Happy 5th Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Bell.

Joy and Nathan Bell celebrate their 5th anniversary today. It doesn't seem like that could be even possible but just 5 short years ago on August 21st 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland our first born was married to Nathan Bell. They continue to live in Maryland where Joy Bell, who is soooo much like her mother, will start her 5th year of teaching English. She gets her teaching passion from her Mom and her english skills from her Dad!  Happy 5th Wedding anniversary Joy and Nathan! We love you both tons!

Brevard Summer 09

Brevard was an AWESOME family time for all of us! We had an absolute blast at sliding rock, swimming at looking glass falls, tubing down the French Broad, fishing, working on a couple of puzzles, reading books, just relaxing and celebrating our little girls SWEET SIXTEENTH birthday (pictured with Chris and I).  After 65 days of a high intense schedule in Africa this family vacation was just such a blessing. We love our family time together! Danielle and John were able to spend 5 days with us which was great (pictured in the inner tube). Danielle was the very creative host for Johanna's 16th birthday party which had a 90's theme to it. After 10 glorious days of vacation,  reality set in today when Kyle left to start his junior year at Liberty University! Mom was a bit blue this evening. 

Best Friends!

It's our 28th Anniversary today! Seeing Chris this summer in Ethiopia loving on kids was so wonderful and reminded me why I love her so much. Her love for God is so full that it overflows unto to others, especially to her family, children and those in need. And let's face it...I'm REALLY NEEDY! I love her! I'm so grateful for God bringing her into my life 30 years ago at Houghton College. We were best friends for the longest time before we got "interested" in each other. She remains MY VERY BEST FRIEND!  PS Facebook...I took the plunge today! Not sure why or how long this will last, but thought I would give it a try! 

The Sheraton Blessing...

Anson, M'Liss, Donovan and Michele Dorrance were absolutely awesome "friends" of SF Ethiopia. M'Liss and the "kids" hung together most of the time and they all enjoyed loving on the kids at the AIDS orphanage. Michele and Donovan were great with our kids (Hope and Johanna) and if your ever in NY City check out Michele on broadway in STOMP. Our families enjoyed our 12 stay at the Sheraton in Addis, compliments of another friend of SFE! One of the highlights was eating dinner together each night with Dorrance family at one of the 5 fantastic restaurants in the hotel. Anson commented that much to his surprise he would have to lower his standard of living when he returned to UNC Chapel Hill from Ethiopia. It was indeed a HUGE blessing to have our entire all inclusive stay, with a total cost of nearly $25,000, all complimentary. To think we moved out of the SIM GH to the Sheraton Hotel to save money is hard to comprehend....no complaints here though!

Fasil and Anson, two people Chris and I have come to love very much. Fasil coaches our Addis Ababa Women's team and is currently fighting a deathly disease. He loves the game of football and really, really loved the NSCAA Coaches course that Anson led.  This picture was taken one night out at a wonderful Ethiopian restaurant. Not only did we enjoy great food and wonderful conversation between friends, but incredible cultural dancing as well. It was such a fun night, one I won't soon forget. Pray for our good friend Fasil, that he might become well one day soon. By the way, our women's team, the A.A. Eagles, had a great season this year finishing third just 2 points away from the title.  

It wasn't easy getting to Langano this year as evidenced by this van that Chris was driving in. The locals seized upon the opportunity to make a little money by lending a hand to help the driver and team get back on stable ground. More rains are needed in the area this summer for their crops to grow. A small village of 400 has had no crops growing because of the lack of rain. They faithfully keep cultivating the ground in hopes that their vegatables and fruits will one day grow. Pray for heavy rains in this area this month.

Our Ethiopian Female camp staff was absolutely AWESOME! They are amazing young woman who love the Lord, have a huge passion for impacting the lives of the youth who come to camp, and have tons and tons of energy! 6 Weeks down and 2 to go. Pray for Fray, Sintayehu, Mena, Genet and Ase-for strength, energy, and discernment! Thank You.