tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56458513061497254972024-03-19T03:01:05.464-05:00On the JourneyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.comBlogger573125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-11145051034881338942014-10-28T16:50:00.003-05:002014-10-28T16:50:59.954-05:00We're Moving...to a new blog that is!!<br />
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Come on over and check out our new blog -<br />
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<a href="http://graceandchocolatemilk.com/">Grace & Chocolate Milk</a><br />
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Thank you for keeping up with us for the past 5 years on this site - I will no longer be posting here at "On the Journey". Please come on over and subscribe to our new site! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-42315263839443681042014-10-25T09:12:00.000-05:002014-10-25T09:14:24.146-05:00This Is GraceGrace is defined as recieving something we do not deserve. Most of the time we like to think of all of the good things we have in reference to grace. <br />
Our salvation - definitely. <br />
Our family - of course. <br />
But what if His grace is bigger than that? <br />
What if grace looks different at different seasons in our lives?<br />
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What if it's actually grace <a href="http://steveandnickoleeroberts.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-going-to-be-okay.html">when things are not okay</a>?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ClfEL2TKOz0y8N0QQVna16C86xJaJbH8oigHiKRHy4N2zUwyoIhtAxC8tvmjBpnXJ_RJ7c0_EB8B_V9SzxsHkJp8DrmUwzc09ordV0wiHRfmEflAXSw1qEHmg1HEp7h1HWRY3_agcfdU/s1600/IMG_3747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ClfEL2TKOz0y8N0QQVna16C86xJaJbH8oigHiKRHy4N2zUwyoIhtAxC8tvmjBpnXJ_RJ7c0_EB8B_V9SzxsHkJp8DrmUwzc09ordV0wiHRfmEflAXSw1qEHmg1HEp7h1HWRY3_agcfdU/s1600/IMG_3747.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I've been reflecting a lot since we've come stateside on all the Lord has taught me in our first term overseas. Most would look at our life over there and consider it "hard", "difficult", or at least "not easy". Then over the past 17 months or so it's seemed that "something" is always going on. <br />
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you know what?<br />
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I believe His grace is what has been going on.<br />
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how can it not be His grace to walk though situations & circumstances that bring us closer to Him? how can it not be His grace to learn how to depend on Him alone?<br />
how can it not be His grace to journey through life knowing that He alone is good?<br />
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it has to be.<br />
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it has to be His grace.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGERzMm7xiJ-I0dK-p8py1KF-L4z-kEvO2JUwQXhE281EW3ZqDDya_y5aChvBDegMR0Wl40qdPkjtVDxtnMJJ-B2PHd87ybm45YH-nv_dklHFn-x7R2b5pSh7Kncl8SdC7guKu8AbcZnnV/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGERzMm7xiJ-I0dK-p8py1KF-L4z-kEvO2JUwQXhE281EW3ZqDDya_y5aChvBDegMR0Wl40qdPkjtVDxtnMJJ-B2PHd87ybm45YH-nv_dklHFn-x7R2b5pSh7Kncl8SdC7guKu8AbcZnnV/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I do not deserve to know Him the way that I do.<br />
I do not deserve to trust that His truths will not change.<br />
I do not deserve to hope that He will work everything for the good - for His glory.<br />
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but I do. <i>I am</i>. <i><b>I will</b></i>.<br />
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if things we are given but don't deserve are grace then this is it.<br />
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our life is <i>grace</i>.<br />
trials are <i>grace</i>.<br />
victories are <i>grace</i>.<br />
<i><b>the journey is grace.</b></i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-64028441025520024002014-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:002014-10-20T05:00:00.466-05:00It's Going to Be Okay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"It's all going to be okay" </div>
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Have you ever said it? Has someone ever said it to you?</div>
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The good intentions are there - as a Christian, there is even truth to the statement...but I've never liked it. Usually when that statement makes it's way into conversation, "okay" is the last emotion you are feeling. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ55BzQcZM1fiK-Phbpe6jQ4ILY2KQKwPBye1wEKGbNMJqIe9b_eFh5n2Wb7d0BvTtnNTN7Kn2TLynXJlajf6YLlM_v6DLxdEoJNLzBcI2t7h3yT7hqsYa2fpwOtlUHBmuz2ZXbC55BNsv/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ55BzQcZM1fiK-Phbpe6jQ4ILY2KQKwPBye1wEKGbNMJqIe9b_eFh5n2Wb7d0BvTtnNTN7Kn2TLynXJlajf6YLlM_v6DLxdEoJNLzBcI2t7h3yT7hqsYa2fpwOtlUHBmuz2ZXbC55BNsv/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was listening a few weeks ago to one of David Platt's sermons. He was teaching from Acts 20 and he made the statement, "Just because something is difficult or hard does not mean the Lord is not calling you to it."</div>
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Amen and amen - right? </div>
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For some reason, middle school English class makes it's way to the surface and I hear - "Two roads diverged in yellow wood...and I took the one less traveled by...and that has made all the difference"</div>
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He calls us to things that are not always "okay".</div>
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He takes us down paths that are less traveled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9MFSBKADkkZDVm6dVgkcFuItnM8IOX0WJBUZF6GH27qYbpFN9fjGYTFJh5CGSRuM1ntim0Yy-A_kx8PTsmLt6D6Db4RjH22C-6r4IAUgdSSh3NhtA6CuGpOQ2HSSI6QfdwpaBxupEP2Z/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9MFSBKADkkZDVm6dVgkcFuItnM8IOX0WJBUZF6GH27qYbpFN9fjGYTFJh5CGSRuM1ntim0Yy-A_kx8PTsmLt6D6Db4RjH22C-6r4IAUgdSSh3NhtA6CuGpOQ2HSSI6QfdwpaBxupEP2Z/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The past 17 months have been filled with glorious & amazingly beautiful days. </div>
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They have also been filled with tough, worn weary, & crying days. </div>
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My pregnacy with Lyllian was not easy.</div>
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Complications while living in a 3rd world country were not fun.</div>
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Transitioning to a family of 4 was difficult.</div>
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<strike>Walking </strike> Crawling through depression was hard.</div>
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and you know what?</div>
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it. was. not. all. okay.</div>
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agonizing cries</div>
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selfish prayers</div>
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words spoken in anger</div>
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pity parties thrown</div>
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lies believed</div>
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quiet times missed</div>
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grace withheld</div>
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doubts raised</div>
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but you know what?</div>
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it was <i style="font-weight: bold;">all </i>glorifying</div>
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it.was.all.glorifying.</div>
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He used it. </div>
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every single thing.</div>
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He glorified Himself through it all - admidst it all.</div>
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He brought me to His throne.</div>
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He held me in His arms.</div>
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He <i><b>never let go</b>.</i> </div>
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He taught me about His faithfulness, His love, His mercy, His grace, & His forgiveness.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHExUylHFhX5flGM_H-9lkxAxq-c8mJdqyWSaxgTwHajt3wv-H2kh6UeqaD11FheE0ckDjLmWU1OXm2M7UXAQLKp7e084clTaSkVi4t9TdLg8aRj3pS3Ho4-o21Fx9M7FXapPez-R3T4J/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHExUylHFhX5flGM_H-9lkxAxq-c8mJdqyWSaxgTwHajt3wv-H2kh6UeqaD11FheE0ckDjLmWU1OXm2M7UXAQLKp7e084clTaSkVi4t9TdLg8aRj3pS3Ho4-o21Fx9M7FXapPez-R3T4J/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, friend, I'm not here to tell you that everything is going to be okay but I can promise you as a child of His...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>It's going to be glorifying!!</i></b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-41301135086903380372014-10-15T07:39:00.002-05:002014-10-15T07:39:54.844-05:00Lyllian Abigail ~ 10 months<div style="text-align: center;">
Sweet Lyllian - 10 months old!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaS3UyHs-pgGdSoY_FAJ84fxiOTfc8YIrNpa9mD8g1eVseZmyrU-2v9wMUzqPqaTCe132z2LgzD2-12Q09see2Wii2_3XKU_P3VAAh3kkauEXQZTRmUrdW2_-Ky36hWB59D3QcfeNJElz/s1600/IMG_8242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaS3UyHs-pgGdSoY_FAJ84fxiOTfc8YIrNpa9mD8g1eVseZmyrU-2v9wMUzqPqaTCe132z2LgzD2-12Q09see2Wii2_3XKU_P3VAAh3kkauEXQZTRmUrdW2_-Ky36hWB59D3QcfeNJElz/s1600/IMG_8242.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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How crazy to think almost a year has gone by! I feel like you have grown up so much in this past month. You are 28.5 inches long (56th percentile) and weigh 19.5 pounds (42nd percentile)! </div>
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Clearly you have had a growth spurt!!</div>
