I Choose Peace...

We're expecting a baby.

VERY exciting words for most couples.  And initially, the thought of being pregnant is incredibly exciting.  But then the thoughts of fear come...

For those who know our story, you would know that SaraGrace was delivered in November 2006, the week of Thanksgiving in the USA.  Elliana Hope was born, and died on August 20, 2010, the birthdate of my dad, who died when he was 34.  And then last year, I miscarried in September.  A lot of loss, which can lead to a lot of fear.

When I was pretty sure I was expecting yet again, I spent about an hour wrestling with the whole range of emotions.  And at the end of that wrestling, I heard GOD...

...as clear as I hear Bill whisper "I love you".  And what did God whisper?  "Choose peace."   That is what I'm doing.  Even though I know that hormones will fluctuate, I will not feel good at times, I might let the fear of losing another life consume me, I can look back at that one moment where He whispered to me in His still small voice, "Choose peace."  And because of that we can say with so much excitement...

WE'RE EXPECTING A BABY!!

It Feels Like Freedom

I have been a homeschooling mom of five, for 10 years. It is not a career path I would have chosen for myself when I graduated from high school, but have enjoyed it nonetheless. Bill and I knew that, in order for us to get missions training, we would have to let the homeschooling go for a period of time. It was not an easy decision to make, and during that process, it almost felt like it might be too big of a sacrifice. One I was not sure I was willing to make.

How did we know we were "supposed" to be missionaries? God didn't speak to us audibly, but from the age of 5, I can remember, I have "wanted" to be one. That desire has not waned in over 30 years, and so I think it's safe to say He has given me that desire. He also put it in the heart of my husband to be a missionary, and Bill has been leading our family in that direction.

So if God is the one who gave us this desire, He should know ALL aspects of what this would entail, right? Well guess what? HE DOES! He knows our hearts, desires, passions, likes, dislikes, proclivities (I love that word); and guides us with all of that in mind. So what does homeschooling have to do with missions exactly?

Well, first, our children are our (Bill & I) first mission field. All of our children have made a profession of faith, so therefore we have been discipling for a while now. Discipling by homeschooling. It's a lot harder than it sounds, but a job I was more than willing to do. But how willing was I to give that up, for the sake of obeying Christ? Because in order for us to complete training with NTM (New Tribes Mission), I (Debby) would also have to attend classes full time, and our kids would have to be in school.

So here we are. In training. With our kids in school. I'm also going to school. And we're doing well. REALLY well in fact. God has taken such good care of us and our kids. Our oldest, is homeschooling herself, and the 4 boys attend the Academy, located here at the training centre. The teachers care about our FAMILY, and how we all are doing. They have been INCREDIBLY willing to work extra with the boys who needed a little extra help. They have been so encouraging, even when some of my failures, as my kids' teacher, was exposed.

So in reality, our boys being in school is really a simple act of obedience. In wanting to obey what we feel is God's call on our life, to be missionaries overseas, we are surrendering our children to Him. He will take care, AND educate them better than I ever could. He is using the teachers here right now to do that, and Lord-willing He will use me again as their teacher. And right now, it doesn't feel like a sacrifice at all. It feels like freedom.

Obedience is not always easy, but it is always rewarding. God is not ignorant of what is involved in obedience. He knows everything that surrounds an act of obedience, and is SO willing to lead, guide, and provide in that.

What simple act of obedience is God calling you to today?

We had a "killer" time...

 

 So, this past week, Bill and I had the opportunity to help out some fellow students kill and prepare some chickens.  It brought back a lot of memories for me.  Growing up in farming country, we spent some summers growing chickens not only for our family, but also to make a little money.  Funny how you never forget some skills:)

            Is it ironic that Bill is wearing his Chick-fil-A hat while holding a dead chicken?

Bronia (along with friend Cassie) getting in on the action, and fine-plucking the chickens.

                       
                To me, it looks like I'm having a little too much fun with this dead chicken...

New Kids on the Block...

