Tribal Summit by the Lake

The Rowe tribe came to visit the Jackson Tribe - all the way from SC.  We were so happy to see a face from home and hear Miss Kelly's southern drawl for a while.  The kids had a ball cooking hotdogs over the fire and making s'mores and running around in circles playing something with a ball. :)

The old people had Perry's Chicken Chili and the Baptist ladies' Raspberry Pies - yum!

The big kids went swimming in the 60 degree weather and came out around 8pm looking like prunes and slightly blue from the chilly water. :)  Even the Puppy found a friend.

The kids stirred the coals a bit much and made for smoky pics

Having friends visit made saying goodbye to Lauren and Kat a little easier.  We've enjoyed seeing them this summer - they're so grown up!  So glad we get to keep Webb a little longer...

Scott hung out with the men when he wasn't retrieving little ones from the surf.  He's grown up so much and is such smart and able young man.

It is so good to fellowship far from home - can't wait to show them our old fashioned little Church tomorrow where the kids can pull the rope and ring the steeple bell.

Blessings, Kim

The Men Have Arrived!

Hooray!!! The big bros are here and the fun continues.

They help the girls get airborne

Get airborne themselves...

Do a little skiing, tubing, and floating - even 50 year old mom slalom skied today - gimpy leg and all!

And just hanging out with good friends.

I LOVE lazy days at the lake.

Blessings, Kim

Fun at the Lake

We've migrated north to cooler weather!  The girls are enjoying the lake, and I'm enjoying all the home baked breads, pastries, and pies from the farmer's market. :)  The goodies make the reading of Les Miserables less miserable - 5 chapters detailing the battle of Waterloo (in poetic prose) calls for more sugar to keep me awake.  The cool breeze and low 70's temps are heavenly.

Our doggie is enjoying the shade - but unlike most labrador retrievers, refuses to even get his feet wet.

The cousins are up - and little Hayden is a hoot.  5 years old - going on 30.  We love to hear her commentaries on whatever catches her fancy.

It's sad to see a "for sale" sign in the yard - this place is a little slice of heaven on earth.  Fresh veggies, home made ice cream, and fresh water with no snakes, sharks, or gators.  Even in this small town of 500 or so, we meet interesting people.  Today we met a missionary who spent 20 years in Mindanao - a place in southern Philippines - so dangerous that it was forbidden for us to fly over it as military pilots.  She and her husband have *retired* to one of my favorite places in the world - hoping to see her there if I ever get back. :)  Old time missionaries are still around - and this couple's story will be read by my grandchildren.  They're brave people who trust God completely.

Yesterday we ran into an old friend who worked for Ronald Reagan.  We pined over old times together - the days of Thatcher and Reagan and integrity and dignity - and lamented the current state of affairs.  The economy, the culture, and the fact that Tubby's ice cream has stopped selling soft serve.  The country is failing fast...

Off to snack on some freshly picked raspberries and read a little Haggai.

Blessings, Kim

Happy Independence Day!!

We had a 4th of July "re-do" - off to Grandma's house for her annual party and even the same dresses (one size up!) as last year. :)  One of my neighbor's had the best patriotic shirt, and I caught this pic with all the girls:

And then we had the patriotic cake and decorations!

And the cousins - who made the party sparkle with fireworks and glow in the dark balloons!

I'm so glad I got these pics - because within the hour - one of my girls slipped in the mud and we had to take her home on towels in the car for outfit #2 and a bath.  It must have been a HUGE mud puddle!  But we were back in time for BBQ and the next emergency.

One of the older party goers fell over onto the floor - out cold - and 911 had to be called.  He insisted he was fine, but the several nurses in attendance gave him baby aspirin and let the paramedics look him over.  He stubbornly refused to go to the hospital, signed a waiver, and went home to rest.  Later last night, we were told he may have had a stroke and 911 was called again - and this time he went to the hospital.  Praying he's ok!