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You are still eating baby food (your favorite is baby yogurt) but you also love grilled chicken and black eyed peas. You've also tried a coke icee and a strawberry snowcone (yummy!!)!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpMPhKl2gAEpCVqHoD4srIpCX8yi-V0Piq4pBQiqc7jcwutWAMbzDcOMyjptE0ntfjbibfvIbDDDz-ch17CwhtGda6Srg7AjbbB9fz82nY-C3PQrXKoVN67Qiit0Q11DUoSaQVAmKysXW/s1600/IMG_8252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpMPhKl2gAEpCVqHoD4srIpCX8yi-V0Piq4pBQiqc7jcwutWAMbzDcOMyjptE0ntfjbibfvIbDDDz-ch17CwhtGda6Srg7AjbbB9fz82nY-C3PQrXKoVN67Qiit0Q11DUoSaQVAmKysXW/s1600/IMG_8252.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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You are trying to talk as much as your sister does and a few people even think you've said their names! Pat-a-cake is one of your favorite activites and you can clap your hands all by yourself and throw them in the air at the end of the song. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizdyC0WGIWysRygUojoO81G_B6ziVR-roNDY7BnfrfYCi7vGVMvoVCGDoFcsjhtCJiib9puVKmxg5hyb_Kq0TkyVdDYSMuXbnBFTKQF5dSo9WTx8udNQze-Sdflcey7o2uDtFaKI_HNle/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizdyC0WGIWysRygUojoO81G_B6ziVR-roNDY7BnfrfYCi7vGVMvoVCGDoFcsjhtCJiib9puVKmxg5hyb_Kq0TkyVdDYSMuXbnBFTKQF5dSo9WTx8udNQze-Sdflcey7o2uDtFaKI_HNle/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Your favorite toys to go after are your sister's - much to her dismay. Although she has gotten a bit better about sharing with you as of late. You love pulling yourself up on anything that's around - including people's legs - but you almost never stand flat footed. You love being on your tiptoes!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQVbG6WGSZX0ihD4nEoSGNI2uDowqJwig3hrQYRs84bc1pItAu2yisfEU9mfgC21An3GE7qEw-3tzYu6S5WrBqfhLCe0y-G34LS4hJkJGLF5yJchZdQqekU5A0qMkZ9N5D_BQYs4vWwgH/s1600/IMG_8247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQVbG6WGSZX0ihD4nEoSGNI2uDowqJwig3hrQYRs84bc1pItAu2yisfEU9mfgC21An3GE7qEw-3tzYu6S5WrBqfhLCe0y-G34LS4hJkJGLF5yJchZdQqekU5A0qMkZ9N5D_BQYs4vWwgH/s1600/IMG_8247.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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You can get around to anywhere you'd like by crawling - you haven't quite started cruising yet, but I think it might be in the near future!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAN8DWGplB7VXSyGhdHf_b8WvlaUZUGYNFOtAn9vLWlvnp9iUv221okuWame2AQ2e8b0KkSTogoWBZnrVjGMdyyRJp-usIeSSS4yU9JpccjT6DhCPEtcAlOIHPqwf1Cw6B7FfE3194Wq1/s1600/IMG_8267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAN8DWGplB7VXSyGhdHf_b8WvlaUZUGYNFOtAn9vLWlvnp9iUv221okuWame2AQ2e8b0KkSTogoWBZnrVjGMdyyRJp-usIeSSS4yU9JpccjT6DhCPEtcAlOIHPqwf1Cw6B7FfE3194Wq1/s1600/IMG_8267.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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No matter where we are, people comment about what a happy baby you are. You do still like to suck your thumb but not as much as you have. The only time you tend to do it now is when you're sleepy! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj038uDUoNbwMLKU48mjG1gdNu4bN_cH3eyWQOLRLfb02B9DaVhSz4ByoYpFZtrM5D1pzFS7Hz7Nyx2Kmlb4aI-3QFnmiCIvW36EaOMwHktU0PZVWUmPRFyia5CF01fvjfHlksfE2VbQcyv/s1600/IMG_8266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj038uDUoNbwMLKU48mjG1gdNu4bN_cH3eyWQOLRLfb02B9DaVhSz4ByoYpFZtrM5D1pzFS7Hz7Nyx2Kmlb4aI-3QFnmiCIvW36EaOMwHktU0PZVWUmPRFyia5CF01fvjfHlksfE2VbQcyv/s1600/IMG_8266.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Your big sister gets the loudest giggles from you. She loves making you laugh about as much as you do. I think you will be quite a people person. Anything that we do that requires you to be still (eating, diaper changes, getting dressed) is more quickly done in a room where noone else is. If someone is around, you want to be looking at them and talking!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6QPZFhUeULeNzFr2iPOAj4KrTT67cky-eIUm4OIBohx_ioPGvvvcHwFgKF08FZfrYgwu_HWYtVV0gxo8cU-9qy_bIBG5enozsDzYp0J3vgIu1Q-w8bl9mESdWRb9ksEZTCCQ8Y9gKUb_/s1600/IMG_8279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6QPZFhUeULeNzFr2iPOAj4KrTT67cky-eIUm4OIBohx_ioPGvvvcHwFgKF08FZfrYgwu_HWYtVV0gxo8cU-9qy_bIBG5enozsDzYp0J3vgIu1Q-w8bl9mESdWRb9ksEZTCCQ8Y9gKUb_/s1600/IMG_8279.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Praying for wisdom as your mommy, sweet girl, as you continue to grow. The Lord has been gracious in allowing your daddy & me to raise you - and our prayer is that we do it all for His glory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizdyC0WGIWysRygUojoO81G_B6ziVR-roNDY7BnfrfYCi7vGVMvoVCGDoFcsjhtCJiib9puVKmxg5hyb_Kq0TkyVdDYSMuXbnBFTKQF5dSo9WTx8udNQze-Sdflcey7o2uDtFaKI_HNle/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizdyC0WGIWysRygUojoO81G_B6ziVR-roNDY7BnfrfYCi7vGVMvoVCGDoFcsjhtCJiib9puVKmxg5hyb_Kq0TkyVdDYSMuXbnBFTKQF5dSo9WTx8udNQze-Sdflcey7o2uDtFaKI_HNle/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I love you baby girl!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-87893067858160891082014-10-14T05:00:00.000-05:002014-10-14T05:00:10.869-05:00The Village of Andremba<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
In August, a mission team came from the States to Tulear. Steve was still recovering from typhoid so he was unable to make the trip out to the bush with the guys but Jodie wrote about the trip on her blog and I wanted to share that with all of you!! Here's a recap of what happened AND an update from just the past couple of weeks too!</div>
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Jodie's blog...</div>
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The team that went to the south included Bill, JD, Grant, and 5 Malagasy believers from Tulear. They mainly focused on the remote village of Andremba. The first day, the Malagasy believers from Tulear led the believers in Andremba in a shorter version of the training they had received earlier in the week, going through the ten commandments and the stories that were used to teach them (the golden calf, David and Bathsheba, etc). The believers in Andremba drank up the teaching, which lasted all day long! How cool to see the believers in Tulear training up the believers in these remote areas!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next day, the believers from Tulear went with the church body from Andremba to another village called Andre-Mihaga. They walked for one hour to this remote village, which had never seen a white person before! Grant said that a lady in a field ducked when she saw him, fearing for her life. Another disabled lady, curled up and started sobbing. She later explained that because she couldn’t move, she thought if she cried the white man might have mercy on her and not kill her! Even more shocking than them having never seen a white person before,<b><i> was that they had never heard the name of Jesus</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Eventually the village gathered, and a formal time began. The church leader of Andremba, Emasike, led the time and explained they had come to share about something that had changed their lives. He told them that a seed had been sown in him, and that seed was the Word of God. And because of that seed, his life had been changed and he wants to share that seed with others. He also told them that if the seed begins to take root in them, they should also share it with others. Over the next few hours, this new village listened as Emasike told the stories of creation, the fall, Abraham…The village received the stories and wanted to hear more. He told them if they wanted, he would return and continue telling the stories from the Bible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What a beautiful picture of the body of Christ. There, in this remote village, a group of people from all over the world came together to get the Gospel to these people. Believers from one place, training up believers in a different place, to take the Good News to a new place! This is what it is all about! Praise God for His amazing plans and for letting us be a part of it. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02KCjdk7M49wT6hYCwWHt4O7R4cEdQlJI-2wiDXCy5Z2ohmOEwxwkhfqoMle9v6GF6bAq8-LhGNP-ESlVzGgYfqDa2sB4FlMvILTOriWghDi4nTZ_2R2vQGajIoRPX5vtMtnl_jbFCyVp/s1600/img_7462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #015782; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02KCjdk7M49wT6hYCwWHt4O7R4cEdQlJI-2wiDXCy5Z2ohmOEwxwkhfqoMle9v6GF6bAq8-LhGNP-ESlVzGgYfqDa2sB4FlMvILTOriWghDi4nTZ_2R2vQGajIoRPX5vtMtnl_jbFCyVp/s1600/img_7462.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px;">Emasike, the church leader of Andremba</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In September - Grant & another missionary went out to the bush. They were able to visit the five villages where churches have been started (Andremba, Kilimary, Besatra, Itamboina, and Ampotake). Although each village has had its own struggles and successes, it was an encouraging for Grant to see how despite the challenges each face, they are continuing to press on and grow closer in their walks with the Lord and in their desire to reach others with the Good News. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Andremba has been a particularly exciting ministry area in the last few months. They have continued to visit this village, and now 25 people from this previously unreached village are making the hour walk to Andremba each week to learn more about God. Emasike, the leader of the believers in Andremba, called this week to tell us that many of those have accepted Christ and are ready for baptism. He also said that the church from Andremba has begun visiting ANOTHER village in order to bring them the Gospel. Isn't our God amazing??!?!!!</span><br />
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<b><i>Please keep praying for the believers in Mahafaly Land as they go outside of their comfort zone to plant the seeds of His Gospel.</i></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-52542175788326407372014-10-13T05:00:00.000-05:002014-10-13T05:00:08.413-05:00Life on the Road<br />
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About 2 weeks ago we left on a long road trip. We were heading to Virginia for debriefing with the IMB and fortunately for us we have 2 familes that we are best friends with who live in VA too!</div>
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We made a detour through Atlanta on the way up to meet up with this guy...</div>
