This is our friend, Abdullahim. He is our local street cleaner that I have been sharing lunch with for many months now. He is from Bangladesh. He misses his wife and daughter back in Bangladesh. The other day I was going through some old magazines to give away and I stumbled upon this Christianity Today on the bottom of the pile. I looked at it and had chills. This image of Jesus looked just like my friend Abdullahim to me. I stared at for a long time thinking about what God was showing me in this. you may not see any resemblance, but I think it wasn't necessarily about that. I believe it was God showing me who I was sharing cold water with and God revealing to me to not lose hope. Today I said to the children "Say Masalaama (goodbye) to Abdullahim." He spoke in Hindi to our housekeeper, Francisca, "Ma'am remembers my name!" I did not get the translation until he had smiled broadly. I assured him that I indeed remembered his name, in fact I may never forget him and pray for him and his family for the rest of my days. Please pray for Abdullahim and his family. Pray that I will be able to show Christ's love to him. God is working even in Kuwait, may he alone be glorified!!!

MATTHEW 10:40-42

40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.

It has been over a month since we went to the Mount of Olives. I have been so busy with caring for my five kids, now that school is out for summer. I am sorry to be behind on my blogging, but I have to engage the children otherwise they wake me up at 4:00am saying "I can't fall back to sleep, Mom!" I guess better late than never, right?

The morning we spent on the Mount Of Olives was just gorgeous. I am so glad to have spent time there. We spent time at The Church of The Pater Noster(In English :The Church Of Our Father), enjoying the view of Jerusalem, saw the Garden of Gethsame, and visited the Church of Mary Magdalene.

On this morning in Jerusalem we had three children with us, Grace, Faith and Timmy. Luke was not feeling well and Hope had been up most of the night before, so we choose the three with the most energy : )

The church of the Pater Noster was so amazing to see. It is believed to be the site where Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer to his followers or the "Our Father" prayer. The unique aspect of this church is the large tiles that line the walls of the entrance, grounds and the chapel. Each grouping of tiles has The Lord's Prayer written on it. There are over one hundred different languages. Some of our favorites to stumble upon were Cherokee, Swahili, Lugandan and Arabic. We had to take a photo of the kids by English (Anglais in French, it is a French church) and we took a photo of Timothy by Lugandan which they speak in Uganda where he was born.

After visiting the Church of The Pater Noster we drove around the hillside to see the spectacular views of Jerusalem. We made a friend with a Palestinian man who welcomed us on his property and took our photo altogether with Jerusalem in the background. He shared with us about a park within walking distance of his property that was a place where many Christians visited to sit and pray. We strolled out there and looked over the city that Jesus loved. I was able to get a crash course from our new friend about growing an olive tree. The photo of the olive tree is on his property. This was a nice time that was unexpected stop.

The views from Jerusalem from the hillside were truly breathtaking. I can see why Jesus came up here to pray and look over the city that would be destroyed after he was back home in heaven. I couldn't help but think of his second coming and the joy I will have at that time. I could truly feel my heart break for Jerusalem with all it's history, hate, war and sadness. While on the Mountain I wanted to scream the truth, I wanted all to know what Jesus did for them, and I wanted peace for the whole world. I could feel Jesus sadness for this part of the world and the condition we find ourselves in as humans.

Our next stop of the morning was the Garden of Gethsemane. What a special place this was. It contains many old Olive trees there and it is the traditional site that Jesus is supposed to have prayed for God's will on the night of his arrest. It is also believed to be a place that Jesus and his disciples visited often. This is supposed to be the place where Judas betrayed Jesus leading to his arrest, torture, death and (most important) his resurrection. This garden was the beginning of something that God had foretold from the beginning of time. It was very humbling and awesome to be here. I am aware that this may not be the exact spot. But, again I used this time to focus on what Jesus went through during this time. I was able to picture the time in my mind's eye while contemplating the garden.



Grace stands next to the rock it is believed Jesus prayed on the night of his arrest.

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene was a beautiful sight. As we went inside we were treated to a choir singing a hymn in English. We all enjoyed the artwork contained in the sanctuary. My favorite was the stained glass windows and beautiful ceiling tiles.

