Our last few days before the next journey begins!!

One of our most absolute favorite things is a sunset, whether it's across a Fort Worth sky, from atop a lookout at Petit Jean Mountain State Park, or the sky just west of our home ... it is a perfect reminder that He is in complete control of all that happens in this world, even when life may be a little hard. As the sun sets in this picture below, it's also a reminder that our time here will soon be coming to an end. As tough as some of the roads have been to travel the last few months, there's no way we would want to change the life lessons He has taught us while we've been here.

As we prepare to leave here in about 4 hours from now, we wanted to recap our lives the last few days here in our city.

We've learned that something like THIS.....

....can be transformed into something like THIS. The flavors that come from this part of the world cannot be described!

Just another day in the life of Emma in school ... sometimes in pjs, sometimes not. Here, she's doing math review at the start of a new school year (1st grade)!!

We love visiting this little rug shop where you pay by the kg!! We stopped by one day last week to replace some of our rugs for our future home since they are so inexpesive - 2 Ralph Lauren bathroom rugs and another shaggy rug for an entry way ... all 3 for around $5!!

Noah and Emma digging for just the right one!!

These guys love making a sale!!

This is the newborn son of our very dear friends who live next door to us. They are from here but lived in California for 8 years. They moved back just a couple months before we arrived and quickly "showed us the ropes." We're thankful we got to meet this little guy before leaving!

Though we see the sun set most days, it's rare to actually see the mountains in the background. On this particular day, Elizabeth called us to the balcony to not only see the sun but the mountains and the sunbeams shining through the clouds as well.

We also had a big going away party for the kids ... bowling downstairs, pizza upstairs, and fun all around!! These kids have definitely found a place in our hearts!! Think of our kids over the next few weeks as they adjust and begin the process of making new friends!

Noah's friend giving him a friendship bracelet....

Emma's little friend gave her a bracelet as well!!

No bumpers at this bowling alley, but Emma didn't seem to mind.

We've enjoyed having Pizza Hut here ... no beef w/black olives, but we managed just fine with cheese and Hawaiian chicken w/pineapple!! The girls got the table....

....while the boys took to the floor!

Noah had an incredible conversation about the Father with the young boy in the white shirt a few days ago. Please join us in asking the Father to water and grow the seeds He has planted here!!

During the hustle and bustle of another overseas move, Emma somehow found time to sneak in a facial and a makeover!!

Ahhhh .... the sweet life of Emma Catherine!! She really could be her own Disney show!

And then the fun was returned! :)

High-fivin' Ronald McDonald on one of our favorite streets!!

Not much space to expand out for restaurants and shops, so many store owners are forced to build up. Notice the stairs going down and up at this McDonalds!

A random shot of a rickshaw full of school kids on our way home one afternoon ... we love the people here, but we especially have grown to love the kids!

Another random picture ... this one of a hasu (cow) napping in the middle of a busy street!

We've seen this store front sign many times, but we actually had our camera ready on this day. Modern soap vs. non-modern soap????? :)

Man selling all types of plastic containers from his bike!!!

Cows and dogs = friends!

Gas-cylinder delivery driver

Moving day finally arrived ... it took 5-6 packers about 10 hours to pack up our home. We've always moved ourselves, so this was a new experience to have someone else come in and do it all. We were stunned with how they did things. We'll see just how good when we receive our crate in about a month!! Here's a shot of 2 of the guys wrapping our sofa.

Did we mention we love Pizza Hut!?!?! :) Pizza and moving day just seem to go together....

Break time is a happy time!!

Puzzle time is also a happy time, especially when the majority of your toys are packed up.....

They individualy bubble-wrapped each plate, cup, and anything else made from glass.

Not sure how it will make the trip across the ocean, but we'll know soon!

All the luggage was individually wrapped as well!!

Everything packed and heading down to the truck after a long day....

The place we called home for 10 months, 1 week and 3 days ... hard to leave our friends, but we're excited to see what's around His next corner. Thanks to everyone for speaking our names to the Father during this incredible journey "thus far .... has the L0rd helped us!"