We always look forward to their visits and know how much we will be blessed by their presence. Our expectations are never disappointed. We love them and are so encouraged by just being around them. We wish they were here all the time. The best thing about them being here is just the fellowship. Just hanging out, having time to talk and laugh. That is the best thing.
Of course there was work to do too which we did. Our schedule was pretty open when they arrived, but it quickly filled up with stuff to do. We went out to view potential orphanage land. We liked what we saw, but there were some family issues with the sellers that led to the doors being closed. It was cool though how God opened another door. We went to a special place for lunch and ran into another missionary who connected us to land in the same area we had been looking at. Now it appears this one is a go! We are going forward with the process to buy the land. Yay God!
While they were here we also had a board meeting. We had a special baptism service at church and a showing of the Jesus film. My favorite day was when George and Alan went off for a ministry meeting while Shannon, Eli and I stayed home. We pulled out the Christmas decorations and got the house ready for Christmas. We had time to relax at home and chat (while Eli was napping) and then ended the day by cooking together. I felt so much happiness that day.
And as always they spoiled us rotten with meals together and special treats. They also brought us a ton of supplies from home. Many people worked hard to fill suitcases with much needed supplies which included a pack and play, a car seat, clothes for all of us, lots of stuff for the new baby, sweets (remember the reference to much needed supplies!), bug spray, flashlights, etc. The list goes on and on. We were very blessed by everything that was sent. These items are either not available here or much more expensive here so we cherish each one. Thank you to all who were involved in getting those to us. We know it's a lot of money, time and work to do that.
Sadly our time with the Reeds had to come to an end. Seeing people go back home is always so sad. It never gets easier for me. It takes me a few days to shake off the sadness. Losing that daily face to face encouragement and fellowship is hard. I also hate seeing Eli lose that day to day contact as well. He bonded with Alan and Shannon (or as he says “Shannet”) and it's sad that it will be a while until he sees them again. But that is life. It was a great visit. A productive one. A joy-filled one.
We love you and miss you Alan and Shannon!
Here are some photos from Shannon's camera. I wish ours was working so I could have taken more!
Looking at Land
The big grocery store in town had a Santa this year that danced. Eli loved it!
Building with Alan
Coking with Shannon
Twins (And Birthday Buddies!!
Special Baptism Service. It was held in a river not far from the church. 18 people were baptized!
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