An Unforgettable Journey

To see detailed hearts and what love will make us, I pray I can see what you see- despite all- behold in a moment what You see in a lifetime- deep drenching love, deep beyond it all. I pray also for my husband and kids- fire to burn away the crustiness, labels, and reveal eyes that see- through our hearts- can guide us to be the Jesus that He is to me.

The kids had their first two adventure days, and they absolutely loved it- saying " they let us do things that even Dad won't let us do!!!" Of course it takes a lot of energy and at the end of it, they were hot, dirty and tired (but happy!). So far some of the things I have gleaned that they do: make natural bird feeders, find sap kinds, go hiking in the forest, go hiking at the beach, climb rocks, play games, have thinking and journaling stations, get nature names, etc. Adriel has been working away and has his first test this week. Enoch and I worked hard to make him 300-400 flashcards and he has been flash carding away! Its been sunny recently and we've been really enjoying the sun. Grateful for that!

What is consistent, what has always been is that God has carried us through, been our strength in the weaknesses. When we felt we couldn't last a single minute more with a colicky baby, He gave us strength for one more, and then the next. Pregnancies and tiny babies without a hubby near, Papa's training, me when I went through nursing school doing 20 hours of credit per semester, homeschooling, ER visits, messes and miracles, big emotions, our failures and our faith. It doesn't mean that we have always done the right thing or stood in perfect faith, but we continue on, striving for what and who we know is true: Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for being there for us. for loving us so deeply, for the grace for each day, for the hope to carry on. Papa and I pray that our lives (and the kids) will glorify God in every way. "We Dance" (Bethel) You steady me Slow and sweet, we sway Take the lead and I will follow Finally ready now To close my eyes and just believe Th...

This week was somewhat what one would expect when starting to learn a language at a very fast pace- a "hang on for the ride" and "try to drink the firehose" week. Papa had a very positive attitude though and pushed through, learning, learning, and more learning. The kids and I went to the "meet the leaders/place" for their Nature awareness program. This is a nationally renown program that values mentorship, kindness, and nature. They will be there from 9am to 3pm in any kind of weather, exploring, learning, eating outside- they are a class of 8 with 2 leaders. Things they will learn include plant awareness/names, animal awareness/names, vegetation, camaraderie and overall just being outside in all kinds of weather/carrying a pack/lunch etc. Already they are saying it will be their favorite day of the week! We bought them raincoats and pants this afternoon as well as rainboots as sometimes it really rains here (its normally the rainy season in fall/winter...

May God bless the words of my mouth and the words I write on this blog. For purposes of the story tellings, everyone has a nickname for this blog. Papa and Mama, Warhawk, Hummer, Strongman, and Warrior. Those might change as we go as might a lot of things. but thats part of the journey, isn't it? and the adventure! Papa started his first week at language school and the first week was all about English grammar. The thinking that if you learn English grammar, then that will enable you to learn another language (more easily?). It was a weird thing for him to have homework again... We celebrated Warrior's 2nd birthday this week and it was really funny, as I had prepared a cake and frosted it (half vanilla and half chocolate) and everyone waited inside eagerly but he didn't want to come it- just wasn't interested. he was sitting outside just playing with some dirt. Finally we got him to come in, and as I lit each of the two candles, he blew them out- it was so funny! b...