Joel is enjoying his work at the hospital.  We are still living in two houses.  The painting was completed yesterday, so that is nice.  Now on to putting stuff away the previous missionaries left behind for us.  With a one year old, I don't want to move in until things she can get into are up and out of reach.

It's hot here all the time during the day, pretty much.  I don't have temperatures to give you.  Since it is the dry season, it does cool down very nicely at night, though.  No a/c units here in the guest house.  There is one window unit in the guest bedroom of the house we will move into.  We may get one more of those to use during the rainy season.  

We need to get back to school soon.  Maybe after the first of the year.  But also needing to get moved into our house.  No auto dishwashers here.  That's a change for us. Some have asked about food and supplies.  We can get some things in a town 3 hours away, other things in a town 6 hours away, and yet more things in a town 13 hours away.  We buy different items in the different towns. There is definitely no one-stop shopping here!  Not even one-town shopping! Here in Nalerigu you can get some dark meat chicken (not wrapped, but at least frozen), tomatoes, onions, bananas, bell peppers, toilet paper, soap bars, and a few other items.  

I'm feeling pretty good.  Typical fatigue and hunger.  Then the last few days the acid reflux that I've had with my last three pregnancies has started a bit.  

The kids are doing well. Colt enjoys playing with the other missionary boy here, Benton.  Abigail is enjoying closing the toilet lids since she's seen me do that to keep her out of them!  

We miss you and love you and would love to hear from you.  Still behind on emails and getting a bit homesick.  

I've had a nap and am feeling a bit more energized.  Between chasing after Abigail some and growing a new baby, I stay pretty tired!  Christmas was nice.  We had a traditional Christmas meal of (wild) turkey, ham, turkey gravy, dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes, crescent rolls, ice cream pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and on and on.  Needless to say, we ate well!  We all pitched in to have a nice dinner.  

We are not in our house.  The painting is nearly finished.  We still need to get a water filter hooked up, get both toilets working, and a few other important odds and ends like that.  We will keep you posted on that.  

Merry Christmas!

It's been too long since I've posted.  I've been meaning to get to this for awhile now, but things have been busy and getting to the internet is not always easy.  Joel is enjoying his work at the hospital.  Our trunks did arrive the end of last week.  They are at "House 3" where we will be staying long-term.  We are glad they are here!  Just in time for Christmas.

The painters are nearly finished inside the house.  Then we can start putting things away and be closer to moving in.  We also need to make sure we have filtered water there, among other things.  

I am feeling fine-hungry and tired!  We are eating Christmas dinner tomorrow with the other missionaries.  We celebrated Joel's 46th birthday yesterday with all of them.  Nice to be getting to know them all better.

We miss you all very much and truly appreciate your continued prayers.  

Colt's Gingerbread House from School

Sights on the Streets of Ouagadougou

Abigail 15 Months

We are back in Nalerigu now.  It is nice to be "home."  The house is being painted and looking really nice.  This is Joel's first day at the hospital since we've been in Ghana this time.  He was more than ready to get to work.  

Colt has a bike now and is riding it everywhere!  He's very excited to have one to ride. Thank You, Lord!  We are the third family to have it.  It's a great bike.  

That's all for now.  Thanks to all of you for your prayers and encouragement.   

Check out the new feature below

I added a feature to our blog on the right side further down.  Look for: Feedjit Live Traffic Feed. You should see a map with it.  It places a red dot on the map for each person who goes to our blog.  When I put it up this morning, there was one dot in Africa for us.  Now there are already several more dots in the States because several of you have been to our blog this morning.  Isn't that cool?  I got that from Alicia Raley!  

Thursday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

I don't remember what all I have shared recently.  We will leave here on Saturday morning to head back to Nalerigu, Ghana.  In the meantime we are taking lessons from Mona on what food and other supplies to stock up on before leaving.  We will also shop in one town, Bolgatanga, on the way home in Ghana, as well.  We are taking "20 kilos" of ground beef home with us.  There is a freezer we can use downstairs here at the Baptist Mission in Ouaga until we leave.  This helps our food get nice and frozen before the trip home.  Then we will put it all in the ice chests we have.  

We have enjoyed our time here a lot.  It's been great to get to know Mona and the kids better.  They have been so helpful and great to be around.  And we are enjoying getting to know some of the other missionaries here in Burkina Faso better, such as the Lyons, Shaftos, and our wonderful housemate, Elsie!  Colt has really enjoyed being with the other children during the school session.  And we've enjoyed (mostly) constant internet and the access to supplies here, as well.  

