This is what it is all about!

Check out Stephanie’s most recent post!!  Alleluia!!

http://stephanietoafrica.blogspot.com/2011/07/fulfulde.html

 

need vs. want part 2

Ben has been having lots of struggles taking his shots, especially at night.  It was hard, and extra frustrating for us both because he had been fine with it for weeks.  And it was big, “OK I guess we’ll have to sit on you” struggles.  No fun.  But, people have been praying and he has come around.  So, today I wanted to treat him to something special because it has been great now for several days!  I took him to Fred Meyer and gave him a $5 limit.  OOOO that toy section is hard.  We saw a clearance Lego set, so I went up to $8, but he also saw a little stuffed toy he wanted.  He COULD NOT DECIDE.  It was not a need at all, but a serious want – of both.  He carried them throughout the store while we grabbed some quick groceries and was in tears at the checkout stand doing eenie meenie.  Oh, man,  that is not what I had in mind!  I hoped he would be so happy!  Thankful!  I guess this missionary thing didn’t cure him either.  By the way, he was overjoyed before we got home and is now happily building!

need vs. want

How can it be?
I was living in a place where many people don't own any shoes, and most only
own one pair, for which they were very thankful even if the fit wasn't
great. I had to leave suddenly because of Ben's medical needs and only
could carry the shoes on my feet. For a over a week I was OK, and didn't
even think about my appearance much, since so much else was going on. Soon
I began to get so SICK of my pink tennis shoes. They are comfortable and in
good shape, but definitely not too stylish with my two long skirts I had in
my bag. They even have "SuperFeet" insoles! I am so blessed! And yet, I
found myself noticing my lack - if I just had some cute shoes. Not that
there is anything wrong with cute shoes! I am just saying, it's easier to
be simple and thankful when times are hard. It gets comfortable and
something like a good pair of shoes can make me confuse need (shoes) vs.
want (lots of cute shoes).
Rats. I thought maybe this missionary thing would cure me. By the way, I
have more now.

Great Question

Ben's little buddy Samuel asked his father, Pastor Reuben, "who is
anti-christ?" After Pastor Reuben explained Samuel then went on to ask
"Then who is uncle-christ???"

Bags!

It seems like every time I turn around I am carrying home bags of stuff! We are so blessed by our  family and church family!  We left all our summer things behind as a necessity because of being medical evac’d on a small jet.  We were going to donate it anyway – but it was supposed to be winter with all spring to garage sale!  But here we are – stocked up on hand-me-downs.  I even have a bag of a bunch of diabetic stuff that, if I had to buy it I’d have to put Jack to work.  Full time.  My cheeks are constantly sore from smiling at how God has us so covered.  Of course we are missing Devin, but life is GOOD!

What me lonely?

Not sure how I still feel lonely sometimes. I miss my family but my family
here is BIG and EVERPRESENT.

Back in Wenatchee

The boys and I arrived at Devin’s parents’ house last night.  Wenatchee is so beautiful – still green in July?? – and a sight for sore eyes!  Ben is doing great!  He is happy to pull some of his toys out from under Nana’s bed and we will be in the pool before long.  We are trying to get some things in order and get settled in.  I can’t wait to see everyone – I’ve already bumped into some of the most amazing women…  who asked “What can I do for you?”  God is so good to us.  We are so supported and just plain set up.  I am DEFINITELY a bit overwhelmed, but that is second to THANKFUL.  More soon…

We are in Children's

YAY!  We have had such great care and training!  We were checked in about 10 today and it has been nonstop  for the past 6 hours.  It’s great!

Children’s Rm 2004 and we are here probably until Monday lunch.  Ahhh, the finest care!  We get sleep tonight!  YAY!

In Seattle

We are in Seattle and hopefully checking into Children’s today. It was a long two weeks, but we thank God for His provision and protection and definitely for the supernatural strength!