Friday, August 1, 2008

Lydia is 5!

July 29

Yesterday we played goal ball with our blind friends from SACAB. It was the sighted against the blind but the sighted were blind folded. They made a field with rope and there were three people on each side on their knees defending their goal. The goal was to roll the ball to the other side hoping to get it past the opponents and into the goal. The ball is a special ball for the blind with a bell in it to hear it coming. We had a lot of laughs watching Josh, John, Barb, and Tim play ball “blind”. What fun! I even ended up playing. It is not easy being blind and it gave me a good taste on how it feels. I am pretty much helpless without my eyes. I was thankful to take off the blind fold and see the light again, but for our friends there is no light. How glorious heaven will be for them when Jesus opens their eyes and they see His light! We had a great afternoon laughing and playing with our friends.

August 1

Lydia is now 5 years old! Always hard to believe when your little one is growing up. We celebrated Wednesday before everyone left. Lydia was quite confused that we were partying the day before so we just let her think that was her birthday. When she found out we would be celebrating the next day too because it was July 31, her birthday, she asked if she was turning 6 now. We decorated the house for her birthday – balloons, paper chains, streamers, signs… Her cake was made into a number five and was chocolate with pink m&m’s on it. We had a grill out for her birthday but it was indoors because of the rain. We had hot dogs, baked beans, chips, cole slaw, jello and of course cake and homemade ice cream. Then of course presents. Lydia got ballerinas, DVDs, colors, and a game. Needless to say, Lydia was very excited. It is so much fun to celebrate. I hope Lydia always knows how much she is loved. She is so special to us. She fills our home with singing, dancing, dressing up, imagination, smiles, and love. She is growing and learning all the time. Most importantly she is learning about God through His Word, singing, and memorizing. What a blessing! Happy 5th Birthday Lydia!!!

John and Barb and Tim, Angie, Avalien, and Moses left on Thursday. Tim and Angie will be on home service or furlough for the next three months. Oh goodbyes. I was surprised that there was even some tears. They mean a lot to us. We haven’t been apart much in a year and a half. It is really hard to believe that we will be apart seven months because when they return we go home for four months. Lydia was so cute telling Avalien she loved her, not to forget her, and she would give her kisses over the phone. Grace didn’t want to have anything to do with all the goodbyes and cried when they left. She wanted to go see grandma too. It is a good thing Stacey is here with us for a few weeks so that we aren’t left completely alone. We pray all goes well as they all journey to the US.

We are so thankful that John and Barb came again this year. It is nice because they just fit right in when they come. Their ministry here is so good and helpful. It is good for people other than us to come and serve. The people here respect them and their wisdom. The blind people at SACAB love Barb and we are all impressed with the knitting. Most of all we are thankful for their friendship, wisdom, help, and encouragement they bring us. We enjoy the fellowship and our girls adore them. Barb read many a books to our girls. We look forward to the next time Buteyns come.

Lydia continues to do school for a couple hours each day. Stacey does such a good job. She is creative and natural teacher. I love listening to them. I am so impressed with all Lydia can do and is learning. She is working on vowels, reading, time, adding, counting by 2, 5, and 10, printing… I just can’t imagine teaching 25 squirmy little five year olds at the same time. Gracie tries to go to school sometimes too. She lasts about ten minutes.

What else? It has been raining here so that is really nice. I love clouds (cooler temps), especially since I have to wear support hoses everyday. If I don’t wear them my legs just ache. I had this problem with my last pregnancy too. I pray I have enough patience to endure six more months of wearing these. Have you ever tried getting those babies on?! It is like putting on size 0 spandex pants but worse. J Josh is on break now from teaching but he goes to teach every day next week an hour away. We are excited as things are coming into place with our home service. Hopefully in a couple weeks we will know where we will be living, have a vehicle, and sign Lydia up for school. That is about it for now. Thanks for all your love and prayers!

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