July 16, 2005

  • Yesterday was Kayli's birthday. I can't believe she's already 12 years old ... my baby is growing up! She was pretty homesick for our family but I think she had a pretty good day that extended even into today. She received several e-cards, phone calls and messages from her brothers/sisters, grandparents and sweet people at home. She was ready to open all her gifts from us first thing on her birthday morning. Among her gifts was a big-girl CD player for her room and a couple of bottles of rootbeer ordered and delivered all the way from the States. She had just mentioned the night before how she was craving rootbeer so it seemed she was more pleased with those than anything else. Funny how such a small thing can bring you a little taste of home and make you feel all warm inside. 


     



    Since our kitchen was still upside down yesterday, I was unable to produce her requested pot of borsch. I did have a stove to cook with by late evening though, so I managed to get her second choice on the birthday plate ... fried chicken. The LST team was busy with studies all day so they joined us for coffee and ice cream last night. And ... they were so sweet to block their whole day out today for her official birthday celebration.


    We had planned a day at the swimming center but it turned out it is closed for the month for repairs. So, we let Kayli be the official 'event planner' for the day. We started out with a re-showing of the movie "Madagascar" at the theater and then spent a very entertaining hour at the ice rink. Those of us 'older' folks were a little wobbly on our feet while the younger ones floated about on the ice with much more poise than we did. Apparently, ice skating is not like riding a bicycle .. you DO forget how to do it .. and you look pretty silly trying to remember.  We did have a great time though. After skating, we came back to our flat (and newly remodeled kitchen ... yeah!),  grilled and ate hamburgers, potato salad and chocolate cake ... some watched another movie. I had a nice long talk with Chelsey about how God is directing her and Peter in their service to Him. I've already learned to love their willing and open hearts as they seek His will for their future ministry.


    We've really enjoyed the time we've had with all of the folks on our LST team. They've been so kind to encourage and uplift us with their fellowship and it's going to be great working with them for this six weeks. Between them all .... Deanna, Andrea, Jon, Peter and Chelsey .... they have 49 studies set up. So far, they say everything is going well and they are excited about how God seems to pulling it all together. We're excited too!


    Please continue to pray for God to bring to us those who are seeking Him and that God will give us a loving heart to share with those He brings.


    God Bless!