Happy Birthday Kari!

Hey Kar- Have a great birthday and New Year's Eve!

Love and Miss Ya!

Christmas with the Shermer Family

                         Here we all are.

Snowshoeing into Vermilion Falls

Yesterday Amers and I decided to take a little trip north to Crane Lake, MN. We wanted to check out Vermilion Falls and maybe even see if we could trek into the Gorge. After driving the 5 miles down the unplowed road to the Falls we decided that our first stop on our trip might just be our only stop. We had brought the snowshoes along (thanks Dad) and after strapping them on started down the path to Vermilion Falls.
As soon as well started we both had to use the bathroom- thank God for out houses. Taking off our snowshoes is not one of our favorite things so we managed to use the facilities without having to remove them. Talent. We happened to arrive first and be the only ones at the falls but it wasn't long before many different groups of snowmobilers joined us. We were the only ones to brave trekking in without winter machines and for some reason it seemed to impress many of them. We even happened to be called sweeties- not a name we were too impressed with but...
Though some of the water was open, the main part of the Falls was not only frozen but covered in snow so we weren't able to see as much, but it was a great time to be in the woods covered in snow. I do love that part of winter.

Taking off the showshoes to head further down the Falls sounded like a good idea, but only served to remind us how useful they are. The snow was a bit deep and we each managed to end up with more than just our feet in the snow at least once.
We were a bit cold by the time we reached our car. We headed straight to Grandma Syvilla's where she promptly heated some water for Hot Chocolate and got out the sweets.
We truly enjoyed blazing our own trails (however I seemed to almost always be the one in front making the initial tracks- hhmmm... Amy?!?!) and are now thinking about our next trail to head out on.

Broomball, Basketball, Bruises and Beth (sorry Holly you don't start with a B)

Cold weather doesn't keep me inside. (well not all the time) On Saturday we had some people over to play games and a little broomball on the pond out back. After putting on a few layers of clothing and trying a bit unsuccessfully to get a fire going (even with the magic lighter fluid ?!?!) we made do with our Christmas lights around the pond and started playing. We quickly remembered that our roughest opponent was the ice- notice my brother Nick flat on his back. I didn't win any hosting awards after I whacked this nice girl in the shin with my broomstick. We were even on the same team. I soon found out that she is a hockey player and a little hit wasn't going to stop her- however she did leave with a very large parting gift in the shape of a goose (or ostrich) egg on her leg. Sorry Jeannine! Last night Amy, Mom, Dad, and I went to the Girls Basketball game in Cook. When I was 16 I started babysitting for the Youngstrom family. Emily was in preschool and Darby was just barely a year old. Now they are both taller than me, Em is driving, and they both are amazing B-ball players. It was a blast watching them play. They've got some skills.


Darby is on the Junior Varsity team. She was a lot of fun for me to watch. I've made it to some games over the past years, but you know that point when it moves beyond a bunch of girls running up and down the court just trying to get it into the hoop? Well they are past that and it is great to watch her decision making and all the skills she has acquired. She's gonna be a great baller. (Already is I guess)

Emily is on the Varsity team and has been for some time and will most likely be scoring her 1000 point this season. (Only her sophomore year) I am sure her height helps her out a little, but her skills are what give her the real advantage. Along with being a great player comes the not fun part of being double teamed often and fouled constantly. She manages though and still puts up the stats.

This makes me realize that I am old and to top it all off- This summer is my 10 year High School Reunion. It doesn't seem possible. Bummer for me is that there is a good chance I will be in Sierra Leone when this happens so Holly, Beth and I had our own little pre-reunion last Thursday. It has been MANY years since the three of us were together so we had some catching up to do. Both Beth and I have spent time away from the mainland in warmer climates recently so I had someone to commiserate with. Beth has just returned (to America :)) from Hawaii and arrived just in time for the extreme cold and winter snow storms.
We spent some time reminiscing about camping trip to the BWCA, school trip to Europe, learning who is where from Cook and just a lot of time laughing. I love when you are able to be with old friends and feel right at ease. I miss these two and am so thankful we were able to get together- and learn a few things while we were at it. (Don't hold the baby too close, Hawaii is not America, your phone can attach to your radio. :-)) I hope to get together again soon.

