Surprise visitors

Today after nap Gracie was in for a real treat.  While she was sleeping a small caravan of camels came onto the compound and took a rest in the side yard outside our house.

Dean was still home, too, so we all went to greet the camels.

With a little help Gracie was even able to give the camels a snack.

The caravan was actually a planned "camel ride" for some of the guests staying on the compound.  We didn't go along (maybe next time), but we enjoyed their visit.

Bye-bye camels

Well, today is Wednesday which to us means "market day."  Dean and Marc ventured out seeking fresh produce: garlic, carrots, oranges...unfortunately no bananas today.

Here's a better look at the market:

Vendors pack tightly into lean-to-type stalls set up for the day.

Bags filled with various spices.

We've learned it's polite to taste, not smell them, when discerning what each one is.

Here's an interesting shot showing the various local modes of transport.  

How many do you see?

Four

(By foot, bicycle, moto or camel)

Dean had hoped to catch a donkey cart and baby riding on his mother's back in this shot, too, which would have added two more very popular "ways to go."

We'll keep trying.

On the way from the hospital to the market, Dean actually passed the camel caravan in route.  

Can you spot them?

Camel caravan mid-right above.

And the aforementioned donkey cart as well as couple car/trucks.

Here is a look at local architecture along the way to <hur<h.

Now for a few pictures of Gracie at play...

Living on the edge

(and, yes, she was being supervised)

The above picture was taken at the construction site for the new duplex being built on the compound (it's adjacent to the playground so we visit there daily).  We, along with the Carrigans, are very blessed to be chosen as the first occupants for these lovely homes.  More pictures of the construction soon.

Gracie loves pushing her "baby doll" in the "stol-ler," a very thoughtful loaner from a family here.

"Painting with water" has been a hit the last couple of days.  

Dianna finds this to be a great way to keep Gracie entertained while Dean's at work and there are house chores to be done, such as meal prep or cooking.  

What's the latest from the kitchen?

Fresh Baked Bread!

We appreciate emails and messages with condolences from our family and friends at home.  These past few days have been a mix of ups and downs, but God is faithful to His promise to give us grace sufficient for each day.  A song which has really resonated with us today is "Faith to be Strong" (from album Carried Along) by Andrew Peterson:

Give us faith to be strong 

Father, we are so weak 

Our bodies are fragile and weary 

And as we stagger and stumble 

To walk where you lead 

Give us faith to be strong 

CHORUS: 

Give us faith to be strong 

Give us strength to be faithful 

'Cause life is not long but it's hard 

Give us grace to go on 

Make us willing and able 

Lord, give us faith to be strong 

Give us peace when we're torn 

Mend us up when we break 

This flesh can be wounded and shaky 

When there's much too much travel 

For one heart to take 

Give us peace when we're torn 

CHORUS 

Give us hearts to find hope 

Father, we cannot see 

How the sorrow we feel can bring freedom 

And as hard we try 

Lord it's hard to believe 

So give us hearts to find hope 

CHORUS 

Give us peace when we're torn 

Give us faith, faith to be strong

Again, thank you for your prayers and support.  We dare not do this alone, and we are thankful that we never do for He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Strong in Him,

DD&G