With me being pregnant (Thank You, Lord!), we have decided to not be involved with the school session at this time.  We think one country is enough to get used to, much less two!  Joel would not be coming with me the other 8 weeks out of the year.  We are at peace with this decision, though we will miss the folks we won't get to see.  

Our house is being painted inside, starting this week.  I was able to pick out some paint colors.  Looking forward to the results!  Caitlin, from Accra, brought up our paint and an ice chest full of chicken breast and fruit and veggies for us.  Thanks, Caitlin!  

Our trunks are supposed to arrive Monday or Tuesday of next week in Nalerigu.  That will be nice.  We will then be able to get back to school with Colt, as well as many other things!  

Christmas Party at the American Ambassador's in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Colt's Haircut

Cape Coast Area

News

Are you ready for some exciting news?  We found out today I am expecting!!  We are very excited, Colt, too.  I'm about 5 weeks along, due Aug 9. Pretty cool, wouldn't you say?  Let us hear from you!

Airplane to Accra

Dallas Does Bentwood

This was an email we received from Joel's brother and his wife, Dana.  Dallas, for those who don't know, is our Australian shepherd/catahoula leopard mix dog. She's about 60 lbs.  Jay and Dana have a Great Dane.  They graciously offered to take in Dallas while we are gone when it was clear she would soon be on the streets!  :) 

Jay was walking outside through the garage of his country club home mid afternoon on Saturday when the dogs brushed past him to play on the lawn.  In the past few weeks they had proven they wouldn't run down the street or simply take off.  The two pups preferred to lie down in the freshly mown grass and enjoy the activities of their family.  The athletic father was planning to play basketball with his two children.  This would never be.  Saturday was a new day.

The smaller dog, white with gray-black spots, walked onto the driveway without a care in the world.  She seemed just about ready to stretch out in the grass for a delightful roll when a large brown truck drove by.  It was a UPS delivery truck.  The pleasant afternoon was shattered.  The small dog transmformed into a snarling, barking aggressor who ran after the enormous truck.  She ran much faster than Jay could imagine.  This was a dog who groaned when she lay down or got up.  This was the dog that occasionally just didn't get up for hours.  The small dog hurtling down the street had strength, energy, and a furious spirit.  

The bewildered human ran after the canine-wonder calling her name repeatedly.  Desperately trying to catch up  to the dog and praying the driver wouldn't stop and get out, Jay stretched his long legs and ran faster than he had in years.  Gasping for breath, unable to call for the dog for lack of oxygen, Jay determined that he would simply tackle the dog as soon as he drew near.  Four blocks later the pup began to slow her pace.  Jay indeed tackled the animal and holding her collar rested on one knee as he gasped for each lung full of air.

The dog continued barking and growling ferociously as the truck drove around the fourth corner.  Those passing by marveled that the large man and the small dog seemed so intent on breathing and barking, respectively.  After what felt like a ton of weight was lifted from his lungs the tall man stood up, keeping his hand firmly gripped on the small dog's collar. The two walked back to the house.  The dog was pleased she had chased the horrible UPS truck away from her home.  She pranced with pride and delight from her accomplishment.  The tall man bent over keeping his large hand closed firmly around the small dog's collar.  Four blocks they pranced and bent (respectively) back to the garage.  Saturday was a new day.

The tall man put the small dog within the backyard fence.  He went inside the house and drained of all emotional strength and physical energy he lay down on the couch.  The dog trotted around the backyard telling all the other dogs in the neighborhood of her accomplishment.  The large dog who watched the event unfold finally got up from his nap beside the driveway and walking to the garage entrance scratched on the door asking to come in the house.  The amazed children allowed the dog inside and brought their exhausted father a glass of water.  With trembling hands he accepted the drink then fell back onto the couch exhausted and spent.  Dallas had come to Bentwood.  It would never be the same.  

Can You Walk and Chew Gum...

Joel just saw a lady walking down the street carrying a large bowl of bananas and apples on her head while peeling an apple at the same time! Anyone want to try that at home?  I know, should have gotten a pic...

Now Joel has spotted a woman carrying produce on her head, carrying a baby on her back, and peeling an apple.  Colt wanted me to note he saw a woman driving a motorcycle while carrying a baby on her back.  

