What's Been Making Me Smile

• The above picture and lolcats.com
• Oreos and cream instant pudding and cheesecake
• A successful PTA meeting at which I was able to meet the parents of most of my 3rd and 4th graders. We had some important conversations about their kids' progress in school and with learning English.
• Molly's purring
  
• Progress with translation. It's. a. slow. process. My Sweetie is good at it, though so that helps. Can't say the same for myself.
  
• Twins saved from abortion because their mom chose life! They're still not born yet so pray for them. Mom's name is Boloro. Meeting with her later this week to give her vitamins and some friendly company. =)
• Friendly, cheerful strangers who help me when I'm out with the kids. They hold doors open or help me load/unload the little ones from taxis. It's hard to move around with so many layers of clothes on. =)
  
• Health so far this winter for all of us.
• A warm home
• Spending the day at Mom and Dad's

What about you? Leave a comment and let me know what's been making you smile!

He Warmed My Heart

The other morning as Nate and I rushed out to catch the bus, we forgot Nate's hat. Tuesdays are self-proclaimed half days, so after school we had to walk instead of take the bus home at 3 pm. As we were walking to a street where we could catch a taxi, I asked him if his ears were cold. He said "yes". I took off my ear warmers and put them on his ears. He said, "But Mommy, you're going to be cold." I told him that I'd rather my ears to be cold than his.

With a look of utter love and appreciation on his little face, he looked up at me and said, "God bless you, Mommy."

Christmas Packages!

The long awaited Christmas packages have arrived! The first one (contents pictured below, is from Lydia, a new Cyber friend who read my blog and decided to bless us. This is the second package she has sent and it contained 2009 planners and calendars-- about 40 to bless our leaders, and a stocking chocked full of goodies FOR ME! Also included were candy canes, Oil of Olay products (an answer to prayer!), a candle a DVD for the kids, ornaments and other Christmasy knick knacks. We were SO thrilled! We kept exclaiming over and over again how thoughtful Lydia was. The kids and I prayed for her on the spot to be blessed like she had been a blessing to us.



Then, yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised when the Post Office called and told me to come at 5 pm to meet the customs agent and pick up 2 more packages! These were from the ladies' group at my home church, Word of Life, in Louisiana. I heard that for their Christmas party, instead of bringing gifts for each other, they brought things for our family. We were awestruck and speechless and SO excited when we dove in discovered all the wonderful gifts they sent.

Graham crackers!

Here's Abi, sampling her first ever graham cracker! I told her little children in American eat those before they even have teeth. =)

More graham crackers!

The 2 packages from Word of Life were packed full of goodies such as, instant pudding, cheesecake, toys, books, jewelry and clothes (expensive and perfect fit!!!) for me and Hetee. Each item was special and we appreciated how much love and service went into both boxes. It was such a blessing and we were so touched that they thought of us and blessed us in such a powerful, tangible way. Not that it's about the stuff, although it's nice to get things from back home. It's about feeling loved and thought about even when you're going through a dry patch on the field or in ministry or in your personal life. The fact that someone thought about you and spent money and time on you makes you feel like a million bucks!

And, of course, the best part of receiving a care packages is...

Playing with the box afterward!

Thank you all again and again!

I also have to say another thank you to Living Hope Church and to Pastor Keith and Penny and to Brad and Sara for purchasing a laptop for my husband. He got it this week and has already began working on some translation. He and I are so thrilled and feel so blessed, again, by you guys!

Everyone, THANK YOU!