We got a dog

Last year when we came to Texas we told the kids that we could get a dog. This is the first place that allowed it, so we got a dog. Don't think big. Chico, is a chihuahua blend stray. He's about 10 lbs. The kids keep calling him Okie, the min pin, we watched in Quito. His coloring is white, blond like my parents dog Oso. I walked to Norwood to pick up the kids and they were so excited to see the new dog. We picked Nate up at the library and he was thrilled. We saw the dog Saturday and it played very well even with Abi walking him. It had a heartworm screen and shots today. He has been well trained and housebroken so far.

God shining

We have been in the duplex for about a month now. Wednesday after church Abigail and I walked to Walmart to get yogurt and applesauce. The sky was so pretty: light gray, pink smears, and feather swirls of silver. I wish that I had my camera. Through a friend, Leslie, I felt at peace that God even plans our detours. Looking at Moses in the Bible, the Israelites would rather return to slavery in Egypt than accept where the Lord God Almighty had placed them. They were constantly grumbling, which I too can relate. God protected his beloved people from a fight that they weren't prepared to fight during this delay or detour. God's beloved servant, Moses, never reached the Promised Land. Perhaps the relationship with God was the best prize. Ecuador has been my promised land, the land flowing with milk and honey. It has been a struggle to be away. God called us to a beautiful land. I'm trying to enjoy the time here and beauty. I don't remember many sunsets even amidst the beauty of the Andes.

Yesterday I went for my annual physical and the doctor was speaking to me about the End of the Spear when he found out that we lived in Ecuador. It was an awesome time to be able to share about the wonderful people of Ecuador and the work God is doing. In the evening I attended a ladies Bible study and it was a powerful time with the Lord. We were able to praise God, share, confess, pray, and be transparent. Whitney told me after how they see how God wants us here now. Even when I can't understand or rationalize it all, it is comforting to know that God's purpose is better than our own plans.

Nate's Braces

Nate is 12 and got new braces. They hurt a lot and he's having to learn how to eat and speak again. You may notice that he got a haircut too. I hoped people would notice the hair before the braces.

We still have 3 birds by our front door. The mama dove had the two babies and they are growing fluffy and cute. We found a way to clean furniture with magic erasers. Marcia showed us how magic they were on walls, tubs, and even golf balls. Beka has been having fun scrubbing the couches with the erasers.

We've Got Furniture

Texas has been hot. We've been blessed here. I'd been praying for living room furniture. Yesterday God provided a loveseat, couch and a futon. Thanks Nate for the pictures. Burleson has several claims to fame. True Love Waits began here in the spring of 1993, See you at the Pole began here in 1990, and the Will Graham Celebration was here in May 2008. School has been going well. The kids have homework, so I better run to help.

September in Burleson