 

Well, as the title suggests, our kids are the newsest ones to be here and explore the lay of the land.  We are now in the full swing of things, and wanted to share with you a little of what life looks like for our kids. There are about 100 acres here, and it is a child's dreamland! From canoeing and fishing, to playing in gravel pits, there is not a lot of down-time for the kids, which they, AND WE, love! There is plenty to keep them busy, including homework:)

 





 

 Bronia is still homeschooled, but she is most certainly not lonely. She has a Home Ec. class twice a week, where they've already done card-making, and are now learning cake-decorating. Some other skills coming up are home decorating, Thai and Mexican cooking, crocheting, knitting, sewing, candy-making... You get the idea:) She also participates in sports twice a week, and just took and passed a babysitting course, including infant CPR. There is a great group of girls her age, for which we are so thankful for.

 

Bronia with an icing rose...

 

...and making cards.

 

 Simon too is busy. There is a good group of about 6 guys in school, and he is enjoying making friends. He not only participates in school sports, but also in the adult soccer games three times a week here on campus. He even had the opportunity to play some soccer in a men's league here in Durham a couple of weeks ago. He is finding that he really enjoys sports. He also says he is enjoying this colder weather:)

 

Simon in the middle of a soccer game.

 

Liam turned 13 last month, and was able to have a little pizza party with his classmates and family. He got a slingshot for his birthday, and is enjoying shooting at targets. His goal is to kill a squirrel. As for school, he likes World History.

 

Liam and his friends enjoying his birthday pizza dinner...

 

...and trying out his birthday gift of a slingshot.

 

Eli thinks we live in a dream land. He too enjoys the sports, but he REALLY loves being outside and doing all the boy stuff. From running around in the gravel pits, to canoeing and fishing, to just hanging out with friends, Eli is having a good time. Simon caught a garter snake the other day, and didn't have time to skin it, so Eli did it, and had a blast doing it. He also gutted it so we could cook it up later and eat it. Needless to say, there is not much meat on a garter snake:)

 

Eli with his skinned and gutted snake...

 

...and getting ready to go for a canoe ride with Ethan.

 

 

As for Ethan, he is enjoying his classes. His teacher reads The Chronicles of Narnia every morning, and last Friday, they went to her house for snacks and to watch the movie. He loves running around catching grasshoppers, shooting a longbow that he made, and exploring. He wishes he could share these experiences with his Flordian friends though, and misses them.

 

Ethan practicing with his homemade longbow...

 

...and playing ping pong.  (with himself:)

 

We want to thank you for your continued prayers for our family. We feel like we are all adjusting well, and know that in part, it is due to many of you praying.   Monday, the 8th, was Canadian Thanksgiving. We realize we have so much to be thankful for, and at the top of that list is you, loved ones who pray for and support us. We could not be here without you. God is continuing to provide for us, and we really have ABSOLUTELY nothing to complain about. HE is a great God, and completely trustworthy.

Becoming...?

I Corinthians 9:22b  "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

As most of you know, Bill and I are in school to specifically learn how to become cross-cultural missionaries.  And yes, it is something you "become".  It is not something that comes naturally to most people, this being able to live and communicate in a culture you were NOT born into.  So how does one go about "becoming " something you're not, in order to communicate a message more effectively?

Believe it or not, "becoming" IS theological.  It's all about God using and changing us in order to take the Gospel, HIS good news, to those who have never heard.  What is that going to look like?  What are we going to need to let go of in order for that to happen within us?

Our identity affects the situation we're going into.  Language sounds, dress, customs, etc. all form our first identity.  Our second identity was formed when Christ saved us.  Our challenge then becomes, can we lay aside our first identity, in order to accurately communicate that second identity?