After we spent some time listening in the church we went back out to Gethsemane. I was excited to see my favorite flower the Hollyhock. This was an amazing morning and I was blessed to see it all with my own eyes. Some may ask "Were you afraid to be visiting Jerusalem?" There were moments of fear, but honestly when you live in another Middle Eastern country, it puts a great deal in prospective. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our family. We were greeted by the Israelis with kindness and hospitality. God is beginning to teach me that fear is futile. If it is my time to go home to heaven, I will not avoid it by worrying or living frozen by fear. I am not saying I invite danger. I just realize my place in the world and I trust God to provide in any and all circumstances. Those circumstances lately have been vacationing in two "war" zones, driving in Kuwait(talk about taking your life in your hands) and living abroad with five children. God protected us and we were able to see the city that he loved and grieved for. If you have a chance to see Jerusalem, do it! Soon, I will take you to the Sea Of Galilee, The Jordan River and the city of Nazareth.

This was one of my favorite locations in Jerusalem. By the time we arrived at "The Garden Tomb" we were hot, very sweaty, tired and thirsty. We had walked the streets of Jerusalem and had been begged to buy too many cheap trinkets for too long. We needed to be away from the similar religious craziness that Jesus was fighting against in his time, we needed to walk with Him in the garden.

I will be totally honest here, I am an Evangelical Protestant Christian. I see the world through that lens and it makes everything clear to me because of my relationship with Christ. The Garden Tomb was a place for me to connect with God and contemplate his sacrifice for me. From the moment I walked in I was at peace, not because I knew 100% that Jesus was buried and rose from the dead here in this exact spot, but because I could leave the noise of the city and focus on God. It reminded me of Jesus leaving the people, the hustle and bustle of his life and going to the garden to pray. I may never know if this is the place where Jesus lay dead and three days later was resurrected, but that was not the most important part for me. It was an opportunity to focus on His life, His sacrifice and His AMAZING grace!

We were able to see the place where there is evidence of a burial around the time of Jesus' life. The tomb is carved out of the rock and the place where the body was laid was carved inside of that area.

In 1883, near to the Damascus Gate, Major-General Charles George Gordon CB found a rocky escarpment (now situated just behind a Palestinian bus station), which from several angles resembled the face of a skull; since one of the possible etymologies for Golgotha is the Aramaic word for skull, and may refer to the shape of the place, Gordon concluded that the rocky escarpment was likely to have been Golgotha. (Taken from Wikipedia HERE)

There will always be arguments over the validity of The site at The Church of The Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb. It was an amazing blessing to be privileged enough to see the area and picture the time in my mind. This is definitely one of the most popular places for Protestant Christians in the city. Our families favorite truth of the site came as we were preparing to exit the tomb. The sign on the door of the Tomb reads " He is not here, For He is RISEN!"

Ultimately that is the message of the quite and peaceful garden, the message that I pray the world understands and accepts before he returns for the second time. If this is the place he was buried, or if the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the true location, or if it is another unmarked spot, it does not change my belief in the Risen Jesus Christ! He isn't in the tomb anymore, he doesn't hang on the cross still, He is the one true hero of my life and he has been victorious over my struggles with sin. Someday I hope to ask Him where the location was that He was buried, but then someday I hope to ask Him many things : ) It was nice on this day to just refresh and walk in the garden with my Risen Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is what God brought to mind while I was in the garden. One of my favorite hymns:

IN THE GARDEN words & music by C Austin Miles

Verse 1 I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear,

Falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

Chorus: And he walks with me And He talks with me,

And He tells me I am his own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

Verse 2 He speaks and the sound of His voice Is so sweet

the birds hush their singing;

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

Chorus

Verse 3 I'd stay in the garden with Him,

Tho' the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; Thro' the voice of woe His voice to me is calling.

Chorus

I still can't believe we were able to visit Israel. It was an amazing experience and I thank God for the opportunity to see where his son was born, lived, died and was resurrected. We flew in Jerusalem very late at night on our first day of travel so the next day we just explored the neighborhood our apartment was in. We went out to eat lunch and enjoyed the cool (when compared to Kuwait) temperatures.








