Family Week

We spent all of last week with our families, it was really nice to spend time with them after being gone for almost a year. In some ways it seemed like we never left.

We went to the pier and boardwalk in Grand Haven with Mark's Mom & Herb. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed the awesome views. We ate lunch at Pronto Pup, which makes their own corn dogs. They were so delicious.

Of course we had to stop at Temptations for their homemade ice cream. It is the best!

We went to tea at Aunt Henny's place and each of the girls received a beautiful hand-painted necklace from cousin Ann. Our friend Holly is selling these necklaces as a fund raiser for their next adoption.

We went over to Rebecca's brother Mark's place for dinner and did some fishing. Here is her Dad's catch.

And brother Mark's nice fish.

We went to the Frederick Meijer Gardens with Rebecca's Mom and sister Elizabeth. There was a Chihuly exhibit over the entire grounds which was really awesome.

A lake filled with Chihuly glass.

We went for a bike ride along Muskegon Lake and out to a gourmet lunch with Mark's Dad & Julie. We also went to Mark's Uncle Milt & Aunt Gladys' 50th anniversary party and saw lots of family there. After that we went to dinner at Sandi & Jay's place (Mark's sister and brother-in-law). Mark's brother Kevin, Dad & Julie, and Uncle Carl & Aunt Joyce were also there.

It wouldn't be a complete get together with Sandi & Jay without homemade ice cream, so we made some the old fashioned way. It went great with the brownies and strawberry-rhubarb pie!

Sunday we talked at our home church Fair Haven Ministries about our time in Romania. We had a lunch after church to share more pictures and stories. In the evening we talked at the church Rebecca grew up in, Caledonia CRC, and had a get together after that for Rebecca's family.

Monday evening we went out sailing on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan with our friends John & Karen. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed every minute.

Our time home has been wonderful; even though we've kept busy it has been fun and relaxing. We have really enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends and will be doing the same thing this week.

Time with family and friends

After the business of summer ministry and camp fun, we had a little time of doing different things. We were able to go to our friends wedding, Costin and Ana. We got to know them at our Bible study through AlphaOmega Church.

Us with the happy bride and groom

The last week we spent in Romania before our time in the US we spent cleaning and organizing. We cleaned Snagov, the team house, and organized the basement. In the basement of the team house we have rows of bins of ministry supplies. From these supplies we make crafts, give away school supplies, hygiene items and much more. One evening the summer interns wanted to go over to our apartment to go to the park by our house.

Katie and Amanda on the swirly teeter toter

Mark and Krysten swinging

Hanging out

We left Romania on the 12th for just over two weeks to spend in the US. During this time we are speaking at 4 churches and visiting family and friends.

Precious was a bit shy at first

Sam was goofing off since the moment he saw us

Lexi likes to call Rebecca: "Mark"

Looking at pictures together

Mark went fishing with the guys, Jonah and Scott

Fishing

Our first Sunday in the US we talked at Red Pine Bible church. It is a small church with a big heart. We were able to talk for 20 minutes during the service so we told about what we did in Romania and shared a few stories about individual kids. Then we opened up for questions and after the service we met people and showed more pictures. It was a very nice time and we felt very welcomed, loved, and supported by the people there.

Mark's cousin and pastor of Red Pine, Rick, and his wife Tammy.

After church we went out to eat at a large buffet and then went over to Mark's aunt Sharon's place to visit with family that came to the church service. It was very nice reconnecting with them and they are so very encouraging of what we're doing in Romania.

Summer Wrap Up

After finishing our trip to the orphanages in the south we joined a new team to work in the orphanages around Bucharest. We spent time each day with the children who weren't at the camp at the Girls Transition House. We also went to the newer orphanage several times to try to build up relationships there since we are hoping to work there in the fall.

The boys missed climbing all over me so they made sure to make up for lost time.

We got lots of hugs and kisses.

Handing out balloons at the new orphanage was really crazy, I started running and the crowd chased me until I handed out all of them. It was great to come to this place several times because we are starting to get to know the kids there. They are very precious as this is where the youngest kids are. They love it when we come and are always very excited. Rebecca already has a special friend who begged her not to leave. We enjoyed coloring, making crafts, playing games, and giving piggy back rides to the kids.

We also got to play at the pool parties for the kids at camp. Laurentiu was really excited to be there and was really fun all day.

I also had the chance to go to the baby hospital again which was so fun. We both love working with the babies so much. Mihaiela, Florica, and Ana Maria have all been at the hospital since we started there and it has been great watching them develop.

Ana Maria

Florica

This has been a great summer and it is hard to believe that it is over already. God has been so faithful and we feel like He was leading all of us the whole time. We prayed for open hearts and for decisions to follow Christ and many kids asked Jesus into their lives. We got to plant and water seeds but it was so exciting to be able to take part in the harvest as well. All of us are so thankful that God answered our prayers and it was a fruitful time. Thank you all so much for your prayers, we know that prayer played a huge part in everything.