Where does the time go?

Somehow more than a month has passed since our last post.

There have been many good intentions to update but the task seemed daunting because so much has been happening (and we were having problems uploading pictures again).

So, what have we been so busy doing?

Lots of traveling!

Nov 10-12th:  We attended an amazing conference in Louisville, KY.  The annual Global Missions Health Conference continues to encourage us in our future plans to serve overseas.  This year we met with a missionary couple from Pakistan, reconnected with old friends (Edmonds family), prayed, worshipped...while Gracie had fun with Nana and Papa in Kentucky AND South Carolina!

Little People Nativity

Gracie even visited Pascalina, the homestead where her parents were wed on 

July 30, 2005!

Nov 16th:  Dianna took Family Medicine Board Exam

Nov 16-21st:  We reunited with Gracie in South Carolina just in time in for the annual Soggy Bottom Syrup Festival -- Gracie's first (extra-uterine) experience of this fun event.

Gracie's turn on the "tractor" to crush cane

Nana to the rescue...she wasn't so into the tractor ride

Nanny with Hannah & Gracie

Nana with her Grandbabies

Papa Dan and Papa Jeff were at the festival, too, as was Aunt Cherith and various other family members and dear friends.  Some folks seem to evade the camera more than others : )

Nov 23-27th:  We headed to Ashland (small town in western Kansas) where Dean covered the hospital and emergency room.  Thankfully the medical work was light, and we were able to join the Stephens (Via Christi faculty) for Thanksgiving dinner at Dr. Todd's childhood home in Minneola.  Gracie loved exploring Ashland -- despite cold weather and lots of wind.  Her favorite part: yellow lab and scotty dog that followed her every move!

Braving the cold

A break from the wind in the hospital's exercise room.

Run Gracie Run!

Climbing rocks at St. Jacob's Well (outside of Ashland)

Looking at Buffalo

(unfortunately we didn't catch catch the herd on camera but Gracie saw them)

Nov 27-30th:  Nona (Dean's mom) visited us in Wichita.  Gracie really enjoyed reconnecting with Nona and Paisley (Nona's miniature dachshund).

Gracie learned how to "walk" Paisley -- at times it was hard to tell who was walking who!

Dec 2-3rd:  Rejuvenating conference about being Christ's disciples and discipling others.

Dec 4th:  Nona stopped back by on her way back to Colorado after spending several days in OKC at a horse show and helping Jonathan (Dean's brother) move into a new apartment.

Looking at "Moqui" marbles (naturally occurring balls of iron)

And somehow we have managed to continue working through all of this : )

Now, the time has come for packing and saying farewell to Wichita.  We are bound for Niger, West Africa via South Carolina, and we won't return to Wichita until June 2012.

Upcoming important dates:

Dec 16th:  Gracie and Dianna leave Wichita

Dec 20th:  Dean leaves Wichita

   *** Time with family and friends on the east coast ***

Jan 11th:  Depart from Atlanta to Niger

June 9th:  Return to Atlanta from Niger

Let the packing begin!

In the midst of all this activity, we are also aware of Advent.

This is such a special time of year -- God incarnate, Immanuel.  We hope for you, as well as ourselves, that the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season do not overshadow the baby in the manger.  

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The babe, the son of Mary

Love, DD&G