{Sunday Snapshot} Watching the Tractor

My youngest brother, Tage, used to sit out in our side yard whenever our neighbors would be farming. We have farmland all around our house and he would sit out there for hours. Just watching the tractor. 

The other night when my nephew were over for the big birthday party, the tractor came out. Tage and my nephew, Landon, sat out there watching. I thought it was adorable and snapped a few pictures.

Happy Sunday!

{Sunday Snapshot} Water Ski Show

Yes, I am still here. Hang in here with me, it may take a little bit of time to get back into the blogging groove again. I do plan on it, it just may take a little bit of time. For the last few years I have been in China, sharing about my life and ministry there. Now I am in the US, living at home, trying to figure out what the Lord has next for me and where. In all honesty, I'm not sure what my focus and calling is at this point. So with that in mind, I'll just share a little about how life back in the states have been! Another reason I haven't been posting is that my camera is currently being repaired. Since I have been itching to take pictures again, I pulled out my old Nikon camera!

The weather is a lot tad cooler than where I was living so that has been an adjustment. Going from tank tops and shorts every day to jeans, sweatshirts, and scarves. Although it's has been refreshing, I would like a little warmer weather since it is just August and not October! It'll come, I'm sure. In the meantime, I have been loving the clear air. *Sigh* it is so nice to be somewhere without all the pollution. 

Yesterday, my friend, Laura, Kiah and I headed out to the lake (big surprise) to grab some ice cream (oh how I've missed good ice cream) and watching a water-ski show!

This view never gets old....

I don't even remember the name of this ice cream but it was delicious. Marshmallow ice cream with peanut butter and chocolate swirls. Yummy!

We found some fun photo shoot opportunities!

Laura is a terrified, little boy apparently. I apparently love my new hat.

 Love this sister of mine!

Ice cream!

Apparently Laura didn't know we were getting our picture taken. She is going to love me for posting this!

Anxiously awaiting the ski show!

I don't know if I'll ever take the clear, blue sky for granted again.

Our little duck friend!

There they are!

They did jumps and everything. It was rather impressive.

And there you have it. They reminded me a little bit about the acrobat show Laura and I went to in Beijing in April. 

On Wednesday of this week, I'm heading to Kingdom Bound with my family and then on Friday we are celebrating my brother, Asa's, 23rd birthday, and my nephew, Landon's, 5th birthday! Should be a fun time! 

Hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend!

Sunday Snapshot: Weekend Outing

Last weekend was gorgeous and so we took full advantage of it and headed to a shopping area in Zhongshan called "walking street." I have learned that most cities in China have a "walking street" somewhere. 

Walking Street.... I just love the buildings around here!

Exclamation mark! What a wonderful name for a store, right?

We found a camo store. This is for my brother, Cael!

 A typical scene in China. Meat just hanging on the side of the road. Doesn't it look appetizing?

Linking up with Ni Hao Ya'll

Sunday Snapshot: Mexican Night

One thing we can't find in my city is a good Mexican restaurant. Tragic, I know. I had brought some taco seasoning mixes back with me after being in the States and a few of us decided to make our own Mexican food. This weekend was a holiday and so we decided this was the weekend to do it. 

Cheese is a real treat in China. As in I never buy it because it's about $7 USD for a block of cheese and just isn't worth it to me. I do like it every once in a while though.

Our spread of food. Yummy.

Mashed potatoes aren't really Mexican (as far as I know) but the resume my friend Joy made, called for you to put melted cheese and salsa on it. It was delicious!

Ground beef is very hard to find here and a special treat.

My homemade salsa. I could eat it by the spoonful. I may or may not do that.

We even found taco shells! They were a little stale but not bad once heated up.

A little piece of heaven.

Obviously I am quite excited about my taco.

Joy's cheesy potatoes.

Pineapple cake for dessert.

Can we have another Mexican night really soon? Cinco de mayo anyone?

Linking up with Ni Hao Ya'll

Sunday Snapshot: Wasn't it Just Yesterday?

Two years old. This little Sweetheart turns 2 years old today. Wasn't it just yesterday that I held her in my arms, giving her a bottle in the hospital, waiting to see the doctor so we knew exactly what we were dealing with? Wasn't is just yesterday, that I cried out to the Father on behalf of this little girl who was recently abandoned and praying for an English name for her? Wasn't it just yesterday that the Lord gave me this passage that I would and still continue to pray over her life?

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name;

you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel,

your Savior."

Isaiah 43:1-3

And what a two years it has been. The Lord has worked miracle after miracle in this little one's life. She is no longer weak and fragile but she is now full of life, joy, and giggles. She makes me smile and laugh each day and she is truly a blessing from the Lord. 

You see, this little one came to me at a time when I needed her most. I was broken, confused, and in need of healing. The Lord used her to heal me. While spending hours holding and praying for her, the Lord not only healed her, but He healed me.

This Sweetheart will always be near and dear to me and hold a very special place in my heart. I am blessed that our story together is only beginning. His plan is above all we could ever ask or imagine!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my little Sweetheart. I am so thankful that this is her last birthday spent without her forever family. Although I will miss seeing her each day, I know the Lord has such an amazing plan for her life and I can't wait to watch that plan unfold.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." 

Psalm 34:18

Linking up with Ni Hao Ya'll