Obama

Joel, Abigail, and I walked to a few shops this morning.  On the streets there are many peddlers trying to sell you their merchandise.  Burkina Faso has a reputation for having some of the most aggressive sellers in the world.  Yesterday I waited in the truck for one stop Mona made.  There were close to 10 women outside the truck still trying to sell me things while I waited.  One woman opened the car door!  Locked doors seem a better idea!  :)  

Both here and in Ghana when some of these strangers on the streets learn we are from America, they smile and say "Obama" in their beautiful accents with great excitement.  We have learned to halfway, at least, smile and say "Yes, Obama."  We have been told in Ghana that the government has to tell the people that Obama is the president-elect of the US, not of Ghana.  They think he will help them in their country!

We were without internet for a couple of days so glad that is up and running again.  Abigail was sick with travelers diarrhea for two days straight.  She was not keeping anything down and we were at the point of needing to get fluids in her one way or the other. But yesterday morning she woke up feeling much better. She has been eating and drinking again since then.  She still has the ear infection but that is much easier to handle. All the missionaries have been so helpful in so many ways.  We are thankful.  

Colt is enjoying the homeschool session here this week in Burkina Faso.  He enjoys the other missionary children here.  They meet each morning and then come home for lunch.  He and Joel played ultimate frisbee Sunday afternoon and loved every minute of that, as well.  Colt has also learned how to play tether ball.  He is always game for picking up a new sport!  

Mona has graciously taken me shopping for groceries a couple of times.  She is telling me what to stock up on before we go back to Nalerigu.  

Thanks to all for the jokes for Colt. He enjoys them very much.  It is also a fun way to stay in touch with you all.  

From Colt: Jokes

 Knock knock.  Who's there.  Abby.  Abby who?  Abby birthday to you.

Why do you not do math in the jungle?  Because if you add 4 plus 4 you get ate.  

Can you please leave me some jokes under comments?  

Ougadougou, Burkina Faso

We are now in Burkina Faso for the two week school Colt will attend.  I realized tonight that within about two weeks we have slept in: Colleyville, Fort Worth, an airplane, Accra, Tamale, Nalerigu, and now Ougadougou.  That's seven different places, three different countries. 

We enjoyed another Thanksgiving meal tonight with more missionaries here in Ouga.  There are quite a few children here so Colt will enjoy getting to know them.  We got to worship tonight with these folks and what a drink for our thirsty souls it was.  

We traveled all day and are glad to be here.  We had to wait at the Burkina Faso border for an hour or so as they were closed for lunch!  

We have seen the hand of God on us even in taking illness away in the midst of praying against it.  

We went through the belongings of a missionary family that was in Nalerigu before us in the last couple of days, deciding what might be helpful to keep.  I excitedly chose paint colors to have the inside of the house painted, as well.  I look forward to decorating, naturally!  

We still don't know anything about our trunks.  So, we will stock up on diapers while here in Ouga, among other things.  Colt's school books are also in those trunks.  We'll have to go to Plan B if they don't show up before long!  

I think I've mentioned this, but in Nalerigu we have to go to the schoolhouse to use the internet.  So we are not as often on line most of the time now.  And the connection is not always good. We are definitely thankful to have access to the internet, though.  

Nalerigu

We got to Nalerigu today by lunch time and ate with the Hewitts.  Mona went all out for a delicous meal. We had lasagna, green beans, salad, rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and vanilla ice cream.  We all enjoyed it thoroughly.  The beef Mona had was absolutely delicious-much better than what I found in Accra.  

We are getting settled into one of the guest houses for now.  We are glad to have a bedroom for each of us again.  We have unloaded some of our groceries and other things and I've come to the school house/room to use the wi-fi.  Abigail is napping and Colt and Benton are playing together.  For those who may not know, the other family with children at home are Dr. Earl and Mona Hewitt.  They have a daughter, Emily, who is about 13, a daughter, Abby, who is about 11, and a son, Benton, who is about 8.  

All of the missionaries who are here right now are eating dinner together at another guest house to celebrate our arrival.  We feel very welcomed!  

In the last couple of days we have seen many interesting things.  On Sunday we saw many people walking home from church.  Some had plastic chairs on their head they were carrying home after using the chairs at church.  I even saw a couple of teenage? girls carrying large drums on their heads after apparently using them in worship that morning.  Makes you think about a lot of things, doesn't it?  

We will leave on Friday for Ouaga in Burkina Faso where the homeschool meeting is for two weeks.  Emily is excitedly packing for that while I am excitedly unpacking from being in limbo for a week!  

I guess that's it for now.  We are behind on email.  Thanks so much for sending them to us and we will catch up soon, we hope.

