Our Christmas Tree, Us, and spinach...

We hope that this finds each of you well and enjoying this Holiday Season. We just wanted to share a few pics with you. First, our Christmas Tree.

It's not what we are used to but personally I think it looks great!! It sure does beat not having a tree at all!! While, it doesn't exactly feel like Christmas, especially since the temps are in the 90's every day, we are trying to make the most of it. After all, the reason for the season is not about a feeling, it's about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus!!

Second, recently we spent an evening at an "African Resort" called, Kangaba. It was very nice and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Arnett and I both said we haven't felt that relaxed since we arrived in Mali. It's definitely a new favorite spot that we'll be going to again soon!!

Zeke and his Daddy.

 

 

 

 

 

 Us, enjoying ourselves...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last but certainly not least...Zeke. So, about a month ago we started Zeke on solid foods. We started with cereal and have gradually added vegetables. First, we tried green beans, he wasn't a fan. Then we tried pumpkin, he loved it!! Next, cabbage. He liked it but his tummy didn't. The latest thing we've tried is spinach!! Here are some pics we took. He enjoyed it but he got it everywhere!!

He was eating but kept wanting to pay attention to his daddy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the pics. Things are well here. Lately, we've been pretty busy. Arnett is busy working on next year's farming project and I'm busy still going to language class. My parents and sister are flying over Christmas Day and will get here the next day. We are looking forward to their visit. Please pray for safe travels!! Merry Christmas and until next time...

Kiah and Lynn come to visit...

Well, a lot has happened since our last post. Zeke began eating solid food, Arnett's parents came and spent 10 days with us, we celebrated our first African Thanksgiving, and our little man turned 6 months old. I just can't believe how fast the time is flying. Next week, we'll hit the "we've been in Africa 11 months" mark.

So, we started Zeke on solid food. Just cereal at first, which he loves! Yesterday, we tried green beans. He wasn't too fond of those. Today we're going to try pumpkin!! Here's some pics of those few first bites!!

Here's Zeke getting ready for the first bite!

 

 

 

 

First bite...

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the reaction...

 

 

 

 

 

On November 19th, Arnett's parents came to visit. We had such a great time with them. It made Arnett and I both realize how different things really are and how much we've adjusted to those differences. We were able to take them to our local market and introduce them to all of our friends there. We were also able to take them out to M-village. They both did great for their first time ever spending the night in the bush!! We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them and it was great to have them here for our first African Thanksgiving.

Kiah and Lynn in M-village

 

 

 

 

 

Kiah, Lynn, the chief, and the chief's wife.

 

 

 

 

Kiah and Zeke hanging out on the front porch.

 

 

 

 

Zeke and Lynn

 

 

 

 

 

Zeke and his daddy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zeke and his mommy

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving was great too!! All of the people we work with came together and shared a "traditional" meal! We were even able to find a turkey! Here's a picture of him...

Yep, that's right, he was a live turkey when we bought him. Susan called me the Friday before Turkey Day and said, "Crystal, I'm on my way to your house, in a taxi, with the live turkey in the trunk!" I immediately started cracking up, cause you'd only here that sentence in Africa!

Here's Zeke in his Turkey Day outfit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiah, Zeke and Lynn.

 

 

 

 

 

Our beautiful family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praises:

1. A great visit with Arnett's parents.
2. We're all healthy!
3. All the small things God is doing and has done for us!

Prayer Requests;

1. This Friday (12/4) we have language evaluations.
2. Language learning.
3. Guidance and wisdom from God on what He has planned for us once we get language down.

Thank you all for your prayers! Until next time...