According to 1Cor. 9:19-23, laying aside certain aspects of our identity is something that MUST happen, in order for the Gospel to be effectively communicated.  There is a HUGE gap, or valley between those who have not heard the Gospel, and those who bring the Gospel.  It is OUR job to bridge that gap.  We must walk down into that valley, and up the other side to share that Gospel with those who have not heard.  It is not "their" job to bridge the gap.  We must "become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

But where does this motivation come from?  Why do missionaries do what they do?  Why leave home to go to a completely foreign land to share something with someone who may not ever care about what we're sharing?  ICor. 9:23 tells us why.  "Now this I do for the Gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you."  We go because we are compelled by the Gospel, so that we can partake of that eternal life together.

But make no mistake, that drive can ONLY come from Christ.  When there are huge cultural barriers that we can't seem to cross, when we can't seem to learn a particular sound in their language that is crucial, when we are weak and tired from living in a climate we are not used to, when we come to our limit, we MUST tap into the limitless supply of all things pertaining to LIFE.  LIFE=CHRIST!!

That "becoming" is happening in us now.   It doesn't start when we get to the foreign field.  What things from our first identity are we needing to let go of now, in order to share the Gospel?  Stay tuned to read about what God is doing in us right now, as we train.  :-)

What do YOU need to let go of, in order to share the Gospel? 

Oh Canada!

I just wanted to backtrack a little, and share about our week LAST week.  When we arrived, there was a note and a package of TimTam's on our dining room table.  The note was from our host family, Steve & Natalie, welcoming us, and letting us know that they were here to help us with anything we may need.  They had arranged for 3 families to have us over for dinner, with them being the first.  They are a sweet couple from Australia, in their 3rd semester of training here.  We have already enjoyed getting to know them.

                                                Steve, grilling dinner for us!

Our family enjoying dinner outside.

Then, it was off to my (Debby's) parents place for a few days before school started.  We had a great Canadian welcome...

swimming in Lake Simcoe...

and eating delicious meals cooked by my mom!

It was a great relaxing time, and we are so grateful to be around family for a little while.

Still Traveling...

After we left Kentucky, we made our way to the border.  We decided to cross at the Port Huron/Sarnia border point, as the Detroit/Windsor crossing tends to be really backed up.  We also did a little bit of shopping at the Sam's Club in Port Huron, as things are generally more expensive in Canada.

            The bridge from Port Huron to Sarnia, crossing over the St. Clair River.

                                                 Waiting to enter Canada.

So, On Thursday, August 16th, we crossed into Canada.  We had our paperwork in order, but Immigration Canada was still quite cautious about letting Bill into the country.  I'm still Canadian, and the kids are all dual citizens, so Bill was the odd man out:)  After 2 hours of questioning, and the officer doing research online, he finally let Bill in with a "Study Permit".  We are so grateful to God for favour with Immigration Canada!

After just a few more hours of driving, we finally arrived at NTMC (New Tribes Mission Canada).

 

We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all who have prayed, given financially, had us over for a meal, called and written with encouragment, and generally shown your love to us.  We COULD NOT be here without the Lord enabling you to support us in many ways!

And Off We Went...

After our emotional weekend, it really was time to actually leave.  Although even THAT had a hiccup.  Bill got quite sick with a VERY sore throat, and spent a good part of the day in bed.  I would have done a lot of packing up, except that God, in His INCREDIBLE timing, enabled me to be there for the birth of our Pastor's son, Stephen.  Danielle was amazing, and I feel very blessed to have been a part of it.

Danielle deserves to be fed grapes after delivering Stephen Jonathan!

Our first stop was visiting friends Dave & Peggy Summy in North Florida.  We have been friends now for 20 years, and we always have a good time when we get together.  They were so generous in allowing us to use their trailer to haul our things to Canada.

After all these years of friendship, we are happy to see that our kids have now become good friends as well. Bronia, Simon, and their oldest daughter Hannah even spent a summer together serving the Lord in Malawi, with TMI. 

We are so thankful to the Lord for these friendships.  But alas, it was time to leave even them, and so we were on our way again.

First through Atlanta...

Then Nashville...

