Those tender mercies of the Lord

Kyle seems to keep busy most of the time but sometimes wonders if they will be as busy as he would like next month. He does make sure that he makes time to play though. About a week and a half ago, he and some friends went 4-wheeling. I think there were about 10 of them alltogether. Kyle made it through the day okay, but the 4-wheeler did not. He said that about an hour and a half into the ride, he rolled the 4-wheeler. Fortunately he was able to jump off before it rolled and was not hurt. Ironically, I had just talked to my sister about insuring the 4-wheeler and was going to do it the following Monday. Such is life. :) We are slowly fixing the 4-wheeler and are extremely grateful that he wasn't hurt.

Portions of a letter from Kim

Dear Mom and DAd,
We made it back from Idaho safely. That is the first time I have traveled by myself with all of the kids. I can't say that I enjoyed the traveling, although the kids were great. I just kept thinking, what if I get a flat tire, what if the trailer gets a flat tire (I hauled a small trailer behind me to carry bikes, stollers, etc. and I wanted to bring some wheat back with me in case there ever is a time that we can't get to Idaho). The what if's helped me keep a prayer in my heart at all times. Coming home I had the reassuring feeling that the Lord was watching over me. I knew everything would be fine. And it was.
I stopped at Grandma and Grandpa's house coming home. I was there about 1 1/2 hours visiting. It was so nice to visit. While I was there Grandpa told Grandma that he refilled the ink cartridge in her pen and it would last her the rest of her life. Grandma said, "Thank you. That is my favorite pen." Then looking at me she said, " I don't know what I would do with out him." It was so sweet for me to see how powerful simple acts of kindness are. They both seemed in good spirits, but weak bodies. I'm really glad we stopped. Grandma took all the kids and held their little faces real close so she could get a good look. Then she gave them all a big hug. She even held Grace for quite a while, until she got fussy. Grandpa just enjoyed the company. We are heading that was again in August so we will be sure to stop in and visit.
Idaho was great!!! The weather was perfect-nice and cool in the evenings and warm during the day. It wasn't even too windy. It was good having Jill there also. We all just hung out together and did alot of nothing!
Thursday night at the BBQ Mark noticed I had brought a trailer. He asked what it was for and I told him I brought it up to take some wheat back. He went right over, hooked it up and sent Kalin and Colin over to Kaelyne's to load the wheat. He noticed my spare tire for the trailer had a hole in it (which I was going to get fixed the next day) and he took it and got it repaired for me. I jokingly told him if I got a flat tire on the trip home I was going to call him, and he said Absolutley! I know he would have traveled hours down the road to help me it it was needed. He's a great brother. All my brothers and sisters are remarkable people. I feel fortunate to be in this family. We all have a wonderful support system.

Dad and I were so excited to hear Ethan sing. His words are so clear. We enjoyed it so much I wanted all of you to have an opportunity to hear him sing. He has grown so much since we last saw him. Oh, if we could make time stand still for everyone but us.

Dear Family,
I hope that you are checking in on this blog from time to time. Please let us know if we should keep adding things for your viewing pleasure.
Come blog with us!!

Jodi sent the cutest little video of Ethan on his birthday. I hope it comes through. Love to you all.

Mom

Walking tall in the Philippines!

Walking tall in the Philippines. This young man has deformed legs from the knee down. He walks on his knees. He is preparing for a mission. If he can do it, certainly it should not be a problem for healthy young men and women.

Here is a picture of Marilyn, the woman who had her house robbed of her electrical wiring while she was job hunting. She is so happy and cheerful, but her life is crumbling about her. Faith carries here through each day. We love to see Marilyn come in the center.

Oh, these Filipinos. They are so clever. Here is a traveling used clothing store. They keep everything so neat and clean and ready for your viewing pleasure. They smiled as they saw us taking their picture. The Filipinos love to have their pictures taken!!!