Easter ... on the other side of the world

It was definitely a different kind of Easter this year, but we are continuously reminded that He is the same no matter where we are. Thank You, Father, for allowing our family to talk about You with the people we meet.

We brought back 3 buckets when we were home last ... and had planned on filling them up with some things here. How exciting it was, though, to receive a package a few weeks ago that was FULL of goodies. Thanks to our friends, the Sandusky's, for being our "Easter Bunny."

The "Easter mac & cheese" was a HIT!!

Peeps, Jelly Bellies, and creatures that go 'peep', 'chirp', and 'ribbit.' Jessica, Mikayla, and Rebecca (and of course their mom and dad) will never know how much encouragement they gave our family ... and at a time when we really needed it. We love you guys!!

We also picked up a couple things for the kids here ... like Emma's bike. She left her bike in Arkansas, so she was THRILLED to have her own bike again!!

Noah dropped his DS shortly after we got here, so we surprised him with one that actually works like its supposed to. Squash is also a big deal here, so we picked him up a squash racket as well (squash is our version of racquetball).

Elizabeth has really developed a love for photography, so we upgraded her camera. Our kids have sacrificed so much to serve Him here, so it blessed our hearts to be able to love on them like this. They were all 3 thrilled and so very thankful. We are also very thankful for the ultimate sacrfice the Father made so many years ago.

We also had a good time doing the "cookie decoratin' thing." We made and decorated 90+ cookies ... we ate a few and passed out a lot!!

A few of the cookies....

We also got to tell the Greatest Story ever told using some resurrection eggs we brought back from the states.

The kids loved the story and listened so intently.....

We then had a big Easter egg hunt. This was a brand new thing for many of the kids, and they ALL loved it. Ready, set, go!!!

Emma doin' what Emma does!! :) All 3 of the kids had such a fun-filled day celebrating a Risen Savior, but especially Emma Catherine!!

Elizabeth gave Emma her old camera and here she and her friends are set on taking a picture of one of Noah's friend .... who clearly doesn't want his picture taken. :)

And then came "cookie time." Elizabeth passed out dozens of cookies .... lots of smiles and lots of sugar highs!!

Those who came to our "party."

Fun times....

We didn't dye our eggs until the end of the day .... well worth the wait!!

We started our Easter morning with a time of devotion and Scripture reading in our home ... and ended our day by giving thanks to Him for all He has provided, including a most delicious Easter dinner (ham, mac & cheese, grean bean casserole topped with some US dried Durkee onions and creamed potatoes)!! Thank You, Father, for giving us just what we need .... when we need it!! As hard as it can be to be so far from home at times, we are grateful that You are allowing us to serve You in this place!!