You can take the girl out of Africa, but you can't take Africa out of the girl

Just because my nieces are here- it doesn't mean my work goes unfinished. The kitchen got cleaned, the salsa made (with plenty of heat), and we were ready for the broomball and game party we hosted that night. Just so you know, Koryn not only did fine being "po-poed" around, she even fell asleep and took a good nap right where she was.

Hangin' with Jack

I spent last week in Marshalltown, IA. I do admit driving by corn field after corn field doesn't excite me, but once I am in Marshalltown it isn't so bad. First of all I was able to spend the week with Steve, Amy, and Jack. I spent the days with Jack learning some new basketball skills, how to play guitar, more basketball, hiding in the tent, basketball, cooking, basketball, playing in the snow- you get it more basketball. If Jack's unhappy all you need to do is ask him to play basketball and all is fine.

The proof is in the hoop!

When Jack did get tired of playing, he would climb onto the bench near the hoop and say, "Christie's turn." I would say, "let's play together." "No Jack watch." And being the people pleaser than I am (well that may not really be the reason, but...) I would play for a bit- shooting hoops on the 3 1/2 foot hoop- really caring about making it, while Jack sat and watched me.

I did however forget to teach Jack a few things- and should have been fired. I was meeting with my friend Karen at McDonalds so Jack could run around in the playland for a bit. Karen watches Jack often and is like his second mother, so all of this should have made for a great time, until we heard Jack crying up in the top of the Playland. First we had to look at each other and ask, "Is that Jack?" Great sitters, then we start calling him to come down when he really starts crying- "alright Jack for you I will climb up into this thing," I had just told myself when this dad already starts up the tube saying, "That's probably my son too, I'll get them." So Karen and I wait at the bottom just in time to see Jack and the little boy trip at the end and tumble out together. Jack has a couple scratches on his face and marks on the back of his neck. The kid (who is about 3) had Jack in a headlock and was putting some moves on him Jack hasn't learned yet. The dad was great- had his son apologize and took him right home. Jack was pretty much done for the day, but he did rebound well. Good thing Dad took him to a wrestling meet a couple days later to teach him the things I did not. Pay attention Jack for the next time you get into a brawl at McD's.One of the best days was Thursday when Amy took a half day and we went to lunch and shopping for the rest of the day. It was a much needed time for the two of us. I have missed her dearly and love that once we are together again it is like no time has past. I'm sure Steve is thankful we didn't get ourselves into a craft project this time.

Being involved in Jonathan House has also given me some friendships with a few others around Marshalltown, most of them I met at different times while in Salone. I love coming into town knowing I have dinner with this family, lunch with another friend, and coffee with the next. These people have come to mean a lot to me and it's always nice to be with people who understand all the little things that happen over in Africa. Of course i was able to meet with Roger and Karen (each a couple times) and things are moving forward in order for me to head back to Salone. I will fill you in on that soon.

For now I am back in the freezing Northland where I finally had to break down and take my Grandma Syvilla's advice and wear a few extra layers. Now of course Grandma suggested cuddle-duds (not sure how you really spell it) which I do know are great, but for now I just wear an extra pair of pants underneath and at least 3 shirts. I am sure I'll come around and get used to the weather just in time to leave again.

Building a School African Style

JCC has a Primary School- nursery through grade six. At the moment the school has been meeting in a temporary building that is made of woven walls. The class rooms are small for the number of children in each, but everyone has managed to make it work for the time being. Now we are in the process of raising funds for a new permanent school building on the JCC compound. We are half-way there and the building can now begin.

First the brush had to be cleared and stumps removed- the area in the top left photo is where the school will be built. The clearing did go fairly quickly and then it was time for the first load of supplies to come in. Now there is no running to Home Depot, Menards, Lowes or the Cook Building Center. A few large trucks hauled in most of the supplies but I did pass these four guys pulling a load of rocks up the JCC road not realizing they were going all the way to the home and had come from town. They arrived about an hour and a half after I did and were already over 3/4 of the way there. The other part of this is that we have to make the bricks with the supplies delivered. So first the cement was mixed and then the molding of the bricks began. The first time around about 1500 bricks were made. As you can see in the photos below it was a large number but the guys made then all in just a couple days. (Little did they know they would be back to make more than that not too long after).

Next we had to get out our string and make the lines where the "trenches" would be dug for the foundation. Yes we had guys in the corners of the building site pounding in stakes and tying string to it to make our foundation straight- and with all their old homemade tools it did turn out right. Digging began and amazingly enough took only a couple days- with our old shovels and machetes cutting away at old tree roots and stumps, hauling out large pieces of stone until the whole floor plan was laid out and dug three feet deep. (See William standing in the trench in the top right photo below) The older boys were a great help during this stage.

