Many of you already know that we are about to head back the the U.S. for our first furlough in 5 years as a family.  To say we are excited is an understatement.  We have had a few gatherings with our friends here in the village over the last few days and just hearing them reminisce about all the God has done has made these last 5 years such a wonderful blessing and honor to be a small part of.  

This was shortly after Colin and I moved to UG.  We might have been here 5 or 6 months when we took this picture.  Given by how rested we look, this was pre-children.

Our first car in UG.  This was the best thing that we could have driven starting off.  It was a tank and somewhat reliable.  I am glad we had it and we sort of miss it!

One of the things that I am most excited about, when we finally land on U.S. soil, is that family and friends that have been watching our family grow over Skype or FaceTime, will finally get to meet our kids.  Meeting their nieces and nephew, granddaughters and grandson for the first time in their lives.  I get a little teary eyed just thinking about it! 

My BEST (and I do mean best) friend in the whole world,  Marissa.  I love her and can not wait for our reunion.  

Colin and his Siblings.  5 years is a long time to go without hugging your brother.  

Aunt Beans and Silas.  5 years of watching this little dude grow through a computer/phone screen is about to be over!!!

We have had some family visitors!  My mom (the grands call her Kammy) has been here twice to visit....  

....and also last year we had our Pops and Uncle Toot swing over  for a visit as well.  We are always so thankful for the visitors that we have.  We know the sacrifice it is to travel here just to see us or our ministry.  It is humbling.

This is the old sign for our church.  It has been replaced with a new one, and this one hangs in our living room.  We are so thankful for the folks that attend this little church and we look forward to sharing more about our village once we are back in the U.S.

We are wrapping up our last few days in the village before we head to the city to fly out.  Please pray for us as we travel.  We have a very very very long flight and I am preparing myself for traveling with a 1 year old.  The older two are going to do great, its just the baby that I am worried about, because she is a whrilling dervish monster child most of the time (I mean that in the most loving way possible...But her first word was a growl, so.....).  I really hope we all make it out alive... ;-)  But we are so ready to see you all and can't wait to be in the U.S. very soon!!