I tried to post yesterday...

40 DAYS!!!!!!!!!

Now, it's 39!!!!!

WHOOP!

CAN'T WAIT!

:D

The latest group pic.

Strawberry pickin' good!

A group of homeschooling moms in the area decided to take our kids on a little field trip to pick strawberries. We took a taxi to the fast train, a 35 minute fast train ride, and then a bus for another hour to get to the desired location. It had been raining and we trekked out into the middle of the countryside to get to the strawberries. Rows upon rows of strawberries just waiting to be picked!!!

The owner of this particular plot of land gave the kids who didn't have rainboots plastic bags to tie over their shoes! Clever. We picked and picked and slipped and slid and laughed and talked for a couple of hours! We had a grand time and came home with more strawberries than we could really carry without squashing a few! I washed for a couple of hours at home to get them ready to eat. :)

This is a strawberry plant that a friend gave me 6 months ago. I don't have a green thumb...as a matter of fact...it's black. I kill almost every plant I get. Even the ones they say no one can kill. I either over water or underwater, over-sun or under-sun them. Or a combination of it all. But I try.

This plant should have produced some berries a few weeks ago. I really have babied it trying to take good care of it. It's right beside my kitchen sink so I don't forget to water it. Last week we noticed ONE berry. I don't care who says otherwise...that's VICTORY for me. LOL.

But as I've babied that berry...more have developed. I can count SIX strawberries today. WOOHOO!

Birthday Greetings

In case you've forgotten, the Princess is a Craft-y kind of kid. She LOVES crafts. Any kind. Well, birthday greeting cards are hard to come by in this culture, so we improvise.

All I did was remind her that we were giving Dad an IOU for his birthday and needed a card. (We thought he would be out of town on his special day.) She did the rest. The picture is not the greatest, but she is a clever kid. Using whatever she could find. A piece of foam, a sharpie, plastic spoons, and scotch tape.

He LOVED it! And we took him to Star*bucks on his birthday and got that new mug.

A bit (bite) of history...

This is LIKE a bagel in looks, but about half as thick. In reality it is as hard as a rock...almost...to bite into and chew. I was given one for a snack this weekend by a national and when I asked what it was it needed a definition to of circumstances to fully understand.

Apparently, during war time, soldiers would have five or six of these on a red string tied around their neck so that they didn't starve during the battle. They would eat a little, shoot a little, eat a little, shoot a little. It is an interesting piece of history to learn. They are still popular among the mountain people who are working in the fields all day. Imagine that. That will change your perspective on McDonald's or any other fast food.

The Prince and Princess together at last.

Working toward a common goal...

Watching him play on his ipod...just to be with him.

I love this pic.

Stealing a kiss.

A closer look.

Scratching his back.

See why I didn't want him to have contacts!!!!!?

16 years ago...

...a large group a people was gathered in waiting room of a small hospital awaiting the birth of the Prince. There were Sunday School teachers, neighbors, friends, Pastors, family members, but all were family to us. All were excited to greet the newcomer.

Prayers were lifted for a safe delivery and for a quick recovery for Queen. Queen, was in a large birthing room with room enough for all the grandparents to wait close at hand. When the time came, though, all were gone except for the Queen's mom. The Queen's mom having birthed five children had never had the honor of actually seeing a child born until the Prince came. Tears of joy came from her eyes.

The Prince was born healthy at 4:03 PM with blonde hair and rosy red lips. His voice was a strong tenor like his father and his father before him. No doubt he belonged in this family.

The Prince was loved and adored by all. He was a loving and fun child full of energy and questions. He was incredibly smart and always learning. He grew in stature and favor with God and man. He loved the Lord. He knew the Bible verses by heart. He asked his father to help him accept Christ as his savior when he was five years old. At six, he told his mother he would baptize people when he grew up. At seven, he was witnessing to his his classmates. Everyone loved the Prince. So much so, that grown men would come to his birthday parties because he personally invited them. Even slumber parties. He asked God to give his family a baby, which God did after doctors said it wouldn't happen. He is an awesome big brother.

As the Prince grew, he developed a love for people and the Word of God. He had an uncanny ability to memorize it, therefore it became written on his heart. He helped his family know that they should move to another country to study language and culture because he spent time with his heavenly Father asking for wisdom. In that context he became a big brother to many young girls who needed one.

The time came for the Prince to leave home to further his studies. It almost broke the King and Queen (and Princess)'s hearts. But it was the right decision. The Prince began to mature and grow into a Godly young man as they watched. He is a servant whom people love. He is GREATLY missed at home in the palace. But the world needs a Prince like him. One who serves the Most High God wholeheartedly.

Today the Prince turns 16, a milestone in the life of many his age. His parents and family want him to know that he is a joy to their heart. He has always been. They are unashamedly proud of him and who he is. They are cheering him on in all he does for they are his BIGGEST fans. They love him UNCONDITIONALLY. When he makes mistakes, which he undoubtedly will do, they are the place to fall...for they will always catch him. They are praying for him today and every day.

You are loved, young Prince.

*gives Prince a hug*

Happy Birthday.

Before you hear it somewhere else...

We're coming home in June for two weeks.

So much still up in the air...but we are BEYOND excited!

I haven't seen my African family in about 5 years. So...that's the main reason to come, since they are there right now. We hope to see as many friends and family as we can, but please know that we are there first to see them and that you will mostly have to come to us once we land on American soil. We are car-less. Anyway, having said that, we do want to see you and hope you'll be understanding if we can't make it work!

More details to come.