It was finally time to start miking the cement and pouring the foundation. Large and small rocks had to be carried around the rim of the trenches to mix in with the cement. The girls and I were in charge of making sure there was enough water in the drums for the mixing as well as to work with some of the other kids carrying the stones. The cement is mixed on the ground. First a layer of sand is poured out, bag of concrete mix on top of that, a layer of rocks, and then buckets of water poured on top while guys are using shovels to turn it over and mix it up. It is then loaded into a metal pan with handles on the side and carried to the place where it will be dumped into the foundation- each load consisting of only a couple shovel fulls. When the distance gets to be too far an assembly line is started and the full tray is passed through with an empty one coming back. It takes a bit of time to get all the way around the building but it is done and even leveled out (again using string and a piece of wood nailed into a T to smooth it out).

After the poured foundation is set, it is time to start hauling the bricks that were made over to the edges of the building. Before or after dinner each night we each had a set number of bricks to haul over. Each of the kids did their part and we managed to make it a good time filled with laughter as well as some whining. I of course had to use two hands and after only a few trips with two bricks decided one at a time was better- however the boys especially would all take two at a time. (see Joseph, Emmanuel, and John below) Usually if you finished your quota for the night you would help everyone else until it was all done- it was great to see the kids not only working together but going that extra step for each other as well.

In no time at all the foundation was over three bricks high in all places and more in a few others. Re bar (I have no clue how to spell that) bent by hand was in place for the pillars and the school was all set for the next stage. The building was put on hold for a short time so this was how it looked when I left. Since then I have talked to Joe and the walls are almost all completely finished. The floor should be layed soon and then it is just floating the roof (so someday we can build a second level) and plastering the walls, adding doors and windows and finally finishing the new JCC school. It will be great to see the kids in there soon, but it has also been good to watch them each be a part of the building process in their own ways. The kids can come back to the home long after they are grown and know that they had a part in this school coming to be at Jonathan House. Thanks for your donations towards this project. Every night at prayer time the kids pray for the school- not just that the rest of the money would be raised, but to thank God for those who have given and been a part of making this happen. They remember to say thanks and I think they really do realize what this school means for their futures.

This is a far cry from how we build here in America- and yet they amaze me with the speed in which they can do things with only hand tools. The relationships you build while standing next to each other all day passing a bucket of cement, a stone, or a five gallon pail of water is something that could never be done between cement trucks or cats. Technology is great- and don't get me wrong- I am sure they would love a big turning cement truck or even a cordless drill, but they are little things we miss out on here that I will remember and be thankful for. (Of course I only have to do this every now and then and it is still a bit of a novelty for me- ask someone there and they may not feel the same :)

Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday by far. Each year we get together with the whole Olson crew as well as my Gramp's sister's kids on down. The number seems to be increasing each year and we must have been somewhere between 40 and 50 this Thanksgiving. Of course we too have a few annual traditions- one of our favorite being the football game. I remember when at times it used to be soccer on the ice, however that has not been an option for quite awhile as the ice is no where near thick enough by the end of November anymore. Now it is good old two hand touch with few rules and always a ton of laughs. Another tradition is playing a game called "4 on a couch". I couldn't really explain it if I tried- but it isn't Thanksgiving until we've played a few rounds- and yes I was on the winning team. Of course LOTS and LOTS of food is just a given which means the big group walk has become another part of each year. This year we added a couple things like a little music session complete with piano, guitars, amps, and mic; a few episodes of the What Not To Wear marathon on TLC; and adults and children alike rolling down the large hill we came across on our walk. After missing a few family events it was great to be home to be a part of this one.

After two days of eating, laughing, playing, sleeping, and just hanging around- we are now all headed in our opposite directions and today I will be headed to Iowa to spend some much needed time with my good friends Amy, Steve, and Jack as well as meeting with Roger and Karen, and spending some time with the Bolands and my other friends in the great city of Marshalltown.