And finally it was on to visit with Bill's brother Joe, his wife Jamie and their 2 girls.  Unbelievably, NOT ONE picture was taken while we were there.  How lame are we?!?  But we did have a really nice visit with them.  We won't see Joe for a long time, as he leaves in about 2 1/2 weeks for a tour of duty in South Korea.  We so appreciate the sacrifice their family makes on behalf of the USA.

It Was Time To Go...

Well, we have come to the beginning of what we hope will be the rest of our life's work.  We have been working toward going back into full-time missions for about 15 years.  And then it seemed like suddenly, we were on our way.

The first weekend in August was our last weekend in Port Richey. We had a great time, saying "see you later" to near and dear family and friends.  Saturday the 4th was an open house as well as a time for us to be encouraged.

Our Pastor, Frank DiPronio, encouraging and exhorting us in what we're getting ready to do.

Dear, dear friends, Bill & Chris Pearce, who spent some time in Russia as missionaries, also giving us encouragement.

Our good friend Jason, encouraging the church to support us.

It was hard for all of us to say see you later.

Bill, thanking everyone for coming to see us, and for their support and prayers over the years.

Many friends and family praying over us.  How we will miss you all!!


Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for us, and supports us. You are a part of what God is wanting to do in and through us!

Two Weeks Left...

With just two weeks left until we leave, it's fair to say we are busy.  Bill is in the Pacific Northwest, catching up with family, speaking to churches, meeting with potential partners in our ministry, and enjoying weather in the upper 60s and lower 70s (LUCKY!).  I am at home, busy going through stuff (I'm told that WILL come to an end), packing up boxes to take with and to put into storage, filling out more paperwork (for the kids' school), closing back accounts, canceling phone/internet service, etc.  Basically, LOTS to do still.

There are moments when it catches up with me and I have a mini-meltdown.  Kind of crying with no real reason why, just needing to let something out.  I'm told this is normal.  At times it seems like just a move, then at other times I'm struck with the realization that this will change not only mine and Bill's lives, but also the lives of our five children.  That feels very heavy to me.  It's hard to know sometimes exactly how much to include them in this process, because they are very much a part of what we're doing, and we don't want to leave them behind, as we move forward with what we feel God wants us to do.

Even though we need finances to live, like everyone else, we are finding out very quickly that we are more in need of prayer.  We realized something the other day. We know that ultimately, God provides for us all. However, most people work, either for themselves or for a company, which makes them wage-earners. Then they receive a paycheck for their labor from a boss or company. But we realized that Bill is no longer a "wage-earner", having worked his last day at Chick-fil-A last Friday.  It hit us that we are now totally dependent on the Lord for our needs. And quite frankly, we are excited! So please pray for us, to remain steadfast in our trust in the Lord, never wavering.

As we transition, some have written to say they are praying for us.  THANK YOU!  If you pray for us and haven't told us, please tell us.  We need all the encouragement we can get right now:)  We would be so grateful if you chose to commit to pray for us.  We have pledge cards made up, and if you wish to receive one please let us know.  Then on the back please write how we can pray for you.  If you have already received a card, please send it to us, so we can also be praying for you.

Thank you for loving and supporting our family!

Keep up with us on facebook, by liking our family page.  https://www.facebook.com/AbitzFamilyMission?ref=hl

I Don't Love Jesus...

Whoa, a very provocative statement you say.  Maybe, but mostly it's the truth.

This past weekend I went to a women's conference, called "Here is Our God", hosted by The Gospel Coalition.  I have never been to a national women's conference, so I didn't know what to expect.  The subtitle was, "A conference for women, but not about women."  And boy was I glad about that.  

You see, I honestly don't need more sessions on how to be a better wife, mother, daughter, or sister.  I need JESUS.  Because the truth is, I fail at all of those every day, and it's not more steps on how to be a better such-and-such that will get me through the day.  It's JESUS.

