surviving

I came across this video the other night...created by a past Mercy Ships volunteer. It potrays Liberia's people--beautiful and so full of life--and yet in such desperate need of hope after years of devastating war. I was so touched; and being that it pertains to our future ministry, I wanted to post it to share. It's about 4 minutes long, but so worth the time...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02pqoNxc_ak

-h

missing her...

My twin, my bestest friend, moved to Colorado over 3 1/2 months ago...need I say any more?!!

I love you Nomo!! Can't wait until we can be together again...my heart misses you!

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:22-26

berry sweet :)

We have blackberries in our backyard!! They have really only showed up this year...they are growing from the open field behind our backyard--up and over the fence! I was so excited when I discovered them. I love berries, and blackberries are among my favorite. We also enjoy berry picking each summer, so it was pretty convenient this year :) Some of my fondest childhood memories are berry picking with my dad and sisters. I do, realize, though that blackberries have a tendency to "take over." So, perhaps when we come back in a couple of years I won't be so pleased to find them...everywhere! :) But for now, we're enjoying them...last night I picked the berries and made fresh blackberry cobbler for the first time, served beneath a scoop of vanilla icecream. And this morning we enjoyed our oatmeal topped with berries! Yum!!

-h

camping with Mom & Dad Z!!

WE MISSED YOU MAREA, NOMO,& JASON!!
It just wasn't the same without the whole fam...!! :)

3rd-annual BUNCO BBQ!!!

we have a tradition with our young-marrieds' Bible study group from church--each summer we host a BUNCO BBQ! we always have so much fun eating, hanging out, being loud and rowdy, and wearing the infamous bunco hat & scepter!! it's a highlight for all!! this year everyone rolled at least one bunco! yeah!! it was a blast!!

the stats:

~most buncos: Danielle (7)

~most wins: Jordan (21)

~most losses: Bryce (18)

highlights:

~Lauri's delicious pasta salad
~picking blackberries from our backyard
~Tim J. at head table for whole 1st half of game!
~Jordan and all his "3 of a kind" rolls and buncos :)
~Bryce & Jared competing for most losses :)

quotes of the night:

"blue flame"--Bryce
"B-M!!"--Danielle
"the one who win-o has the most bonc-o!!"--Jordan

we missed all those that weren't able to come!! we will really miss all of you for the 4th & 5th!!!!

closer...

~we found a storage unit at a very reasonable cost...huge relief & answer to prayer!!

~our house is officially listed FOR RENT!

~we bought tickets to Africa!!
(we actually fly into the Canary Islands where we meet the ship while its docked and then sail with them to Africa--this saves us close to half the cost to flying directly to Africa!!)

~we depart January 5th!!