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It was so great to catch up with Doug after not seeing him for over a year! He served alongside us for 2 years as a journeyman in Mada.</div>
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Next up were a few days in Front Royal, VA. It was beautiful!! My best friend (whom I have known since we were in diapers) lives there and so do her parents. It was wonderful to see them and a bit of their life in Virginia. They had so many fun activites planned for us - it was such a treat! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading a new book from Natalie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She took me to do "high tea" at a local teahouse - it was fantastic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Picking!!</td></tr>
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We're also grateful for their ladies ministry and their church - we were able to share with them on Saturday & Sunday what God has been doing in Madagascar. We were honored to meet some of those who have been praying for us over the past few years!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Ladies Tea Saturday afternoon - and the girls in their matching outfits!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZkNtow3VRAKFls_6CvHksUlZi0gU4WUV35iVWdTUaXkrGXz0hV2K6I_SmJBVx9Yr0BCpy4YYQLeTrU2do7dJLofwncaIcPrkxHknru7kCzeChYtufjpMMM739nd6DISvl-rRZ-90eroW/s1600/IMG_0611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZkNtow3VRAKFls_6CvHksUlZi0gU4WUV35iVWdTUaXkrGXz0hV2K6I_SmJBVx9Yr0BCpy4YYQLeTrU2do7dJLofwncaIcPrkxHknru7kCzeChYtufjpMMM739nd6DISvl-rRZ-90eroW/s1600/IMG_0611.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 1st ever corn maze - and we MADE it!!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
On Monday, we drove to the campus where our debriefing would be held. We had a fantastic week full of classes, sermons, and worship. It was a great time of renewing & refreshment. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaBdLqgoETlcGRZo3V25OqhTkPa9rNO1jWhi0_Hb4POaQT_OMBKyQFPQswbTghvI0YteTrr39SgHDvXH3AHD0zCg2pSIDu3Zv75H3R0dnYwbhgvHhq-tABNuVrIyR2gAnnsB8imKQxyJv/s1600/IMG_0663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaBdLqgoETlcGRZo3V25OqhTkPa9rNO1jWhi0_Hb4POaQT_OMBKyQFPQswbTghvI0YteTrr39SgHDvXH3AHD0zCg2pSIDu3Zv75H3R0dnYwbhgvHhq-tABNuVrIyR2gAnnsB8imKQxyJv/s1600/IMG_0663.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyllian loved having "class" everyday with her Lhi Lhi</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtTNeUu3H72CUCeOKeteffmTudADB2X9J3sgSVUklbahZQ2W_zBZtZIkQFP1b8kH7XNCh7O0a55v2sUfrG5p6r20ebAEpc9s3NYu1FUA722ztYUvB8aXCc3XmQuhx9ntiiDnWoRTd8JW0/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtTNeUu3H72CUCeOKeteffmTudADB2X9J3sgSVUklbahZQ2W_zBZtZIkQFP1b8kH7XNCh7O0a55v2sUfrG5p6r20ebAEpc9s3NYu1FUA722ztYUvB8aXCc3XmQuhx9ntiiDnWoRTd8JW0/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She quickly has become a fan of swings!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcy5upLDeMZlPcmsCGozUfLmzxGeLcUj_cpiWsHUHTyatxxstqOu0bgpJu3bB_A2NHvjBnfJVnNzNIZXf39KR6SO2d6doURTdNMPKyuTfY1CUbt0lw7iAn06U3APssLSGtoSeoLlHqfRS/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcy5upLDeMZlPcmsCGozUfLmzxGeLcUj_cpiWsHUHTyatxxstqOu0bgpJu3bB_A2NHvjBnfJVnNzNIZXf39KR6SO2d6doURTdNMPKyuTfY1CUbt0lw7iAn06U3APssLSGtoSeoLlHqfRS/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 of these gals were classmates 3 years ago when they were just babies!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnz0EBHBepSaaQtNmQFWYmmnb1So5eZv-gsnd2jt_BAVr4Y-JwQz7_siIES8J3bQHAYZkfBiboGB_JsiacO6lFjAnE3XM-F8Ovcg0WoQdYxlZT44O2uYxKte_eXjHYy_pbUKVLqbO7Mc5/s1600/IMG_8077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnz0EBHBepSaaQtNmQFWYmmnb1So5eZv-gsnd2jt_BAVr4Y-JwQz7_siIES8J3bQHAYZkfBiboGB_JsiacO6lFjAnE3XM-F8Ovcg0WoQdYxlZT44O2uYxKte_eXjHYy_pbUKVLqbO7Mc5/s1600/IMG_8077.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Saturday morning we got up and back on the road - this time headed to Vansant, VA. The Starks live there and we were super excited about seeing them and meeting their newest member - Miss Carlye! </div>
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Life with 5 kids running around was a bit hectic but so much fun. A lot has changed since we all hung out during our seminary days!! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP40R3f-GzoT-gaTBhxwOOMc_7pX8LvV1i64tg-ov9rWrnIFOFsqP5gSKtTbcFe_JnRwxIchsG8L8C_PrrdeO468n26989IDEbeq-rlP5cV3Hxu9Gd4IUge8jfDCz6eQCEfxy5ZFlMZ9b/s1600/IMG_8102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP40R3f-GzoT-gaTBhxwOOMc_7pX8LvV1i64tg-ov9rWrnIFOFsqP5gSKtTbcFe_JnRwxIchsG8L8C_PrrdeO468n26989IDEbeq-rlP5cV3Hxu9Gd4IUge8jfDCz6eQCEfxy5ZFlMZ9b/s1600/IMG_8102.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BRRRRR it's cold!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRESUPxM8iGPfmDMy8aEOp4-o63ZGZYtI1Lye-te-_lXiP7ldjHublclQIpPyURxgRG6vdG66axa9PAE1drxT0lMAODA5lIZe0eAyMPdWXcqqpVYS4KnW-Ah9Ax6g8gRQhbxF2YXcYSMzI/s1600/IMG_8104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRESUPxM8iGPfmDMy8aEOp4-o63ZGZYtI1Lye-te-_lXiP7ldjHublclQIpPyURxgRG6vdG66axa9PAE1drxT0lMAODA5lIZe0eAyMPdWXcqqpVYS4KnW-Ah9Ax6g8gRQhbxF2YXcYSMzI/s1600/IMG_8104.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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We are also thankful for Vansant Baptist and their support through prayers, giving, and coming all the way to Mada to work alongside us!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDzWNRafXHO6ddz5vNOERjc-68-dNqvG55Fg_TE2Ac0MUTddw_eC-U2uQ0i3NlbBwCWG8jcsudI6rm4T9yhIKnnhqzqxOFHDEy51BpyU7wN-RtR4vC6kQPhgddRhrf0kt5n8j7tQIau60/s1600/IMG_8178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDzWNRafXHO6ddz5vNOERjc-68-dNqvG55Fg_TE2Ac0MUTddw_eC-U2uQ0i3NlbBwCWG8jcsudI6rm4T9yhIKnnhqzqxOFHDEy51BpyU7wN-RtR4vC6kQPhgddRhrf0kt5n8j7tQIau60/s1600/IMG_8178.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it was beautiful in the mountains!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx1X86vCQsL65UaD3Kf1U1HcWoWAIfyClwqtjYCrNccvxl4UMJ4hxBADGpovq31Nz5_CRaYobOs5LXg-y2JU1UWk6ybf0M4kDNespGYIEoYP_O5vUz9eYQrKGkrtVK78onv_595CwUM-o/s1600/IMG_8206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx1X86vCQsL65UaD3Kf1U1HcWoWAIfyClwqtjYCrNccvxl4UMJ4hxBADGpovq31Nz5_CRaYobOs5LXg-y2JU1UWk6ybf0M4kDNespGYIEoYP_O5vUz9eYQrKGkrtVK78onv_595CwUM-o/s1600/IMG_8206.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYRdVBuEjBjX5SkZw7VN6sDIOmloMYGrDcLcDOr90wdSKTbguaDz_YsfoY6Ng8PrYJiuizL-HLDC7cXMkNr9Whx5YnHMtfUIRNZGf00jBqnspGtUY8Y1rqMucy8IhrZqcxHM3LlDXRbYI/s1600/IMG_0739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYRdVBuEjBjX5SkZw7VN6sDIOmloMYGrDcLcDOr90wdSKTbguaDz_YsfoY6Ng8PrYJiuizL-HLDC7cXMkNr9Whx5YnHMtfUIRNZGf00jBqnspGtUY8Y1rqMucy8IhrZqcxHM3LlDXRbYI/s1600/IMG_0739.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were fast friends!</td></tr>
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Monday we piled back up in the truck and headed home to MS. 10+ hours later, we arrived. WHEW! What a trip! We were grateful to have been able to make the trip and were so appreciative that my Pop let us borrow his truck so we could get there & back! What a blessing!! It was fun to be able to see so many of our close friends and just spend some time one on one with each of them. We are grateful for their hospitatlity! We love you guys!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-85752862744272361262014-10-11T13:09:00.001-05:002014-10-11T13:09:36.598-05:00One Word At A Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIxsumAr-1PKKhB_v_-B-P29suQmby9wgsRIvk1d_fR5pbNXw_0VJw5dxJDSCF9bhhQv6PD21gqyI0z58HL6K0TqzV1G6WD0qyY0v89LOqDYAgCqO_3UahM5c9tQeUslXyGtBpC_v0ypz/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIxsumAr-1PKKhB_v_-B-P29suQmby9wgsRIvk1d_fR5pbNXw_0VJw5dxJDSCF9bhhQv6PD21gqyI0z58HL6K0TqzV1G6WD0qyY0v89LOqDYAgCqO_3UahM5c9tQeUslXyGtBpC_v0ypz/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have many things to say. </div>
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Much to catch you up on. </div>
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Lots to share about what God is teaching me and showing me. </div>
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Honestly, in this land of speedy internet & technology galore - I'm having a hard time finding the time to write/type. Granted, it's usually because I'm busy spending one on one time with family & friends or driving down an interstate headed to one place or another - so that is okay...but I do miss it. I miss sharing and the theraputic nature of writing.</div>
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It's been almost a month since my last post and we're all doing well. Jet lag never seemed to hit us too hard but this faster paced life is something else entirely. I feel like I could take a nap everyday but there's just so much to do or people to talk to!! The girls are throughly enjoying being around family, friends, and hey - even strangers sometimes! Ryleigh talks to everyone she sees - unless of course, she's being introduced - then she pretends she is shy. HA! </div>
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Lyllian is growing and has added "hey/hi there" to her vocabulary. Of course she doesn't say it exactly like that BUT you definitely get what she's saying. Steve is enjoying watching college football at normal hours of the day (vs staying up super late/waking really early to watch it in Madagascar) and I might be a little too excited about buying new decor to take back to Madagascar. Shopping is overwhelming but it hasn't kept me from purchasing a few things!!</div>
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So, don't give up on me - keep checking back because I do plan on being more regular with my posts. It's something I enjoy and I know that it's healthy to take some time to do those types of things. If you want to subscribe to this blog then everytime a new post is up - it'll come straight to your inbox. I'll be happy to sign you up myself or you can just type in your email address up there on the top right. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-89129706471463336792014-09-15T17:00:00.000-05:002014-09-15T17:00:02.038-05:00Lyllian Abigail - 9 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lyllian - </div>
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Sweet baby girl, what a month you have had! You have grown so much!! You are 27.5 inches long (78th percentile) and are 18lbs (42nd percentile). I know you had a growth spurt this month but you still seem so tiny to me! </div>