Kumasi

We made it to Kumasi tonight to a hotel (Treasure Land) that the Esalas recommended. We are glad to be here . We did drive by the coast, as well. Joel and Colt played in the water a bit, though the current was pretty strong so they didn't really swim.

About our trunks-they may arrive in Accra next week sometime while we are in Burkina Faso at the homeschool co-op meeting. They will be picked up and brought to Nalerigu. So, we still have only our luggage from flying over. Doing fine, though.

Tomorrow Joel will take the truck to the Toyota dealership here in Kumasi first thing in the morning. We are hoping to leave mid-moring for Nalerigu but may have to stay in Tamale tomorrow night if we don't get to leave in time.

We got to the coast after driving for two hours this morning. When we stopped to eat and get in the water, we noticed (as did someone nearby) that our rear left tire was smoking and smelled like rubber. (Yes, brand new Toyota truck.) It was noon and we still had about five hours of driving to do. The only Toyota dealerships within Ghana are in Accra (where we came from ) and Kumasi (where we were going). So, after lunch when we got back in the truck, we prayed against whatever was wrong with the truck and had absolutely no more trouble with that all day. We are so thankful for that and will see what the dealership finds tomorrow when they do the maintenance check.

Travel

We plan to leave in the morning for the coast to see the beach.  Joel and Colt may even get in the water and have talked about "surfing."  There is a surf shop on the coast here Joel has had his eye on since he found it on-line months ago!  Then we will head toward Kumasi for the night. We have an appt with the Toyota dealership there Monday morning to get our vehicle checked out as required.  Then we will get back on the road.  We will arrive in Nalerigu either late Monday or more likely on Tuesday.  I'm packing food and other necessary items for our trip.  We may or may not have internet at the hotel tomorrow night.  Thanks for your continued prayers.  

Spaghetti Lunch

 We took some photos after our lunch.  You can see Abigail completely enjoyed herself!  We're not too sure we will be having ground beef again anytime soon.  Even Joel is not too hip on it.  It's got quite a bit more fat, as well as a few other "issues!"  But we are thankful to have eaten spaghetti.   

(Internet connection off and on, sometimes sluggish here.  Tried to load two pics three times.  This one is now posted. We'll stick with that!)

Bike Shopping

Yesterday we had quite the adventure shopping for a bike for Colt.  We did not ship his bike from the states because we had to use air freight.  The bike that fits him now from Walmart in the states was around $75 new. Great, basic bike. 

We've been getting tips from the missionaries here, who are extremely helpful, about various things, including bikes.  Benton, the other MK boy in Nalerigu, has outgrown his old bike and needs one, also. So, we looked at a new store a few days ago and saw that the adult bikes were about 125 cedis (exchange rate currently is $1 to GH1.10).  So whatever the price is here, it is a little under that in American dollars.  We didn't see any bikes Colt's size there.

So, yesterday we went out to a few outdoor markets.  The Esalas (another missionary family) said they buy used American bikes for their kids.   They get a better deal and the bikes last longer. It took us awhile to find the spot.  When we asked about the first set of bikes, Joel was told for each used bike that they were 700 cedis!  (Something under $700)!  Needless to say, we did not buy one of those.  

Later, Joel found more bikes and asked about the price.  The bike was too small for Colt and was quite beat up, likely not to last much longer.  The price started at 400 cedis.  Joel bargained and immediately the man said he'd give it to us for 35 cedis!  No prices in-between!  But, we decided since it was too small and not in good shape not to get that one.

We went back to the new store (Game is the name) and found one bike that was Colt's size for about 116 cedis.  It was very nice-looking and seemed to work well.  Colt rode it around the store a bit. Once back to the guest house, the chain fell off within minutes, though.  So, we went back to Game to return it.  No problems getting our money back.  So we are back to looking for a bike for Colt. He has had a good attitude about all of this, though.  It sure is more exciting and adventurous to buy a bike here rather than in the states.  

I'm making spaghetti for lunch so need to close now.  Love and miss you all. Let us hear from you.  

Skype!

I was finally able to download Skype this morning!  Praise God.  Our name to call us on there is "holliedickens."  If you have a name/number already, let us know what it is.  If not, get one!  :)  We will be able to talk and use the webcam.  Let's set up a time.  

Church Video

Our church made this video of us and showed it the last Sunday we were there.  We so appreciate their support.  

