they're watching you!

Two bright EYES are watching you, mother and dad,
They're watching you all the day long.
Absorbing unconciously all that you are,
Not dreaming that you could be wrong.

Two quick EARS are listening to all that you say,
They're listening to you, mother and dad.
Then speak of the things that are lovely and true,
For some day you'll wish that you had.

Two swift little FEET follow you all the day,
They step in the footprints you make.
If you follow God-given paths, they'll walk there too,
Or stray if His way you forsake.

Two soft little HANDS have been placed into yours,
They're trustfully clinging to you.
Today, while they're pliable, train them aright,
They'll do what you teach them to do.

A warm little HEART beats to music you make,
To your life notes of love or of hate,
It swings to the rhythm of your life all day,
Don't let if hear love notes too late.

(author unknown)

tiny pumpkin

Evie's 9 months old! and weighing in at a whopping 16lbs 10 oz. She is the tiniest Crosland baby by far. She's learning to walk...

And getting into everthing.

She's such a happy girl. And SO much fun!

We call her the tiny pumpkin.

Bet she made you smile.

financial update 2

We have 65.8% of our budget now! YAY!

JAARS

Well, we are about to begin our 2nd full week of ICC. i have to tell you i'm enjoying this more than i thought i would. i was never much for the classroom...but this is such GOOD GOOD stuff!

The children, especially Matthew, are enjoying going to "school". Mae homeschools with another family who have a 3rd grader too. Matthew has a tutor come to MK Station to teach him reading, writing and math. He LOVES Ms. Sylvia! It's very tough for me to be away from my babies and knowing that they are in such loving capable hands is an answer to prayer. Thank you GOD!

i'll leave you with a quote from Duane Elmer's superb book, Cross-Cultural Servanthood...

"Every human contact requires an openness that invites others into our prescence for a moment of grace, if we so choose-or a moment of profanity. Yes, that is the right word. We profane another person whenever we fail to honor them as human beings. Because every human being is made in the image of God, each is intrinsically connected to Him and is therefore sacred, being stamped with God's own imprint. How I treat "the least of these" is how I treat their Creator. If I extend to them hospitality, I reveal God's beauty and grace. If I am uncharitable toward another person, I fail to honor the God who gave them dignitiy. Jesus' identification with us is so intense that what ever touches us touches Him. By profaning another another person I profane God."

GOOD STUFF.

already?

is it seriously time to move again?? whew...life is such a whirlwind sometimes! having a new baby, moving 3 times in a year, traveling all lover the country, and trying to homeschool through it all is wearing me down. i really feel like my feet haven't hit the ground yet from the first move while preggo...your prayers are certainly coveted right now to say the least.

also, someone reccomended that we get certain individuals or families to pray specifically for each child. i think that is brilliant. is anyone out there interested? is anyone out there still reading? leave a comment if you want to pray for one of the children and i will contact you.

and a quick financial update...we are currently at 61.9%. YAY! our goal is to be in PNG by august...

9 years

Nine years ago today i realized my calling in life...and felt for the first time what supernatural love is. i have never been the same.
Here's to nine years of being in love with you, my girl...the world waits to see what you are going to do. xxoo

moving forward

It's official! We are signed up for ICC (intercultural communicatios couse) and CAM (contruction and maintenance) at the JAARS (jungle aviation and radio services) facility in Waxhaw, NC! We are also learning to be fluent in acronymese =) . Classes start January 22nd, and we will move January 2oth to our appartment there. i only have to take the first course so i'll have 4 weeks of class. The 3 boys (and maybe E)will go to MK junction for the mornings that i'm in school, and Mae will homeschool with another family.

It just hit us that this could be our last American Christmas for at least 4 years! So it makes even more special that we can be with our whole family this year.

Matt has been busy applying for his Papua New Guinea work permit, and Evangeline's passport is applied for. It's busy busy busy around here, and so exciting...