On our first day of sightseeing we decided we would drive our two rental cars to Masada (click on Masada to read the history of this amazing place)and the Dead Sea. We took the tram up to the top of the Plateau. It was very HOT when we arrived at the top. We saw the top of Masada pretty quickly due to the fact that there is minimal shade and no air conditioning. After hiking around the top Masada viewing the Synagogue, the ancient Cisterns, The watchtower, and the areas where the Jewish zealots lived, I was tired and hot. We had planned that Kelly, myself and the three oldest kids would hike down Masada. I took one look at the tram at the top and said "I am taking that down". Faith followed my lead and said she would like to have a big drink of water and an ice cream at the bottom. Kelly, Grace and Luke made the trek down Masada. They all did a great job!! It was VERY hot and humid that day. When our three hikers made it to the bottom of the Plateau, Grace looked like her face was on fire. She was bright red and drenched in sweat. Both she and Luke were real troopers and I am glad they did this fun thing with their Dad. I must admit, I am equally glad I took the tram down and watched a movie about Masada while eating Ice Cream. With everyone hydrated and tired we drove off to find the Israel side of The Dead Sea.




The Dead Sea is something I have wanted to see since I was little and learned about it in Vacation Bible School. I always wondered what it would look like. Can you tell from far away it is basically "dead" and filled with salt? In a word, NO! It is amazingly a beautiful aquamarine color and looks very refreshing on a hot day. The kids had been asking all day long "When are we going swimming in the Dead Sea?" Needless to say the anticipation was built. Before we arrived I kept thinking, there might be some disappointment as far as the "swimming" in the Dead Sea. We pushed on and arrived at the beach in the later afternoon.



The picture of the UN SUV was taken to show you how commonly on both legs of our vacation we saw UN vehicles. We really vacationed in two "war" zones and the UN was everywhere. We went through so many check points in Israel it was hard to keep track of which part of the country we were in. We were in Palestinian territory at some points and always felt safe in both areas. People were all very helpful. There was only one time I felt uncomfortable and it was when we drove through the Muslim area of Jerusalem. We were trying to get out of the city and home to our apartment. We were winding around on these small streets up and down little hills. The next thing I know we turn to the left and WHAM, in front of us is a forty foot wall topped with barbed wire and shards of broken glass. Kelly and I are communicating this whole time via "walkie talkies" while driving. I immediately radio to him "I don't think we are supposed to be here and we both know what that wall is!" My husband is so relaxed, he says "Oh, no problem we will turn around up here." As we drive by the wall it has graffiti written in spray paint all over it. Some that I noticed as my flight or fight response was kicking in were "Free Palestine" "No More Occupation" and many things I don't care to repeat on the blog. As we drive by the wall, mouth agape, we come up a hill to a gate. Standing at the gate are two young men in uniforms with large semi -automatic machine guns. Kelly rolls down his window and asks if we can go through the gate because we are trying to get out of the city. He asks"Are any of you Hebrew?" "No" Kelly replies and then someone in the back seat of his car chooses this moment to pipe up and ask "Dad, I'm hungry can we eat something?" The gate guards proceed to offer our children something to eat. He offers them all yogurt. Our kids refuse the yogurt with a scowl. The guards very kindly tell us we might want to turn around. We immediately acquiesce! I have already begun training the children that if you are offered food by someone with a gun take it and thank them with a smile : ) This trip was rarely boring!!!





I digress, now back to the Dead Sea. We all had to change our clothes in a shower room and then we were off to the beach. On our way to the water I had told the children for the millionth time not to get this water in their eyes because it will sting. Swimming in our family is never a spectator sport and rarely undertaken at a leisurely relaxed pace. I should have known this would cause some problems. At this point in the day all our tired and cranky. Kelly and I are trying to encourage them and show grace as far as some children's attitudes. Finally the moment has arrived. We all get into the water, except for Daddy, he is going to take some video and photos. Grace and Faith are in the water doing the "floating" thing with ease. Luke, Timmy, Hope and I are the next to enter the crystal clear salt bath. I immediately sit down with the babies and say let's sit here and try out the water. The next thing I know I hear someone splashing wildly in the water next to me, before I can look to see who has not heeded my warning I hear" I AM BLIND, AHHHHHHHH, I AM BLIND!!!!! I AM BLIND, OH NO, AHHHHH. HELP ME!!!!!"



