Ayres in Malawi

We just recently had a great time sharing lunch and meeting with our missions' pastor and his wife and to learn of their excitement for what the Lord is doing in Malawi. They are a great couple who served in Russia for many years.
 Not only that, but we were also able to witness the sending off at Grace Church of Jim and Bethany Ayres to Lilongwe, Malawi.  They are coming to join our team of GMI missionaries and we are saddened that we won't be in Malawi when they arrive, but are looking forward to working together with them for Christ's kingdom in the future.

Friends this week

John and Nathan stopped by to visit us. John was our neighbour in Malawi and it was fun to have them visit. Nathan is the twin brother of Nick who is also in Malawi with us.

Our kids don't always remember people because it has been three years since they were here in the USA, but they are good at making friends again quite quickly.

Teaching at TMS

For the next four months Brian will teach these seminary students in a preaching lab every Tuesday and Thursday.  He loves doing this with his students in Malawi at African Bible College and so is excited about the opportunity to share and work together with these men here in LA. The guy behind Brian is from Uganda and the guy in the black shirt with the green tie is from South Africa.

First time in the snow

Before Brian starts teaching next week at The Master's Seminary, we decided to take our friends' offer to use their cabin up in Big Bear.  This couldn't have come at a better time. I have had a couple headache and paralysis episodes since arriving in the US and we think the rest will be good.  Here is Allison attempting her fisrt ever snow angel.

Bradley was thrilled to be airborne for a while. We found a couple of ramps that other folk had made and took advantage of them.

Had to have a snowball fight too.

First time to lick an icicle and learn all about how they form.

"I'm getting out the way now!"

When we arrived at the cabin in Big Bear, the children were wearing thin tops and had open shoes on. They were SO eager to get into the snow, but had no idea how freezing it would be. They started picking it up with their bare hands and in less than five minutes they were crying and wanted to get into the house for a warm bath. A first time for everything, I guess. If they are ever in snow again I'm sure they'll remember to have snow clothes, extra socks, boots, hats and gloves on before they venture out.

 Love it when their cheeks get rosy. We have had a great time.

Settling in

No desks yet, but the lids of plastic totes work great:)

We found some beds at garage sales for the kids to sleep on.  They loved sleeping on the floor the first couple of nights after we arrived. They made tents and forts to sleep in.

Toys

Some friends gave us these super toys. The kids have had fun with them. I remember having a Fisher Price garage while growing up. 

Happy New Year

Brian's aunt Liz and uncle Randy. Brian sporting a weird moustache:/

Sunny still in So. Cal!