The First Half of our Week in Pictures

Miss Cutie Pants in her new jeans from Memaw...she looked so big on Sunday

Levi came in so happy on Sunday...Daddy is setting up for worship...hugging Erika and Tori...had to get some pics

I know I take too many pics, but she is adorable...after church, the headband long  gone

This is real life...but how can I tell them to put them away...typically wait over an hour...but its okay, cause its one day I dont have to cook:)

After church, after lunch, we went over to visit baby Eden, fresh from being born Saturday morning.  She is precious, just like mom and dad.

Just had to include this...Stormie takes protecting the house seriously.  When she is tied up, she sleeps, but when she is loose, she is on guard, alerting us to everything:)  She is getting spayed tomorrow...praying all goes well...

Wendy does Storytime in a village named Las Flores.  Erika and I joined her on Wednesday.  She had a smaller crowd, but it was such a neat experience.  Erika loved being a helper and loved being with all the other children.  Hoping we can go once in a while.

Last night was one of our best leadership meetings ever, I think.  And now, we are preparing for Thursday night.  Can't believe tomorrow is already Friday...hope I can rest a little because we have a busy weekend ahead.

Wow, what a morning

Two blogs in one day...sorry...

This morning, after breakfast, we headed to pick up our shipment from Lee's family and a family in Lee's moms church.  We have been waiting and waiting, knowing they were coming.  But today was the day:)

As we were driving, I just kind of thought about how my perspective has changed since living here a year.  When we first moved here, I would fervently pray for protection on the highways, especially around some spots, like "Dead Man's Curve".  Lee said they save a lot of money not have a wall there to keep the cars from going over...they never have to repair the wall that way.  UGH...

Anyway, I realized how much more relaxed I am now on these highways...it is my way of life.  And how I love the rides...it just doesn't take that much to entertain me now.  It is the simple things like a nice drive with my whole family, just enjoying the beautiful day.

The other thing I noticed is that things that used to be different or strange compared to the US, no longer phase me.  Like the Mennonite buggy we passed.  Just a way of life.  Homes that noone could possibly live in...now I know people who live in homes like that...that are my friends.  I see things differently now.

We got to the store and one box was still on the truck...so we waited and waited and finally they let Lee and Josh go on the truck and get it....

loaded up and headed home with three happy kids

this may just look like groceries to you...but you have no idea...what a blessing to get all these special things!!!  Even a case of Dr. Pepper.

The kids had so much fun (and so did we) opening all the gifts...Erika was the last...slowest, opening and savoring each gift.  She was so thankful for her own special toothpaste, toothbrushes and sanitizers...it was so cute...

her reaction upon her last gift...a desperately wanted Laptop like the big kids...

She said, I knew it...I just knew my memaw would get me a laptop:)

and I have soooo much reading to do now...cannot wait...they all look so good, dont know which one to start first

Wini is 18

Yesterday was Wini's 18th birthday.  So, as soon as she left for school, the girls and I decorated her room.

We went and picked up her cake from the bakery.  They did an amazing job.  I asked them to put purple stars (her favorites) and I was so impressed with how it came out.

It was fun this morning, downloading my pictures, because I didn't take any of them.  They are from all different exposures.  Different people.  

It was very dark, but beautiful to have the baptisms at night in a very COLD pool.  We are in a colder time and it has been raining for about two weeks...soo...

Here are Alina and Yanzi, who I baptized.   Alina baptized Wini.

I want to give credit to Alina, the first girl being baptized...these are the pictures she took and they turned out so much better than mine with the darkness...

Kelston, then baptizing his wife, Samantha, then their nephew, Keithan...

Then Abner, Freddy and Trey.

Then, we headed home, changed into dry clothes, and headed to Bull Frog, for those who wanted, to celebrate Wini's birthday.  It was great to have a party and just celebrate with all our young people.  We have such a great group of kids.

Remember, I am seeing these pictures for the first time today, too.  Love when the teens pass around my camera because I get all perspectives.

Alina...actually here spending the night with Wini...

Lee and Trey

Lee and Astrid

Josh and Ree

Nairy, Wini and Bryan

Jesse showing them how it is done

Abner

that million dollar smile

Selini and I  (Ree's mom)  Thankful she helped tote around some of the kids for us:)

Earlyn and Alina...love these two

More pictures from Alina's camera...they are so good...

It was a great night.  The house is quiet as everyone is sleeping but I woke up early.  Its okay.  I have lots to do.  On my third load of laundry, made orange juice, fixing to get things ready for children's church tomorrow.

My kids provide the best pictures and stuff for me to write about, but I definitely get the most done...when a certain kid is recharging her batteries.

We are doing some chores around the house this morning, then heading about an hour away to pick up our Christmas gifts from Lee's family and some people in their church...  Fun day ahead for us.

Remember the baby shower I had a couple of weeks ago?  She had the baby this morning at 3 am in Belize City.  She is 6 1/2 lbs.  Grandma is here taking care of big sister.  Can't wait to see her.  Don't worry, you know I will show you pictures...

Have a great Saturday.