In February, Josh and I had an experience of a lifetime.  We were able to organize and accompany a group of some of the medical mission personnel on a trip to the Galapagos, accompanied by John and Cynthia Clayton.  It was an amazing trip!  5 days touring one of the most unique biological environments on earth and seeing some of God's amazing creation - kid free!  From the fascinating marine iguanas, to Galapagos turtle research facilities, nights spent aboard a yacht, hikes through the interesting Galapagos terrain, bird watching from skiffs, and the best snorkeling I have ever done in my life (swimming with sea lions and sharks and sting rays!).  We had devotionals every night on the deck under the stars with discussions about the sights of the day and the incredible ways that God displays himself through His creation - and only someone who has lived in Africa will understand this when I say the stars were as bright as the stars over the African plains.  

February

 In February, we had some more fun family activities.  The girls got to go to the Middle of the World with one of the short term mission groups.  This time, they went to the interactive museum and were able to do some Equator experiments like standing an egg on it's end, and watching the water go down the drain opposite ways.

 Michaela finished her first season of t-ball and got her first trophy!

And we celebrated Jana's 5th birthday with a Hello Kitty party.  The kids got to decorate their own cupcakes; we had a piñata and played some fun games with her cousins and friends from school.

And finally, we celebrated Carnaval with a cousin water and foam fight.