Here we are!
We're home in the U.S. for a few weeks. It always seems so strange coming back to a totally different world. The weather is different, church is different, styles are different, gas prices are different (Yikes), priorities are different, the food is different, I could go on and on. There is a chunk of time, from the lives of our children and grandchildren, that we missed because of our work on the mission field that is bittersweet. We're reminded of Mark 10:29,30 where God's Word says that we will receive full reward in this life and eternally as we work for the sake of the gospel. We are expecting God to do great things in and through the lives of our families.
We were blessed to be able to spend time with family this week and attend the birthday parties of two of our grandchildren, Michael Whitney, 3 years old, and Becca Thompson, sweet 16.
Thank you Lord, for caring about the things we care about, and giving us these special blessings of time with our families that we have often missed.
Edible Flower (Vegetables) arrangements to be put in the Hot Pot cooking at the table and eaten.
Live crab were brought in as well as fresh shrimp and squid. (I passed on the squid!) Had to keep an eye on the crab so they wouldn't crawl away.
We're home in the U.S. for a few weeks. It always seems so strange coming back to a totally different world. The weather is different, church is different, styles are different, gas prices are different (Yikes), priorities are different, the food is different, I could go on and on. There is a chunk of time, from the lives of our children and grandchildren, that we missed because of our work on the mission field that is bittersweet. We're reminded of Mark 10:29,30 where God's Word says that we will receive full reward in this life and eternally as we work for the sake of the gospel. We are expecting God to do great things in and through the lives of our families.
We were blessed to be able to spend time with family this week and attend the birthday parties of two of our grandchildren, Michael Whitney, 3 years old, and Becca Thompson, sweet 16.
The plans for Lotus House are continuing to move along and we have great expectations to see a ground breaking for the first home for children, by the end of the year.
In the meantime, when Don and I get back, the first of June, we will begin working on the renovation of an existing smaller house on the property. It is only a shell at the moment, and occupied by various crawly tenants such as lizards, geckos, and other unwanted slithering guests. It needs lots of work but when it is done, and "sealed to my satisfaction", Don and I will move in so Mark and his family can take the larger two bedroom home we're currently living in. Lots of work ahead, but we're looking forward to it. These are all baby steps leading to God's total plan in providing homes for orphans and children rescued from trafficking.
In the meantime, when Don and I get back, the first of June, we will begin working on the renovation of an existing smaller house on the property. It is only a shell at the moment, and occupied by various crawly tenants such as lizards, geckos, and other unwanted slithering guests. It needs lots of work but when it is done, and "sealed to my satisfaction", Don and I will move in so Mark and his family can take the larger two bedroom home we're currently living in. Lots of work ahead, but we're looking forward to it. These are all baby steps leading to God's total plan in providing homes for orphans and children rescued from trafficking.
Before leaving for the U.S. we had several of our friends, Pastors and church leaders come to visit with us and have a meal. We had a great time and were able to introduce them to Mark Neitz our founder and Director for Lotus House, future home for rescued children.
Here are some pictures, we hope you will enjoy.
Here are some pictures, we hope you will enjoy.
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| Vang and Phuong, our Vietnam family |
Vang and a friend preparing the vegetables for our meal.
I don't know how they squat on their knees for hours at a time!
Edible Flower (Vegetables) arrangements to be put in the Hot Pot cooking at the table and eaten.
Live crab were brought in as well as fresh shrimp and squid. (I passed on the squid!) Had to keep an eye on the crab so they wouldn't crawl away. |
| Yummmmm |
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| Those crabs look pretty good now! |
Great food and beautifully served with great fellowship! These events are the beginnings of an awesome foundation toward God's plan for children at the future Lotus House.
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