Where we go.....

In response to my emotions brought on by my last blog entry I feel compelled to share my thoughts. Missing our kids is normal and healthy for both sides. It means they have moved forward in their lives and we can know look at them through the eyes of our memories without all the messy stuff. At least that is how I like to do it! We also get to see them in their new roll as independent grown ups (or almost grown up/almost independent). Yes we still supply support, but won't we always, as parents support our kids in some ways? Be it financial, emotional and always spiritual.
I was thinking about my mom the other day (she passed away almost 6 years ago) and I was missing her. I missed her alot the last 30 years. Not unhealthily, just as a daughter misses her mom whom she doesn't see often. I realized I am not unique in my family as the daughter who left the family "behind", to explore new worlds. Starting back with my Grandmother DeVictor, she left Italy on a boat, never to return to her family. She entered the USA through Ellis Island one day in the early 1900's as one of thousands. She must have felt lost and alone, yet ready for what the new world held for her. She was a strong woman and I loved her dearly, though we didn't see her often. My mom, her daughter, also left home. First to get her college education, she never did, interrupted by WWII. Than she married my dad and left her family and moved north. She was amazing in her own ways. Strong, like her mother, funny like no other, and all about family. Maybe being away from hers caused her to cherish us a little more. Then there is me, I moved across the country, got married, started a family and rarely visited. Not because I didn't want to, just because. Life keeps us occupied, I just always tried to be occupied with good things. God, my husband, kids, friends and even strangers at times.
Now my daughter has moved across an ocean. She is doing good things, serving God, making friends, blessing strangers and yes, she visits as often as she can. I know someday that may change. For know, I cherish every minute with her, for someday she will have another who will occupy her thoughts more than family does. And that is good and right.
It doesn't make me miss my kids any less, it's just nice to share my thoughts and feelings. May all who read this feel blessed this Christmas by the love of God, who never leaves us.
Moving onward towards...........

Missing my kids.....

Can you fit all of you into this small a space?

All decorated for Africa! She got lots of strange looks when people saw her hands.

Adam in his apartment with roommate Jacob.

Fall leaves.

Stephanie stayed in Oregon for a few days after our trip to Africa to enjoy the beautiful Oregon fall.

more pictures of Africa

While traveling to Africa in October we saw the sun rise in London and set in Liberia!! We didn't even know we would be traveling through Liberia till we checked in in London! Go figure. This sunset is our last in Sierra Leone as we got off the ferry that took us across the bay to the airport. What a fitting end to an incredible time.
Life next to the church where we did most of our ministry. This was right outside the door, we looked into the neighbors yard, or should I say life. Most things take place around the water. It is also a pulic water source, so many came by regulary to fill jugs with water. We saw children bathed, dishes and clothing washed, puppies playing, and always, kids being kids. It was fun to engage them, usually the camera coming out of a pocket was enough to draw them to us.
These four boys lived near our hotel. Not surprising they loved having their pictures taken, almost to much. They would be goofy just to get our attention.
Construction at the hotel. So does this look up to code?

Sierra Leone 07

Stephanie and I went to Sierra Leone, Africa with a team of 9. What an incredible time we had. This was a return trip for me and a first for Stephanie. We went to support and encourage the local church. While there we ministered to one of the outlying village churches. We did 6 mini services and handed out worm medicine to over 400 people, mostly children, all in one day. Many were prayed for and many received Christ that day. We then moved into Freetown and held a three day pastors conference taught by the three pastors who we traveled with. During the day we where able to fellowship, pray with, and encourage many of those attending. Nightly services where held and attended by many. Stephanie danced a worship hula on Friday evening that was well received.

Saturday the five women on the team held a womans conference. The Lord wove together the theme of prayer and God's faithfulness. I believe we strongly encouraged the local woman as we ministered through our testimonies and dance. Barbara Schnake then taught the women how to use the Evangacube to reach out to their families, friends and neighbors. We had cubes for everyone, lovingly donated by Tom Doyle whom I had met while in Kona with YWAM. Thanks Tom.

The childrens rally on Saturday afternoon was amazing. We had over 170 kids packed into the church. Bible Stories, missionary stories, the Wordless book, songs, crafts, face painting and learning a hula were some of the highlights. Over 100 kids received the Lord or assurance that day. PTL.

The people of Sierra Leone are some of the friendliest, joyful folks I have ever met. They made us feel so welcomed, blessed and special. Not just the folks in the church, but at the hotel, in the market place, everywhere. People where willing to stop and talk and spend time with us. Yes, some wanted to sell us things or ask for money, but even when we said no, they stuck around to spend a little time with us. All had a ready smile and a friendly "How da body" greeting. We understood each other fairly well which made for easy conversations.

I'll post more pictures in the coming weeks as time permits. Please keep the people and the church of Sierra Leone in your prayers. They are the second poorest nation in the world, but hopeful for their future. In just the two years since my last visit I saw improvement in the sanitary conditions, though there is a long way to go. The resent election resulted in a positive outcome. Please pray the transition from the sitting president to the newly elected one will go smoothly.
Thanks for reading.