Emmanuel Bangalie

Loving, compassionate, caring, athletic, hard-working, stubborn, funny, a good friend- Emmanuel Bangalie carried all of these characteristics and more. One of the things that stands out most to me is just how much Emmanuel loved football. Now of course most of the boys at JCC love football, but Emmanuel played as often as he could and almost always in the goal. At one point he had a huge boil on his knee that had caused his knee to swell almost twice its size, despite all the pain- you could still find him on the football field each day at 4pm. Just within the past year he was allowed to play with the older boys and yet he still played each time the younger boys did as well. He was just waiting for the day when he could put on a jersey and play on the JCC team.

He was at the age where he was adjusting between being one of the middle boys into being one of the older boys. When it was time to get wood or haul rocks for building the school, Manny was at the front of the line. He was not only strong, but always willing to help. Emmanuel was in charge of the wood for the kitchen. In the mornings he would get the wood the cooks needed for the day and if there was a time when any of the rest of us wanted to cook something we had to go see Emmanuel to get the wood we needed. Many of the kids have areas of the home in which they are responsible for and most of them do it well, but with Emmanuel you could always count on him doing it with a smile as well as going the extra step.

Being a part of the JCC dance team was also a highlight for him. He seemed to have an extra bounce in his step and if you really gave him the floor he would go all out with his somewhat goofy moves that would put a smile on anyone’s face (I think that was what he was aiming for). At prayer time each night, no matter what the day had brought, you could usually find Emmanuel singing with his full voice and dancing with all that he had. Speaking of prayer time, for some reason whenever it was Manny’s turn to lead Wednesday night prayer meeting, or share a verse at prayer time, he would pull his shorts up almost as high as they would go, tuck his shirt in and stand with his chest out. I am not sure why he did this, but it was his thing and in a way it showed how proud he was to have his turn to share his Jesus.

Now Emmanuel was still a boy who managed to find trouble at times. He liked to joke and sometimes didn’t know when to stop and didn’t always know his own strength. I have to admit there was more than one time when one of the house parents had to get up at prayer time to talk about showing love to our brothers and sisters referring to Emmanuel’s actions. In showing love it meant that we could not shut others out. He was good at going long periods of time without talking to the person he was upset with. He was stubborn and didn’t let things go easily, but the thing that was so special about him was that when he did let God work in his heart and find forgiveness or even ask for forgiveness- he truly put it in the past and you would find Emmanuel walking with his arm around that person for the next few days being the closest of buddies.

He had a soft heart, willing to put aside his wants and ALWAYS willing to help out, whether it was carrying the wood or rocks, but also even doing laundry, cooking or mending a shirt. I would pull into the compound after coming from the market with 9 bags of rice and all the rest of the food needed for the home and the first people there would be Emmanuel and Jerry. After everything was hauled into the store room, he would come over to me, put his arm around my shoulders and say thank you for going to town. He often pulled others into a hug, or just stepped up beside them to put his arm around them. He was willing to show he cared and did it frequently. He had an ability to sense how those around him were feeling and he didn’t hesitate to offer his help. He needed to be able to bring comfort to those he loved which included everyone at JCC. Emmanuel was a lover and I know it was because of who God made him to be and the work of Jesus Christ in his life.

It is difficult to think he is not here with us. It seems wrong that he will not put on that jersey and be a full member of the JCC football team, and yet Psalms 139:16 reminds us that each of his days were written before he was born. God was not surprised Saturday morning. Emmanuel lived the life God gave him and he lived it fully with energy, passion, laughter and love. I know that I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with Emmanuel. I love that each time I think of him I can’t help but smile as I am sure it is for many who knew him. For a time that smile will be accompanied by tears, but I know Manny is dancing right now. He loved Jesus here on earth and now he is meeting his friend and savior face to face, with his pants pulled up and his chest puffed out, his head tilted slightly with a full smile on his face.

Romans 8:38-39 says:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Our son, brother and friend is now eternally in the presence of our Papa God experiencing his full glory and love. How can we not celebrate the life he lived as well as where he is right now. Soon we’ll all be playing football, singing and dancing together again.

Please pray for the kids and staff at JCC as they mourn and remember Emmanuel

What- My car is not built for Off-roading?!?!

After sitting for the past 6 months my old reliable car that has gotten me through the past 8 or so years with little trouble decided she didn't want to start for me. Amy had taken her out of storage and she ran just fine but as I got in her a few days later... nothing. So there she sat for the next two days until 9:30 one DARK evening my dad decides now is the time we should bring the car over to the neighbors to fix it. (If you know my dad this is no suprise to you). I drive a stick so instead of jump-starting the car we decide to push start it. Dad hops in the driver's seat and Amy and I start pushing. We head down the road between the new house and the shop. As you can see by this photos it is not the curviest of roads but neither is it straight.

