Happy 6th Birthday, Levi!

Levi had his 6th birthday party last night with a few friends.  

We are so grateful for great friends!

Annual Meeting at Lake Kariba Inn, Zambia

Last week, we had our Annual Cluster Meeting at Lake Kariba Inn.  All of our personnel from Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique were there for training and fellowship.  The kids got to have loads of fun with a team from South Carolina.  Here are a few pictures from last week....

Zoe's class...

Lily and Zoe - BFF

Fun times at the Kids Program

More friends....

On the Sunset Cruise...

My two favorite guys....

Sweet Baby Joy

How does the song go?  Jesus loves the little children – red and yellow, black and white – they are precious in his sight.  Here in Zambia, there are literally children everywhere you look.  They are always around whether they are taking care of younger siblings, working, taking care of themselves, walking to school or just playing.  They really are precious – every one of them.  

Another baby was born on Friday afternoon.  Just one of way too many babies born to unwed mothers here in Zambia.  It was so bittersweet to hold baby Joy Chisola in my arms this afternoon.  Incredibly sweet because she is so beautiful and such a treasure; bitter because there is a very high possibility that this baby girl will grow up to also have a baby out of wedlock.  My heart hurts for my friend who had this new baby, her second by the same man who is already married with his own family.  I want to just shake her for what she has done – again.  I want to hold her and help her in any way that I can to navigate life with her two precious daughters.  Heavenly Father, only you know the future and I so earnestly pray that my friend will allow you to make her path straight – straight into your loving arms with total abandon.  Lord, may it be so…

Trust in the Lord will all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Crating Day!

The crate has come and gone!  We were able to get everything that we had packed PLUS we had extra space that we were scrambling to fill up at the last minute.  So relieved that it is finished.

Christmas 2012

Reading the Christmas story...

Stockings!

Unwrapping gifts...

 At MeeMee's with the cousins...

Christmas Eve 2012

End of the World Marathon - Kingwood, TX

On December 21st, Jeff finished his second marathon.  He ran 28 miles in 5 hours and 8 minutes - coming in 100 out 334.  Yes, I did say 28 miles.  The course was longer than 26.2 miles.  

It seemed that everyone coming off the race felt those extra 2 miles!

 Below are the faithful 3 who braved 35 degree weather on race day morning.

Jeff is finishing the race with a smile!

Birthday and a Half

My father in law's birthday was December 14th.  Levi's MeeMee and Aunt thought that Levi needed a birthday party also since his sisters got to celebrate their birthdays in the States, so Levi got to celebrate his half birthday with his Papaw.

Christmas Fun

Yes, again, I am catching up on pictures.  A few weeks ago, we got to get together with two of my favorite girlfriends and their families.  All the kids got together to decorate and assemble a gingerbread train.  They had lots of fun - eating and decorating.

Week of Prayer for International Missions

December 2nd begins the Week of Prayer 

for International Missions.

Day 1 is Egypt.

Please click HERE to see what God is doing in Egypt and 

how you can be involved in what He is doing there.

Do You Hear It, Too?

After 3 years in Zambia, we have been back in the States for 5 months.  We have only about 5 weeks to go before we return back to the mission field.  I was concerned when we returned that America would call to me and even though we have enjoyed so many aspects of these United States, I am relieved to say that it is time that we return to Zambia.  

I hear the Lord calling me and He is calling me to Himself.  He has kept that call strong through these months in the States.  It has not wavered.  We have recently had a change of ministry in Zambia and this has thrown me into a dark whirlwind of questioning the Lord.  WHY has He done this?  Does He really KNOW what He is doing?  HOW can He expect me to move?  Why don't I WANT to do what the Lord has told us to do?  One of the ways that I am working through this is to set my whole heart on Jesus and not focus on where I am or what I am doing.  It's only Jesus that matters.  He has been so patient with me and for that, I am extremely grateful.  

These words from Dennis Jernigan have been flowing through my mind and thoughts lately and I continue to pray that no matter what, where or why - I will continue to heed His call to Himself and continue to trust that He is now and will always be my all in all.  I pray that you also hear Him calling, calling you to Himself.  Open our ears, Lord, that we may all hear...

You are my strength when I am weak

You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all

More About the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Please support Southern Baptist Missionaries all over the world by giving to the
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

www.imb.org
-click the Lottie Moon tab
-click 'Give Now'

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 2012

Please remember to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering to support Southern Baptist missionaries all over the world.  More than 60% of our total support comes from this annual offering.  Every penny you give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will go to Southern Baptist missionaries all over the world.  If you are not a part of a Southern Baptist church, then you can go to www.imb.org, click 'Lottie Moon' at the top menu and then click on 'Give Now'.  

Everyone one of us covet your prayers and are so grateful for your support.

Zoe's 8th Birthday

Zoe wanted a safari birthday for her 8th birthday.  So we did what we could for her.  She also specifically requested binoculars and a magnifying glass for her presents, so that is what she got.  

We are so proud of our Zoe!

More Catching Up...

The girls finished soccer.  They had a great time this year

Catching Up...

I'm trying to catch up on some pictures from the last couple of months.  

These pictures are from the Rice Festival.  

Cuzzins!

Just took this picture today at my in-laws 50th Wedding Anniversary.