I think living in another country makes me even more patriotic than I was when I lived in the States. Maybe I appreciate the U.S. more, but everytime I hear our national anthem, I get choked up. Unfortunately, this 4th was a bit of a pathetic example because Jeremy was getting over the stomach flu and as I mentioned in the last post, I am still sick, sick, sick in my first trimester. I actually can't read or even look at the computer without getting nauseous....which is partly why I haven't been doing much blogging. I have to pay tribute to my wonderful cousin Mary Lee who was with us for a couple of weeks who posted the last blog with all the pictures. Without her, you still would have no idea what we are up to. 

So, there was  big picnic with our team a bunch of American families, but we didn't make it.  So, we had a really simple party with all the traditional songs (thanks to Janna and the $1 section at Target) and cupcakes with red and blue star sprinkles (also thanks to Janna and the $1 section at Target)

Soon I would like to post some pictures of our trips we have taken this past month. I really do think it has been one of the busiest months of our lives.  But so many great adventures and new experiences.  Stay tuned...my first trimester is almost over!

Hello!  It has been a busy few weeks!  Birthday parties, Father's Day, Anniversary Celebrations, family, and teams visiting!  These are just a few snapshots from the last few weeks! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEREMY!!

  First Anniversary of the church!

Team from Chestnut Mountain, GA

Happy Father's Day, Jeremy!

Giving a presentation at school with Kayla

Getting to stand in the pregnancy line for the first time!!

Girls Night Out - with Susan and Mary Lee

Getting to share about the House of Glory with the team from Chestnut Mountain...

Gas prices here -- divide by 2.8 and you can see we are paying around $5 a gallon!

Tomorrow is my 32nd Birthday! 32 years of blessings from my Heavenly Daddy who is definitely in the business of blessing His children. I want to shout from the mountaintops what a good God we have and celebrate the life He has given me by counting 32 of His blessings to me.

1. God has given me a husband who is spontaneous, hilarious, a man seeking after the Lord, and who loves me passionately.

2. 2 beautiful princesses for daughters who make me smile all over when I think of them and who bring constant delight into my life.

3. Parents who are a constant encouragement to me, always looking for ways to point me to my Savior.

4. My sister-- my best friend my whole life

5. My 3 brothers- terrific uncles to my girls and just so fun to be around

6. My 5 nephews and 2 nieces--hugs to all of you. I MISS YOU!

7. Jeremy's parents-- so thoughtful with servant hearts beyond your imagination

8. and the rest of my family-- WOW!  sisters-in law, brothers- in-law, cousins, aunts, uncles, what an incredible support network

9. my friends back at home, praying for me, calling me, caring for me from a continent away

10. my team here- being my family away from home, celebrating with me and embracing me

11. our little church here in Lima- so many brothers and sisters in Christ, new Christians, bubbling over with new life, enthusiasm and passion for the Gospel

12. our supporting families and churches- making sacrifices so that we can be here- being our cheerleaders

13. our wonderful house, the park across the street, our quiet neighborhood

14. the bright sunshine

15. a long distance phone call

16. my every need provided for

17. so many answers to prayer over these 32 years-- miracles that God has allowed me to see

18. worshipping in 2 languages  (imagine Heaven, every language on earth)

19.some of Rebecca's homeade lemonade

20. a caramel macchiato on a chilly day

21. the privilege of travelling to countries all over the world

22. living in a place where people, not tasks, are the priority

23. good ole' Peruvian food- you can't beat it!

24. playing at the park with my girls

25. watching the sunset over the ocean

26. watching the sunrise over the mountain outside my bedroom window

27. Birthday parties (especially mine)

28. ice cream cake!!!! (I can't wait until tomorrow)

29. peace that passes all understanding

30. My sins are cast as far as the East is from the West- past, present and future sins

31. 32 years of life

32. my Savior and Lord, my Shepherd, my King, my Comforter, my Joy, my Delight, my Eternity Guarder, my Promise Keeper, my Identity, my Everything 

It is a very Happy Birthday to me!!!

Quick comercial-- those that have visited us here in the winter know that a chilly breeze can get you all the way to your bones.  Well, my good friend Megan (from the April post) and my wonderful mother-in-law thought of the perfect gift for my birthday-- Cuddl Duds-- if you don't know what they are, you need some. These things are awesome! They are basically long underwear, but soft and oh so comfotable, like you are wearing pajamas around all day, AND they keep you warm, but not hot.  How do I know this? Well, because 2 days ago, it was summer, and I was wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts whenever I could get away with it.  And then, the weather suddently switched to winter, and I headed to the roof to get our winter clothes out of storage. And I opened my birthday presents a day early. Who would have thought that I would be wearing cuddle duds for my birthday in May. But here I am- the perfect gift. THANK YOU Megan and mom Ross.