NJ and NY

Thank you for your prayers for our health. Heike is still a little congested, but other then that, we are doing great!

Our week in NJ was wonderful. The missions committee  generously let us stay in their missions house - an apartment right across from the church - and the apartment was wonderful! It gave us space all to ourselves and was perfect for us and so nicely set up! We even had a washer and dryer and dishwasher! The missions committee also had a little surprise party for Samuel on his birthday. He had cake, presents, lots of grapes and crackers, and another helium balloon! =) We were so touched and encouraged. Throughout the week we met with various friends and supporters but thankfully we didn't get too busy and were able to rest too.

We are now in Nyack, NY, and are headed to Boston today to spend the rest of the week with Doug's brother and his family. From there we will go to Ithaca on Saturday. We had a nice couple days with good friends here:

Samuel at the command center

Samuel is still traveling pretty well, but is getting more grumpy and is obviously getting tired of the frequent transitions. Please continue to pray for safe travels, good health, our support situation and for Samuel.  Thank you so much!

Prayer request

All 3 of us have colds and are pretty congested. Samuel is and has been grumpy. Please pray for good health, strength, patience and good rest especially as we meet with people and speak.

On the road

We arrived in MD yesterday evening. There were at least five accidents on I95, between Richmond Virginia and D.C. As we crawled along at 25-35 miles per hour for at least 2 hours, I tried to remind myself to be thankful that we weren't involved in one of those accidents. Thankfully Samuel was a champ despite the fact that we were at least 8 hours on the road. I KNEW people were praying for us. =)


This morning we spoke at a church and then met with the missions committee for lunch afterwards. It was very encouraging, and everyone was sweet to us, even the poor nursery lady who came to get us during the service because Samuel had a meltdown.


Unfortunately church is usually during his morning nap time, and he is starting to do the whole 'separation anxiety' thing. So all that considered, Samuel did well, even during the long lunch where he amused much of the table by tearing hungrily into a bread roll, stuffing bite after bite into his face.


We are staying with one of Doug's good college friends and old roommate, so it has been relaxing and enjoyable.  We will hear back from the church soon, they seemed to want to get behind us in prayer and also financially, so we are excited about that.


Tomorrow we leave for Tom's River, NJ.  We will be meeting with the missions committee on Tuesday-which also happens to be Samuel's first birthday!  We were able to celebrate early with Doug's family in Greenville, and we'll probably celebrate again once we get back home with other family members. Here's a couple pictures of the party:

Wearing the #1 crown that Aunt Jane gave him

He wasn't sure what to do with the cake at first

But he enjoyed the attention!

Favorite Family Photos

So we had 2 photoshoots. I'm posting my favorite pictures, but you'll find out which one we picked when you get our new prayercard!

Location: Bonam's House
Photographer: Jeremy Bonam

Samuel is almost 1 year old!

Location: Irmo Park (it was HOT! We mopped our faces in between the pictures.)
Photographer: Amy Hamilton

She took some cute ones of Samuel too, but I don't have all her pictures yet. Samuel was a trooper, although by this last picture, he was done. =)