Back from Break

We are finally back from a long summer holiday in the States. We will have to take some time even on our blog to say thank-you to all of our supporters - whether we saw you or not - for a wonderful trip back home. Much of our time was filled with dentist appointments and shopping for new underwear and shoes, but by far, the best of our time was spent with you all!

We spent the first month in Minnesota, visiting supporters, our churches, family and friends. Highlights were feeling right back at home at our home church, Plymouth Covenant, meeting some new, prospective teachers, a trip to Valleyfair with our old neighborhood, t-ball for Thomas (nothing like that out here), time with cousins, and of course, amazing memories with Grandma and Grandpa who graciously let the five of us invade their quiet domicile for six weeks. We are so grateful to all of you for your warm welcome and encouragement. We truly felt blessed and ministered to by you all!

We then headed to the East Coast for some time with the other side of the family, Grandma and Grandpa, more cousins, uncles and aunts. Highlights were getting to see Philadelphia, New York City, Benjamin went to a great Christian all boys camp (Deerfoot), and Anna and Thomas also had a week at camps through Camp-of-the-Woods nearby. Meanwhile, Steve and I got a much needed five day trip (all alone!) to Boston area. We enjoyed the history and especially enjoyed hearing the Boston Symphony play at their outdoor theatre in the Berkshires under the stars - something we do not get to hear much of in Africa! We had a great time.

We arrived back home and had just a little adjusting to do. Plumbing wasn't working, electricity went out upon our arrival, and things were a little dirty but we settled in ok. School has since started and it is exciting to see students (many of whom are new this year in the upper grades ) back on campus and ready for a new year. Anna, Benjamin, and Thomas all headed off to school looking smart (as they would say in UK - meaning sharp) with new uniforms. Both Thomas and Benjamin have teachers from Australia this year so we will see how much of an accent they pick up.

All in all, we had a great time at home in the States and are so grateful to all of you for your encouragement and support. We can't wait to see you all again. Keep looking at our blog for updates on new students and what it going on at HOPAC!