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2 weeks after you turned 8 months old, you suddenly started doing all types of new things. You waved bye bye, said ma-ma-ma, sat up right all on your own, and started trying to drink out of a sippy cup. Everything you see goes straight into your mouth - and yes, that still includes your thumb - you do love sucking your thumb!!</div>
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Everyone comments about what a sweet and happy baby you are - which is pretty accurate. This month you've had a few off days due to all of the teeth that you are cutting. Currently, you have 6 teeth and started cutting 2 more today! Otherwise, you are quite a content baby gal. When you wake up from a nap, we find you sitting up right just a gabbering away in your crib.</div>
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You had a bit of separation anxiety for a few weeks, that we thought would really be a big deal once we were in America - but you surprised all of us by how much you reach out to all of our family & friends here in MS. </div>
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MS has also expanded your palatte quite a bit! You've enjoyed tastes of ice cream, chicken, yogurt, cheese, watermeleon, chocolate, and a shocking favorite - black eyed peas! </div>
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You can get around to anywhere you'd like to go and you've gotten much faster now that you have squishy carpet to crawl around on! You've started pulling up on your own and you love standing on your tiptoes. </div>
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Even though you are loving all the new people and the extra attention - you have definitely been a momma's girl this month and I dont mind one bit. I love you my sweet baby girl and am so grateful to be your momma!!</div>
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<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-22514004039710077762014-09-13T06:00:00.000-05:002014-09-13T06:00:05.709-05:00Oh RyleighRyleigh tends to be the one who makes us all laugh in Madagascar and she has not lost that title now that we're in America for a little while. I thought I'd share some things in hopes they'll make you laugh too!<br />
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*At a Mexican restaurant*</div>
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R -"I want noodles & meatballs"</div>
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N - "They don't have spaghetti here, you can have a chicken taco"</div>
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R - (eyes light up) "I can make tortillas?!?!"</div>
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*Church luncheon*</div>
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R - "Can I have more cheese (off of the salad bar)"</div>
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Lhi Lhi - "Ryleigh, it's covered up now - so we can't get any"</div>
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R - "oh so no mosquitoes will get in it?"</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4iUpRNMSXqgDBp26F6xkirLaLh_L_y4sJXiWC8upUamutTdmbuAnATI-xTe4a_VgMgPbKDRVjuUQXAXbA52Bp3sZK0ljUSq6-bLsBSVbgxt_PXVcdlH80lZO9kDCqdHlEft15fZbeW0F/s1600/10671357_10205020654978058_80087214579083015_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4iUpRNMSXqgDBp26F6xkirLaLh_L_y4sJXiWC8upUamutTdmbuAnATI-xTe4a_VgMgPbKDRVjuUQXAXbA52Bp3sZK0ljUSq6-bLsBSVbgxt_PXVcdlH80lZO9kDCqdHlEft15fZbeW0F/s1600/10671357_10205020654978058_80087214579083015_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryleigh & her cousin, Kaylee - these girls had so much fun together!</td></tr>
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*Fast Food Place*</div>
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Ryleigh has taken off of her shoes and is walking around</div>
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N - "Ryleigh, you need to have your shoes on"</div>
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R - "oh or they'll put me in jail?"</div>
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*in car*</div>
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Due to jetlag, Ryleigh falls asleep ANYTIME she is in a vehicle</div>
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N - "Ryleigh, it's time to wake up baby"</div>
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R - "my body just needs to sleep, momma"</div>
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N - "You can't stay out here by yourself in the car"</div>
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R - "but Mississippi makes me tired!!"</div>
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And if you're wondering how Lyllian is doing...let's just say that she is LOVING having this "new" stuff to crawl on - carpet is a pretty amazing thing!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-12733082766101449862014-09-12T05:13:00.001-05:002014-09-12T05:16:12.031-05:00We're HERE!I guess more accurately it would be "We've been here!" The blog has taken a backseat due to all of the facetime we are able to have with so much of our family & friends! Hopefully, over the next week I'll get back into the groove of writing. <br />
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The journey was long and more than a bit bittersweet. Overall, the girls did fantastic but we did arrive in Dallas running on adrenaline. Dallas was the first time we had a delay and those 3 hours seemed a bit longer for some reason! <br />
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We made it in to Jackson later than expected but we were greeted by the most beautiful faces. Hugs are a gift from God - of that I am certain. There were signs, gifts, balloons (that can now be found in the airport ceiling), hugs, tears, and lots of pictures (of which I've yet to see - I need to check on that).<br />
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We are trying to soak up every moment. It's such a wonderful feeling to know you are with so many who have loved you for so long and through so many different seasons. There's been some reverse culture shock but having family & friends around to get us through those first trips to Walmart and to set up phones has helped tremendously. The girls are loving all of their time with grandparents, aunts & uncles, and the like. <br />
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Thank you all for covering our family in prayer - not just during the trip home but for every moment of our 1st term in Madagascar. You are a gift to us that we do not take for granted. We can't wait to hug your necks!!<br />
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After we recover from jet lag - I'll be sure to get more than just some iphone pics but for now they'll have to do :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-46323576046533587262014-09-06T00:00:00.000-05:002014-09-06T00:00:04.115-05:00When We See You<div style="direction: ltr; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">I'm grateful that so many of you keep up with us through our blog, facebook, and/or instagram - and even more know atleast what's going on once a month when we send out our newsletter updates. Even though you have heard a lot - we are still excited to come home and share stories with you about life and what God has done in Madagascar. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, we don't get monthly updates from you.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">We miss knowing what's going on in your lives too.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Not just the job changes, moving houses, or 1st day of school pictures - but the day in and day out. </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">The details that make up life.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Tell us about how God has been working in your family, your marriage, your life, and/or your church. </span><span style="text-align: center;">When we have dinner with you or see you at Walmart - take the time to tell us about your lives. We're interested in what's gone on and would love the chance to hear about you. It's important to us!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-82944823950078075412014-09-05T00:00:00.000-05:002014-09-05T00:00:04.289-05:00Headed to the 'Sip<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">boarding our flight to Madagascar - 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
July 1, 2011 we flew from Meridian, MS to Madagascar for the first time - it's crazy to think that it's been over 3 years since that day. Pray for us as we fly to Mississippi today/tomorrow? Pray for understanding folks to be sitting around our girls on the plane and for sleep to come easily while we are flying. Pray that the luggage will be where it needs to be, when it needs to be there and that the flights would be as smooth as possible.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryleigh - 5 months old</td></tr>
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Then will you pray specifically for our girls? For a 3 year old who is all too aware of what she's leaving behind and still very excited about who she is going to see - this is a very hard balancing act emotionally for anyone but definitely for a preschooler. And for Lyllian, will you pray that she figures out her days/nights? She's worked hard (and so have her parents) to help her get into a schedule and now we're switching it all around on her. As far as Steve and I go - will you pray that we'll be aware (even when we're jetlagged) of how we can demonstrate His patience & grace in the same way He has extended it to us over and over again? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyllian's 1st flight to Mada - 2 months old</td></tr>
