a blogcation

Unintentional, but still.  Between, changes in blogspot, a harddrive crash and school(for all of us) starting, I haven't been on here in awhile.  I am going to try and get some Haiti, El Salvador and new family pictures on here.
These are all of Joe in Haiti.  The trip affected him in a profound way, just ask him about it.  I am so proud of him and oh so glad he went.

Back home again in Indiana.....

We are home and had a wonderful trip.  God is alive and working in El Salvador.  His hand of protection was on us as we travelled in the second most dangerous(violent) countries in Central America.  The children at Exodo orphanage are beautiful, full of hope and joy.

More pictures to follow...

El Salvador

http://exodo2010.wordpress.com/

there is a link to another blog which is following their work in El Salvador.

Tia is sharing devotions this morning from Matthew 25:37-40

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'



40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'


I have never loved my wife more.

 miss them but all this technology helps!

El Salvador...finally

It seems like we have been planning this trip for so long, it is finally here!

We leave in the morning from Indy airport to Dallas then on to San Salvador.  We will spend the week working at Exodo orphanage, a vbs, a local childrens hospital, touring sites and working on some construction projects.

Specific prayer requests;

safety for travel and stay in El Salvador

cohesiveness of our large group of 28

that our eyes would be opened and God would work in us

that we would be a blessing to those we come in contact with

that my kiddos specifically would be impacted and see Jesus

safety for Joe and the kids back home.

I have devotions thursday morning- not my gift- pray that God would speak through me.

Birthdays

We have had 2 birthdays since I last posted!  2 parties too.  Fun sleepovers in our newly refinished empty basement.  We had scheduled to have a new sectional couch delivered the day of the party, but it wouldn't fit through the door.  Luckily they returned it!  I don't think the kids minded though!

Amy turned 14, and will be a freshman in high school next year.  Aaron turned 12 and will be a 6th grader.

Love Talks

We had a memorable dinner last night.  Nothing really profound, but one I will always remember.  

Every once in a while I pull out the  little table top flip chart called "Love Talks for families"  by Gary Chapman.

The first question was:
#29 Tell family members about a compliment or affirmation that you've received recently from someone outside the family.

This one didn't start the conversation flowing like I wanted, so I picked a different one.

Question #52 Each person comes up with a separate answer for every family member: "I know that something that drives you nuts is...."

Well, let me tell you, we have very perceptive kids.  They were imitating each other, and laughing and then laughing at each other laughing.
I went last and Joe announced (inadvertently), "now everyone tell Mom what drives you nuts about her."

Well, happy Mothers Day , lets tell Mom what we don't like about her.  Funny.

We got it figured out, and they were spot on.  I guess I'm pretty transparent.  
Aaron said "well you don't really say it bugs you, but you keep it inside and I can tell."  WHOA.. what?  He then went on to make a face, that I guess I make, when I'm keeping it inside and they all agreed he was spot on.

These kids, always reminding me of ways that God needs to keep working on me!

What's for dinner?

We are having
Easy Chicken Enchiladas

Place 4 chicken breasts in crock pot with 1 onion diced for 4-6 hours on low.

Shred the chicken and add 2 (8 oz) bricks of cream cheese and 1 cup salsa

Mix 1 can enchilada sauce, 1 can tomato soup, and 1 can cream of mushroom soup together. Cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan with mixture.

Spoon Chicken mixture into flour or corn tortillas, roll up ad place seam side down on sauce in pan.  When the pan is full (you may need 2 pans depending on how full you fill them) cover with the remaining sauce.

Cook for 20 minutes and then place 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, olives, green onions etc. on top.  Place back in oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.

I am linking up to http://beautyandbedlam.com/  Tasty Tuesday.