New Arrivals
As most of you probably know, March 2, 2009 was a very special day for us. Our two beautiful daughters were born, Katherine Grace and Lauren Rae. We have had to change a few things since the amount of you children has doubled overnight. We no longer can all fit in the same car. We have to take two vehicles where ever we go. Double diapers to change, double hungry stomachs to feed, and double hearts to hold, we have been blessed. Thank you very much for your prayers for our family during the pregnancy. The girls were born at 37 weeks and very healthy. We know it’s because you lifted us up in prayer. Thank you!!

As we transition back into the US, many things are quite new for the boys. Caleb was a year old when we left for language school in Costa Rica. The boys have enjoyed many new things. One being the “transformer bed”, most of you know it by its other name, a fold out bed. While most would complain about its poorly placed bars, the boys are content in its transforming comfort.

Along with the “transformer bed” comes the “transformer chair” aka Lazyboy chair.
Josiah loves the automatic dispensers in the bathrooms. The motion sensor dispenses water, soap, and paper towels. He often washes more than once (which is not a bad thing).

With all these changes brings fear as-well. Our fearless Josiah has shown moments of fear. Remember to keep both Josiah and Caleb in pray this year as they experience American life.

Josiah

Josiah is now a big two years old. He will be heading off to school next week, this will be a big surprise for his teachers, those who know sweet Caleb. Josiah spends his days killing big ants, saying "mio" mine, sitting in time-out, and trying to say "I love you". He squints his eyes to say, "Eye luoboa you". Last night we at with the Sappias, we were all in the other room, when we hear their son, who is Josiah’s age, crying. Josiah walks into the room with wooden sword and a smile of delight. Like all good friends they share sippy cups, hugs, and taking turns hitting each other.

Just can't make it to the next reststop?

Under an overpass here in Asuncion.

Summer camp

This we had another good turn out for summer camp. Over 140 Alliance students came out. Marcos, the national pastor who is working with me in the Church Plant, lead the youth camp, while I headed up the College camp. After a tiring week, everyone left excited, in good spirits, and exhausted.

Don't ask how much it cost!

One of our local grocery stores got the shipment of American products. In past years, I have been able to resist myself, but this year I gave in, even if it was more than double the cost. I understand Esau (who sold his inheritance for some bean soup), Hormel Tamales are worth a week’s salary. We got the loot home and I fixed up the Tamales, they were accompanied with some Jumex Tamarind juice, by anyone’s standards, a truly authentic Mexican meal. As for the juice, what a trip it had, leaving Mexico up to the US, and then down to Brazil and finally over to Paraguay. Contrary to brief, Paraguayans don’t speak Mexican or eat their food.

Sarah and I also had “southern culture day” in which we ate Corned Beef Hash and Grits. Although the boys did not participate in the meal, they will need to go to “How to be southern” boot camp when we get back.

Somewhere between nervous and excited

That’s what I felt as the National Police told me to get into the back of the police pick-up truck as I was being carted off to the local police station. I had been on my way to Awana (our ministry to kids) on Saturday afternoon. It is close to where we live so I take a bus each week. I did not take my wallet (which has my ID in it) in case I get robbed. The bus I got on was completely full which is rare for Saturday afternoon, so I had to stand next to the driver. Three blocks down the road there was a police check point, in which they enter the bus asking for IDs, I was the first one they came to and did not have my ID. I then got off the bus and sat under the overpass with the rest of those who dare to leave their homes without ID. I was able to call Sarah to meet me at the police station with my ID.
We boarded the pick-ups in groups of 5. The officer, who sat guard over us, yelled at us a good bit in Guarani, I don’t speak Guarani, but I’m sure he was not asking us if we were comfortable. The “clown” next to me is throwing “shout outs” to his friends in the street, I’m sure he received so police brutality late that day. We were told we would be held for 5 hours there at the station, even after our IDs are dropped off. I knew I did not want to spend the next 5 hours there, especially after I saw the holding cell.
We sat in a courtyard while they took down our information. From where I was sitting I had a good view of our future cell mate. He had woken up with all the commotion, and was very interested in why we were there, he then when on to freshen up his cell and himself with some Glade. His cell was all of 4x6ft so I was pretty sure that we would not be with him.
I was counting on Sarah’s very pregnant stomach, two kids and good behavior for an early release with time served. But she sent our Field Director, who is less charming and not pregnant. But it all worked just find, before they had time to put into action their devious 5 hour plan, I was walking out the doors. Thanks Bob!
So lesson learned, always have your ID on you when in Paraguay.