Family, friends, packages from home!!!

We are so thankful for you, our family and friends, who are walking with us on this incredible G0d-journey!! The Father is using each of you to sustain us and encourage us to do the thing He has called us to do. There are days when missing home seems almost unbearable ... and then we will experience G0d in some way that reminds us of why we are here. He uses you in ways you may never know through simples acts of love ... through the incredible power of prayer, through skype-time, through emails, through letters, and through packages. It's as if He knows just when we need that little bit of extra encouragement ... and He sends you our way. We are seeing and experiencing His love in ways we could have never imagined before this journey. We are thankful that you are walking with us.

One of those families walking with us is Richard, Maribeth and Gabi. We're actually related, but what a blessing it is that we can also be the best of friends. Each of our families moved to Fort Worth and started seminary at the same time ... and during those 2 years, He quickly drew our hearts together. It was hard to leave them (and there are still days when we long to just hang out with them), but the Father has forever connected us. We got a special gift from them today ... and how exciting it was to see that package from Texas!! As they finish up their last year in seminary, we would ask that you remember them by name as they seek His will in their lives. We love you guys SO much!!

Emma's "OHHHH" tells the story....

Emma opening her movie...

And then Noah....

Elizabeth's turn....

Even the big people got to open a gift ... the original TV classic, Frosty the Snowman. We already know which movie will be first!!

It was a DVD kind of day at our home. We can't wait to get started....

Elizabeth read the letter out loud....their words were the best gift of all (although the kool-aid mix was definitely at the top of the list).

Emma was excited to get a new picture of Gabi!

DVD's, fajita seasoning, taco seasoning, Hidden Valley ranch seasoning mix, and lots and lots of Kool-Aid.

And for extra reading, we got a copy of The Eagle Democrat ... for you south Arkansas people, you'll appreciate the Eagle flying all the way to South Asia! :)

We wasted no time making some cherry Kool-Aid!

Our special friend, Maria, enjoyed a glass as well ... perhaps her first taste of that great little sugar drink called Kool-Aid!!