Near the Next Step

Well, we will be moving to Guadalajara in less than a month! Wow - the time has gone fast here. I thought I would take a minute before we get crazy busy to catch up and post a few random pictures of some of our friends here. I have so many more pictures and there are alot of people that aren't on here, but I did say random, right? It is difficult to put into words how much we have come to love these people. It's like we are all displaced; seeking our heavenly home together. Of course, that is how it is for all who follow Christ, but it hits home when you bond with these others who have left homes, families, dogs, and cooler weather to come to this unique place and prepare to reach nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Boy, I always do that; I say how hard it is to describe something and then spend the next hour trying to describe it. I will spare you that. We will miss them, but not in the way we miss our people back home because there will not be a future opportunity to come back to them. Almost all of them will not be here soon. They will be off to different parts of the world. God is amazing. That is such an understatement but there aren't better human words that I know to describe Him. I am simply amazed at all He has done and is doing (that I can see). Look forward, look to the unseen.

RANDOM PICTURES

My handsome husband.

Sundresses

This is how the "cutest kids ever" survive the heat.

Here is Tommi and Stephanie. Tommi is the one in the back looking like she's getting ready to scare Steph. Tommi is one of the most gracious people I have ever met. I can't think of a better word to describe her. Stephanie is just plain awesome - I mean she is from Michigan. Tommi is the administration queen and Stephanie is, I think, one of the princesses of Admin.

This is Kate and Scott. They are preparing to go to Papua New Guinea. Kate was in the hospital the same time as Ruben only she got to take home a precious baby and Ruben just got to take home his big leg (which I guess is better than leaving it there). I tell you, these women are tough and flexible here.

This is Kelly. I love this picture! Kelly is another of the expectant mothers here. She and her family (2 3/4 kids and hubby Alex) are headed to Papua NG with the cake lady, whom you will meet next, and her family (Faulkners with 2.0 kids)

This is Belinda. She forced me to take this picture. She is soooo cute but she was being difficult in the photo shoot. Belinda also forces us to eat alot of chocolate cake. Seriously, this lady can make some cake. She is my kid's favorite because she always treats them like little guests.

This is Scott, again. I forgot to tell you he plays guitar. And here is Chris. Chris, I think, just plays his IPod but he is very cool. He is going to head the Oaxaca Mex Team. Go Oaxaca!

This is Caleb. Caleb is a hoot! It looks like he's getting ready to swim here but he's going to get a dental exam. It was part of our dental training. Caleb plans to go to China - he's very serious about that. And he is a talented musician. Praise God for musical gifts!

This is Matt in EZ. Believe it or not, he smiles like that all the time. He and his wife are preparing to minister in Papua NG with their 3 3/4 kids.

These are the cutest kids ever!

This is Elizabeth, helping with tortillas.

This is Angel, a neighborhood boy. He speaks Spanish and English (like everyone else in Los Fresnos) and his uncle is a shrimper. Cool, huh?

This is Leanne, one of the three pregnant women here at CPCP. She's married to Mr Smiley. Leanne tries hard to seem serious - but she's pretty funny.