It's been a while

Once again, time seemingly slipped away and along with it another month.  There have been thoughts of writing several times but only now do we follow through.

We have been keeping busy:

Sep 28 - Oct 8   Trip to Florida -- We had a GREAT time!

Mickey Mouse!
(Just at the airport -- not actually Disney World)

A 4-day Prefield Education Conference prompted the trip.  This conference introduces parents to the unique challenges they will face raising (and educating) their kids in a cross-cultural setting.  It occurs twice a year, so we thought we'd capitalize on the Orlando conference since Dianna's aunt, uncle and cousins live there!  To add to the fun, Dianna's parents and grandparents drove down from S.C. to spend the week -- and take care of Gracie while we attended our conference.

Enjoying some pool time with Ethan, Hannah & Papa
at Grandma Julie's & Granddaddy Dicke's house!

Pumpkin Patch

We also had to great privilege of spending time with our Chad teammates, the Downings!  They are on furlough and home-basing out of the Orlando area.  AND as if that weren't already enough -- our families took a day trip to Sarasota and visited with the couple who initiated the work in eastern Chad!!

WOW!!

G with 3 of the 4 "D-family" girls

Sunday morning "smiley face" pancakes!
YUM!  Thanks Suz : )

Dean left FL before Dianna & G so that he could spend a boy's weekend with his dad and brothers in Arizona.

Boating and Fishing while enjoying God's splendor

The girls enjoyed a bit more FL sunshine -- and sweet time with family -- before meeting back up with Dean in Wichita.

At the airport with Nana & Papa

Oct 19 - 21  Weekend to Remember

Yep, we had a little couples' getaway last weekend!  The Neefs, a sweet family with 4 little girls still at home, graciously offered to watch G, so that we could have a weekend together (THANK YOU!).  We drove down to Oklahoma City with our dear friends (and housemates) the Cardwells and enjoyed the marriage conference put on by Family Life.

And in between all these trips, we've squeezed in some time to make special treats, too!

G sampling while showing off her lastest "treat."

The hustle and bustle of activity is not the only thing that's delayed our postings.  We continue to process our losses over this last year.  Please pray for us as we ask hard questions.  Pray that we would draw close to our Lord who weeps with us.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, 

He groaned in the spirit and was troubled...Jesus wept.

John 11:33, 35