8 Days Before Christmas...Looking Back

Back to my countdown...

8 Days:  MAY 2012

Sad start to this month as we said goodbye to friends, mentors, and fellow teammates the Dreilings.  Tears were shed as we shared memories, a meal, music and laughter.  We miss their presence on our team!  But after many years of service, grown children and a grandson now all living and working in the U.S., it was time.  They were an answer to prayer for us when we first arrived, taking the place of Gary and Debbie Miller as mentors and spiritual parents.

 

Becky was with us when Toby was born and since we'd only been here 2 1/2 mos (I was 7 mos pregnant when we moved to PY), we were so thankful for her help with all the paperwork and translation at the hospital.  She was also instrumental in our getting permanent visas. 

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This is Toby when he was born...isn't he adorable!  Can't believe he is 6 now!

Amy and I, with our daughters, went to a friend's farm where I saw how mandioca grows and is picked for the first time! I know, I told you we were more rural this time!

Later the next week the Schmidts stayed for a night and of course, I quickly put them to work (JK)!  They were helping.  Bill & Eunice are a wonderful pastoral couple who come down to Paraguay specifically to encourage, minister and care for our team! 

More youth meetings, youth group, Mother's Day and the RGBI group arrived in Paraguay.  Dan went to the city to meet them at the airport. 

We went camping. 

Here Dan is making cocido, a sweet hot drink using terere yerba. 
He enjoys making this whenever it is cold and in May it was cold!

Judah pulled himself to his knees!  Oh, he was happy! He used the same bin that Sammie used to pull herself up the first time.  Pretty cool.  A few days later I found him standing in his crib!  Wow. 

And Dan was getting ready for this year's MK Adventure trip!!