Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A Year In Review

This is where we ended 2012...

2013 started with a visit from Chris' dad and a week tour of Bali. 

Then the big flood came through town. 


Chris finally took me up to Grassberg!


Friends move to town!

My best buddy moved away... :(

There is no picture, and hardly any words to describe the cave-in that happened in the Underground. It was probably the most challenging event of our lives. 28 people lost their lives. Chris and his crews spent eight, very difficult days, finding and digging out the trapped men. We will never forget!

However, life goes on...
The kids and I flew back to the States for the summer. We left the boys and Gabby at Grandma's and Grandpa's. Then...

Mersades an I took a trip to Getmany!!

The boys stayed with dad and were corrupted! ;)

I had my 20 year class reunion!

The girls and I "ran" a charity race. 

Mersades was confirmed!

Mersades started boarding school in Malaysia!


Boys went on a school trip to Boreno. 

"Only child" Gabby got her picture with Santa. 

Two more dear friends moved away!

Our team won 2nd place in the Underground golf tournament!

Chris picked Mersades up from boarding school. He brought her to Singapore so we could get her visa to get back to Tembagapura. We saw a play, Lightseeker, while there. 

All the kids back together in Tembagapura. 

Christmas time!  

Ready to go to the Underground's New Years party. 

Wow!  What a year!  And I probably only posted half of what went on!

There is so much to be thankful for. God has truly blessed us with so many adventures and wonderful people whom we have met along the way!  We will never forget His goodness and mercy in 2013. 

God bless you, my dear family and friends, in 2014!  You all are special in your own way and we are so thankful you all are in our lives!

Happy New Year!























Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas Eve

It's the little things...

The kids asked if they could open one present before bed tonight so Chris said yes. :)


Like I said, it's the little things...


Cheerios!  Fruity Pebbles! Hot Chocolate!

One of the best things the kids have learned living in the jungle, in the middle of nowhere, is that you appreciate the little things in life. Whoever thought that breakfast cereal would be a great Christmas present?!  

The kids are very excited to wake up in the morning....  To Eat! ;)

Good night all!  Merry Christmas!  God bless!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Underground Christmas Party

Tonight we attended the Underground Christmas party/service. The boys decided to stay at home but our little socialite, Gabs, came with us. 

We were entertained be Indonesia Idols 2007 & 2008
2008

Pak Chris had to get up and give a speech. He spoke a quarter of it in Bahasa Indonesia and the rest in English. He talked about the true meaning of Christmas and forgiveness. :) What is so amazing it that we are in Indonesia, and he is speaking about Jesus Christ!  How amazing is God's love and faithfulness!


And of course, we have to throw in a picture of Santa and Gabs. :)


Merry Christmas!  May God bless you and your family throughout this Christmas season!  xoxo



Sunday, December 8, 2013

1st Christmas Banquet

From Mersades dorm mom:

Here is a quick email with some photos from CB (Christmas Banquet) – Mersades looked beautiful as always.  She was also a great friend/dorm sister as she helped curl several others hair and even helped Kim (our guest) with her makeup. She was a true beauty queen... helping others be beautified as well as herself.







Our Marz is sure growing up fast!  :)