Pancakes anyone? :)

Friday night preparations...














The sleepover (did I say sleep?! ;) ) made the weekend less stressful, believe it or not! It was rather cold in the gym... what a wild night! -- the wind, not the young ladies -- they were quiet before 12.
But it was very helpful for us to be able to start working almost
at the crack of dawn. :)

Putting the fruit centerpieces together on Saturday morning was lots of (fun!) work. "Many hands..." -- they did a great job!







a few of the helpers...

...and some of the guests.


After breakfast & singing, Rick Postma from Word & Deed ministries did an eye-opening presentation on the work that is being done in Africa, especially focusing on the Bangwa House. This home for young girls is located in Malawi, where there are about 1 million orphans in a country of 14 million people, mostly due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. May the Lord do a mighty work in that needy land!

Pancake Breakfast!

...and more to come Monday!

We love Bethany! :)

...her funny faces...


...her "little girliness" -- she loves dolls, dress-up,
& getting into Maria's jewelery...


...her love for music, especially her sweet singing...
(she often climbs up on the bench beside whoever is practicing piano)

...her coziness... Bethany is very affectionate & gives the sweetest hugs & kisses. She especially loves to be held by her daddy. :)



...and we love to watch Bethany's diligent efforts to be Mommy's helper! :) She loves to pull out the broom and clean up the toys. Here she pulled all the chairs out of the kitchen by herself & started sweeping, accompanied by Andrew practicing piano. :)
We praise God for giving us this dear little girl,
and for each of the "arrows" He has blessed us with!



Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127: 3-5