This past week we had thousands of flying visitors in our front yard. There were so many that it concerned me. I whispered to the kids to go into the house quickly & quietly. The kids and I had been outside setting out plates and bowls for a picnic lunch when we heard a loud buzzing sound getting closer and closer. It didn’t take us long to realize that it was a massive swarm of the African killer bee. If one bee is crushed (accidental or not) the whole swarm will come to defend it. In this case that swarm was in the thousands. [slideshow=48] Read more ›

As the new school year begins at the “It Is Finished” Bible Institute and Seminary, things look a little different. There are fewer students sitting in class due to some of the recent graduates serving in different internship positions around Thailand. The schedules are different as the missionaries stretch to translate new courses for the students continuing further in their Bible training. [slideshow=47]

Some things, however are the same; these students will not be getting a new set of school clothes or a bookbag full of fresh new school supplies – their old ones will do just fine. They will continue to trade off “cafeteria duty,” taking turns cooking for each meal. They will continue to hand wash their laundry in the afternoons and strategically dodge the threat of rain to try to dry their clothes – it’s rainy season in northern Thailand. Read more ›

Living in Japan has taught me to take better advantage of the opportunities God gives me to share my faith and invite people to church.  I’ve been asked countless times, “Why are you living in Japan?”  Such a simple question, yet what a huge opportunity!  We’re here for just one reason – to share God’s Word with the people of this country.

I met a woman named Yukiko in swimming class.  I attend a “moms and babies” class at one of our local sports clubs with our two-year old daughter Naomi. I first met Yukiko last summer when she joined the class also.  She was immediately very friendly to me and Naomi and like most people, asked me about how we ended up in Japan.  Each week we’d meet for swimming and chat after class for a few minutes. Read more ›

Izaak Jerome was born this past Sunday, May 11th at 2:06pm. He was 50 cm long and weighed 3620 grams.  For all you mathe-magicians out there, that’s about 20 inches and close to 8 pounds.[slideshow=45]

On Saturday Jeff and I spent the day touring Guimaraes, a nearby city, with the Meier family and Marta, our language instructor/tour guide.  The highlight of Guimaraes is its castle, where Portugal was “born.”  Throughout the day I was experiencing cramps and back aches.  We knew it wouldn’t be long before baby E made his appearance. Read more ›

In the States the month of May means spring time, rain, flowers and graduations. Soon the caps & gowns will commence and summer vacation is around the corner. While many get their diplomas in America, here in Malawi, Africa we are donning our stocking caps and unpacking the down.

Our rainy season has passed and the grass is turning brown.  Flowers are fading, the air is cool, the wind is picking up, a few trees are dropping leaves and I suppose autumn is in the air – technically anyway. There are no colored maple leaves lining the yards, Indian corn, hay rides or spiced apple cider to reinforce the season though.  It seems hard to acknowledge May as fall. I still refer to this time of year as “spring.” However in the southern hemisphere, near the tropic of Capricorn, and in the British school  system, this is hardly spring. Summer vacation for us was in December. School is in session until July and the temperatures will keep dropping. Read more ›