First pics in Ghana at the Accra guest house

Here it is nearly 11 pm in Ghana.  The kids are still up.  Abigail fell asleep, then woke up after a short "nap."  Colt has not fallen asleep yet so we had him get up, too.  We are hoping they will burn off a bit more energy and sleep better tonight. Colt actually slept well last night.  

Abigail, on the other hand, wondered why Mommy and Daddy were playing the "Let's lie down and pretend to go to sleep in a dark room even though my body knows it's really time to play and eat" game.  Once it got to be bedtime in Texas, she did eventually fall asleep.  

We picked up the truck today, then used it to shop a bit in Accra.  They have a new indoor mall that is pretty nice.  We enjoyed the a/c while shopping!  They have many things you can buy in America here in the capital city.  However, they do cost a lot, lot more.  So, overall we are pleased with the choices we made of items to ship here from the states. 

We bought a Toyota quad cab truck (narrow model, not wide).  It's also an African model, not the same choices you have in the states exactly.  Joel was hoping to leave the capital city for Nalerigu over the weekend. But the car dealership wants us to put 1000 km on the truck, then bring it back so they can check it. Hhhhhmmmm. I don't recall doing that in the states.  I'm sure the truck is fine, though.  They just like to be thorough here, right?  :)  So going to Nalerigu is too far (Joel tried to work that out with them).  We may do a few touristy things here.  

We purchased a high chair today.  (A must-have in our book.)  We had a great one given as a gift with Abigail that we had to leave at home as it was such a nice size and cost a lot to ship.  We also bought a few Christmas items (like stockings) as we didn't bring very much of that.  

Some of you have asked about the grocery store.  Colt and I ran into the grocery store at the mall while Joel and Abigail waited.  We bought spaghetti, sauce, hamburger meat, yogurt, cereal, cow's milk (the kind in a box, not the refrigerated kind as they don't have that here from what we know), one cucumber, one small, round watermelon, cereal, a small block of cheese, some tape...

It was very much a western store in all accounts except the prices (typically much higher) and some of the quality of products (can be lower).  Keep in mind this is 13 hours away from where we will be living.  We will not have any stores remotely like this where we will be living.  

There are many people selling their wares all over the streets here.  You have to clearly let them know you are not interested in buying if that is the case.  

We took the long way back to the guest house (on accident).  The roads are not marked well and there are not many places at all to get off the highways here.  We ended up getting back to the guest house with time to spare before dinner, though.  

I will eventually get to pictures.  I have to say I'm not quite as eager to post photos of me in my 24/7 sweaty condition, though!  

We are doing well.  It is great to have wi-fi at the guest house now.  Since it is not in our room (and therefore I'm not in our room and it is late) I guess I'll stop here.  

Almost-I have to say it's a bit strange being six hours away from you all.  We love the comments and emails so much.  But realizing most of you are six hours behind us in your day does leave us (I'll say me, don't know about anyone else) feeling disconnected.  We'll get used to it, I'm sure.  Love you all lots.

JFK Airport Monday

Here in Ghana

We are at the guest house in Accra, Ghana now. We are doing very well besides being tired. Abigail is napping and we are all about to lie down for a little while. We want to get on Ghana time as fast as possible, though, so we will stay up most of the day. We love you all very much. More when we are not so tired!

NYC

Hey, All!  Having a hard time with the internet connection here in NY so I'll make this quick to be sure it gets out.  We made the trip just fine and are relaxing a bit while waiting for our flight to Accra.  Thanks so much for your prayers.  We feel them, for sure!  We love you all and miss you already.  

Comments 101

You can make a comment about a post for all to read by clicking on the word comments at the end of the post. We really like it when you do this-bunches and bunches!!!

Waking up on a Plane

Colt was sick throughout the night last night so we changed our flight to leave tomorrow morning instead. We have word our trunks are supposed to be on their way. Praise God! We have had a restful day and are looking forward to a good night's sleep. So, we're off to Ghana in the morning. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Our flight leaves D/FW at 8:25 am, then we arrive in NYC around 1 p.m. 3 hour layover. then leaving for Accra, Ghana. Will be sleeping on the plane-even Abigail. I say this in FAITH, my friends! :)

I'll try to touch base with you all from NYC if it's not crazy expensive to hook up to their wireless system.

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Here We Are

I have used as one of my labels for posts "Ghana" but now realize that will describe us everyday pretty soon so it won't be very helpful after awhile anymore, huh? :)

We are enjoying time with family and friends this weekend before we leave on Sunday morning.

