Birthday update

I’m sitting here with a sleeping Ruth on my lap, she woke up from her nap crying, and wanted to go back to sleep. I don’t think our house has been this quiet for this long during daylight hours since..well I don’t know when. I thought I would just blog about our last week, including my birthday. I actually had two parties last weekend, with two chocolate cakes. (I’m spoiled I know) I didn’t know about either of them till a few hours before. Joel likes to keep me guessing. I don’t really feel any older, but it must be happening because I now experience being really tired at the end of the day, but unable to relax and fall asleep because my mind won’t shut down. I’ve always thought people were being ridiculous when they told me about that.

We spent a few family days in Coleman Alberta (a holiday),

and a nice little house of rest for people in ministry. We didn’t do much accept relax! I read a few books, and the girls got to watch videos. Abigail likes Dora, and Silly Songs (Veggie Tales) the best. Ruth’s vocabulary is expanding, she now says “nana” which is banana, “nack” which is snack (she loves to eat almost anytime) and I’m pretty sure she said Adriana, once when looking a picture of her new cousin. Both girls are changing their looks, one day I looked at Abigail and I didn’t recognize her anymore.

We are continuing to study language and file culture (our language session was canceled twice this week, because our language helper was working with the Bible translators). There is so much to be done, it’s often overwhelming. I think God is trying to teach us how to live with the

pressure, because it is a reality of life. We are seeing His hand at work in relationships; Joel’s and mine, our family as a whole, and the many people we call friends. My heart is filled with GRATITUDE to the Lord, when I see how He provides time and time again. We are very blessed and much of that blessing comes through you. Thanks to those who sent birthday greetings, it is nice to be remembered, thanks to those of you who pray for us, we will never know this side of heaven the impact of our prayers. We love you! Greetings from cold and sunny Alberta!!!~Amanda