A New Horizon

God is bringing our family to a new chapter in our lives. We are moving back to the States indefinitely this June. It is official I guess, since I am posting it here. The Lord has guided our paths and is clearly showing us that our time here in Germany, at least for now, has come to an end. The reasons for why this has happened is not so important, but rather the journey that both Jeff and I have traveled on as we have individually and together sat and prayed and seen the Lord's hand clearly guide us. Through this journey, we have felt totally at peace no matter what the outcome. There is nothing but peace when you know you are following in the will of the Lord! So we are extremely grateful for the nine years of missionary service here in Germany. Just as we are extremely grateful to have a place to return back to in Oregon. We feel so blessed.

Please pray for our transition back in June. We must say goodbye to some good friends here both to us and our children. Jeff will be in Oregon from March 5th- March 12th for a final job interview with a school. Pray for clarity for both Jeff and those who want to hire him.

Just because we are heading back doesn't mean that I will stop blogging, I just may need to change the name of my blog!

Sharing in Their News

Last week, Jeff and I learned that Jeff's brother, Jim, and his girlfriend Crys, became engaged on Valentines day. We were very happy to hear the news. It is exciting for us to welcome another sister-in-law into our family. Last summer, we were able to meet up and spend some time with Jim and Crys. They will be married on June 26th in Redding. This is only six days after we return to the states so we will be jumping in full steam to a big family celebration. Jim and Crys, we wish you many fun months of wedding planning ahead of you and many more years of happy married life! Sorry, but this is the most recent and best picture that I have of the happy couple who were nice enough to meet up with my parents in San Diego. The younger couple on the left, not on the right are the newly intended. The couple on the right are also still in love!

Winter Blahs

Okay I admit it, I am sick and tired of winter. We woke up to yet another morning of snow falling outside. Last week we had four snowy mornings in a row. This has been the snowiest winter in our nine years here. I am ready for warm sunny days with colorful flowers sprouting up everywhere. Snow is pretty but come on!

An early morning view outside our living room window.

The snow plow truck showed up just before 11 to plow our street. Our neighbors were so happy to have them come and clear our street that they ran and gave them a bottle of wine. I guess this was to keep the men warm for the rest of their work for the day. Jeff never gets perks like that at his job.

Caught on Camera

Joshua at 14 1/2 months is still not walking independently. He sure is being cautious about it. However, the other day I was able catch a glimpse of him getting closer to that big day. He was so distracted with playing with two spoons that he forgot what he was doing. I had my camera close by so I snapped him real quick before he knew what to do. He was standing without holding anything Yippee for Joshua. Next taking those steps like a big boy!

I also caught another person in our house busy at work one afternoon. Jeff has been conducting many phone interviews with potential new teachers for next year. Many that we will never meet because we will be in the States. Still it is necessary to find out if they will be a good fit here at BFA. Because of the time difference to the States from Germany, he calls them at odd times for us.

AWANA Bible Quiz

On Saturday Anna and I got up early so we could travel to the AWANA Bible Quiz. It was held close to the Ramstein millitary Base about a three hour drive from us. Anna was competing in Book 2 with another team member from BFA. I went to give her moral support. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Anna waiting for her turn to quiz.

Anna participating in the multiple choice part of the quizzing. She got every question correct!

Anna taking part in the buzzer portion of the quizzing.

The end result, out of seven teams quizzing in Book two, Anna and her partner, Ian placed 4th!

On the way home, we all got a special treat of eating at Burger King for Lunch. It was a good day, and I was happy to spend it just with Anna.

My First Haircut

WARNING- MAJOR GRANDPARENT POST AHEAD!

I finally got tired of Joshua's long hair and decided to give him a haircut. He sat pretty well for me well, at least while I cut the front and sides. I just couldn't bring myself to cut his cute wavy locks in the back. For that, I will need some assistance. Doesn't he look like a big boy!

Fun in the Snow

Today was a snow day for our school. We were treated to a surprise snowfall last night. It began around 5 p.m. and by 8:30, the director called Jeff and together they decided to call a snow day for today. It was actually called a rest and recover day since this is the time of year that so many students are out with the flu. Every year about three weeks after Christmas break, a large portion of the school is sick. Think about all the places that our students fly back from to our small community of school and dorms, no wonder so many get sick! So this was a much needed rest day. It didn't hurt that it was the morning after super bowl, which came on at midnight here in Germany! Jeff woke up around 3:30 in the morning and saw the last and most exciting 10 minutes of the game.

Joshua loved to be pulled around in the sled. The kids took turns pulling him around and going through the "gopher hole obsticle" in our yard.

Sarah enjoyed a ride around the yard with Joshua too.

Here is a short clip of Joshua being pulled in the snow enjoy!