She is 11!!

I can't believe she is eleven!

Here are a few snapshots from her birthday.  Earlier in the day we took our friends to a national park for a morning hike, then we had lunch at a favorite restaurant on the sea on the way back to the village. It was a beautiful day, but it wasn't without its moments -- like cracking our radiator in a pothole or forgetting to pack Ellie's swimsuit -- on her birthday of all days!  No worries though (at least about the swimsuit).  We are in Albania so she just swam in her t-shirt and undies.

This spring Ellie has started to demonstrate an interest in baking (maybe she has realized like her father has that if she wants anything sweet to eat, she will have to bake it herself as I don't share those same cravings)!

She was blessed with enough to practically start her own bakery!  Lots of baking supplies from cookie cutters to fun decorations, silpat mats, and spatulas!  Jenna and Nashana made the adorable box above.

Of course, then there was cake -- from a mix brought over by our VIA.  And it just so happened to be by the kids' favorite baker (from his cake decorating show we've seen on Netflix), Duff.  I think that was cooler than about anything else. :-)  It was as if he himself had made her cake!

And birthdays are even more fun when you have friends to celebrate with!  Below are our lovely summer VIA (Jenna, Hannah, and Nashana) and the Lowe kids.

Purple marble cake, of course!

Happy Birthday, Els!  We are so proud of you!!

This Happened Today

Lowe Family -- you rock.

The center has never been so quiet during rec time.  #connectionpoint #sharedinterests #tournament

Thank you! 

Proud Mom Moment

Last week was a special one for me in the village of Metalle. 

(below) A number of children were out of town for the school-sponsored excursion to Prizren, but it still felt like we had a healthy gathering.

It was special for me because I got to see our Ellie realize a dream, a goal she has had since getting her guitar at Christmas.

Our ten-year-old daughter accompanied worship!  She was so brave!

Earlier that morning we woke a few minutes past 6AM to the strains of her rehearsing "Our God is An Awesome God" in preparation.

Then not to be left out, her brother grabbed two sticks and an old brick and played percussion.

I love that she has had a goal to work toward, but more than that, she sees herself as having a role in the team.  I couldn't be more proud of her!

After the story of Jonah, the girls introduced the game "Sharks and Minnows"...

I know it's blurry, but I love the look of joy on the faces below.

The winner was mobbed with congratulations...

Then the hula hoop game...

Til next week!

Reinforcements Have Arrived!

Today marks one week since their arrival!  

Hailing from California, Cincinnati and Boston, they've brought a wonderful spirit to our home and village.  We are so glad to have Nashana, Hannah and Jenna working with us this summer.

They've jumped into ministry with eagerness.

They are working diligently to learn Albanian and doing whatever we ask -- even if that means being stretched in new areas of ministry (like intensely competitive games of volleyball or 4-Square!). 

They are already a big help and encouragement to Nathan and I and great big sisters to the kids.

I'm sure they would covet your prayers as they develop relationships with our community and learn how to live in a new place and culture, far from what is familiar.  And pray for them also as they seek God's direction for their futures!  They are mid-way through their university careers...