A Boy's Life

Here is Caden up in the tree house.  He loves being outside.  The weather is beautiful here.  Wish you could come for a visit!
This is our Kendall during his cricket tournament.  He played 4 games this morning! He loves every sport he has every been introduced to.
Okay, so I don't know the rules for cricket.  I just know they should hit the ball and run to the other wicket and they break for tea.  They had a nice little table set up with hot tea and biscuits(cookies).   
And here is Landon home from his 5 day trip out in the bush of South Africa.  It sounded a bit like survivor for a 10 year old.  They learned to build their own raft, build  a go-cart, climb up a mountain and come back down with a rope, they cooked their own dinner, and went days without a shower! (The last activity was optional, but I think many of the boys took part.  I just thought they all got really good tans!)   

Children growing up...

As my children continue growing older, there are new depths to my trusting in the Lord.  Landon left this morning to go across the border into another country for 5 days of camp.  He was very excited about cooking his own food, washing his own dishes, and gaining some independence.  This morning I was the last parent to say goodbye, the last to give a hug and kiss, and I even got on the bus to take his picture.  I had never prayer walked a bus before!  I know, I am a little attached.  I am going into brand new territory with my first born.... letting go.  Please do not misunderstand me, I do not want him living with me all his life.  Todd and I long to see our boys grow into responsible adults, but the steps getting there can be difficult for a Momma.  The scripture that the Lord brings to mind... 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7

So I continue to trust and pray that the Lord's perfect will be done.  Thank you for walking on this journey with us.  There is nothing like walking with Jesus and seeing your children trust and walk with Him as well.   

Family and Fun

Here is a picture of little Caden working hard!  He seems to like it!
This is a picture of Landon being himself.  He has his book, his cool glasses, and his game boy!  What else does he need?!

We are all enjoying being back home.  The boys have loved school.  They both have very nice teachers.  Landon will be going to a week long team building camp the first week of March.  I hope I make it through the week without seeing or talking to him.  He and Kendall are both on a mid-term holiday this week.  I love having them home!  The weather has been hot, cool, and raining.  Sounds a lot like AR weather, doesn't it?!  

Caden is growing up so much.  He is learning his shapes, letters, and colors.  He is also very good at getting us to all do what he wants.  

Todd is working on his budget for next year.  Please pray that God will give him wisdom in this as well as everything else he has on his God-given agenda right now.  

I am busy cooking, cleaning, and taking care of my favorite boys.  I am also longing to grow deeper in my relationship with my Savior.  Know that we love you all and miss you very much.    If you would like to know more about the ministry here, please send us your email address.  We send out a newsletter that reports more about what God is doing here in Botswana.  

Home Again.....

As many of you know we have made our journey back to Gaborone.  We have moved in to our home and are getting settled in.  Since our arrival we have been greeting our friends, unpacking boxes, going to the grocery store, enrolling the boys in school, and going to the grocery store. :)

It is the rainy season now, so everything looks beautiful and green.  We still have grass and roses in the front yard.  Our dog, Abunga, is now gone because he chewed up our gate motor one too many times.  So Todd went today to purchase a new gate motor, not a new dog.

I long to walk back into the community where the Lord so graciously allowed me to minister during our first term, but the rain has been too much.  Caden and I will venture out soon.  It is hard to know where to begin when you arrive back on the field.  So we start with prayer and sharing our faith.  I know the Lord will continue to guide us.  Thank you for your love and prayers.  

This picture was taken by a little chapel that is here where we have been studying.  It has been a blessing to be here.  

Our three sons.

Our Weekend

Hi everyone.  Hope all of you are well.  We are continuing our training here in South Africa for one more week.  It has been a special time so far.  Friday we were allowed to go with the local missionaries into their place of ministry.  We walked around in what is called "squatter camps" praying that the Lord would give us the oppertunity to share His truth with someone.  It is hard to describe what we saw.  People everywhere, rooms built out of anything one could find, children surrounding a caged in TV just watching, eyes watching us, a lady sharing a Bible story with us, a young lady accepting Christ, hugs from the children, and God's presence very real in a dark place. Please continue praying for all the peoples of South Africa and the missionaries that are engaging them with the Gospel.    

This weekend we headed to see our friends the Janz Family.  We were in language school with them for our first few months in Botswana.  They have five beautiful children.  Our kids were so happy to see one another.  

Thanks so much for your love and prayers.  We love you!!!