Tracks

The snow we had last week was really pretty.

One morning as I looked out my window, I saw this imprint in the snow.

Smack dab in the middle of the yard.

My guess is that it was a hawk, bomb-diving for a critter underneath the snow.

I thought I would look for other tracks.

Bunny tracks

Birdie tracks

Claire tracks

 Taking-the-garbage-out tracks

Going-to-work tracks

 Going-after-the-mail tracks

 Busy-dog-next-door tracks

                       Like tracks in the snow our actions follow
                              Throughout our life, no matter where we go.
                       No matter which direction the wind may blow, 
                                  Tracks are always there imprinted in the snow.
                                                                                                 D. Fernie

              

 So very grateful for His forgiveness and that like tracks that disappear when the sun appears, the Son forgives my sins.

Ballerina

A concern of Jill's when she went on their Amigo 16 trip to Mexico was that Sophia was going to have ballet pictures taken on that Saturday.  She was not sure that Adam would really know how to apply Sophia's makeup that they require for the pictures, and to put up her hair.  I was asked if I would be willing.  

 The ballet director had sent makeup application directions.

 Jill video taped how to fix Sophia's hair.  That was great to follow!  Kind of like when you Google it and you can follow directions on You Tube.

 My beautiful ballerina (who just lost her first tooth!)

 I'm sure the pictures will turn out so pretty!  (for obvious reasons, they don't allow us in the room to take pictures)

The roads were slicking up due to ice so they were taking pictures quite fast.  There was no waiting!

Although it was getting bad outside, we decided to make a trip to see my mom in the nursing home, only 6 miles away.  She was so surprised and happy to see us!

We received the good news that Mom will be moving out of the rehabilitation unit and returning to the same facility that my Dad is in!  

 I will be moving her on Friday!

It was sleeting when we left Mom, but we decided to eat at Pizza Hut anyway.  It is such a treat!  See how happy they are?

After dropping them off, and creeping home (a little white knuckled), the sleet turned to snow.  Beautiful flakes!  This winter keeps going on and on and on.  I haven't had time to bring out my spring decorations so I guess that is ok.

We are all looking forward to Jill and Hannah's return.

Adam and the girls especially are missing them!

Perhaps they will bring the nice warm air of Mexico with them.

Missions on my mind

Last month Al and I hosted 4 groups of young people who came through on a progressive missions "snack".  
I served Japanese snacks.

Osenbei or rice crackers
Shrimp crackers
Tangerines similar to our mikan
Soy nuts
Poki's








I shared what it was like to grow up as a missionary kid.
What it is like to go to boarding school.
Culture shock coming to the U.S.

 Our friend, Joel Loewen, who is a missionary in Japan gave the kids a fun quiz.  And a challenge.

They also made other stops and learned about mission opportunities in Peru, France and the Mercy Ship work in East Africa.

*********

This week my daughter and granddaughter, Hannah, are on a missions trip to Mexico.  Our church takes a group every year to serve at Children's Haven.  This is the 16th year!

******

This weekend we hosted our good friends, Dick and Donna, who are missionaries in Ethiopia.

         

  They are aunt and uncle to this sweet family from our church who are now also in Ethiopia.

                           
We learned to know Dick and Donna years ago, when we moved to Newton.  We went to the same church.  There was a group of us who had been missionary kids and we had this connection that MK's have.


Our girls were friends.
                                     
                                     
When they went to Kenya, Africa as missionaries, we saved money for years and then made the trip to see them.  

              Al and our son, Josh were able to go on a hyena hunt. 

                                                                                   

We had such fun reminiscing!  We laughed about the time Donna and I were chased by donkeys and hid in the bush.  We heard snake and crocodile stories and stayed up late and talked for hours.

Before leaving town today, they HAD to make a trip to Druber's, of course!  Years ago we regularly went there with the kids to eat those delicious donuts!!  Another "old" friend joined us.

 Adam stopped by with the kiddos.  This upcoming generation loves Druber's just as much!

Can't I have another one?

 This is a film about the Swart's ministry in Ethiopia.