Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Aaron and I are sharing our testimonies this morning during devotionals. We asked to be able to speak together since our physical and spiritual lives have been so intertwined.

Happy birthday, Katherine! You are a joy to your family with your sweet disposition and playful nature. We're so glad we've got you! (And we're thankful we get to eat cake and ice cream tonight because of you, too.)

Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Everybody is eating well today. I was so thankful that I brought new toothbrushes with us! We always switch toothbrushes on the first day of the new season, so we were due to switch yesterday, anyway.

Please keep praying for our family's health and stamina. I was pulled out of class today because Olivia was complaining of a sore throat. I looked and saw that her throat was really raw, so I took her to the nurse. The nurse took one look, felt Olivia's glands, and marched us to the clinic to begin a round of antibiotics for strep throat. Olivia still doesn't take pills very well, so you can pray for her specifically as she takes her meds. I finished my antibiotics yesterday, and my ear is almost back to normal.

Monday, September 22, 2008
The joys of communal living – almost all of the children here came down with a stomach virus in the last 24 hours. Our kids have been troopers, and I'm so proud of them for keeping a sweet disposition even when they don't feel well. Today was supposed to be a holiday at the beach, but that has been postponed. A few classes are being held those who are still well, and Aaron is planning to go while I stay home with the kids. Thankfully, Katherine doesn't seem to be affected by the bug.

Sunday, September 21, 2008
We celebrated Autumn a day early by drinking apple cinnamon tea and reading some books we brought with us - "Leaf Jumpers" by Carole Gerber and "Johnny Appleseed" a poem by Reeve Lindbergh. I love Kathy Jakobsen's paintings in "Johnny Appleseed"! I even burned a treasured candle this morning for a little while. Of course, it's really Spring here, but in my heart I'm going to football games and baking pumpkin muffins.

When we cooked lunch, we made extra food to take to our wasfamili. Dorcas said that Henson's new meds gave him a headache, but that he had been up and around a little bit this morning. Thanks for your continuing prayers for him.

Saturday, September 20, 2008
Today was like Christmas, we opened three pieces of snail mail and a box! Thank you so much to those of you who have taken the time to write and encourage us – you are such a blessing.