her here in Belmopan a few times while the older two are still in the states.

Convention was at the end of Lee's part of the trip, so he left so spiritually refreshed.  Sometimes, no matter where you minister, it is just good to get away and let the Lord speak to you free of distractions.  We both were filled up and ready to come back to Belize.

This morning, I have washed so many sheets and towels, clothes, dishes...just cleaning up from the house being (mostly) vacant and getting the house in order.  Erika and I went to the produce stand but I am looking forward to going to Market on Tuesday.  The mango I had for lunch was sooo good.  Today is purely a catch up day for us.  I need to go through our clothes and get rid of some to give away.  So much still to do. But it is good to be home.  Today is rainy and it is only 82.  What a blessing.  The humidity is pretty thick though.  I am anxious to see everyone at LifeNet tomorrow.  We saw two of our Mayan girls as we went to the store and they were so happy to see us and waving.  It feels good to be loved.  Even the grocery store people said they've missed us:)

Lee's mom made fried shrimp for Lee's birthday dinner.

My three cuties on the way to the pool.  I love them so much:)

Tori and her roomates for the week.  I don't think they slept at all.

The Worship at Convention was so wonderful...loved it.

first time to play minature golf and she loved it.

Breakfast on the patio at Conroe.

Tori enjoyed the horse ride so much.

We have a swimmer:)

Back HOME

I am exhausted tonight as I write this...but thought I should put something out there.

My heart is so full.  My family has been loved, pampered, eaten out to our heart's desire, blessed beyond measure.

I woke up this morning in AC, in my parent's home, Erika sleeping across from me.  Today I would make the journey back home alone, without Lee, just Erika.  We did pretty good.  I must say God's hand was on us every step of the way...and all the conveniences of the American airport were a blessing as well.  But people were kind, and helpful.  When my hands were just too full, someone would help.  When we departed onto the tarmac, and I was overcome of the heat and humidity.  The end of the plane ride was quite turbulent and I actually thought I may need the "special bag"  Thankfully I was okay.  As I walked toward the airport, I saw a couple hundred people waiting outside to get in.  But I am a Resident...and what favor that afforded me.  I was taken inside the building to wait behind only 4 families.  God is so good.

It is good to be home.  There will definitely be adjustments to be made.  The biggest is the lack of air conditioning.   My to do list for tomorrow is a mile long.  But I will simply do what I can and not worry if it is all not accomplished.  I am much less productive in this weather.

I am honored to serve the Lord here in Belize.  It is not without sacrifice.  But it is full of reward.

It was especially difficult for Erika to leave her grandparents.  But now that we are home, she seems content.  This is her home.  For this season.  I am thankful for phone calls and facetime:)

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped us along our journey.  Those of you who picked us up and took us to airports.  Those of you who housed us, fed us.  It all counts.  Every bit of it was a blessing.

Our spirits are revived and ready to press on.  

 But my body is EXHAUSTED.  So I will head to bed early tonight.

Pictures to come...and there will be a lot!

Two Different Worlds

We are having a great time and have quickly acclimated ourselves fully back into this American culture.

But it is surreal too.

I live my life in two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT worlds.

How quickly I have gotten used to the AC.  It even affects how I wear my hair, which clothes I wear, if I wear makeup or not.

How I am already used to running to the store for what we need.  In Belize, I have learned to do without so many things that I feel I NEED here.

Driving....so much, so far.  I truly believe in our first two weeks here, we have been in the car more than a year in Belize.  And so fast.  The cars are so fast.  And Police.  They are EVERYWHERE.  And they WILL pull you over:(

Eating.  Wow.  So much choice, that it is simply overwhelming.  I think Lee and I are officially over eating fast food.  Our taste buds are enjoying, but maybe not our overall systems.  I seriously know I am lacking in the fruit and veggie dept, as our my children:)

Love.  It is like Christmas, Birthdays, and every holiday wrapped in one.  We are enjoying being with longtime friends and family.  We are enjoying being loved and spoiled.  God is filling our Love Tanks, for sure.

Shopping is so much fun.  You try on the clothes in AC.  You only buy the ones that fit, instead of guessing at market:)  So many choices of clothing, as well.  And sales.  Fun times.

But in the midst of enjoying all of this, my heart is always reminded of the world I am away from right now.  Reading on Facebook how they are struggling with high temps and smoke.  Missing my "kids" back in Belize.  Wondering how they are doing.  Missing watching friends with babies and expecting mommas that I love.  Missing my other family.

