Highlights from our time in the USA

 We arrived in New York, and were picked up at the airport by Phil Parsons. He took us straight way to CMML guest house. Mary Parsons had stocked our little kitchen with cereal, milk, bread, butter, orange juice, and even a roasted chicken! We were exhausted, so after a bowl of cereal (american cereal after 44 months!) we got the kids and ourselves to bed; we slept great that first night!

The next morning, the kids were up early and ready to explore the forest behind CMML.

That was the beginning of our 3 months in the USA. I will share via photos the highlights of our time there: traveling the east coast, then onto Phoenix and the Northwest and briefly finishing back in NJ.

We always enjoy the different seasons there are in the northern hemisphere. This time it was spring, and beginning of summer. It's refreshing to see big parks and open, clean spaces for enjoying God's creation right in the city limits. And it's so encouraging to have fellowship with God's people! Luke had many opportunities to share about the Lord's work in Tanzania. Our family returned with hearts filled to the brim (not just our suitcases!) with gratitude and with wonderful memories.

Pond near Belmar, NJ

Visiting with College friends and Aunt Carol.

Visiting with Chris and Genesis.

Cousins meeting for the first time.

Uncle Jesse teaching the kids how to safely fire a .22.

William meeting Bigfoot.

Celebrating birthdays: Aaron, William and Isaac.

A sunny day on the Oregon beach!

Briefly seeing Great Grandma and Aunt Sherry.

Pretending for a day that we were in the Swiss Alps.

Good food, quality time with cousins.

Playing in the snow!

Fishing with Daddy.

Pleasant picnics by the lake.

Learning how to balance on a floating log.

Fun in the pool.

Skating rink, a first for our kids.

Heading to the hills to beat the heat in the valley.

Great food. Maybe a bit too much!

Packing, standing in line, and exhaustion!