Sad and Happy News

The sad news is.........while we were in the USA in December, our family dog got sick and died.  The kids, especially little Eden, were so sad. :(

The happy news is......we have a new furry friend at our house!  

Selah is her name and she is bringing lots of giggles and love into our days!

Home

The past few months have been a whirlwind of adventure. Our family took part in a huge community Christmas musical production here in Panama and the day after the show, we hopped on a jet plane and headed home to Thomasville, Georgia. We spent 3 weeks reconnecting with our home church and precious friends there. We were able to spend time with our extended families and make memories with them. I was apprehensive (okay, a nervous wreck) about spending time back in the USA. I had a long list of worries but at the top was this;

I was afraid that we would not want to leave and come back to Panama.

I was afraid that goodbye to our friends would hurt too much. I was worried that having to leave the "comfort" of life in the USA would be too difficult. In the end, there was some validity to my worries and fears. There were tears shed with goodbyes and I fondly remember quick trips to Walmart, Chick- fil- A and Sonic. However, what I had not really trusted was the peace in my heart as we left and headed back to Panama. It felt, well...... right.

I know that God has called us to serve in Panama City for this time in the life of our family. There is nothing sweeter than being in the center of God's will and knowing that you are being obedient to what He has called you to do. Not even Krispy Kreme donuts (which I ate A LOT) are as sweet as laying your head down and waking up knowing that God is working through your family for His good.

I am so grateful for the time we were able to spend in Georgia. We needed it and it recharged our batteries. I am also grateful that coming back to Panama felt like going home. I am grateful that there is room for two homes in my heart.

The Joy of Giving

Recently, I was insipred by what The Oaks church is doing this year to bring CHRISTmas to their community. You can read more about it here.

I decided that the Louderback family should join in on the fun! So, I made a version of the idea that fit well with our family and what we have going on. I thought you might enjoy seeing it and maybe even get inspired, like I did, to help your family celebrate in a giving way this year.

Praying your Christmas is filled with the joy of giving~

The Louderback Family

12 days of being a CHRISTmas blessing.

1. Saturday 11^th: Buy Christmas gifts for Marielle and her daughter

2. Sunday 12^th: Give water to the street vendors as we pass by

3. Monday 13^th : Go out of your way to open doors for friends, family and strangers

4. Tuesday 14^th : Give a teacher a Thank you/Merry Christmas note

5. Wednesday 15^th: Write a letter of encouragement to a soldier who will not be home this Christmas (get address from mom)

6. Thursday 16^th: Invite people to the Christmas program at church

7. Friday 17^th: Hand some spare change to a street vendor

8. Saturday 18^th: Send an online Christmas card to another MK in another part of the world

9. Sunday 19^th: Compliment people you see all day today

10. Monday 20^th: Hand out candy canes in the airport along the way

11. Tuesday 21^st: Put some change in the bell ringers bucket

12. Wednesday 22^nd: Think of a random act of kindness you can do for someone today just to bless them

What do they hear?

I can hear most things that go on inside of my neighbors homes. Our home sits very close to the other ones on my street and everyone lives with open windows and doors trying to cope with the heat. So, I hear. Lots of things. I hear the daily calls to my elderly neighbor from her children. They call to check in at least twice every day. I hear the neighbor on the other side of my home as she prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. I hear as she cleans the dishes from the meal she has made. Across the street there is a large family from the East. They have many generations in the home. This afternoon I heard all of the kids laughing and playing, singing songs together. I hear cars that come and go. I hear babies cry. I hear parents correct. You get the idea. So today, I started thinking. What do my neighbors hear from my home? What do the things that they hear say about my family? They hear the dog, the laughter, the frustrations, the phone, the tears, the cooking, the music. They hear our life on some level each and every day. Just as I hear theirs. The same is true in your home. Sure, you may not live as I do with windows and doors wide open. Those that live around you can still hear. They may "hear" differently than my neighbors do. They may hear with their eyes. So, what do they hear when they look at your family? In your conversations, in the things that are important to you. Makes you think, doesn't it.
I am pretty sure that there are no wrong or right answers here. Just pondering and evaluating. And perhaps changing of tones that need to occur. At least in this home.