Ella Turns 2!

I can't believe my baby turned 2 years old this month!  She has been an absolute delight to have in our lives.  There are moments when I wish I could hold her like a little baby again.  But for the most part, each new stage seems to get better and better.  

We had two little celebrations for Ella.  Grandpa and Grandma Mach took Ella to the zoo, one of her favorite places.  We also had a party for Ella and her cousin's Emma and Olivia, Aunt Amy and Uncle great and her Grandma and Grandpa Warden.  Afterward we went to Ella's favorite park to play!  

Ella had a wonderful birthday.  She is still singing happy birthday to herself 2 weeks later!

Ella at the Zoo with Grandpa and Grandma Mach

Grandma Mach teaching Ella the art of catching a Peacock.

Ella enjoying the Polar Bears

1,2,3 GO.  Olivia, Ella and Emma on the triple slide!

Wheeeeeeeee!

Happy Birthday Ella!

Modeling her new outfit!

Maybe next year she will be able to blow them out by herself.

“A Glimpse of God”

I don’t know that I have ever been known for my poetic skills but I will give it a shot.  I would love to share a poem with you that I wrote for Jennie on Mothers Day.  I believe there is no greater reflection of God’s love to me than through the devoted caring practices of my loyal and loving wife.  Ella and I want her to know we love her on this special day.  

 

“A Glimpse of God”

 

I thank God today for the women he’s given

To brighten my life and help me enjoy livin’

 

She’s loving and serving and faithful and free

She makes feel special, she’s just right for me

 

A gift that grows deeper each day that we live

She pours out her life so much does she give 

 

As a mother she excels and goes the extra mile

The depth of her giving we shall never unpile 

 

An extraordinary mom that loves without asking

She serves my daughter Ella in her joy we live basking

 

I see in my Ella her beauty and love

Such joy that only comes from the gracious God above

 

She’s “mommy”, and “mine” and “thank you” and “now”

She’s always teaching and loving and forgiving somehow 

 

Her faith and patience we daily admire

Her presence and company we always desire

 

A woman with gifts that never seem to end

My wife, my partner, my best friend

 

May she always know how precious she is

A blessing to us and a daughter of HIS

 

Thank you Jennie there’s so much we could say

But we’ll end with WE LOVE YOU and ….

 

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!

We're Home!

It's hard to believe that 4 weeks of training is over already!  We returned to Cincinnati from Colorado Springs very early in the morning last Saturday.  We have been recuperating (John caught the sickness that was going around our group just before we left! :( ), unpacking, and getting back into the routine of normal life again.  

Our last week at MTI was much of the same as the first two weeks: challenging, emotional, stretching, and wonderful all at the same time.  Here are some of the topics we tackled:

• Moral Purity - the quote of the day was, "Your skills take you to the field, often your character takes you off the field."  We have an amazing challenge to abide in the Lord as the pressures of missionary life often cause many to stumble.
• Grief and Loss - This was a really good session!  We talked about the things we would be giving up by moving away from loved ones and our culture, and into a new one.  We were then allowed time to grieve these losses, which was an amazingly powerful and emotional time.
• Third Culture Kids - discovering the long term impact (pro's and con's) our children will face after living and growing up in another culture.
• How to say good goodbyes

Then of course came the time to say goodbye to so many wonderful new friends.  It was wonderful to share life in such a unique way with so many that are going through this same transition as we are.  We were blessed by many strong bonds.  It is amazing to realize that we leave Colorado and will be scattered around the world!

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and are supporting us.  This was an amazing opportunity to learn and hear from God.  These things we learned were invaluable to our ministry on the field, our friendships, our marriage and our families!  

The MTI Gang!

Our dear friends, the Evans Family!

Ella and Cooper

Ella and Grayson

Ella and Eli

Ella and Jess

Of course, Ella and Sam