I've been a Christian my whole life it seems, and I'm pretty sure I've never LOVED Jesus.  I love the IDEA of Him.  I love His salvation, and the fact that HE called me out of the darkness and into His marvelous light.  I love my future home in heaven, and that I will spend eternity with Him. I love the relationships I have because of Jesus, and the bond I have with fellow believers.  I love that my kids love going to church.  But I don't love HIM.  There are probably many reasons why I don't love Him, not the least of which is that I'm afraid of Him.  As Dr. D.A. Carson told me this weekend, there is an unhealthy and a healthy fear of Him.  I quickly acknowledged that I have an unhealthy fear.  Where that fear comes from I honestly don't know.

What I DO know, what was made clear to me, is that I have loved the things of this world.  I have chosen the pleasures of sin, over the eternal pleasures of knowing and savoring Christ.  I have chosen my treasure, and it has not been Christ.  As John Piper said this past weekend, "No one praises what they don't enjoy".  I haven't enjoyed Jesus, and have not TRULY praised Him in my heart for a long time.  And Satan has loved that I haven't enjoyed Christ.

So where does that leave me?  In the best possible place.  DESPERATE.  Desperate for JESUS.  Desperate for joy.  Desperate for a guilt-free conscience.  Desperate for my taste buds to be made alive.  Desperate to love His word.  Desperate to have the Gospel grow deep roots in my heart.

"The life that drinks deeply at the Gospel is a life of unremitting pursuit of happiness in Jesus, not the world"  John Piper

 

Oh, that I would drink deep at the fountain of the Gospel, and have JESUS become what I treasure MOST!

It's hard to believe that we really only have about 3 1/2 months left here in Florida.  It kind of clicked in Bronia's mind last night, and I felt overwhelmed watching her process it,  feeling helpless to comfort her.  I'm sure there will be many more moments like that, so we REALLY covet your prayers during this time of transition, packing, and saying goodbyes.

Back in March, I wrote that our 3 oldest had an opportunity to go to Mississippi to continue clean-up from Hurricane Katrina.  Well, after a slow start, the Lord DID raise all of their support, and they were able to go with the rest of the team. 

They organized a place called "The Mercy Home", which is kind of like a thrift store, except that the items are given away to the community. 

They also painted the pastor's house, did yard work, had kitchen duty, handed out flyers for the church's Easter service, and had Bible study each night as a group.

They loved their time there, and would love to go again this summer.  We'll see what God has in store for them.


Also this summer, Ethan will once again be going with TMI.  He is registered for the Covered Wagon Circle Sidewalk team.  "Put your mixing skills to work for Jesus this summer. Your team will be trained on how to mix and pour concrete for sidewalks here at the Teen Missions property.  Get to know your team as you work together for our Lord. Not only will you be pouring sidewalks for the Covered Wagon Circle, you will be sleeping in the covered wagons as well.  Your team will have an opportunity to share the Gospel with nursing home residents using puppets, music and memory verses. Have fun knowing you are serving the Lord through hard work and loving others."

Please pray that all his support would get raised, and that God would prepare him to have a servant's attitude, along with humility.  We love that he desires to go again, and pray that God would grow him during his time of involvement.

Getting Ready...Or Am I?

So, it seems like our family moving on to continue our "Adventures in Missions" in Canada is becoming a reality.  The reason I know this is because I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by all the things popping up that need to get done before we go. 

I'm actually grateful to tie up loose ends that should have already been tied up.  Things like getting rid of all the extra's we've accumulated over the years, updating our snail mail/email lists, finalizing life insurance policies, and getting the kids' Canadian citizenship cards.  That is just the tip of the iceberg of course, but it does feel good to at least start there.

I know so many who have been where we are, and they managed to get to the mission field in one piece, so I know it can be done.  I just don't want to ignore life/ministry/kids/husband in the process of "getting ready".  Sometimes I feel like that is exactly what is happening though.

I can relate to the disciples, when they were rebuking the people who were bringing children to Jesus so He could bless them.  We're not told what their heart's intention was in refusing the kids, but it probably was in an effort to do other, "more important" ministry.

I confess I do that with my kids sometimes.  I do other "more important" ministry things, instead of engaging with them.  So they end up watching something mindless on netflix for the wii, or wandering around the house, not sure what to do, probably thinking, "Is this the best there is?"