We are having a blast.  But this is not our real life.  This is something that can be hard for us.  For my kids.  Simply being in America is truly like living in Disney World.  So we enjoy every moment.  But it is just that, a moment.  Then back to what God has called us to.   Back to our real life:)

First Half of our Trip

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I last wrote a post.  Life has been incredibly busy.  We have been in the states for almost two weeks now.  I have a ton of pictures, but our lives have been full with graduation, weddings, speaking at churches, large and small, seeing family, visiting a college, and lots and lots of doctor visits and shopping!

Our family has been so awesome to us.  We have been blessed to spend time with both of our parents, and all of our siblings, nieces and nephews.  We have squeezed in times with friends.  There is just never enough time.  Today, I have been busy since early this morning and need to be settling soon.

Our main base has been Wayne and Jodie's home.  They have spoiled us rotten!  The kids are enjoying the time with their cousins when they get home from school. 

Here are a few pics of the trip so far:

waiting to board the plane...

breakfast with Lee's parents and cousins

watch out Belize...here she comes:)

Mother's Day weekend was the first time in four years (my brother's wedding) that my entire family was able to get together.  Mom is just glowing with all eleven of her grandchildren around her!  We all had such a great time barbecuing in the park.  The Lord gave us a beautiful day as well.

Sunday, Mother's Day, we ministered in Waxahachie.  And Tori's best friend showed up!  What a blessing and awesome surprise.  So afterwards, for lunch, we had my parents, Emily's family, a few girls from CFNI and the Next Gen pastor.  It was so much fun!

The beginning of our trip included a few small hiccups.  But God has stepped in and began to bless us, refresh us in such great ways.  As we have gone to doctors and dentists, God has given us favor as we paid the bills.  When we have had to stay in hotels, He has done the same.  The trip has been great to just get away from the constant that ministry is.  We have still been extremely busy, but it has just been a different type of busy.  We have been showered with Love by our friends and family here in the states.  And that love energizes to keep going.

We enjoyed going to the theatre the first time in about three years.

Lots of waiting in Dr. offices.  So thankful to have shows recorded on my I touch to entertain Erika.

Lunch with these special girls.  Planning short and long term trips to Belize.

These girls have been friends since they were in diapers.  Its amazing how time and distance is laid down when they see each other.  I love their relationship and love for each other.

What a blessing to enjoy a special mother/daughter brunch with my girls, my mom, my mom in law and sis in law.  Thank you Jodie!

And then Lee got to perform the wedding of someone very special to us.  His favorite part was wearing the robe:)

Erika with the daughter of the bride at the rehearsal dinner.  We didn't take the kids to the wedding so we could have a little "date night".

And of course, Corey was stunning.

We were also blessed to squeeze in an evening with Alice Salinas for family photos.  She was busy taking the wedding pictures as well.  I know I will treasure these photos so much.

There are so many things going on that have not been recorded in pictures.  We have shared about Belize in several churches, met with several pastors and friends.  It is a busy time for us.  But also a time of blessing.  People wanting to know what they can pray for and we know they will.  Sunday morning at Life Church in Katy, two special ladies prayed over me.  I cried like a baby.  Not because I was sad,  just because they knew exactly what and how to pray for me.  I am so incredibly blessed to have a  family in Belmopan, Belize.  And I am so incredibly blessed to have a family in Katy, Texas, as well.
Our physical family  has gone out of their way to serve us and love on us.  It is like Christmas, Easter, and all our birthdays rolled up into one trip.

At the end of the week, we will begin our road trip to Florida for Convention.  It is hard to leave our family once again, but also a blessing for our little family to get some time away.  Please pray for our safety as we travel.

What's in my heart

This morning I woke up with a long to-do list...not too hard.  The hardest is deciding what to pack.  I don't want to take too much, because I desperately need new clothes and other things and want to have room.  But I also need to have something to wear in the mean time:)

I have a doctor's appt for Erika in a little while.  She has had pain in her ear and fever on and off all weekend.  She is doing better, but I am concerned about the flying and it being painful for her.  Ear pain is the worst.

Then, one of the ladies in our church had a baby boy yesterday morning.  We can only visit at 10:30.  And yes, they are strict because she will be in a room with twenty other mothers:)  I went and took a gift to her on Friday, knowing we may be gone when the baby came.  I could barely even hug her...that baby was ready to come!

