A few more from the New Year's Eve Party

More New Year's Eve

Isabelle is too tired to eat her doughnut sitting up. Caleb and Kelly seem energized by all of the sugar though!

Belated New Year's Eve Party

Our New Year's Eve party at the Harvey's house was canceled at the last minute. Fortunately, we had a make-up party. Becky and her daughters made lots of yummy doughnuts. We played games and watched a movie.

Ian's Photography

These are a few of the pictures I found on the camera after letting Ian have it. He seems to have enjoyed himself.

Company Girl Coffee and Guinea Pig Pictures

Today we are having cinnamon flavored sun tea instead of coffee. It's very nice on a hot day likeou today.
Last Saturday we had an impromptu belated New Year's Eve party at the Harvey's house. Becky Harvey made lots of yummy doughnuts, and we played games and watched a movie. (Pictures to come.)
We had some more short term people arrive on Saturday. That brings us up to a total of 5 in addition to our regular team. Since most the short term people plus 5 of the long term people eat lunch here on Monday- Friday, we have had quite a busy week. But it's been a fun one, as we get to know new friends.y
The guinea pig pictures are from last Friday. At the end of the work day, they moved to the Harvey's house. I have to admit that I was quite relieved to see them go.
Today someone came to sell us honey. I bought it- all five liters- which had to have bees, honeycomb and dirt strained out. I think word is getting out that I can't say no. :)
After a little bit of a break from hearing gunfire, we have heard a little bit since Sunday morning. It's still on the other side of the river, and we are not concerned at this point. We are just taking the usual precautions- not going out after dark unless necessary, not going out alone, etc.
I have started to try to work on Lingala a little bit every day. I was trying before, but now I have it on my schedule. Hopefully, that will help! :)
We had a really enjoyable Wednesday morning. Stephen had the morning off, and we went for a bike ride as a family. We rode from the hospital to the bridge at Hippo River. I wish I could capture the looks on people's faces when they see us coming! We provide lots of entertainment.
Stephen is not on call this weekend, so I am hoping for a nice relaxing weekend. Maybe even another bike ride.
How did your week go?

Ciska

Another of Ciska's yummy creations!
Ciska makes lunch everyday for our family and the other missionary staff at the hospital. Sometimes, we have quite a crowd. Besides the five of us, there can be up to 12 other people for lunch. Usually, people don't all come at once. When they can take time out to eat, they come. When everyone comes at once, we just crowd around the two tables and enjoy our time together!
When we first moved, I wasn't sure if I would want to have a cook. It takes some time to become accustomed to the idea of someone else in your kitchen.
However, we have become fond of her in the time that we have known her. She is is attached to the children, especially Isabelle.
She is patient with our halting French, and our attempts to learn Lingala. She has a kind heart, and I am glad that we have had the chance to get to know her.

Making Your Home a Haven: Start with God

Last week, I was happy to see that Monica at Homespun Heart is starting her Making Your Home a Haven series again. It fits in well with my focus on "sanctuary" this year.
Yesterday, the kids and I did a prayer walk through are house. I kept it simple, because their attention spans are short. We walked through each room, and talked about what we could pray for in that room. I was glad that I decided to ask for their ideas, because they had an interesting perspective. It was fun to hear each kids' thoughts as we went through the house.
Isabelle and Caleb were reluctant to pray, but Ian was excited to pray in each room. This may be something regular that we add in to our school schedule once or twice a month.

To view other posts and see next week's challenge, you can visit The Homespun Heart.