Well... the push starting did not work (still NOT going to jump start the car) so we get out the four-wheeler and decide we can really push the car to get it going. Now remember I said DARK night. No moon, no stars, no headlights and therefore NO LIGHT. So now it is my turn to hop into the driver's seat and dad is on the four-wheeler pushing me. It takes me about 3 seconds- and 30 ft of road to realize I can see NOTHING! I did manage to drop the clutch a couple times, but then I started to panic. I tried honking the horn- no battery= no sound. I put on the breaks- being pushed by a powerful four-wheeler being driven by my dad=no stopping. I soon found myself over a rock and into the woods- taking a few trees down on the way.

Now you would think that this would be where the story should end, but this is just the middle- really part 1 of 3. At this point Dad decides to get my mom's car to pull my car out- Amy asks if the truck would be better only to learn that the truck is hooked up to the slaughter trailer. Okay. Dad backs mom's car down the dark windy road and almost hits a tree of his own. We hook the chain on the back of my car and don't seem to find a good place to hook it on my mom's car. Hey, just loop it over the thingy and around that dohicky and we'll be fine. "Do you think this is a good idea?" Amy asks. Getting no response from my dad we both know it is just time to go along with what he is doing. I say I am done being in the driver's seat so Amy now takes her turn. We get all ready- pull the slack out and what do you know- a part falls off my mom's car instead of my car coming out of the ditch. We get the part attatched again and decide that maybe this might be a better project for the daylight.

At 6 am the sun has not come up yet- it is not daylight, but it is time to deal with the car. What do you know- we do decide to use the truck but we do not decide to unhook the slaughter trailer. so here we are on our little, narrow, windy road with the truck hooked up to the slaugher trailer hooked up to the toe rope hooked up to my little car. This is where I was wishing I had my camera. Not only do we pull the car out like this (and so quickly with little trouble I might add) but we continue to drive it like this right onto the highway and down to the guys house where it is going to get a little TLC. No worries she is now home and ready to go where ever I want her to take me. Only this time I will stick to the real roads and not try to make any new ones of my own. I guess I was just missing the bumpy, terrible roads of Sierra Leone.

It's Koryn

My sweet niece that I have been waiting months to spend some time with. I think she looks just a BIT like my brother and she and I both seem to have the same double chin. I happened to visit on Halloween so I was there just in time to see the kids in costume. Obviously Alina is a puppy but as Nick was getting Koryn dressed I had to ask what she was- Amy loves to tell the story, but I said, "What is she a tomato?" in a bit of a monotone voice. Nick says, "No she's a chili pepper." "Oh a chili pepper!" I say in a much more excited voice. Amy, "Oh so if she is a tomato she's not cute anymore, but a chili pepper- oooo." You have to understand that right now I have been craving peppers and spicy foods. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner were all made with pepper in Salone- so I miss it and here she is as a pepper. (notice her toes going into a little point)
I love these two and am grateful to be able to spend more time with them as they come up for deer season opener next weekend. I will not be hunting, so maybe I'll have to be on duty with the kids. (that is if Grandpa Mark doesn't have me signed up for duty in the meat shop)

Friends with the Folmans

I met Jen and Ben my freshman year of college- in fact Ben started out as My best friend Pete Pfutzenreuter's roommate. Over the years Ben and Jen went from being friends to boyfriend and girlfriend one summer- engaged the next- married the next- and parents the fourth summer. My mom reminded me last weekend that in fact Ben was my first husband. I was honored to be Jen's maid of honor but when Ben's Army newsletter came out they had mistakenly read the marriage license (which I had signed as a WITNESS- not BRIDE) and wrote "Congratulations to Ben Folman and Christine Shermer on their recent marriage." It was great while it lasted, but...

They now have two great kids- Sophia who is all girl- rings, crowns, princess dresses, high heel shoes- the works; while Caleb is all boy- (notice the face), cars and trucks, pounding on things, climbing, jumping and of course break dances. I was lucky enough to be able to spend some time with them this Friday. The kids are constantly growing and changing but it was great to have them both remember me and come up with some great games for us to play together. (how many rings am I holding along with my crown and push as many cars and trucks off the table as you can) Hopefully we'll play those games again soon.

