Happy Birthday Weston

Our little man Weston turned 6! 
His Indiana Jones themed party turned more into a snake theme and was enjoyed by all his sweet friends in Alotau.   We played Cockroach dance, bobbed for apples, and had a treasure hunt. 
So fun to celebrate our sweet boy's life!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pavlova

Not only do real men bake--but they make the most beautiful desserts ever.
Austin and Lucas work together to create our favorite Aussie/Kiwi dessert known as Pavlova--the Australians and New Zealanders have long fought over who created it first. 

 

 

Now if I could just remember to take a picture of the finished product before it disappears!

Independence Day

We always enjoy the Independence Day celebrations in Alotau.  The day starts with parades, dancing, speeches; as well as flip-flop tosses and the annual greasy pole climb.

 

 

We had to laugh as the only child without shoes was ours!

 

This was a sentimental surprise to see someone wearing a shirt from our home church in Florida!

 

Happy 37th Independence Day PNG!

Flat!

We had the joy of traveling out to a local village to share in the dedication of the completed New Testament book of Mark in the Bhutu language, as translated by Russ and Mary Cooper and their language helpers.
Unfortunately, on our way out to this beautiful celebration, the car we were riding in got a flat tire.
And, oh, the spare too was flat.
 

Fortunately, a local PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) stopped to offer assistance and a ride to the village.  We actually enjoyed the opportunity to travel via this local vehicle.

Unfortunately, the tires weren't the only thing to go flat.  So did our camera battery!  Just before we arrived to the dedication.
It was, however, a big celebration, filled with singing, dancing, drama and hours of speeches (4 to be exact!) topped off with a celebratory meal with delectable crabs, pig, and heaps of local vegetables.
Along with BTA, our sister organization translators, we were gifted a large live pig and a small mountain of veggies.
Thankfully, our return trip home was uneventful except for the thrill of riding home in the Governor's vehicle with the Governor himself!

10 New Additions

It was a long night of birthing for our sweet dog, Bagi, as she gave birth to 10 beautiful reflections. She began delivering the first puppy just after 2 in the morning and the final one was born right at noon! 
Whew!
 They were all born healthy and we were able to all see some of the births.
Truly a beautiful experience!

Kylah and Lucas were awake with Mom for most of the births.
 

 

 

Aren't they adorable?

Pregnant Bagi

In July, we mated our sweet dog with another dear dog named Woody. 

We are thinking pups will be showing up any day now!

Cardboard Submarine

Today I came downstairs and found my kids using their creative juices together to make this submarine.  Such a joy to see their creativity and a greater  joy to see their beautiful teamwork. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translator Training Course (TTC)

It is always a joy to participate in the celebrations of translation work.  We have seen linguists and translators at work and believe us, it is no small feat to learn and accurately translate the Word of God into the many diverse languages in this country. 
Our heads spin (and often ache) when we listen to some of the dialogue and vocabulary used by these beautiful and brilliant individuals who have given their lives to "turning words".
We recently joined in the graduation services of a month long language course held on our center by our national translation counterpart, BTA (Bible Translation Association).

We are honored to honor these hard-working individuals for their sacrifice and dedication to the task of getting the Word of God into the hands and hearts of the people of PNG.