Open House for Kids

Today we had an open house at the kids school. They have had such a wonderful experience here. The teachers have been so attentive and helped them transition so well. They are very excited about how God is going to use them in Costa Rica and Panama. They have made some special friendships and have really had a great experience. Here are some pictures of some of the projects they have done.

Brain Overload

Wow, I just looked at the calendar and saw that Christmas is 2 weeks from today! I am telling you that I have lost all track of days, time, weeks, months while we have been here. I just look at the schedule they gave us and show up in the class I am supposed to show up in. We have no tv and basically no connection with the outside world so it was a bit of a shock to check out the calender this evening. Good thing I did all of my shopping early!
We have had yet another fast paced week. To be honest I do not think that my brain can hold one more piece of information at this point. Information overload!!! Thankfully, we have a half day tomorrow. We get out at noon so we can get some more shots. Won't the kids be so happy. :)
We will leave VA one week from today and head to Texas to celebrate Christmas. We are looking forward to a little time of rest and spending time with my family. We have our plane tickets and are set to fly to Costa Rica on January 2nd. We are getting excited!!
Well, I am going to dash back to my sleeping quarters in the pouring rain and try to get some rest.

12 Days of Christmas

Our family received the neatest gift this week. One of our prayer partner churches sent us a 12 days of Christmas care package. I have never seen anything like it but we have had so much fun! Each day for 12 days, we open a new present. Inside we find a "themed" gift that coincides with the song. For example, today was day 4 and we opened the gift to find not 4 "calling birds" but a "calling card" to use while we are traveling around. On day three we found not 3 "french hens" but gift certificates for "french fries" and some "french cocoa"....anyway you get the idea. I am telling you, it is the cutest thing ever and the kids are loving it! They can hardly wait for each new day to open their gift!
A huge thanks to this sweet church family!!! Your thoughtfulness and support have truly blessed us! It is so amazing to me that these sweet folks have never even met our family but have been such a support to us. Isn't God good!

Missions Week Thank You!!!

During this time of year many Southern Baptist Churches focus on international missions. It is the time of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which funds the work of Southern Baptist missionaries. I want to personally thank you for giving. We have been so impressed with the many ways that your money is being used. I can tell you without reservation that your money is well spent! The training we are receiving here is amazing. They really have thought of everything and we feel so well prepared for what lies ahead. What a privilege to be able to come here and focus on learning how to go and tell! We have also had the opportunity to hear many stories about exciting things that God is doing around the world! Your missionaries are making a real difference in the kingdom of God and your PRAYERS and GIVING are a HUGE part of that!
I have also been reminded this week of how many years I sat in church this time of year hearing all the talk of missions and feeling so guilty because I knew that God had spoken to my heart and I was not being obedient. There is no peace like that of being in the center of God's will. I have to remind myself of that when it does not feel very peaceful in my heart.
I want to say a special thank you to our home church in Thomasville. Thank you for loving us and supporting us. We are proud to go as a part of your body. We miss you and can not wait until we get set up so that you can come and serve alongside us with mission teams. We want you to know that we could not do this without your support. This is a group effort and we are glad to be part of your team!