Tokoza Bible Study

Tokoza Bible Study

Since August, Dan has been helping with a Bible study in Tokoza, a nearby township. He drives out every Wednesday morning and picks up Pastor Benias before heading to the house where the Bible study takes place. Dan and Pastor Benias take turns leading the Bible study. There are usually about 6 people or so who attend the Bible study. This has been a great way for Dan to get out of office and be involved in the lives of the local people. They are trying to start a church in the area. They have found land and are now trying to build a place to meet. Here are a few pictures that were taken by Dan's dad when he and Dan's brother, Joel, attended the Bible study in December.

Happy Birthday Dan!

Dan's Birthday

Dan celebrated his birthday on March 9! We enjoyed surprising him all day!! First, the kids and I came to his office, put a blindfold on him and led him out to the car. We took him to play a round of Adventure Golf. Next we went out for lunch at Wimpy's (yes, it's an odd name but they have good hamburgers). Dan did have to get some work done so we took him back to the office while we took naps. I think we got the better end of that deal! Then we went back to work with a cake and celebrated with his co-workers in the finance office. The only suprise that didn't work out was when we gave him his present. I showed the kids what it was a minute before we walked out to give it to Dan. On the way out Alexis says, "Daddy, you're getting a rugby ball." Oh, well! All the other surprises worked and Dan had a fun birthday!

Weekend Getaway

EBC Weekend Getaway

Fun quotes from our weekend:

Joshua - "Who's gonna hold me next?"
Lucas - "What should I do until you all wake up?"
Alexis - "Can we go back to vacation after breakfast?" (This was the day after we got home)
Allison - "Where's Joshua?"
Dan - "This is a salt water pool!" (This seems to be quite common here as it is apparently easier to keep clean.)

The Weekend Getaway was held at Heronbridge College which also has a retreat center. We so enjoyed the opportunity to get to know so many people form church. Our kids were a hit...especially Joshua who got passed around and around and around. Of course, he entertained well with all his smiles and coos. The second night we got to try our hand at barn dancing, line dancing, etc. Dan actually danced but made it very clear that this was the first and last time! The weather stayed sunny even though we arrived in a thunderstorm. We greatly enjoyed our time away and came back refreshed. Just click on the picture above and you can see a few pictures from our weekend.

Pass the Parcel!

February 2010

Lucas and Alexis went to the birthday party of the neighbor boy who lives across the street. They played a game called "Pass the Parcel." You pass a gift that's been wrapped many times. Each time the music stops you unwrap another layer towards the gift. The child who takes off the last layer of wrapping paper gets to keep the gift. The funniest part of it all is how you pronounce the name of the game. Our kids kept telling us they played "Pass the Parcel" but it sounded more like "Pass the Paahsul." Any time Dan & I tried to say it ourselves our children were quick to correct us. Apparently we couldn't say it right or get the accent to go with it!

Daddy Time!

Daddy Time!

Wow! I didn't realize it'd been so long since I'd put something new on our blog. Dan just finished three very intense weeks of training on new financial software. Even with the extra hours he had to put in, Dan still was still able to spend fun time with the kids. I was able to capture a few of those moments on camera and would like to share them with you.

Here's a fun question Lucas asked me just the other day. We were singing the song, "Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord." He asked me, "How many eyes does my heart have? One or two?" I did my best to explain it but he still had a very puzzled look on his face!

Joshua at 3 months!

Joshua - 3 months old!

Here are some fun pictures of Joshua. We are reminded once again of how fast babies change and grow. Please know that the many pics of our little guy are because we know how much the grandparents love to see him over and over. It's the same reason we can take a video of him simply looking at us and be completely fascinated by it! Several people have commented on how expressive Joshua is and he is always quick to smile. He also makes great use of his bibs because he drools much more than the other two ever did!

Lucas and Alexis have had a new experience recently. Our neighbors across the street just bought a bulldog puppy but since they both work we were asked to give it a lunchtime feeding. Super! Lucas & Alexis enjoy playing and learning about a puppy while we have none of the responsibilities of actually having one! Every day after lunch we "give it a pet" as they say here. The kids really enjoy playing with Princess although they are still getting used to her playfulness. It's a great way to relax before naps!

Catching up in January!

Catching up in January!

Whew! This month has been a bit crazy, we didn't have internet for awhile and I was busy researching homeschool supplies so I am posting odds and ends pictures today. On Dec. 23 we celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary! It's amazing how time goes so fast but we are so blessed to enjoy being married more and more each day!

In the middle of January a couple and their daughter from Mozambique visited Joburg. We knew them from our training that prepared us for the mission field. It was fun to see them again after almost 2 years! We visited the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and enjoyed a beautiful dry morning. We had them over for supper and enjoyed playing Rummikub. That's the new game of choice at our house (thanks mom!). We've had several families over for supper and we always play a game or two before they go home.

A family we worked with in Dakar just moved here after their stateside assignment. Steve will be working in finance in the office next to Dan's. Lucas was wondering how they would adjust to life here and asked, "Do they know about stoplights?" We assured him they did but it's always interesting to see what our kids remember the most about moving here!

We were reading a Clifford book the other day and Lucas looked puzzled. He then asked, "Why don't they have an electric fence?" Hmmm, good question. Probably because they live in a book!