Thank you!

 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

This Thanksgiving we're focusing on Jesus is Better* from the book of Hebrews.

Jesus is better than our plans.
Jesus is better than our past.
Jesus is a better counselor.
Jesus is a better home.
Jesus is a better Healer.
Jesus is a better Provider.
Jesus is a better Protector.
Jesus is a better Truth.
Jesus is a better Way.
Jesus gives better gifts.
Jesus loves better.
Jesus is a better Savior.
Jesus is a better Friend.
Jesus is better than this world.
Jesus is better than any material possession.
Jesus is a better King.
Jesus is a better Word.
Jesus is a better Comforter.
Jesus is a better wisdom.
Jesus is a better peace.
Jesus is a better hope.
Jesus is a better life.

I could go on and on!  Jesus is better! He is greater, worthy, and superior!
All thanks and praise be to Him!

We want to thank all of you for loving, supporting and praying for our family and the ministry of Freedom in Christ. We thank God for His faithfulness, His work, and His powerful Truth that transforms lives. Thank God for the progress on the FIC Marriage Course, the FIC discipleship groups in Uganda, and the ministry God is doing in lives here in Michigan through FIC.
All glory to God!

May the Lord be your Better,

The Shaarda Family


*Jesus Is Better
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/jesus-is-better/

 

Istanbul

 I never told you about our journey from Uganda to Michigan! So here it is... 

We had a wonderful mini vacation as a whole family in Istanbul, Turkey! This is a photo journal of our trip.

We woke up at 3am to get to the airport in Uganda, checked in, waited for a few hours only to have our flight cancelled because of fog!  Not how we wanted to start our travels.

So back out we went...the airlines put a whole plane load of people in taxis and hotel buses. 

Thankfully they put us up in one of the nicest hotels in Uganda and gave us meals!
It ended up being a treat, but we did miss a night in Turkey, and we were exhausted from being up half the night and then on a plane the second night!

We did finally make it to Turkey!
We were so glad the Lord had it all worked out with the girls arriving from Ethiopia just an hour before our flight landed. It was such a happy reunion! Our family was back together again!!!

Lydia immediately made a friend at the hotel.

Makai got out all his wiggles.

Luka crashed!

First meal in Turkey!

After every meal you are served Turkish tea.
When in Turkey be Turkish!

The older kids and I hit the town, wondered the market, and explored this new culture.
(Josh and Makai hit the pool!)

Tea, Tukish delights, and spices everywhere!

I got my first Turkish coffee.
I love the process and service but did not like the coffee. Sorry!

Lydia was in her glory with tea everywhere!

                    I was so excited to have this traditional Turkish meal baked in a clay pot!

Underground in cisterns from the time of Constantine (300 or 400!).

                                                The laser show wasn't so old but cool.

Exploring a new country and culture.

Beautiful Turkish rugs!

The Hagia Sophia.
Built by Constantine as a church but now a mosque.
It is really awesome to see things we learned about in History this year.  

Lydia, Grace, Luka and I toured inside the Hagia Sophia.
(Emalai, Makai and Josh preferred the pool seeing it was about 90degrees out.)
The Hagia Sophia is huge, a mix of history, beauty and sadness. Many of the original Christian mosaics were ruined or covered up, but the ones that remain are a shining light (made with gold) of Hope and Truth. At one point Lydia said we should pray. It was a powerful moment standing with my children in this ancient building that was meant for worshiping Jesus and now is filled with lost people. Jesus be known and honored by all forever more. Amen!  

The Blue Mosque was such a contrast of beauty and sadness.

Funest ice cream ever!

My favorite day was going to the Asia side of Turkey
where we enjoy the peaceful countryside and explored castle ruins on the Black Sea.

It was also Lydia's 22 birthday!
She was thrilled to celebrate it in her beloved Asia.
We love you Lydia!

What a place to eat!!!

Boat ride back (and bus and train and walking...it was aways away, but we made it.)

Turkish Hospitality

Happy Birthday!

The Hagia Sophia at night - made us think of Bethlehem. 

The whirling dervish.

The blue mosque looked like a Disney castle all lit up.

The aqueducts from who know when...

So thankful for our family vacation in Istanbul!

Michigan here we come...