Our New Friend

We got to visit with our sweet new friend, Bessy. She is from Honduras, is on CCI staff, and is headed to Argentina in a few months. What a testimony her servant's heart is to us! We wish we could see you more often, Bessy! We love you!

Steak from the Patio!

I had to post this picture because we laughed so hard when it happened! Our friend from South Carolina who lives here, Dodd, came over and brought steaks so we could cook out. Right before we put the steaks on the grill, all of the legs of the grill broke and it came crashing down! We still had our steaks, but cooked on the patio, literally!

A baby, but not ours!

Last week we got to keep our friend's baby for the day! Her name is Joann, and she is 10 months old. She is such a good baby, and we loved playing with her! Actually, Max loved it the most, while Annabelle (Ms. Short Attention Span), got bored quickly and moved on to other things. Come back soon, Joann!

American Vacation Part 4-South Carolina!

Baby Andy-what a dumplin'!

The last piece of our trip to the States-South Carolina! I went to see my best friend Angie for 2 days BY MYSELF! Thank you Nana, Papa, and Aunt Stephanie! I got back to Dallas the day before we came home to Panama, so it was a quick trip, but let me give details!

It was amazing-the most relaxing time I have had in a very long time! Angie lives in the country and we just talked and ate the whole weekend. We slept late, picked blueberries, and played with her baby Andy! It really was a dream weekend, and I loved every minute of being with Andy! Angie's husband, Ben, even cooked for us- a full country meal with a blueberry/rasberry cake for dessert! Thank you Angie and Ben, for the refreshment and encouragement. What great memories we made!

First Day of School, First Day of School!

My baby started Kindergarten this week! He is so happy! I was so proud of him because he was not nervous or intimidated by being in a new school where he didn't know anyone. He even made a friend on the first day! He is the only native English speaker in his class, but his teacher is from Dallas-Lake Highlands! He rides the bus, which is what people do here because it is cheaper and takes less time because of traffic. Riding the bus is definitely the highlight of Max's Day! Here he is...our big boy!

Monkey Island

A few days after we got home from the States, a group from Pine Cove was here and we got to do some fun things with them! One of them was called Monkey Island. We took a boat, Annabelle's first boat ride, and rode to an island where the monkeys come onto the boat and eat fruit! We were all screaming and laughing at the same time! It was a blast! The boat ride was beautiful, too!

American Vacation-Part 3

Our next stop...Dallas! We were in Dallas for a few days seeing Darren's parents, sister and brother-in-law, and cousins! It was non-stop fun and energy, and so neat to watch the kids be together!

American Vacation-Part 2

We were in Tyler for a few days after we got back from Florida, just long enough to see a few friends and be home a little bit! We had a great time with Mitzi, Mia and Abbey-I am stealing these pics off of her blog because they were so cute! What a blessing their family is to us!

Back to Life

So it took us a while, but we have all adjusted back to life without central A/C, speaking english all the time, and driving on the smooth roads of the U.S.! Actually, I think I had the hardest time coming back to Panama! It is hard to leave vacation where there are no worries, no housecleaning, and free babysitting! My prayer is and has been that we would really put roots down here. The Lord was sweet to help us with that this weekend-we had our neighbors over for dinner, went to breakfast with a new friend from church, and met more fun people at church today! Also, Max starts Kindergarten on Tuesday, which will help us build friendships as well. I think I'll quit telling the Lord that I would rather live in the U.S. and really start LIVING here in Panama!

American Vacation Part 1-The Beach!

Kyra's 3rd Birthday party!
My sweet beach girl
What happens when Uncle Dave is in charge...
Surfer Boy!
Cooper-what a cutie
Max and Coop
Max's first fishing experience-he caught 5 fish!
Dad with the kids
Kyra-always busy!

The outdoor concert in Seaside