Ramadan

Well we've survived a week plus of Ramadan. For those who don't know, Ramadan is the Islamic holy month. Muslims fast from sun up to sun down for a lunar month. Once the sun sets and the call to prayer goes out from the mosque then the festivites begin and most people gather with family and friends to break the fast.

For us it means a month without work and time to relax as a family. We've been spending our days hanging out at home, working on various projects and soaking up the sun at the beach. In a little over a week we will be headed up to England to visit dear friends and take in a bit of western culture. The boys are most excited about taking a taxi, a train and finally an airplane to get there. 

This month always causes me to reflect on my faith, the freedoms I have and the lives of those around me. I am so thankful for all I have been given and the amazing opportunities I have. Shoot its not everyday that you get to sit beside the crystal clear Mediterranean, watching your boys play in the sand and soak up the sun or take a nap in the middle of the day because you've got time to kill. What a life!

This was taken on our weekend away, I just love their faces while they enjoyed pizza on the floor!

One went to work with Daddy, and the other stayed as Mom's "Moroccan" helper. Can you tell who did what?!

The other day we went and visited our friend Amal in her new house, Benson missed his partner in crime

On our way to see friends, aren't they just the cutest!

My New Favorite Photo.

Weekend Away

Well, we're in the big city for the weekend. Nothing like fast internet, air conditioning and swimming pools to make you feel like a queen. It is nice to be away and have some time as a family to relax. We're almost done with our season of volunteer teams. Well, at least the part that happens before Ramadan, and Ramadan is quickly approaching!

We've been having a great summer so far. The boys have gone on many adventures. Spending the night with a friend, being dropped off with kids who don't speak the same language as them so they can learn, and more swimming than most boys know what to do with. They love living in the land of rocks and dirt. It really is great being here and getting to experience so many things.

Photos!

When I arrived Joey had taken Josiah for a haircut and he took Benson the next day, I LOVE them with their short hair!

I was excited to see our little friend Amal. She has grown up so much and still has the cutest cheeks in the whole world!

The boys have loved getting to hang out with "cool" Uncle Bubby.

With no high chairs, walkers or other baby stuff William is making due with laundry baskets and empty water bottles. Personally I think it is GREAT and might have to keep up the simplicity when we get back to the states. Seriously, since when did we need so much stuff for babies?!!! (sorry minor rant :-s)

There are a few photos, more soon I hope!

July

Well, we've been here in North Africa for almost a month. It is incredible how quickly time is flying. We have had non stop volunteer teams since arriving. At this moment there are 33 people total in the house - including kiddos. It definitely keeps us busy and on our toes, but it is a huge blessing to be with like minded folks who are actively putting their faith into action.

We just have 4 more weeks until the month long holiday of Ramadan arrives. During that month work pretty much stops and we get to relax and visit with friends. Our favorite thing to do is go sit at the beach and soak up some sun, especially since during Ramadan not very many people go to the beach, we get it all to ourselves!

I wanted to upload a few photos, but our internet connection is super slow and it takes forever. Maybe I'll be able to slip away to an internet connection and get some photos on here for you all to see the fun we're having. The boys LOVE it here - dirt, eating with your hands, loads of friends and more sugar than you could shake a stick at. It is pretty close to heaven!

Hope your July is going well!

Reflections

I am feeling a bit reflective tonight. I ran across a prayer-poem on a friends blog and it has caused me to ponder the love of God.

"The risen Christ meets us at the tomb,

and turns our fear to joy.

Christ comes through our locked doors,

and turns our fear to courage.

Christ comes to daily life and work,

and turns our failure into new vision.

Christ breaks the bread,

and turns our despair into hope.

For your love and goodness

we give you thanks, O God."

I don't know where Pastor Paul got that poem, but I am struck by its truth in my life. The risen Christ has met me at the door of death and I now have eternal life with him - joy. He has broken into the darkest corners of my heart and helped me to battle fears and step forward in faith - courage. He is daily a part of my life and he picks me up in spite of my numerous failures and shows me the path to follow - vision. And the greatest gift of all, fellowship through the breaking of his body - I have fellowship with my savior and I no longer despair, I hope. 

I know that not all of you believe like I do, and some of you are searching trying to figure it all out...you should know this is a reality for me. I am honestly filled with joy, and empowered by his courage. I have vision and purpose and I do not despair because I have hope of greater things to come...Even when I forget these truths and I am wallowing on the floor in self pity, these things are true. They don't change. And the craziest part of the whole thing is that all of this is offered to each of us. All of these things can be true for you too. God loves you that much. No joke. Ask me anytime, I'll tell you all about it.

So, that's what I'm reflecting on tonight. I am amazed at who my God is and what he has done for me. Yes Lord, for your love and goodness I give you thanks!

Changes

Thought with us heading out again, I would change the blog. What do ya think?

Funny Story - this morning Benson laid down on the couch and said "I'm dead Mom. A bad guy got me." A few moments later he sat up and said "I'm not dead anymore. Jesus woke me up." Gotta love it!