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If you know me - you know that I can be described as "emotional" on any day of the week - throw in all the variables that the next 72 hours...and well I'm confident there will be tears & a lot of them. Your prayers are never taken for granted and I promise we won't start doing so now. Thank you for praying over our travels and reentry to the States. Hope to see many of you soon!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-40616756146922362372014-09-04T00:00:00.000-05:002014-09-04T00:00:05.736-05:00And Away We Go<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmdfiWqWg6ZNnXMnA96ICewTydlum0-hHTVz9Gm8edRCKuQJ9rVnVNBMDUMLE2xM-0Lv5GflskpRhGECC-FHIJvVfc7EwSegKL1UhbI3ltqghx2uHs9KNVnBIOqTduq1_EsuztsZ6skJI/s1600/264571_581111975398_2367531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmdfiWqWg6ZNnXMnA96ICewTydlum0-hHTVz9Gm8edRCKuQJ9rVnVNBMDUMLE2xM-0Lv5GflskpRhGECC-FHIJvVfc7EwSegKL1UhbI3ltqghx2uHs9KNVnBIOqTduq1_EsuztsZ6skJI/s1600/264571_581111975398_2367531_n.jpg" height="400" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryleigh - 6 months</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;">We're flying over to Johannesburg today. Looking forward to dinner with sweet friends tonight and then a doctors appointment tomorrow, before we start making our way to the States. Prayers for a safe flight & no problems with luggage would be greatly appreciated! And a little comparison picture (same outfit - different ages) because I think they're fun!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu37XVxouClnn6fWgqJStEn7o3FmVG6FJCR8Gr5L339UHJ9TQRL5T6qHtOzyVXkUKHl1NCvRxn6UlXTRQq1ziTMlOPgPrixhy4K492Ntk6rKQQdZrwAvuc5u5XQ_7k2bQWHreAm3PAV2p/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdu37XVxouClnn6fWgqJStEn7o3FmVG6FJCR8Gr5L339UHJ9TQRL5T6qHtOzyVXkUKHl1NCvRxn6UlXTRQq1ziTMlOPgPrixhy4K492Ntk6rKQQdZrwAvuc5u5XQ_7k2bQWHreAm3PAV2p/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyllian - 8 months</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-80585539741312930552014-09-03T00:00:00.000-05:002014-09-03T00:00:06.678-05:00The Struggle<div style="text-align: center;">
Bare walls and boxes - that's what our home has looked like
for the past 2 weeks. Our lives as far
as possessions go are about to fit on the back of a truck and the rest are in 5
suitcases + the Amazon packages that I've been sending to my sister &
brother in laws house (thanks guys!). I
can't escape the feeling of how <i>not normal</i> this is. To slowly pack up things that we won't see
for 6 months...to get ready to go "home" for a while and have that
place be almost foreign to our girls...there's no denying the ache that
presents itself from time to time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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The struggle is real. Just thinking about answering the question "how was
it" in regards to our 3 years of life overseas is overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we fit 3+ years into a few
sentences?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's hard to explain but I think sometimes people might forget that we're really living life here. Just like our families and friends and churches are living their lives in America - life continues even when we're in different time zones and radically different cultures. The world doesn't stop spinning. A lot has happened in our lives and we have missed out on a lot in America. We've missed weddings, births, and funerals. We haven't been there for graduations, birthdays, holidays, and family dinners. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33IbpcoezyqAewTt1XV5LJH79UzVP7pMHHAktdVrriU6Un4KbBSM3Kkq0RlF9Xr80SjYjInnp5UD7DaX3LAeahSN5y6yTeG3oxkWMfAUG5Eax2k93K0KmuM60qu1nL8WfL7YlkNRmDFrG/s1600/IMG_6141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33IbpcoezyqAewTt1XV5LJH79UzVP7pMHHAktdVrriU6Un4KbBSM3Kkq0RlF9Xr80SjYjInnp5UD7DaX3LAeahSN5y6yTeG3oxkWMfAUG5Eax2k93K0KmuM60qu1nL8WfL7YlkNRmDFrG/s1600/IMG_6141.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
It's a strange position to be in when you are around your family. The people you grew up with, took family vacations with, lived life with...and suddenly you've missed a lot. Skype is fantastic and being able to email pictures and videos - helps more than we could even fathom in keeping up to date...but some things fall through the cracks. We're all busy simply living. I honestly don't have words to describe how much I'm ready to see my family and have the opportunity<br />
(again!) to live life with them. To have game nights, family dinners, road trips, and vacations - with the people who hold such a special place in my heart...it's enough to make my heart burst.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYUIfMjcynPOLt-leMdXu5qNKukmiE53fUvCscw94rBewoV2KQb5bYu7SFfkNdJdYVag6ZbLm2uKI3P48HvZKTmCq8gxvnfzIw7ciQTD6uD95cj137S46bO3Gt8TJxTP0Ic8iLJ_fz99-/s1600/IMG_6407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYUIfMjcynPOLt-leMdXu5qNKukmiE53fUvCscw94rBewoV2KQb5bYu7SFfkNdJdYVag6ZbLm2uKI3P48HvZKTmCq8gxvnfzIw7ciQTD6uD95cj137S46bO3Gt8TJxTP0Ic8iLJ_fz99-/s1600/IMG_6407.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
At the same time, people have already started saying "I know you'll be so glad to be back" or "I know you can't wait to be home".Well...yes...and
no. We are thrilled beyond belief (and
lately beyond sleep) to see our family and friends (and to eat Chik Fil
A). At the same time we are sad. It is hard to leave a place & people that
have become home. Right now - a week out
from worshipping with our different <i>English speaking</i> church families & eating at my favorite Mexican restaurant - it's easy to rattle off all the
reasons I miss America (and no they aren't <i><b>ALL</b></i> food related). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, I have a feeling that it won't take long
at all to miss things about this home too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD9uiKNEwo6-HitU9xLhL8jbqXqk9hB6j_RiBo1s5hxFi6JjbzqYSh1MOI6g5Jb7wddzOsEwWFwwSAaYQcorAppM-GYRRf6LogdTYfo7UtVKhOt-PDtlhKso5YnebBYMg1ACOzBaxGYhw/s1600/IMG_9228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD9uiKNEwo6-HitU9xLhL8jbqXqk9hB6j_RiBo1s5hxFi6JjbzqYSh1MOI6g5Jb7wddzOsEwWFwwSAaYQcorAppM-GYRRf6LogdTYfo7UtVKhOt-PDtlhKso5YnebBYMg1ACOzBaxGYhw/s1600/IMG_9228.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Are there words to describe the excitement of being in the same country - the same state as our family!?!?! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">No - there's not...but there's also not a time that I wouldn't enjoy for them to just come and live in Madagascar with us.</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Will I love that our amazing pediatrician is just a few minutes away from our house? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Absolutely, but I will also miss the lessons that I've learned in depending on Him to be our Healer - truly putting my faith into action. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Am I looking forward to road trips on paved roads & logical traffic laws? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Yes! However, I'll miss walking outside my gate and hearing Ryleigh stop a pousse for us to ride to the market.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkGYQrgrcNT-0EsT18HfoErZ4B7Bq72gFaoKo2aQZlCTv1ab5NsfDRTp6l_wbRNaCfpEeQhgQNDW_khaDVPiRj2TM7iAcDjQY6poLiWudl7plEXk3e0vOZYVJdMx0jz6vx-4q8BCPXMjE/s1600/IMG_9872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkGYQrgrcNT-0EsT18HfoErZ4B7Bq72gFaoKo2aQZlCTv1ab5NsfDRTp6l_wbRNaCfpEeQhgQNDW_khaDVPiRj2TM7iAcDjQY6poLiWudl7plEXk3e0vOZYVJdMx0jz6vx-4q8BCPXMjE/s1600/IMG_9872.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
The struggle is real but what a great struggle to have. He is always reminding me that this world, Mississippi, or Madagascar is not my home. He has given abundant gifts in each place but they alone can not satisfy. Only eternity with Him will.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-63015525824706541352014-09-02T00:00:00.000-05:002014-09-02T00:00:05.626-05:00Fanomezana (Gift)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JJcOVYfm9vcvod9AYAFQzqQF7zc3N0jakNW9Nki6amelhaqvKVi6Hgp0GhV7MsRtY6lTHs3wpn4OrJY-MYQaDGwcszSj4bzH4qFsqDGiBjgGRwO8jh4a4y47hg4KakLUo8hRNOZQohi0/s1600/IMG_7497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JJcOVYfm9vcvod9AYAFQzqQF7zc3N0jakNW9Nki6amelhaqvKVi6Hgp0GhV7MsRtY6lTHs3wpn4OrJY-MYQaDGwcszSj4bzH4qFsqDGiBjgGRwO8jh4a4y47hg4KakLUo8hRNOZQohi0/s1600/IMG_7497.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ESL class (also known as ECS) is one of my absolute favorite things to be a part of in Tulear. Made up of mainly high school & college age students - they are some of the most brilliant folks I have ever met. Their drive and determination towards learning as much as they can is inspiring. Most of the them are not simply working on English but are fluent in French, Spanish, and Chinese. All of the language study is on top of their normal class work load - seriously, they rock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNihySR39a4GUZ_t8Fqx4N8Wvt8OuM_suWN-_Nb-04QOJSPC7Zosry5RuRQA9rRIsS8MHl10nsPqOAy0ucPqpJeiDPWulPE4a7cinYqPr5-lxdrwWEAC1cL5-f3OXXnQsZSOs2rd39gRcm/s1600/IMG_7474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNihySR39a4GUZ_t8Fqx4N8Wvt8OuM_suWN-_Nb-04QOJSPC7Zosry5RuRQA9rRIsS8MHl10nsPqOAy0ucPqpJeiDPWulPE4a7cinYqPr5-lxdrwWEAC1cL5-f3OXXnQsZSOs2rd39gRcm/s1600/IMG_7474.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I often wonder as I'm teaching, if their work ethic is why some of them struggle with the truth that God's salvation is a gift...something that can not be earned. Nothing here comes for free. I know that's the case in most places in the world but here it seems even more so. Gifts are not taken lightly - the geneorsity behind them and the sacrifice required is not taken for granted. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Their struggle has become my struggle but in a different way. Do I take time to consider the generosity of God? Am I thankful for the sacrifice that it required for Him to offer me eternal salvation as a free gift? And at the same time, don't we fall into the same traps of thinking that there is no way His gift can truly be free? We strive to do the right thing, to be a "good girl/boy", to have a strong Christian resume full of committees, teaching positions, and faithful chuch attendance and tithing. Somewhere along the line, we bought into the lie that we need to earn His favor, His grace, His mercy, His love, and His forgiveness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuxwVTf21_zePry-g8KFdVwkD3f6CLyfSY_vHcPIksnWnC-XvSUZccNgLrplPP-4rhV9Pp65F6ro3Sm9DjC-vLZS43zcapZRuo8O8fEpX15NsXrzY9UxybS91_5ie2riUYXSj78H-y9ML/s1600/IMG_7480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuxwVTf21_zePry-g8KFdVwkD3f6CLyfSY_vHcPIksnWnC-XvSUZccNgLrplPP-4rhV9Pp65F6ro3Sm9DjC-vLZS43zcapZRuo8O8fEpX15NsXrzY9UxybS91_5ie2riUYXSj78H-y9ML/s1600/IMG_7480.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's always humbling to be teaching and to be so desperately passionate that people "get it" and realize that there is still so much for me to "get" myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His salvation is a gift.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His salvation is free to anyone who believes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His salvation was not free to God - He sacrificed His one and only Son.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is the One who paid the Cost.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Glory to Him.</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-13172630340185079712014-09-01T00:00:00.000-05:002014-08-31T07:24:16.288-05:00Things I didn't know before<div class="MsoNormal">