So we continued on and finally got home way past bedtime - but not before reciting the Declaration of Independence to the best of our poor middle aged memories with the elementary kids propping us up.  Just thankful that we live in a free country with regular elections to get rid of the inevitable abusers of power.  Thanking God for our founding fathers and their great wisdom - recognizing that all men are born depraved - and only the law or Christ can restrain them.  Praying Christ begins to reign in the hearts of men once again.

Blessings, Kim

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.  John 8:36

Need prayer!

Calling all prayer warrior friends to pray for two wonderful boys who have been on the shared waiting list for nearly five years.  I can’t imagine why they’re still waiting as both boys have such wonderful things written about them by everyone they meet!  They are smart, talented, and kind.  They are reportedly good big brothers to the other foster children in their homes and are in age appropriate school grades.  Please commit to pray for these boys as they have no advocate other than those of you who are willing to stand in the gap.  Put their picture on your fridge and remember them when you pray with your family.  PLEASE listen to their stories - first is “Gage.”

He is described as very, very smart and an excellent artist.  He drew a few sketches for some visitors recently and they were very impressed.  He adds many details to his paintings.  One agency representative says that “he is always on her mind – he is a very special boy.”  He is gentle, kind, and  ALWAYS smiling.  He is good at long distance running.  His special need is the same as our dd’s:  his ears did not form correctly but he hears fine and has titanium implants and surgery to open one of his ear canals wider.   Like our dd Jenny, his speech is not perfect, but it is very good.  Like our dd again, he loves to talk to people and is very outgoing and friendly.  He is 12 years old and really wants a family of his own.  Please help him to find one!

In the same city and foster care program is “Gideon.”

I love this gentle boy and can even imagine him in our family full of girls! J  His special need is a mild form of Hemophilia.  I have already had his medical information evaluated by our local Hemophilia clinic and can make that info available to any interested family.  He cannot play contact sports, but loves to run, play chess, and read.  He is a straight A student and is loved by all his neighbors.  He is said to be a good big brother to his younger foster brothers.  He is 11 years old and you can see a video of him HERE.

Both of these boys are in an excellent foster care program, but have little hope for a good future due to their orphan status and special needs.  Please let me know if you can faithfully pray for these boys.  After advocating for six months, still not one family has asked for more information.  I know their families are out there somewhere – please help to find them. J  There are no surprises in their files – just nice boys who need a mom and dad to love them.  Any agency can pull their files.  I can give you the name of one agency whose staff has met them both.

Last but not least, I recently read an article about a 30 year old man who is now facing cancer.  Because he was never adopted, he will face it alone.  The pain of not having a family NEVER goes away.  Please pray that these boys will know the love of a family before it’s too late.

Blessings, Kim

Beach Evangelism!

We met an evangelism team on the Beach this morning.  They've been out all week - but this time Sarah really hoped they'd come and talk to her some more about Jesus.  But they passed us by every time.  Finally, she made her way over and one of the girls asked if she could play.  I told them she REALLY wanted to talk about Jesus and they were excited to spend some time with her. :)

They had a great time talking with the girls - and Sarah told me that it really helped her to understand more. The team read some scripture with all of the girls and played some games.  They had a great time!

They were a sweet bunch of girls with a Baptist team called Mfuge.  I hope they know they planted yet another seed in our sweet Sarah's heart. :)

The kids persuaded big bro' to hit the waves with them - which gave me time to close my eyes and pray a little for the teams.

Hoping God opens hearts to the Good News.  It's hard for folks to stop and listen during their busy lives and vacations.  It was great seeing such a big group of kids giving a little of their time this summer to talk about Jesus with strangers.  What a fun day on the beach!

Blessings,

Kim

Golf and Knitting!

The two classes the girls really wanted to take were BOTH this week - we had some crazy days! :)  

Mornings started with Golf Clinic.

Then on to the beach.  Then back to knitting class in the afternoon.

**Repeat**

And finally finish on Friday!

I need a nap.  On the beach. :)  

Happy Summer to all! 

Blessings, 

Kim