Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.... “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”
Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

Friday, November 08, 2013

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 piƱata and played some fun games with her cousins and friends from school.



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