I can't believe I just confessed that.  But you probably already knew that about me.  You might even be like me in some way.  As I'm typing, I'm listening to Pandora Radio, and Jeremy Camp is singing "Holy fire, burn away, my desire, for anything, that is not of you, and is of me, I want more of you, and less of me."  I really do want to get rid of the things in my life that are not of Him. 

The list might be lengthy...

Things are moving along...

As usual, it's been too long since we've given an update.  I keep hoping we'll get better at this, but so far...not so much.  In any case, we do have an update, and want to share what's going on with us.

On Monday the 12th, we received the actual "official" acceptance letter from New Tribes Mission (NTM).  In the same packet was the paperwork for Bill's visa to study in Canada.  Needless to say that got us a little more excited about going.

Today I the kids drove into Tampa, to get pictures taken for their applications for a Canadian citizenship card.  They are automatically dual citizens because I'm a Canadian, but they need the documents to prove it.  I have a feeling this is only the beginning of paperwork/visas/passports due to missions!

Speaking of missions, our 3 oldest are going on a little missions trip at the end of this month.  ALL of our kids wanted to go with Teen Missions Int'l (TMI) again this year, but we just didn't see how we could raise their support, as well as support for our family to start training.  So they were really excited when an opportunity arose for them to still serve.

Most of you will remember that Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the gulf coast back in 2005.  All the camera crews and news media have long since gone, but believe it or not, MANY are still without permanent housing.  It is to a small town called Lakeshore, Mississippi that our kids, along with others from our church, will be going to, and serving. 

They will be involved in a variety of ways.  They will knock down walls of buildings that were destroyed in the hurricane and haul away debris and garbage for future and current construction sites, clean the bunkhouse and other buildings at the church camp, and help cook meals for the teams who come.  They will also spend time learning from the Bible, praying and singing together, as well as going to Lakeshore Baptist Church on Sunday morning.

They have already worked to help raise funds for the trip.  They participated in a car wash, and have spent the last 2 days baking a variety of cookies for a bake sale that will be held tomorrow.  Please join us in prayer for Bronia, Simon, and Liam. 

    *Pray that they would first seek the Lord and His kingdom. 
   
    *Pray that they would be a blessing not only to the people they will be ministering to in MS, but also to their team.

    *Pray for safety as they drive to MS.

    *Pray that the team would be able to raise all the money they need to go.

Thank you for being a part of our lives, and for continuing to support our family in different ways.  We'd also like to hear what God is doing in your lives, so please feel free to drop us a note:)

NEW TRIBES MISSION (NTM), HERE WE COME...

As you all know, we have desired to go back into full-time missions for a long time now.  Basically since we left TMI 15 years ago.  We are so happy to tell you that we are finally beginning the next chapter of our lives.  We will be moving in August to Durham, Ontario, Canada to begin our training with New Tribes Mission (NTM).

Our application was accepted early in 2011, and we are beginning preparations to leave.  As you can imagine, it will be a lot of work to a move a family of seven to another country.  Planning, paperwork and packing are in store for us for the next seven months, and we truly covet your prayers.

As exciting as this time is for us, we know it is the beginning of permanent changes for our family.  We have talked and prayed about this for so long it hardly seems real to us.  Yet we also know that our time to leave will be here before we know it.  We sure have a mixture of emotions right now, but we feel we are obeying the Lord, and are trusting His leading.

We know full well we won't get to the mission field by ourselves.  It always takes a team; people who desire to come alongside and support those being sent.  Everyone in the church should have a part in the spreading the Gospel, whether they are senders or goers.  We believe we are to be goers, and are praying that God will raise up senders for us; partners who desire to come alongside us and support us as we go.  Please pray that God would provide that for us.

We are excited to see what God will do in this next year.  He has been so faithful to us, and we are so grateful for His love and care towards us.

A few specific prayer requests to keep in mind.

*     That we would use our time wisely.  We have many responsibilities right now, and want to end our time here well.