Before I go further with this story I must explain something. Luke has ALWAYS had extra sensitive eyes. If he gets anything in his eyes he goes crazy with screeching and crying. I remember the first time he got Lake Michigan sand in his eyes, you would have thought he had broken a bone the way he shreeked. I am sure because of this little explanation you can ascertain who went head first into the Dead Sea.



As our oldest son is screeching, moaning and blindly groping for the shore, Kelly comes to his aid. I must admit that Kelly and I are both laughing so hard at this point we are in tears. You must understand that we told Luke MANY times to not jump into the Dead Sea. We told him to just swim carefully because the salt would sting his eyes. Before you think we are terribly cruel, also know that it was HOT we were tired and our nerves were shot. It was much needed comic relief. Once Luke was finally seated on the rocky shore wiping off his eyes with his daddy's shirt, the rest of us go back to swimming. All the other tourists have finally stopped watching us when Timmy decides to wiggle out of my protective hold. He says " I want to swim, Mommy." I respond with an "that is fine, just don't get it any eyes like Luke." Not one minute passes and Timmy is dunking his head underneath the water! After the wailing quites, the girls and I have our photos taken and decide enough swimming for one day. On the way up the cliff back up to the parking lot Luke says " It is a Miracle! Jesus and Dad's sweaty shirt healed my eyes!" Again Kelly and I were laughing so hard we were crying. I must record all this for posterity because we took no photos of the boys in the Dead Sea. After nearly going blind neither would take a chance and go back in even for a photo opportunity.



On our way back to Jerusalem we stop to eat at a rest stop in the middle of the Desert. Please note how bedraggled we look after our Dead Sea experience. We were lucky to have made it out of there alive and with our eyesight!

The next day we decide it is time for some of us to go see the "Old City". Kelly, "The Big Three" and me decide we will head for the Via Dolorosa.

In Latin Via Dolorosa means "way of suffering". It is traditionally believed to be the path taken by Jesus before his Crucifixion. We entered Jerusalem through the Damascus Gate. The Damascus gate is the entrance to the old city that is very close to the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem. Upon entering the Damascus gate you enter into a bunch of narrow alleyways and streets with vendors selling everything from freshly butchered goat to shops full of every gummy candy imaginable. As we walked through the Muslim part of the market we stumbled on right where we wanted to be the Via Dolorosa.

As we walked the Via Dolorosa I was surprised at the number of "Money Changers" along the route. I couldn't help but take a photo of one because they are mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible when Jesus turns over their tables.

12Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a 'den of robbers.

Matthew 21: 12 and 13

The Via Dolorosa was a very moving walk to take in the city. I couldn't help but think about Jesus and his sacrifice for us. It was also neat to see all the different people in Jerusalem as we were walking. God opened my eyes to the fact that he has died for us all Jew, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and people of all races and creeds. He didn't just die for me or you, but us all. It was powerful to see all the people he died for as we walked along this trail.

I am not a Catholic, but my understanding of the stations of the cross is this. The stations of the cross are used as a devotional tool to remind Catholics of Jesus' sufferings and his last hours on earth. Catholics often will during Lent or Easter week have a special service that walks them through these stations in a devotional format. We used it as a reminder of all Jesus did for us as well. I used it as a time to think about how much he sacrificed for me and my family. I am so thankful to God for this experience. I most likely will never convert to Catholicism, but through this experience I can see how it can used as a powerful time to reflect on Christ's death and sacrifice. The stops along the Via Dolorsa were very amazing to see with your own eyes.

Two of my favorite stops were the Third station or where it is believed Jesus fell under the weight of the cross the first time. The church archway there was very beautiful and moving. My next favorite was the Ecco Homo Arch. This is believed to be the site where Pontius Pilate condemned a beaten, bleeding Jesus crowned with thorns. This area of Jerusalem was quite and beautiful it was easy to picture the true scene in my mind. The Stations all come to a climax at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Church of The Holy Sepulchre was breathtaking to see. It was very crowded when we arrived and many pilgrims had come to see all the final stations of the cross that lie inside this huge church. We were able to see where they believe Jesus was crucified, where they brought him down from the cross and where they believe he was entombed. It also was moving. Apparently people are supposed to pay for the candles they are going to light up near Golgotha. As we went through a large group of Russian tourist were there lighting candles and praying. As I was watching the people and the scene a few women were taking candles without paying the Priest standing near Golgotha and the donation box. He immediately began to yell something and bang on the box pointing to the candles. I again came back to this verse.

12Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a 'den of robbers

Matthew 21:12 and 13

We left that area quickly as that Priest disgusted me. We them moved on to the Main Chapel where they believe Jesus was entombed. The girls wanted to light a candle and pray, so we let them light a candle that had already burned out. We watched long lines file into the place where it is believed Jesus lay dead and them rose again. After seeing what we could we headed out towards the Stone of the Anointing. Faith and Grace were curiously watching as people placed anything and everything on the stone to be blessed. It was interesting to watch our children watch all that was taking place. Both girls wanted to touch the stone and they did. After seeing that we decided it was time to go out of the "Old City" and on to my favorite place The Garden Tomb a second site that claims it could alos be were Jesus was buried. This was a moving experience for me and one of my favorite places. More on that tomorrow~

Living in Kuwait has been very eye opening for me. There is a great divide in this country. A divide between the very wealthy Kuwaitis and the extremely poor workers. I have read of there stories in The Arab Times one of the newspapers in Kuwait. Often these workers survive on a pittance and send most or even all the money they do make back home to India, Bangladesh or the Philippines. Over these past months the street cleaners have come to my attention. I have heard from several housekeepers and nannies that they are the lowest of this culture. Similar to the "untouchables" of India. I have decided I have to act.

I have started by packing a lunch each day for my local street cleaner. I began noticing him each morning when I would be out waving goodbye to Grace and Faith as they get on the bus each morning for school. He would watch our family scene of many goodbye hugs and kisses shared between me, Kelly and the girls. Our goodbye each morning is so sweet, but you would think the girls were going off to fight in a war. Many hugs are exchanged and equally as many kisses. As our morning farewells are given the street cleaner watches with a large smile on his face. I knew immediately in my heart that I needed to begin bringing him lunch and fresh water.

I have been doing this each morning I see him for awhile now. I started giving it too him before I went to Egypt. He has become my friend and I look forward to seeing him each morning. It has now become "my mission" to bring food and water to people in need. I prepare little lunches and water bottles each day that I will be out driving. When I stop at a light and see a street cleaner or gardener out in the hot Kuwait sunshine, I wave them over and give them my care package. I am so blessed to have this opportunity! It has filled my heart with joy and love for all his creation. I know God loves each one of these special people as much as he loves a "rich" person like me. Honestly sometimes I am embarrassed because I give out of excess and have much more food at home for my family. Jesus shares about those giving out of their poverty, that is my example. I strive to give more and more.

As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." Luke 21:1-4


Honestly I am not "rich" per American standards. In fact we took a pay cut to choose this amazing life for our family. Compared to the rest of the world we are wealthy, we have two cars, excess food, clean water, clothing, books to read, money to save and spend, and time and money to go away on vacation with. I know that God alone through his grace has provided all this and I am determined to use it all to his glory and pleasure. Do I fail? YES! At times I WANT this and that, that I don't need. I make selfish choices. I share all this with you to encourage you. That if God can change a person like me there is indeed hope for everyone.

I feel such joy after giving even the smallest thing in God's name. I pray for the recipients and thank God for this opportunity to give out of my abundance. I amazed at how he has blessed me by being able to see the world through the people he created. I am shocked at how others look down these people. I know that through this God is changing me and he has given me my mission. It may not be the most glamorous, but it is what I have been given a heart for. The other day I was at stoplight and I noticed a gardener working in the HOT sun. I waved him over and gave him the contents of my special care package. He smiled a huge smile and said"thank you, M'am." He even squeezed my hand I knew in that touch, even if I never saw him again , he knew I cared for him. I am overjoyed as I type this! I am already thinking of an excuse to drive the crazy Kuwait streets to share love, joy, and some food and water with my new friends. Thank you God for bringing me to Kuwait, showing me your heart for the people and "my mission".