Yesterday, Erika and I stayed home (because of her fever).  I missed church.  I missed my family.  How do people live without a church family?  But I still got to see several of them in the afternoon and at night.  All bidding us goodbye.  We are loved:)

Balance that with all the emails from my mom and sister-in-laws, chatting with my sister on Facebook.  Our family in the states is preparing for us to come as we prepare as well.  It feels good to have that love waiting on us:)

It is an interesting thing.  This living in two different worlds.  Wednesday morning, we will wake up early to drive a bumpy, crazy highway to the airport.  We will get ready in no AC, with fans blowing on us.  We will load the plane out on the tarmac, climbing up steep stairs.   We will leave a part of our heart here.  Some worry that we won't come back...and that breaks my heart most of all. We have to reassure and reassure them that we are...  Wednesday afternoon, we will get off a plane, into all the luxury of the airport in the states.  We will live for a month in AC.  Everywhere we shop, eat, sleep, we will be comfortable.  We will eat at restaurants and have such variety to choose from.  We will be surrounded by and pampered and loved on by family and friends.  And they will be sad when it is time for us to go again.  And so will we.

But this is our calling.  This is what Jesus has asked us to do.  To live, love and disciple Belizeans.  God has been preparing us for this all our lives.  Even though we didn't know it then.  Our life is our offering to Him.  We have to depend on Him so much.  We have depend on Him for our finances.  We can't work more hours or harder, although we do work hard.   We simply have to trust Him to supply.  And while He does His part, we serve.  With everything we have.  Compared to some, our sacrifice is small.  

Below are the lyrics to my new favorite song.

Because I see in real life God doing this.  Restoring hearts that were broken and hopeless.  And He is using us to bring that message.  Not just a message of salvation.  Belize is so over-evangelized.  Taking it deeper.  Fathering the fatherless.  Mothering the motherless.   A young man just shared with Lee that he wished someone had shared some things with him a long time ago...now, he is eager to share those things with others.  

And that makes any sacrifice we make, worth it:)

GREAT ARE YOU LORD
Written by: Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan, David Leonard

You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord

It's Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It's Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise to You only

You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord

All the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You, Lord

Life is Full:)

Its hard to believe it has been only a week ago, that we went to the naming ceremony for this little guy.  This week has been SOOOO full, that surely it feels like a month.  Last Monday, we arrived at 7 am...yes, in the morning, at this home of a Nigerian family in our church.  The house had about 20 Nigerians who had come for this very special ceremony.  There was at least an hour of speaking blessings over this child's life.  It was so beautiful and precious.  And he was so good and calm through it all.  I am thankful that we got to be a part of such a special time.

Fast forward to this past Friday night.  Our LifeNet Worship team led worship Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening for Foursquare Belize's Ninth Anniversary.  I am so proud of them...and know they are all exhausted.  Also, leading Sunday morning as well.  And each time involved an hour drive both ways and setting up and tearing down all of the equipment.  What a blessing that our church could do this.  I love our church family and their servant's hearts.

Saturday, while Lee went and spoke in Cayo to the pastors and leaders, the girls and I went to a birthday party at a pool that was just built in Belmopan.  Lets just say...we will be going back...it was awesome.  And refreshing.

Last night, we returned for the final night of the Anniversary celebrations.  Yesterday was such a long day for our family.  We had church in the morning, leaving at 9 am from the house.  I taught children's church and we had a guest speaker in the main service, from Panama.  He also used to work at FMI, so was one of our teachers when we went through Missions Training.  Lee said he did an awesome job.  We took him to lunch, then came and rested for just a bit before heading to Cayo at 5 pm.  We didn't get home until about 11:30 last night. 

This morning, I am exhausted and have had lots of housework to catch up on.  But I am thankful that the girls are done with school and Josh just has one class, which he will finish tomorrow.  I am thankful that I get to stay home.  There is so much, with cooking food from scratch, it is harder to keep the house clean here and laundry is more complicated.  I honestly do not know how women here balance work and home:)

This picture is actually from last week.  My six year old sure is growing up.  Here, she is so excited, cutting fruit for our amazing fruit salad.  

It is five years ago this week that this precious girl came to live in our home.  I am overwhelmed with the goodness of God and answering prayer.  She brings life and joy to our family.  She is constant entertainment.  We love seeing her little spirit developing.  Right now, she is absolutely loving going to Baby Girls Club on Tuesday afternoons.  It is a ministry of Nichole C Mullen.  She is learning scripture and very important Biblical truths.  Just a reinforcement of what we are teaching her already, but a blessing.

Okay, gotta go...more laundry to  hang:)