Busy Weekend

Our weekend was packed with a whole bunch of amazing events.

The first of our events was an exciting trip to the beach with like 27 teenagers.  Crazy....I know, but was all had a blast.

We then had a family get together!  It was so wonderful to see everyone....we are usually quiet terrible when it comes to getting together, so it was nice to catch-up.

(We forgot our camera....we used my sisters and my grandfather took the picture....which is why it is a little blurry.)

We then had our second consecutive Vintage service. 

Worship, "I am Second" video/message, and Compassion International presentation was GREAT.

Family Time

It has been long over due since we had all of us get together.  Who knew having a 2 day BBQ at my parents would be so much fun. 

We had an amazing time at the Olympia Farmers Market. Good times with family, saw beautiful flowers, views of the capital, and amazing weather.

We also went to Tumwater Falls.

Later that night we had a tasty BBQ, and of course Frank was one of the BBQ kings.....

We also had blazing fire, where we ate delicious s'mores.

(This is the best way to melt your chocolate.)

I found Reese's peanut butter bars to use instead of plane jane Hershey's chocolate. Definitely a must try!

Good s'more, right Amanda?

With all the outdoor fun we were having, we managed to sneak in a little Wii.

Funny thing is...my Grandma beat my mom(her daughter) and my Grandpa beat my uncle Mike(his son). Go Grandma and Grandpa!!

Dinner is Served....

Ever since I got back from South Africa I have been on this weird kick.  I can't seem to sleep past 8 (which is killing me) and I am in the mood to cook all the time.  For those of you that know me, the above has always been the complete opposite of my life.

I have been following a new cooking blog and have been inspired ever night for dinner.

Turkey Brie Cranberry Chutney Panini was for dinner tonight.

By the time Frank and I ate ours I realized I should have taken a picture. 

Super easy, tasty and filling.  I hope you try it for yourself and/or your family.

ENJOY!

Happy 80th!

Happy Birthday Grandma! 

My grandma Louise turns 80 tomorrow, so we celebrated early and went to lunch at the Point Defiance Anthony's. What a view!

I am all about food, and can't blog without posting something about what we ate.  I had smoked salmon fettuccini, and was it amazing!

And for dessert.........

we had peach cobbler.  YUMMMY!

Home at Last

So...because I was unable to post the last few days we were in Africa, this post will be long.  Hope you enjoy!

 Thursday: This was our last day in Qwa Qwa, an area just outside of the town Harrismith. Just to give you a little bit of information, Qwa Qwa is home to approximately 1.8 million people and has been declared as the poorest region in the country. 88% are unemployed and 75% experience chronic hunger.

Thankfully, we were able to say goodbye to all the families we previously meet. Some of the families gave us gifts, which was unexpected. The gifts were one large jar of canned peaches and the other, was boiled chicken feet and heads. Yummy, or at least for the guys they were. 

It was difficult saying goodbye to all the kids, they were so good and fun to hang out with.

Friday: We left early Friday morning and headed toward Bella Bella, where we would take part in a safari.

Goodbye Thrive Africa!

The trailer hauling all of our luggage however had many problems. First the lights weren't working, then the bearings of the axle broke. We were forced to drop the trailer and pile in with our luggage. Looks uncomfortable, yes, but it made our adventure even better.

We stayed at an amazing reserve called Mabalingwe, where we saw lots of animals.

Saturday and Sunday totalled about 28 hours of travel time between flights and layovers. Besides some turbulence, nasty plane food and swollen ankles, I mean thankles, the trip home went well.

So, there you have it in a condensed form.  Had an amazing time and one day would love to go back. 

Bye for Now

Friday and Saturday we will be on a safari and then off to our flight.  Next time I talk to all of you, I will be back at home, where I promise to post lots of pictures. 

Home sweet home! 

I am so looking forward to eating popcorn and sleeping in my own bed....oh and seeing my family and our pooch, Axle.

Internet connection is super slow because of the clouds, so I can't upload pictures of our last ministry day.  Sorry!

Children's Ministry

Today was the first day our group did children's ministry.  We were super excited and blown away when we ended up counting around 107 children. 

Their favorite thing was the parachute!

We were also able to plant a garden this morning for a family we met yesterday.  The Husband, wife, their baby, and the husbands sister (Did you follow all that?) are deaf. Please pray for them, as there are limited services for the deaf in the Qwa Qwa area.