My "Nephew" Jackson

Holly has always been the fourth Shermer girl. In fact all growing up she fought more with Nick than I did, but for some reason I would always get yelled at for it. We too fought like sisters at times and couldn't get enough time together. Whenever there was a snow day from school- you know meaning no travel suggested on the roads, our moms would figure out how to bring one of us to the others house so we could get snowed in together. We have some great memories and are now making even more. One of the hard parts of being so far away in Sierra Leone was missing the birth of Holly and Aaron's son Jackson. My mom and Amy were able to go see him in the hospital though and send me photos, however I needed to go meet him for myself shortly after getting home.

Holly and Jackson
He truly is the best baby- so easy going and really does like to smile, that is until the camera comes out. Then it is always this wide-eyed look you see here. Jackson was born about than two weeks after my niece Koryn was born but was bigger than her the day he arrived and has continued to make her look like small.
I was able to stay for tacos with Holly and Aaron and just spend some time catching up. I love that they are not too far away and hope to get down there again sometime soon.

I'm Home- and Freezing :)

I left Sierra Leone Thursday Morning Oct. 16th at 2:00 am. So that meant I had to go to the airport Wednesday night. Here was the crew that came with me to send me off-

Rainny, JK, Joe, Sia, and Pastor Ibrahim
And of course a shot with me and the group. We had to go over early as the airport is on an island so we have to go by the ferry schedule. We arrived a little after 4 I think and were able to drop my two LARGE suitcases at the airport and walk around for a bit. We went to this quaint little restaurant to have one last African meal. IT WAS GOOD. However I still did not eat the fish head on my plate- I think that may take many YEARS living there in order to come around to enjoying that part- though I do like fish now.

Yes it was difficult to say goodbye, but knowing the reception at the airport on the other side would be a different scene made it easier to hop on the plane. I am grateful and blessed to have made so many good friendships and relationships. God let me be part of a whole new family and just like my family here- being thousands of miles away will not change that.

Thursday Oct. 16 at 6:30 pm I landed in Minnesota and was met by some of my family. the funny thing was that when I landed in Chicago there was a big note on the wall saying Shermer, Christine- letting me know my luggage didn't make it from London to Chicago- I think it may have actually been a better deal because I went straight to report my missing luggage as I landed at MSP and we were able to leave the airport before the bags even came to baggage claim. 10:30 am the next morning my bags were delivered to my aunt and uncles. Not bad.

I was happy to see a few fall leaves still left on the trees (in the cities at least). I love fall and didn't want to miss it completely. Here is my family outside Mike and Lor's house Friday morning.Isabelle, Grandma Shirley, Dad, Mom, Amy, Grandma Syvilla, Kari, Sophie, Mike and Lorie
And me back with the fam once again.I have to say I missed my mom a lot. She was not able to come visit with my dad and sisters and when I left for Sierra Leone- I left my mom in the hospital. I cannot tell you how great it was to see her and give her a big hug.

The three Shermer sisters are together again and ready to create some trouble. How thankful am I that Amy and Kari were able to come to Salone and share in this journey with me. I love being able to tell stories and have Dad, Kari and Amy know just who I am talking about- as well as have them asking about people. It also makes it easier for them to maybe let me go again!Of course I missed my other family as well. Mike, Lor, Sophie and Isabelle have always been my second family and home- it felt like I was home as soon as we arrived at their house. Thanks for all your love and support. I really did miss you all.My sweet girls- all the kids in Africa cannot take their place. It is crazy how much kids can grow and change in just 6 months.

On our way north Friday we were able to swing in to Nick and Jamie's for dinner and so that I could have the chance to see Alina and meet my second niece Koryn. For some reason we left the camera in the car but we'll get photos next time. Nick and Dad made us a great steak and potatos dinner on the grill complete with corn on the cob. The last great treat of the day was having my good friend Bren come over to eat with us as well. We made it home just in time for me to explore the new house a bit and then crash into bed. I am adjusting to the time change all be it slowly- and the craziest thing is how cold I am all the time. I am the girl who runs around in a vest all winter and now have a scarf, mittens, and winter coat on and am still cold in OCTOBER. I am sure it will come around and until then you can all just laugh at me.

It is good to be home- I miss everyone over in Sierra Leone- and yet I missed all of you here when I was there. I guess that is the way it will always be now. I back at work in the shop and already having some great adventures to share with you next time I post.

Thanks again for your love, prayers, and support. This is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life.