home computer update

wow! miracle of miracles this time when i tried to log in IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!!! josh must have worked some of his nerdy magic and now i can update the blog from home!!!! where do i start...

josh is in kentucky this week at asbury seminary doing some recruiting with tim h. from global partners. they are meeting lots of students doing some debriefing, and talk talk talk talk talking i am sure. it should be an encouraging and refreshing time as strange as that sounds. he loves people and will come back with more energy and drive then when he left.

here on the home front we are facing some pretty serious family health problems. dad found out a few weeks ago that he has some pretty aggressive cancer in his throat and his bladder. he starts chemo tomorrow, with a 9 hr iv. we are taking it day by day not really knowing how he will react or what all the process includes. they are treating the bladder cancer first and then after that they will treat the cancer in his throat. he is strong and upbeat about all of it. the greatest thing of all though is that this has brought him closer to God. he has no control and its's funny how those situations always draw you nearer to the One who does.

grandma (dad's mom) has been in the hospital since last tues she had a pace maker put in yesterday and the doctors are already ready to send her home (great news). the not so great part is that she really needs to be living closer to us kids and in a place that is safer/more convenient for her to get around. she is 91 and really needs to be checked in on every day. that was dad's job but with the chemo we don't know if he will be up to taking care of himself let alone grandma as well.

where do we come in? well, my sister, josh, my grandma's niece and i are the only ones around to take care of these two. juggling work schedules, children and a one hour drive to get to them has been a challenge. we would like them to be closer so we can do a better job of making sure they are o.k. these are all decisions i have no idea how to make. i think i have realized in the last few months i really am a grown up . it is hard work being an adult and not always fun huh!

where do you come in? well, i would love to know you are keeping our family in your prayers. we can really use the extra boost that comes from knowing we are being lifted up from all over the world and from many voices. thanks for letting me take the time to catch you up on our lives.

on a more encouraging note, we have a new church to add to our team of supporters.(only about $60,000 to go nz here we come) we have been so encouraged by the churches we have visited and getting to connect with the supports who are already a part of our team. it is amazing to think that these churches are taking offerings for us every month, and that these individuals are sacrificing every week so that we can live and work in nz. God does have a great way of connecting people and helping us build relationships doesn't He.

well blessing on you for today, and keep the umbrella handy because it WILL rain. the good news is, rain brings growth right!!!!

child labor?

cail wanted to help the other day and i thought why not. i hope nobody thinks i am overworking her because she really had a good time. there were a few more item that got scrubbed too, the walls, the fridge, and the stove, so the whole kitchen got a good clean. she is such a good, big helper!!!

easter babe

averie and i were shopping at target (!!!!my fav store!!!) and i just could not resist dressing her up for easter. she is so willing and so cute!

jan 11th

playing in the snow with our friend ella. this is a good picture of indiana winter. it was very cold but we had a blast walking around in the knee deep, fluffy, white snow!!!!