*     That we would be able to find a larger vehicle to accomodate our growing kids, as well as for much trael in the coming months.

*     That as our initial newsletter goes out, many who read it would desire to partner prayerfully and financially with us.

We feel so blessed and privileged to be able to serve the Lord as a family in this way.  So many have blessed and supported us over the years, and we are so incredibly grateful for you.  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Our Kids' Summer (part 2)

Liam

I too went on a summer missions trip this past summer, also going to Scotland.  Boot Camp was hard for me.  I fell in the slough almost every day during the OC, but I persevered because of Miss Barb's (Boot Camp cook) cooking.  I also learned how to do some balloon art like a cross, and Jonah and the whale.

Then it was off to Scotland.  I pretty much  liked everything about it, especially the evangelizing playground.  That was a playground where we went almost every day, to evangelize.  We used the wordless bracelet and tracts to share the Gospel.  We also went to Edinborough to sight see, shop, and play on an amazing playground.

We finished our landscaping project, which included pulling weeds, planting shrubs and bushes.  We even got our picture in the local newspaper.

I learned how to evangelize, and memorized many verses.  My favorite is 1 Cor. 10:13.  "There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man.  But God is faithful, and will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.  But will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it."

Simon

This past summer, for my birthday, my parents bought me a plane ticket to visit my best friend Micah in New Hampshire for 2 weeks.  It was a pretty awesome time.  I swam in a canal, fished by a dam, went blueberry picking and camping.

I'm excited about moving to Canada, because I'll be able to make new friends, as I will be going to school.  I'm also looking forward to the snow!

Bronia

This past year, mom has been teaching me to cook, and I've made whole meals for my family.  I'm really enjoying it, and looking forward to doing it more.  I've also been learning to draw.  I received a sketch book and instruction book as gifts, and I'm enjoying learning.

I've also been going to tutoring and learning how to spell better.  I've really enjoyed my lessons.

I had a chance this past summer to go to North Florida and spend a week with my best friend Hannah.  We rode a zipline her dad had set up in their back yard, went to a tea party at their church, and went to the beach.  I very much enjoyed my visit, and will really miss her when I move  to Canada with my family.

Our Kids' summer (part 1)

Here are Ethan and Eli's summer updates.

I (Ethan) was happy that I got to go to TMI this past summer.  I got to make new friends, and have fun with some friends on my team that I already knew.  I liked the food and the obstacle course.  I liked my tent partner, Spicer, and all of my leaders.  I learned the Roman Road, which are verses found in the book of Romans, in the Bible that show you how to become a Christian.  I also enjoyed being in the pool with all of my friends.

Our project was to make cookies and bring them to a sheriff's office and a fire station.  We sang songs and shared Jesus with them.  I also memorized Bible verses, and my favorite is Romans 6:23.  "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

                                                Me learning puppets.

                   My team and I getting ready to bake a batch of cookies.

                                    My cute self (my mom wrote this).

This past summer, I (Eli) got to go to Scotland on a missions trip with TMI.  My parents and older brother and sister had gone on teams, and I have wanted to go for a few years.  Before I got to Scotland, I had to go to boot camp.  For the most part I liked it, with the food being my favorite.  The worst were the mosquitoes, which all the staff said was the worst ever.  And that's saying a lot.  I also liked the Obstacle Course (OC), because it got me active.  I learned to persevere at Boot Camp.

Then it was off to Scotland.  Our project was to landscape a Christian camp.  The work was sometimes hard, but I enjoyed it.  We were glad that we finished our project.

While we were on our team, we had to memorize verses, and my favorite is I Cor. 13:11.  "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

My team and I getting ready to run the Obstacle course.  We ran this at 5:30 every morning.

                                          Landscaping in Scotland.

                                My adorable self (my mom wrote that).

I just want to thank all of my supporters for helping me go on the trip.  I couldn't have gone without your support.

Bill and I also want to thank all those who gave and prayed for our family this past year.  We know that God works through the prayers of His people, and we are so glad He does!!