Friends of ours, Bill and Celeste, blessedly took our trunks to D/FW airport for us. When they dropped them off they were told there is currently a pilots' strike with our cargo carrier. Something else is trying to be worked out but for now we are not sure how our things will get to Ghana.

But you know what? We know the One who has the whole world in His hands, the One who created each pilot who is currently striking. We know the One who cares for the lilies of the field. We know the One who's single hand spans the entire world. This same One loves us more than we can comprehend and He will work out these small details.

Following Blogs

Ok, you expert bloggers. Tell me something. When someone follows your blog, does that mean they get an email sent to them when you update? And for those who are not on blogspot, is there a way to have emails automatically sent to them when we update? I know I'll get all kinds of great info from you all out there!

You are good, Your mercy is forever

Kari Jobe's voice echoes in the background as I type this.  Six days until we leave San Angelo, nine days til we leave the states for Ghana.  Our hearts are all so full of the Lord. We see the power of your prayers.  

Our dog, Dallas, is missing tonight in this weather where it will get down to 36 degrees.  We still have no home for her but will see how the Lord works.  We have looked for her tonight several times but can't find her.  

God loves the people of Ghana just as He does the rest of the world.  

We love you all.  It is late and there is more to do.  I'll close for now.  Let us keep hearing from you.

Climate and Internet

Some have asked about the climate in Ghana. You can find that info and more at this site. Basically, there is a rainy season and a dry season in northern Ghana where we will be.

As it stands now, we'll have internet access in a building near our house, but not in the house itself. I know here in America, we don't think of having anything but 24/7 access in our own home. So, we'll just get on when we can. It will be a huge ministry for us, a huge way to stay in touch with you all.

Preparations for Ghana

Quick Post-We leave San Angelo on Nov 13th and fly out of D/FW on November 16th for Ghana. This is a country in West Africa. We are committing to about two years initially and will see how the Lord leads from there. We still have much to do in getting ready to leave. Joel will be working at a mission hospital in Nalerigu, Ghana. This hospital is partly run by the International Mission Board (IMB) under the Southern Baptists. We believe Father called us go to this area to work at this hospital, but to go on our own instead of under any organization. We thank you for your continued prayers. I hope to blog more once we get to Ghana.

We are only taking a small number of black trunks by air freight. So we need discernment as to what to take. Toothpaste, kids' clothes and flip flops (for two years), a large jar of garlic, school books-these are just a few of the items we will be taking.

Click here to go to a map of Ghana. We will be north of Tamale.

Helping in the Kitchen!

The Ness Family Visting!

We enjoyed a recent visit with Lori, Hannah, and Michael Ness. What fun we had!

More Birthday Pics

Here's a great photo of Abigail enjoying her 1st birthday cake!

More Disney Pics

Colt had such a great time at Disneyworld. He was definitely at a good age to enjoy much that the parks had to offer.

Disneyworld

Mom spent her birthday (Sept. 5) flying with us, Jay, Dana, Jason, and Kennen to Disneyworld in Florida. Colt had a great time, as did the rest of us. This was a great time of year to go. It was not as hot and there were very few lines.

Colt was hoping to get to meet some cool princes who had protected their castles. By the look on his face with those pretty princesses, you can tell, though, that's he's not too disappointed to be with some pretty girls!

Disneyworld

Gifts From Gammy

Abigail's birthday was on September 11. It's hard to believe she's now one!

Abigail Helping in the Kitchen

Abigail

Wow. This year has gone by so quickly. Abigail turned a year old on September 11! What a joy she continues to be to us all!

Happy Birthday, Abigail!

Two Weeks

We have a flight date of November 16th to go to Ghana now. There's a lot to this story, but some folks are asking questions, so I'll give it all in a nutshell. We have been in the process for several years now of going to Africa for mission work. Three years ago we went with our son, Colt, to Ghana to have Joel work at the hospital there a short time and to see if God was calling us to something longer term there. Three years later, we are at the point of being ready to leave. We are initially committing to two years over there and will see how the Lord leads after that.

At this point, we are not selling our house. We have many logisitics to get worked out and hear from the Lord on, so would appreciate your prayers.

I know I've not put pics up of Abigail's first birthday or much of anything else lately. Hang in there with me!

This will be another short one. Will I have more time for blogging and other things once in Ghana? We'll find out.

Abigail turned one year old yesterday-9-11! It's so hard to believe a year has already past. The time goes by so quickly.

We have much to do. Homeschooling is keeping us busier than ever this year. We do have much to do in preparation for Ghana, as well as continuing to discern when making decisions.

I will post current pictures soon.