Thanksgiving this past year was FULL of feasting! We didn’t have a break from work or school, but we did still manage to have 3 Thanksgiving dinners! One, not pictured, was on Thanksgiving day after the kids got home from school. We went to a friend’s home and enjoyed some of the finest traditional foods created with love by our two families – David had cured a ham, I made mashed potatoes, corn, pumpkin pie and our friends had made green bean casserole, rolls, sweet potatoes, and pecan pie. Not bad huh?

The next night we had a large gathering of both local and foreign friends at our home. This time we had turkey! We had found a local turkey farmer! Where has he been the past few years anyways? He had asked if we wanted the turkey alive or dead and cleaned. Um….. the latter please. The bird was just a tad bigger than a chicken, but I guess that’s probably more “normal” than some huge bird that wouldn’t have fit in our baby oven anyways! This time we made turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, corn, and pumpkin pie, and our friends brought the rest. The homemade stuffing was my favorite. Some people are amazing in the things they can manage to make from scratch here! (I’m not one of those people).

The next day we had to go to Hong Kong and were able to meet up with some local friends there and enjoy a feast with a butterball huge turkey that they asked David to cut. . . since he would know best as an American, right? He did a great job and the kids enjoyed the mac-n-cheese most I think

Our oldest is growing up. . . he’s 10 so that means about 8 more years under our roof. Through listening to podcasts and reading books on parenting (I recommend “The Connected Family” btw) we have been reminded to daily stay connected with our children’s hearts.

Since Colt is changing, growing, and having different thoughts and feelings, David decided this year would be the first “becoming a man trip.” They went to a beautiful place called Tiger Leaping Gorge. It was some intense hiking, but the views and time together were priceless. They also met up with some of our best friends there which was extra special and fun. After 5 days, they came home and Colt told us all about it. He talked with a light in his eyes for over 45 minutes. Obviously, he enjoyed it He seemed to have matured some too. They went through parts of a book and The Book together to add intention. Hopefully, this can continue to be an annual trip and we can stay connected to his heart as he grows up in this ever changing world. Caden can’t wait until he’s 10 Thankful for such a great husband and father too.

We have always wanted our home to be open and the home the kids’ friends WANT to go to. . . We also know in this day and age, we need to protect our kids and can’t just let them go anyone’s house not knowing what they will be exposed to when we would never imagine that to be the case. So, we started Fridays after school at our place. I do a little English lesson (which is priceless to parents and they are very appreciative) and then the kids play afterwards. It’s been a great way to build relationships with parents and get to know the kids. Plus having around 8 different kids in our home each week, I hope they find our home to be a place of peace, love, laughter, and fun!

Colt and Kylie’s school moved to a village area which is really beautiful. The school organized a little exploration walk for the parents and younger siblings, then we went back for a yummy meal together at the school. You can see the temple there in the village is still active and there is also a huge tree which in many villages, this one included, is considered sacred. We had some good talks with the kids about the tree and the gods they worship to bless their crops.

This is the perfect quality family time activity because there are no phone distractions and all you can do it pedal, talk, and laugh in very close proximity. It was seriously challenging to pedal, but we laughed a lot!

I know it’s been awhile. . . things have been a little crazy around here. We have moved, Caden broke his foot, Caden’s school was shut down so he’s home now. Lots of changes around here too. So, I have a lot of catching up to do!

These pics are from the national holiday back during the first week of October. October is the best weather month (just an FYI in case you want to come visit), so Colt’s class decided to take advantage of that good weather and do a camping trip together. It was close enough for us to drive our 3-wheel scooter (pictured below) which is what we scoot around town on. It’s pretty convenient and I’m pretty sure we have become famous by it. I’ve had people say, “Hey, aren’t you that foreigner that drives a 3-wheel scooter? I’ve seen you around town.” Yeah. . . that’s me. It came in handy here though since you couldn’t drive a car to campsite, but you COULD drive our little scooter there. So, everyone piled their climbing gear on it, and we were the heroes who saved the day. hahaha.

It was a lot of fun. For food we had 2 big pots over the fire and made some yummy soup and then the next morning for breakfast we boiled some noodles and some more veggies/meat/tofu. It was quite convenient and probably a little healthier than hotdogs and smores. . but I’m not gonna lie, I love me some hotdogs and smores.

When we came back to GL it was hot!  We were having 97 degree heat and it totally zapped all my energy. It’s not climate controlled like I am used to having grown up in the States.  It’s hot outside and inside and we walk or ride our scooter . .  so we just sweat . . . a lot.  Which is totally fine, I’m not complaining.  I prefer that we live like the locals in this way and the kids have no problems whatsoever since they’ve sort of grown up like this.  It’s mainly just me – haha:)   So, today is only in the 80’s and almost feels cold! I’ll take advantage of the cool and sit down to type.  Kylie actually put long sleeves on when she got up because it was only 76 degrees.

We also came back knowing we were going to have to move from this apartment since our landlord needs it back.  So we found an apartment nearby, and I packed up the house.  That was 2 weeks ago.  Several issues and problems prevented that from working out and led us to start looking again this past Monday (all the while our house in boxes).  Thankfully, we found a place yesterday and will sign the contract tonight.  That means moving and starting school in the same week I make the executive decision that homeschool start date WILL be postponed! ha! Local school will just have to start Monday which actually might make moving easier to have the kids gone during the day.

I know so many of you who read this genuinely love and care for our family, and lately I’ve felt led to share some things I’m learning. Maybe someone out there is also struggling and could benefit

While this past summer was full of great memories, family time, and lots of love and laughter, our family also faced a very difficult and heartbreaking situation. Maybe I’ll be able to talk about in the future, but for now all that I want to communicate is that it’s the hardest thing I’ve had to walk through since having children, and we still deal with the effects almost daily and probably will for some time to come.

The thing I’m thankful for and the grace in this is that it has brought me to my knees and closer to my Father than I have been for years. I can only recall one other time in my life that I felt this much brokenness and dependence on Him. While it’s not for everyone (and I don’t say any of this in a spirit of pride or to toot my own horn – just to share), I’ve been rising early, while it’s still dark and quiet, to talk to and plead with Father. He’s given me an intense desire for His Word and hiding it in my heart. He had also given me some great resources of books that I wanted to share. Cherish for marriage, Adorned for me personally, and Discipline That Connects for parenting. Three REALLY good books that I recommend. Most days after my quiet time, I run up the mountain to catch the sunrise which is also REALLY good for my soul And I’m usually back before the kids wake up around 6:45.

All of the above is helping with healing.  I’m learning both to grow and rest in Him.  I’ve always known time with Him was more necessary than sleep, but never desired to get up quite so early.  Now, it’s not only a desire but a PR of my heart!  When I lie down to sleep (I also go to bed earlier now – haha), I will actually ask Him to wake me up in the morning, and He most often does before my alarm sounds at 5am – which is also really cool.  Here are some of my favorite sunrise pics.  Beautiful huh?