This is an interesting post for me to write. The photo I attached to this post shows a peaceful morning on the Arabian Gulf. The photo represents the peace I have inside as I learn more and more why God has placed me here.

On one hand I want to share everything I am seeing in Kuwait and my perspective of it, but on the other hand I want to be careful to remember that we are guests in their country and here as diplomats.



Wikipedia defines the role of a diplomat as this, "The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and friendly relations."



I have chosen with my blog to be as truthfully kind as possible to the people of each country we will call home for each posting. That is just me, the true me that God has called me to be. I love many blogs and many other perspectives, but on my blog I will stick primarily to the positive in the interest of keeping up our "friendly relations" with the Kuwaitis. We appreciate them hosting us in this country rich with beautiful traditions and culture.



This past Thursday was an awakening for me. I came to a point where I had to say irregardless of what the people of Kuwait do or say I have got to be me. God has put me here for a purpose and I believe it is to show his love to the Kuwaitis and all the world for that matter. How I show love, I realize now, is quite different from many other cultures. In my culture we greet one another with a smile and a "hello" or a "hi". In my culture we wait in line to show respect for others and their needs. In my culture we (at least the majority of the culture) try to drive with respect, and we take other people's lives into account while driving. In my culture we bring treats to neighbors when they move in next door. In my culture we value pedestrians crossing the street and we stop for them to cross safely. In my culture we say "excuse me" when we run into someone in the super market isle. In my culture we look at all people as created by God and treat them accordingly.



I will admit since moving here I have gotten quite used to the prevalent culture here. I have become a curb taking fast driving mama who can push herself to the front of any group to get my needs met. I found myself not smiling at people or saying "hello", because it is not very common for that to happen to me. I found myself just trying to blend in, like that is at all possible with three blondies and two black sons. People stare at me, all the time and I found myself acting like they do towards me. Some in the dominant culture here can have an attitude of superiority toward other races, religions and creeds. At first this bothered me, but now I realize I must not let them or this place change me in a negative way. I must "be me" and be kind and show love irregardless of the response. I must "love my neighbor as myself" (Matthew 22:39), just as Jesus called me to do.



I have started to once again say "A Salaam Alakum" to all those I see. I even smile nicely, sometimes I am rebuffed, sometimes people light up and respond in kind. God has revealed to me that I have "gotta be me", the person he has created me to be. I am only accountable to Him. The people here may never like me, but I am here for a purpose. I will not hurt our friendly relations and I will "be me" by loving the Kuwaitis. I will be changed when our time here is done. I will "be me" and push through the awkwardness and try to show love to all I meet here in Kuwait. I am planning on starting this week. The kids and I will make cookies and bring them to our neighbors. Does love get any deeper than chocolate chip cookies?

I cannot believe that eight years ago today my life changed forever. Grace was born at 9:00am in the morning after a long labor. She has been a joy since that first moment. I did not know true responsibility until I became a parent. That first night after her birth we both just lay awake staring at one another. I remember feeling so much excitement that I couldn't go to sleep, I couldn't take my eyes off her.

She has always been fun, sweet tempered and full of smiles for all. She loves to giggle, dream of having a pet kitten and to crack jokes. I cannot believe how mature she is getting and how funny. She has her father and me laughing out loud often. She understands many large anatomical concepts that most adults have no clue about. This may be because her parents both have medical training and have talked shop in front of her for years. She has also become an invaluable helper to me. She helps to play with the "twins" and she can entertain Hope when I have other things I need to accomplish. She is quite the "little Mommy".

Grace,

I love you so much and so does you Daddy. Never question this for a moment! You are special because you are created in God's image. You are a beautiful girl on the inside and the outside. I am so glad God blessed our family with you! You are the best snuggler and giggler. You love God so much. I am amazed at your questions about God. He has blessed you with faith. You have such a sweet heart and you think of others before yourself often.

