Ten Years Ago

March 31, 2004 was a Wednesday. I finished teaching an advanced lyrical dance class, went over the receipts for the evening and locked up the dance studio. I was looking forward to giving my sweet baby boy a cuddle and then reading him a bedtime story before laying him down for the night. I was worried about paying April rent as we were several hundred dollars short. I was two days shy of 24 year old.

Earlier that day thousands of miles away my brother was killed. He was doing his job as a 1st Lt. in the United States Army and while performing that duty he lost his life.

I walked into a dark house. Moments later Mark would tell me that my parents had called and that my brother was gone. It was a shock. One that would take me and my family years to fully internalize and one which I will never fully understand.

What I do know is that my brother loved God, his family and his country. There is nothing more honorable than these. He taught me about honor, dedication and perseverance. He told me that I must always be able to laugh at myself and not take the "little things" too hard. He gave the best hugs and I knew I could always count on him. When I was embarrassed to two-step around a dance floor he lifted me off my feet and swung me around. In college we talked on the phone for hours sharing stories and dreams of the future. I can still remember the difference in his voice the first time he spoke about Leslie, the girl he would eventually marry. He became one of my husbands best friends. He wasn't just my brother. He was my friend.

Today, I remember Doyle. Brother. Hero. Friend.

Today is a day to remember his sacrifice. It is also a day to remember God's faithfulness, love and compassion. Recently a friend wrote a blog post with a quote about scars. Something about how the scars tell us we are still alive. I believe that if you took a picture of my heart it would be full of scars, places that are only held together through faith. I grieve the loss of my brother and in the same breath I praise the Lord for his life. In church tonight we sang Blessed be Your Name.

You Give and Take Away

You Give and Take Away

My Heart will Choose to Say

Lord, Blessed Be Your Name

I am thankful that ten years later I can truly sing these words. I may cry while I do but only because they are true. Thank You Lord for walking with me through life's trials and blessings.

Thankfulness

This last container took a very long time clearing customs. It was worth the wait as it contained three care packages. We have been so blessed this field service by all our supporters. We have felt prayed for and loved.

Jacob was particularly excited about the buffalo wing seasoning packet. One of the many blessing of serving on the Africa Mercy in Congo is learning the lesson of delayed gratification and really truly savoring the small blessings. Jacob is waiting patiently and anticipating the day we can get our hands on some chicken tenders to make boneless buffalo wings. We made tacos this past weekend and they were AMAZING!

Caleb was downright jubilant when I laid out the contents of the third box. To everyone who supports us with prayers, love, financial support, care packages, and e-mails, Thank You! We are so blessed by all of you. It is so encouraging to know that people are thinking of us and caring about our family. Thank You!

Visit to an Italian Aircraft Carrier

Mark and Jacob can add another chapter to the book titled, "This one time on the Africa Mercy..." An Italian Aircraft Carrier came to the Republic of Congo. They very generously offered tours to the entire crew (those older than eight). Jacob loved the visit and it was all he talked about for several days after the tour.

Jacob was overwhelmed by the jets, helicopter, and machine guns!

Great Memories in the making!

Saturdays in Congo

Every other Saturday our family takes a group of people to a local orphanage. Ngoyo Orphanage is a Mercy Ministries site. Around 30 children live at the orphanage ranging in age from 2-20. We sing worship songs in French and teach a lesson to the children. Then we do a craft and everyone spends about an hour playing with the children.

Paka is an amazing translator. He speaks five languages which is difficult for me to wrap my mind around.

One weekend our activity was play dough. The children were so focused on their individual projects. They created elephants and alligators. They spent all of the play time working with the play dough.

Sometimes the boys play a little soccer game.

Jumping rope is another favorite activity.

Working hard on their color sheets.

Jenga gets played every week.

Sometimes I get my hair done.

We are enjoying getting to know the sweet children who live at Ngoyo Orphanage. The boys say their favorite part of the weekly visit is the chickens that run around the yard. I think my boys would be happiest living on a farm!

Benedict's Birthday Party

We were invited to celebrate the birthday of one of Mark's day crew, Benedict.  We gathered at Benedict's brothers house and were able to fellowship with day crew and dental team members. Matthew enthralled Eber with a reading of Calvin and Hobbs.  Matthew read the entire 60 page collection to Eber.

We hung out on the front porch and enjoyed sandwiches and snacks.  I enjoyed getting to know Mark's team better.

Magalie made friends with Caleb. Caleb enjoyed eating more than his fair share of pretzel sticks.  All the boys were sweet and practiced their French with the day crew.

The candle was amazing!  The boys thought it was the highlight of the day.

And we had cake. It was a lovely Saturday and I hope that we can gather together with the dental team again soon.

Camping in Congo...Family Church Beach Style

 We embarked on our grand adventure around 10am Saturday morning.  Yes, we needed that much stuff for a one nigh camping trip (7 adults and 10 children).  The boys were super excited about sleeping in tents with their friends.

Two Land Rovers packed and ready to head out.

Congo is a beautiful country!

Swim suits and bare feet...a boys paradise.

Our awesome fire pit.

We had some amazing kabobs for dinner.  They were even better the next day with eggs wrapped in pita bread.

Sticks were played with in abundance.

Our sleeping quarters for the night.

The next morning friends and family from the ship joined us on the beach for Family Church.  We had a time of worship led by Nick and Roses followed by a good word from Gabe.  It was wonderful to begin our day of fun by praising God!

Chuch in Congo

Uncle Dean's day crew Bob invited him to attend church with him. Mark drove a group of us to the church.  We were welcomed warmly and give the opportunity to speak.  We were also asked to lead the church in singing.  We sang, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Lord I Lift Your Name on High".

Mark speaking a word of encouragement to the congregation.

The church filled up quickly.  Children sat in the back, women in the middle and men on the left.  We were given seats of honor in the front of the room.

After the service the pastor and his wife hosted us with snacks and cold sodas.  The pastor shared with us his testimony and how the church was started.  We prayed for the church and then they presented us with gifts to show us that we were welcome (a Congolese tradition).  We were given pineapples, mangoes, plantains, and carrots.  In all it must have filled 8 or 9 bags.  We felt very welcomed!

The front of the church.