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the list of comfort foods<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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- there is no rule to figuring out if you should kiss
someone 2 or 3 times on the cheek <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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- there are places in the world where you have to sweep your
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<br /></div>
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- to be thankful when the electricity is on<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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- that I am immensely thankful for technology<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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- that I really enjoy taking a pousse (rickshaw) or walking
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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- fresh meat is <i>NOT</i> always the best option<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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- that Ritz crackers can be frozen...actually almost
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<br /></div>
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- being a life long learner takes on new meanings when living overseas</div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-28852420784655304762014-08-29T02:04:00.001-05:002014-08-29T04:47:46.843-05:00Five on Friday1. I've realized that suitcases and boxes can be both exciting & sad at the same time. We are anxiously awaiting the hugs and hellos in MS but we are also ever aware of leaving our "family" here in SW Mada - it's a hard combination.<br />
<br />
2. Lyllian has decided to start crawling, waving bye bye, and saying dada & mama this week. I think she did it for me so I would be sure to witness the 1sts of everything. I have a feeling once we get to MS there will be plenty of times when she's with others while I'm at <u>(fill in the blank) </u>. Oh! And she also has been sitting up in her crib when we go in to get her in the mornings or after nap - such a big girl!<br />
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3. It's been my last week with the ESL students - some of my absolute favorite people on this earth. They are awesome. I love how much they end up teaching me when I'm there to teach them.<br />
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4. Ryleigh is speaking Malagasy better than I ever imagined. She has amazed us this past week with her understanding and fluency. We'll have to be sure to keep practicing while we're stateside so she doesn't forget it!<br />
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5. Steve preached this past Sunday at our church and I'm not sure I can adequately explain how proud I am of him. He has worked amazingly hard at the language/dialect and I know how well he speaks - but since I don't get to go to the bush with him, this was the first time I heard him share from God's word in Malagasy. I'd say all of that hard work has paid off! Praising the Lord for His faithfulness in Steve!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-66053135279645351482014-08-25T03:56:00.002-05:002014-08-25T03:56:27.872-05:00To My Daughters<div style="text-align: left;">
Sweet girls,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My heart is full. There are times when it's hard to believe that this is my life. Married to your handsome daddy who loves all 3 of us so well, living in a 3rd world country, and being "mommy" to the most beautiful blue eyed girls I know. Truly living out my dream - it's humbling for sure. Most spend their time on this earth trying to figure out what their dream is and then chasing after it with all they have. I don't have words to describe how it is to know that I'm 29 and already living mine. I want you to know that it's not because of anything I have done. I have done nothing to deserve or earn this life. My sweet, gracious, & merciful Savior has chosen, for now, to allow me to live this life and I am eternally grateful for every moment He provides.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I so often have SO much I want to tell you that I have no idea where to start, so instead of it all staying in my head and in my prayers - I want to share some of it with you. There are things I never want you to question, truths I desire for you to always be confident of. </div>
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<i>Ryleigh & Lyllian - you are <b>LOVED</b>.</i> You are loved more than you can imagine. Both of you are uniquely created by the One who controls the storms and calms the seas. He has an amazing journey planned just for you if you choose to follow Him. He has entrusted your daddy and me to be your parents here on earth and we are completely honored with the task. We will make mistakes, sweet girls...at times we will fail at showing you His perfect love but <b>He.will.never.fail</b>. </div>
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The way your eyes smile and light up when you see me in the mornings - it's incredible enough to make my heart burst. Your giggles and grins have changed me in a way that's undescribable. Our days are filled with laughter - have no doubt - but know that there are other moments, ones of tantrums, tears, and discipline...but they all hold a special place in my heart. It's this whirlwind of ordinary moments that make our life together so extraordinary. The Lord has used (and continues to use) the two of you to <i>teach me</i> much about <i><b>His truths, His grace, and His forgiveness. </b></i> </div>
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Sometimes the days seem long and we are <b>all</b> (whether you admit it or not) look forward to bedtime. We're frustrated and in the words of Ryleigh "want to stomp our feet at you". It's in those moments that I've learned to grab you and pull you in my lap - to hold you until we both start laughing and the tension is gone. I've learned that <b><i>Love really does conquer all</i></b>. There are times that consequences are needed but Love is always present and I desire to show the two of you that in all that I do.</div>
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Other days the moments fly by. I blink and it's bedtime. Those are the nights that our bedtime routine takes a little longer, we rock for a few more minutes, we sing just a couple more songs. Those nights, you'll look up and find tears in my eyes and I assure you that they are only there because of <i>how happy</i> I am - only there because of <i>how much</i> I love you. I try to memorize the smell of your hair, the way you hold my hand, the crinkle of your nose, the way you body curls up on mine...it's all going by too fast and I don't want to forget a single second of it.</div>
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This past week, as I was sharing about His love with the ESL class, the realization of each of your salvations weighed heavily on my heart. The realization that it's truly <i>out of my control</i> - that it's a decision you must make all on your own...it's a hard thing for this momma to accept. I desire <b><i>above all else</i></b> for you to each come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I pray that the stories, crafts, songs, and prayers lead you towards questions that only He can answer. I ask Him daily to prepare your hearts to love Him alone. </div>
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Girls, no matter how much your daddy and me love you - you are loved infinitely more by the God that we serve. We are proud of who you are and how He already uses you to bring glory to Himself. No matter how old you are - you will always be our baby girls. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-78380859969690555552014-08-23T00:00:00.000-05:002014-08-23T00:00:00.958-05:00Hide & Seek<div style="text-align: center;">
"Hey Momma, where should I hide?" "Ummm, I think I will hide in the closet - K momma? Thats where I hide cause it's a good spot."</div>
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Some conversation similar to this happens <i>every</i> time we play hide & seek - which has recently become a favorite game. Ryleigh always tells us where she'll be hiding and when it's our turn to hide - she wants us to hide in the same place. I've tried the past few times to explain how talking about our hiding places defeats the purpose of the game - but so far it's been to no avail.</div>
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Today, as we had our 483rd conversation about where she was going to hide, I wondered if God ever had those same thoughts about me. If He ever chuckles or smiles to Himself when I try to hide or cover up something...thinking "Nickolee, I already know - there's no point in playing that game".</div>
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Now that I think about it, probably not. I'm thinking if He smiles, it's a sad smile...the kind of smile that would mean...</div>
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<i>You're smarter than this.</i></div>
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<i>Why are you taking this path...again?</i></div>
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<i>Have you already forgotten what I've taught you?</i></div>
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I'm reminded of John 1 where Jesus tells Nathaniel "I saw you before Phillip ever came to you".</div>
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<b><i>"I saw you before"</i></b></div>
