celebrating kate

my sweet little kate










a beautiful smile and she LOVES to laugh














a love for all things FUN














growing up SO fast (our first ride in Kigali, from the airport. I am so glad we brought her with us. She did so well.)













a great big sister (the day we met Malachi and Elizabeth)

~~kate's entire role in our family has changed. She has gone from being one of the younger two to one of the oldest 3. She has made the transition beautifully! She has really stepped up to her new role as one of the responsible ones and I am so proud of her!











finishing kindergarten (this picture is from her first day of kindergarten. Today is her LAST day of kindergarten! sniff, sniff)













we love you sweet kate!

the first few weeks

the doctor

ouch, but she recovered nicely






the dentist

no cavities!!












the pool

Daddy trying to teach Elizabeth how to kick





experiments with hair

She was SO excited

Believe me: she is very, very easy to please

just get out some hair product and a cute clip, and she BEAMS

Malachi in the background trying to be a part of the fun





Daddy having a talk with Malachi explaining that we do not, in fact, bang the tray to get more food


he was not convinced

how may I serve Christ today?

around here, we are getting back to basics.

things have been such a whirlwind.

so much change.

so many challenges.

so many blessings.

basically, the bottom line is, I have been challenged by God to do what He called me to do.

simple things.

not easy things, as my favorite author Elisabeth Elliot always points out.

simple things.

I am struggling with this.

obedience.

dishes. laundry. meal making. school lessons.

when really my mind is preoccupied with appearances. impressions. getting it all together.

the things that are so important to me, but not so important to God.

so how can I serve Christ today, and not myself?

I can serve Christ today by

...humbling taking up the Social Studies lessons that are left for us to do without moaning or complaining (don't I ask my children to do the same thing?)

...making time for a simple prayer time to begin my day. a simple Bible time in the morning, before the kids get up. a simple Bible time at the breakfast table when they are up

...speaking words of life to each child

"All work, if offered to Him, is transformed."
Elisabeth Elliot
Secure in the Everlasting Arms

is it possible?

that we have been home 5 weeks?

I *think* things have settled down slightly. Due in part to the amazing ways we have been served by the body of Christ in these weeks. Thanks will never be enough!

Here is a peek at what we have been doing:










Malachi has a crib! The old faithful that we have had since Marie was born (and was her cousin Matthew's before that...who is now 15) finally gave out. Slowly it is transforming from "guest room" to "Malachi's room".
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We went to Chick-fil-a for the first time. They both really liked the IceDream!
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we explored the garage. who knows what in the world you will find in that garage. Both Malachi and Elizabeth found some treasures!
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"All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies." Psalm 25:10

Saturday fun

with cousin Maia, adopted 3 years ago from Kazakhstan.

We are loving the water guns! And the hose.

Elizabeth thinks we are nuts.

But I think she likes us.

Home sweet home

Together at last!

Packing up

We have picked up the visas from the embassy and we are packing up!

Our journey in Africa is almost over. We spent part of today outside at a nice park to get the kids (and adults) some good exercise before our long flight home.

I can't wait to see my son who has been waiting. Ezra, we are coming soon!

Please pray that all 8 of us get seats close to each other. On the last flight from Kigali, we were spread out all over the place and little Elizabeth had a seat by herself. My oldest took that seat for her so she could be closer to Daddy, but we'd love to have all the seats together.

As a result, we are going several hours early to the airport. Our flight is at ten pm, we are leaving here at four to head in that direction.

Thanks for praying us through these amazing weeks!