I feel like I am still staring at you like our first night together, only now time is moving so much quicker. I wish I could go back to that first night sometimes, but alas time is a cruel master. I cannot go back, I can only treasure today. That is all we will ever have while living in time, the present. I feel like your time with me is moving faster and faster. I am suspended and you are running, to your first date, high school graduation, first real job, your wedding, the birth of your first child. I am able to watch, while you run through your young life. It is like I get to stop, Grace, to watch you live. I am still aging, but I am not concerned about me. I am only focused on you and your run. Always remember, sweet girl, as you run away from my arms, my home, and your family. I am behind you standing and watching. I am always cheering, praying, and hoping for the best. For now I am also in time, but I am so glad to know that someday we will spend eternity together as well. The running will stop. We will be free of time, praise God! Don't ever forget as you move forward in time to look back , I am always on the sidelines watching your run through time. Happy Birthday, sweetie pie, I love you so much!!!!!! Love and Hugs, Mommy

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9 :24

I cannot believe it is already November. Where did October go? On November 12th we will have lived in Virginia for two months. The time has flown by in some respects, but at the same time certain days have dragged on like the movie "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray.

Let me preface this next statement with a disclaimer. I am truly an optimist, at best, a realist at worst.

This time in northern Virginia has been the hardest parenting of my life. Harder then when my husband was in Uganda for seven weeks to bring home our son, Timmy. During that time I was at home in Michigan praying for all to go well and his return to be quick. I was responsible for all four of our children during his absence, but let's just be real the oldest three were in school quite a bit.

That was a cakewalk compared to the BIG city with five kids under eight years old, living in a small apartment, and burning through large sums of money on food like it was growing on the ugly fake ficus tree in our temporary apartment. I miss my support systems I had set up over the four years living in Michigan. We had a wonderful church family, a small very family friendly Christian school that the "Big Three" attended, great friends, mentors and surrogate grandparents, Kelly's amazing co-workers at his office, My side of the family close by, our favorite restaurants, playgrounds, beaches and our home. I have been stripped bare my friends, truly bare. O.K., so that would be somewhat dramatic.

I still have those things that are important to me, my God, my husband, my beautiful children, safety, a nice temporary apartment, and coffee (I miss my birds terribly). This time has taught me many things. The first lesson is a spiritual one. God wants me to give all of this concern and control to him, to lean on him alone, daily, hourly and moment to moment. It is easy when you are comfortable to remain comfortable. It is easy to think, I don't need to ask God, I have "so and so" I can share this with. I highly recommend breaking out of your comfort zone, I have found in my own life God is always there with me as I show up lost, wandering and wondering what to do next.

Each day as I have been pondering my total dependence on God, I have also watched my homeless friends that live on the park benches across the street. There are days I have been down, it is raining and I am trapped in a three bedroom apartment with five rambunctious children, and no car to escape.

It is usually then that I notice one of my friends all covered up on the benches near the library, most likely freezing in the cold rain. God can reveal to you what your perspective should be in his still quiet voice. He is homeless and alone, I am RICH (by most of the world's standards and have everything I need and much more) and have my best friends living with me. He is cold, I am hot. Even little bodies produce large amounts of body heat especially in a small apartment 18 stories up, heat truly does rise. He has all his earthly possessions in that cart, I have them stored in a warehouse in Virginia getting ready to be shipped overseas. It is about this point as I talk to God in my mind and he encourages me to rethink my pity party. He is always patient with this wretch, after all he has time in the palm of his hand. He graciously teaches each lesson.

Is life ideal here for me, no. Has it taught me big lessons, yes! I pray I will always appreciate the people who educate my children. Do you know how hard it is to home school? I am struck as I type this maybe my teacher gifts we gave for Christmas last year weren't enough for all the work they had done with my kids. Do you take your outdoor "green space" for granted? We have a three foot wide balcony. I am being prepared for the desert.

God has an amazing sense of humor, only he could add to the huge excitement we already have to get to Kuwait. He has worked in his awesome way. After this time in Virginia I am so ready to get to the desert I can hardly stand it. I can't help but think of the Israelites and their time in the desert. I am learning to be content even in circumstances that are less than "perfect" The lesson is sinking in, I am thankful as I type this I am warm, dry, with my family and getting to go on the adventure of my life.

Being stripped bare is so humbling in many ways. I see now that for me this life in the Foreign Service is all about making fast friends, putting support networks in place quickly and for me as a Christian total reliance on God.