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<i>He sees</i></div>
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<i>He seeks</i></div>
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<i>He finds</i></div>
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<i>He knows</i></div>
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Hiding is a waste of time and energy. Covering up my sin is useless. </div>
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<i>Confession</i></div>
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<i>Forgiveness</i></div>
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<i>Grace</i></div>
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<i>Mercy</i></div>
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<i>Glorifying Him</i></div>
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What a better use of this life...of His gift...of His love.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-34318701727279192602014-08-22T00:00:00.000-05:002014-08-22T00:00:00.469-05:00Things are Changing<br />
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Years before we met, God was preparing our hearts for serving Him overseas. Since 2010, the Lord has led us to have a deep burden for the Mahafaly people of SW Madagascar. We have learned more than we could ever put into words about Madagascar, the Mahafaly people, and ourselves during the past three years. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IMB Appointment Service - Nov 2010</td></tr>
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This past April, the Lord started preparing us for a change. We weren't sure what that would look like and we each took turns being resistant to the idea of it. However, when we were approached by leadership to take on another role on the island, we knew that this is what the Lord had been getting us ready for. When we return in 2015 after our stateside, our new title will be - Engagement Strategist. Our new home will be back where we did language school in 2011 - in Antsirabe. Leadership felt that our individual and combined strengths would fit well into this position and we agree.</div>
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Our new focus will be on locating, mapping, researching, & assessing the lostness of the unreached people groups that have a population of 100,000 or less. There are about 25 different groups all over the island. Steve's main task will involve a good bit of travel to extremely hard to reach areas - after he finds out exactly where some people groups are located. Once the groups are located, Steve will do research, prioritize, and seek out partners (local churches and/or US churches) to engage these groups. I will be in charge of contacting & facilitating churches who are wanting to partner in reaching these different groups. I will also be keeping partner churches up to date and organizing logistics of mission trips. </div>
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We knew from the beginning that reaching the Mahafaly would never be something we would accomplish on our own or even with our teammates - that it would have to be a result of God moving through reproducing churches and nationals reaching nationals. Just this past year we've watched God burden & move through 3 different church groups to go outside of their comfort zone and share the gospel. The mindset of knowing that we can not do this on our own does not change going into this new position. This could easily be a very overwhelming job but we serve a God who does not get overwhelmed. He knows every person in every group and He desires for each of them to praise His name. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roberts Family - our church in Tulear - July 2014</td></tr>
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Will you help that vision be a reality? We will continue to need your prayers and encouragement. We will need committed long term partnerships from churches & associations. We will also need you to be faithful in giving to the <a href="https://netcommunity.imb.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=229">Lottie Moon Christmas Offering</a>. You, as a part of the body of Christ, play a <i>VITAL </i>role in reaching Madagascar for Christ.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-49474968348273415702014-08-20T00:00:00.000-05:002014-08-20T00:00:00.749-05:00The Constant<div style="text-align: center;">
Ryleigh picked up a horrendous looking pink pillow today at the store. I think there was a picture of a skull on it. The box however had a cute little puppy dog and girl on it (because that makes TOTAL sense). She grabbed it and insisted it was her "favorite ever and mommy can I pretty pretty pretty please have it?" </div>
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Thankfully there was no tantrum (this time) when I said no and she put it back. She walked back up to me and said "it's okay, I'll find one when we get to Mississippi." Oh my. Guess I've used that response one too many times. She then jumped into her own conversation (with one of her imagination family - that's what she calls them) about the things she'll get once we get to MS. She talked about going to the mountains, meeting Elsa & Anna, eating grapes, playing ball, blowing bubbles, going swimming, and picking out clothes. </div>
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As I listened, all I could think about is how our life will look really different in another month. She's honestly not going to know what to do with herself when there are 5 aisles of toys at walmart instead of 3 short shelves of overpriced, random toys. </div>
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*sidebar - our store in town currently has Scrabble the board game- want to take a guess on how much it is? Go ahead. Give it a try. Ummmm close - it's $130, I'm not even kidding. Ok, end sidebar* </div>
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I then started thinking about a conversation Steve and I had recently. How do you teach a child to not be materialistic when you live in two radically different cultures? We don't have the answer, by the way, but I think it has something to do with an attitude of entitlement. This may be hard for a 3 year old to understand but it starts with us, as parents, anyway. </div>
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In Madagascar, the people here live on a poverty level that most can not fathom. However, most in America can't fathom living how we do as foreigners in a 3rd world country. We do without here - but we have <i>so</i> much more than the average person here. We live amongst poverty. People here live on a little less than $1 a day. We recieve packages from America filled with goodies that have actually led the customs lady to ask, "do you not eat any food from Madagascar?". We have air conditioning units in our bedrooms, a hot water heater, a washing machine, electricity, and beds. Our girls have toys to play with and clothes to play in. We may do without some "modern conveniences" but otherwise we do just fine. </div>
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When we get to America in a couple of weeks, our girls will <strike>probably</strike> be overwhelmed with gifts from every family member (and some friends) who see them. And...as parents it will be fun for us - seeing the excitement on the girls' faces and the joy of the giver for being able to give them something in person instead of via the mail. It's all well & good and the gift giving will come from a good place. There will no doubt be indulgences on our behalf as well - fast food, new kitchen items, an updated wardrobe, and a snowcone or three! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKamd7tbEa5z3_74jJEK3RATdJvwY4lUokwGQGe_TfqNYEr7HTjuIkxAgXUcsw8gLVqjoZwIONtcKA7OzKBP3PEIvirLXSLkw4IdeUgx4N_uMH-WFhboFTM2GIL_6Q5eL9GtAH8VRIdK2G/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKamd7tbEa5z3_74jJEK3RATdJvwY4lUokwGQGe_TfqNYEr7HTjuIkxAgXUcsw8gLVqjoZwIONtcKA7OzKBP3PEIvirLXSLkw4IdeUgx4N_uMH-WFhboFTM2GIL_6Q5eL9GtAH8VRIdK2G/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Where's the balance? How do you teach a child (or ourselves) to be happy with what we have when we only do major shopping once every 3 years? How do you explain that that is not the norm and should not ever be an expectation?</div>
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I'm not sure on the right way but I do know that the Lord has been speaking His wisdom into my heart & mind. He's reminded me that in the midst of a 3rd world country, in the midst of a 1st world country, and in the midst of everything between - <i>He is constant.</i> </div>
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He is the same. His desire is for us to bring Him glory. He deserves our praise, our prayers, and our constant communion with Him. </div>
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So our lives should reflect that. Whether here or there - We will continue to pray thanking Him for every meal. We will recognize and act on the need to give out of the abundance we have been given. We will open our eyes to every gift big & small - ordinary & extraordinary - and be grateful.</div>
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We will remember that He is the <i>only </i>Constant.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-58896638639201138312014-08-18T03:20:00.000-05:002014-08-18T03:20:08.153-05:00RememberingHaving that first indepth conversation with a new friend is always interesting to me. I try my best to hit the "big" moments to bring them up to date of where we are in life now. However, there are times that small stories fit in there somehow and while I'm telling them I remember just how <i>big </i>they actually are. God reminds me of how incredibly faithful He has been for my entire life.<br />
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This morning at ESL, someone asked about the word tithe and what it meant. We read some Scriptures and talked about what God's intentions of tithing are and then we also discussed the word offering and if it was different or the same as tithing. It was truly a great conversation. One student asked about what would God say if the amount he needed to tithe was the amount he also needed to pay a bill or buy some food. Basically asking if tithing should come out at the end of the "paycheck" or at the beginning. <br />
