28September2011 Chasing Game

We said when we got back to the States we were going to enjoy being in the outdoors and chasing wildlife again.  Apparently A took this literally! 

23September2011 Quickshot: Colors

The days are getting shorter and the evenings are turning cooler.  Leaves are hinting at an impending change in colors.  Fall is upon us and boy are we enjoying it! 

19September2011 Quickshot: Names

With approximately 5 weeks left we're trying to decide on a name for this little girl.  Have any suggestions????

14September2011 Quickshot: Growing

"Hamseh" is growing.  D had a checkup today and everything is perfect.  Please continue lifting up our newest family member and her mama over the coming days.  

11September2011 Remembering

3000 killed, a nation crippled, the world changed.  

Praying for the folks affected by 9/11 today.  

9September2011 Acclimated

The conversation usually goes something like this:

Family friend: "Are you use to living in America again?"

me:  Pretty well but we don't want to get completely acclimated to US culture.

Family friend:  (blank stare)

me:  I mean, we're getting use to living here but we don't want to adopt the culture completely again.

Family friend:   (scratches head, confused look continues)

me:  Well we sure do love being here with family and friends

Family friend:  (smile) How is your mama?

Yesterday we were visiting with very sweet family.  They've been living in the States for longer than a year and are well adjusted to life here.  As we were talking the wife had water running in the kitchen sink, in preparation of making some tea.  She continued talking, and talking, and talking as the water kept running.  Finally I said, "Um, you're wasting a lot of water."  She made a funny, shocked face and ran to turn off the faucet.  From the kitchen she yelled,"I guess I'm becoming American."  We all laughed.  But an idea rooted itself in my mind.  Is being a US citizen equivalent to being wasteful of precious resources?  Initial answer:  No!  But after further thought, to some extent our friend hit on something.  We have so much and often appreciate so little. America is so affluent but we always want more.  As we were getting ready to move overseas we got rid of so much stuff.  Selling, giving away and I like to say "burning" things.  One of the things we're determined not do is buy so many possessions.  Acclimation after all doesn't have to mean accumulation!   

6September2011 Family Camp

We spent the long, Labor Day weekend in the mountains of Tennessee.  Being in the great outdoors with lifelong friends and a bunch of brand new buddies was like a much-needed emotional exhale.  Below are some photos of our time.

5September2011 Quickshot: Home away from home.

This was our home the last 4 days.  We had a wonderful time with some of the finest people on the planet at Family Camp.  Photos to follow over the next couple days.