Tomorrow marks 1 month since we arrived here. Our transition back has gone smoother than I thought it would. Today I thought I would share some of the ways God blessed us this month.
- We are beyond blessed to live with family here. It was amazing to come home and have family here to greet us. We left one set of grandparents in the states, but we returned here to one. How much more spoiled could we be!
Some might think we are crazy to live together, but what is not to like about this cute couple! - Walking back into church was such a blessing. It is not a perfect church by any means, but it is our family here. It felt good to be back among them serving alongside them.
This was a picture of the joint service last Sunday of the two churches in town - We have been blessed by so many relationships here with dear friends that we have been able to just pick back up. These are the people who have made it feel so much like home here.
We have so many dear friends and it is so good to be back here with them. - Although the boys were very anxious about leaving America, they have fit back into life here so quickly.
Something that is always an encouragement to this mom’s heart - A special Christmas present! I came back, turned on the shower and was surprised by HOT water! Like real hot water!
Our solar water heater, that Joel’s dad installed. Isn’t it beautiful!?! - Confirmation that we love our ministry! It is always crazy getting back in the grove of things after a 6 month time away, but we couldn’t help but be reminded this month that God has placed us in a ministry that is well suited for our gifts and we love it.
This is the newest missionary that we welcomed to the field. It is a pleasure to work alongside these amazing folks as they adapt to a new life and culture. - It has been a great joy to reconnect with our team here in Dakar. Some of the members of the team we haven’t seen for over a year as they were on furlough and returned during our furlough. Saturday we brought the kids in to Dakar to let them reconnect with old friends.
We did a special outing to a place with rides. A much needed moment of smiles. - Coming back I realized how much our boys have grown up. Sometimes it just hits you and this month it hit me.
Ethan is now doing dishes on his own: washing, rinsing and drying. 
Tyler is building lego sets all on his own. - The exchange rate has been highly in our favor recently. This means that we have even more than we thought for our car purchase. It is now just a matter of getting our money here and final negotiations, but we hope to have our car by the end of the month.
As our car has broken down a few times this month, we will appreciate our new one all the more. Nothing but smiles here! - We left not really knowing what our support would look like, but knowing God would be faithful. This past month we have gotten emails and indications of our support increasing and we can’t help but praise God. We have such an amazing team!
Thank you for being a part of our ministry. We are truly blessed!
Ahhhh, this makes me miss you!!! Hot water!!!! WOWZERS!!! Definitely one of the wonders of the world! And, yes, what a cute couple who welcomed you back! love to you all!
The boys have grown up so much! I’m glad transition back has been smoother than expected. Sure do miss you guys! Love you!
Hi Andi and Joel, such a treat to read your blog and see the pictures. You have a way of giving us a true glimpse intoyour lives. Just wanted to let you know your boys seemed so happy and well adjusted when we visitied in November. You are building young men who will be able to adapt and fit in to many situations in life. I remember Sommer, my eldest saying that all our moving around every two years really helped her adapt to living in Bangladesh for 2 years. She said the drop out rate was 50% because most had never really been away from the environment in whih they had lived their whole lives. Your boys will thrive and embrace life as adults even if there will be some shaky times and resistence as they grow and mature, to the many changes in their lives. Those changes can build confidence for the future as new experiences come their way. Keep up the good work and positive attitude. I’m proud of you all..love and prayers… Aunt Elisabeth
Thank you for your family updates and service to God’s people! You are an inspiration and example to point others in the “oppurtune ” mission fields. I will share your progress with my Clubbers in Truth & Training!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for once again sharing your heart. It is our joy to pray for you every week. May God continue to encourage you all as you faithfully serve HIM.
Thank you so much for sharing the blessings of going back to Senegal. Your easy transition is an answer to prayer and a tribute to God’s faithfulness.