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It's times like this when the difference in income between my family and theirs begins to stand out drastically. It's hard for them to take seriously the things that I'm saying because in their eyes I've never struggled in the way they have financially. In those few moments, the Lord reminded me of a time that there was a similar struggle. <br />
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It was in our first 2 months of moving out to TX for seminary. We were both searching for jobs, school books needed to be purchased, gas needed to be bought, and bills needed to be paid. We had always maintained that our tithe was the first thing that came out of our paycheck and then we'd use what we had left to take care of everything else. Well, the start of that third month with no job hit us harder than we had anticipated. We realized on a Monday that we literally didn't have any money for groceries. We had worked so hard to pay off credit card debt our first year of marriage that we cringed at the thought of putting groceries on the card. We headed out that morning in search of jobs and without reaching a resolution on what to do in regards to groceries. That afternoon we arrived home to a plain, white envelope on our front porch. Inside was a Wal-Mart gift card that had more than enough to cover our groceries. The note simply said that it was to help provide. No signature. No name. No anything. Just His provision.<br />
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Sharing that story this morning, made me thankful all over again. I remembered how overwhelmed I was at recieving that gift and knowing that we had talked to no one - except the Lord - about our situation. His provision 6 years ago was a provision again this morning. He allowed me to connect to the ESL students in a way that I had not been able to previously. They understood the fact that we had no idea that He would provide in that way when we chose to continue to tithe that month. We were able to talk about what His provision could look like if He had not delievered groceries to my door. We talked about how giving cheerfully and faithfully could NEVER be a wrong choice. <br />
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Yes, there are still MANY things about that story that don't relate to the 3rd world country we now live in - and I do recognize that even then 6 years ago, going a week without food from the store wouldn't have "hurt" us. I am in no way trying to compare my situation to that of the Malagasy here. However, I am indeed reflecting on how important it is for us to <i>remember</i> the things He has done for us. I <i>am</i> saying that no matter our social/financial situation - we should <i>always</i> give testimony to His faithfulness, His goodness, and His provision.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-89627687383106123962014-08-15T04:39:00.001-05:002014-08-15T04:39:26.577-05:005 on FridaySadly, Lisa Jo is no longer doing her Five Minute Friday and since I've been a bit absent on the blog this week, I thought I'd catch you up with a quick 5 on Friday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. Steve started off the week being diagnosed with Typhoid. After lots of prayers and some antibiotics, he is recovering but he's still not well. Please continue to lift up his health as well as for the rest of us to stay healthy!</div>
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2. Southbridge has a mission team here this week and we're hosting Nathan & Tessa (former journeyman and ISC here in Tulear). We are definitely enjoying having them around again!!</div>
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3. Ryleigh is such a big helper! This week she's helped make a cake, English Muffins, and mashed potatoes. She's also started helping feed Lyllian her solid foods - it's so much fun to have her helping with different things!</div>
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4. Lyllian turned 8 months old yesterday - time is flying by! This morning she figured out how to pull herself up in her pack & play and she is loving it!</div>
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5. We are figuring out it's pretty difficult to figure out what <i style="font-weight: bold;">needs</i> to be in our allotted carry ons for the trip to the US in a few weeks. It's a little overwhelming thinking about packing for 2 little ones for a new place to be "home" for 6 months...but I'm sure we'll figure it all out! And anything we forget...well that's what grandparents are for - right?!?!?!</div>
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Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-75314587842784566372014-08-14T03:29:00.000-05:002014-08-14T04:02:25.831-05:00Lyllian Abigail - 8 months<div style="text-align: center;">
Sweet baby girl,</div>
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You are changing so fast! Time is flying by and you are looking less and less like a little baby. You are such a content and happy baby. You love being with people or playing by yourself. You have started talking more and I think we can officially say that your first word is "da da da da" - which of course makes your daddy happy!</div>
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While you are eating solids 3x a day at mealtimes, your favorite thing is to eat snack puffs. You've figured out how to grab them and put them in your mouth & you think that's the neatest thing ever. You'll hit your highchair with both of your hands and "talk" to us when you want some more. You like the idea of a sippy cup - you've learned to pick it up yourself and chew on the sippy part but you are not a big fan of juice. For a while you only would eat veggies but this month you have started enjoying apples, banannas, and pears - but you do NOT like peaches!!</div>
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You can sit unassisted for a long time - if you start to lose your balance you can "right" yourself again. You flip over so quickly when you want to get to something, and if you are on your back - your toes go immediately to your mouth. </div>
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This month you weigh 16 lbs 3 oz (28th percentile) and are 27.5 in long (71st percentile). You are still wearing 6 month clothes and a few 6-9 months. We have gotten on a 4 hour schedule during the day and you are sleeping 6pm - 630am every night. I tried to make your bedtime later but you still woke up at the same time each morning. I guess you're just not a night owl like your big sister! </div>
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You have had 2 more teeth start poking through on the top this month and they have given you fits for sure! Thankfully, you've still been able to sleep well and just wanted a few extra cuddles during the day which we're happy to give! Anytime someone is around you, they comment about what a happy baby you are. You give the biggest smiles and giggles all day long.</div>
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While you have started crying when I walk out of a room, you reserve your biggest smiles for when you see your daddy and your deepest laughs for Ryleigh. This month you have really enjoyed playing in your pack and play - you'll sit in there and play with your toys for 30 minutes or so in the mornings. Your favorites right now are Sophia the giraffee, books, pacifier (to chew on), a colorful rattle, and anything that's Ryleigh's!!</div>
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You love storytime in your rocking chair, playing peek-a-boo with daddy, and standing on your tiptoes. You have started grasping the top part of your playmat and pulling yourself up to your knees using that or anything else nearby.</div>
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I love you so much Miss Lyllian Abigail and I am so thankful for the past 8 months of joy you have brought! You are such a gift!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5645851306149725497.post-84002105291551702492014-08-06T00:00:00.000-05:002014-08-06T00:00:02.206-05:00Not Home Yet<div style="text-align: center;">
I've written about being <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://steveandnickoleeroberts.blogspot.com/2013/05/reflections-part-1.html">homesick</a></i> before and there are times when something specifically makes me long to be with Jesus face to face for eternity. </div>
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But, if I'm completely honest, I don't always feel that way. The <i>idea</i> of it sounds lovely, but so does going home to see our family, finally achieving fluency in Malagasy, watching our girls grow up, and other things that are only going to happen if we stay on this earth for a while longer. As I type that, I realize that actually I have <b>no idea</b> if those things will ever happen. I like to think that they will, but they're just as likely not to. Which is yet another reason why I should only hope in what I know will not change and that is eternal life with Christ. Our eternal home is a guarantee.</div>
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A friend of mine who has met her prince charming and will be wed later this year challenges me without her even being aware. She obviously has a great deal to look forward to but even in this season she still had a FB post recently that said "Lord Jesus come soon!" and I know she meant it. She eagerly looks forward to what the Lord has in store for her here on this earth but her focus is clear - she anticipates the day when she can walk to her Heavenly Groom more than anticipating her wedding day. As a woman - that's huge to me...it speaks volumes. </div>
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Does my daily life reflect that? Longing to be <i style="font-weight: bold;">home </i>more than I long to be a part of what I consider milestones here on this earth? I am forever grateful for what the Lord has chosen to give in this life but I desire to value <i>more</i> what He has given me for eternity. Grateful that this is indeed <i>not</i> where I belong and no matter where I may travel on this globe, I am indeed <b><i>not home yet!</i></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/he32vwlKQPY" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04960134856281468389noreply@blogger.com0