Many Things, Many Thanks

Phil, Russell and Jordan: off to tour the Grand Mosque.

Russell wanted some Texas Roadhouse when we were at Dubai Mall.

Jeff and Mary joined us in Montreux for a couple of days. 

We can go for weeks without much happening over here. Just the daily life things...school, work, church, life. Then there are months like this last one. From my last blog entry until today: busy, busy, busy. :)  Hence the obvious lack of blogging.
Why were these last weeks so busy?
-  Starting after my return from Kabul, we had the Abu Dhabi Film Festival. One of my favorite events held over here. Lots of movies from all over the world, at reduced rates and at times that go all day and into the night. (My other favorite event is WOMAD that comes in the spring...come visit us then. It is so fun. Music on the beach. ).
-Tom and Bonnie Wright arrived on Oct. 27 for a week. Tom actually went to Kabul to hang with Russell for a few days and then was back here. Coffee, a little sightseeing, laughing, sharing, catching up...  We love having them here. On Nov. 20th they come back thru for a day. They are on their way back to Dallas from India. I am glad we get to see them one more time.
-At the same time, Russell and Tom show up from Kabul and two of Russell's good buddies as well. Jordan Hawley and Phil Santoro came for 5 days to see our life here and be with Russell. Originally they had planned to see Russell in Kabul but this worked better for them, and we
got the added blessing of being with them, too. :)  Russell is blessed with many good friends.
-Then on Friday Nov. 4 we headed out at CSD (crack of stinking dawn) for Geneva to see Ryan. We left Phil and Jordan  to fend for themselves and off we went.  8 days in Switzerland. 8 days of cool weather, fall colors,  mountain and lake views, family time with all 6 of us, great food, and fresh air.  Wonderful.

Realizing that I cannot blog on everything covered in this month, I will simply add pictures.  But before I do, a couple of things... It was one year ago that Mike was hired at this job that he is on now. I thank God for His provision these last 12 months.  Ryan being able to have this year in Switzerland, and us being able to visit him. Sallie being able to attend AISA, and serve in Thailand this summer.  Every time we get to be with Russell because we live this close to him, and for us being able to see his life in Kabul as well. Robert and the great friends he has made over here, and all he has learned over the last year.(still praying for good friends this year...)  This year we have spent time with many friends in the US and over here. We have had time to deepen friendships over here and see God work.  There are no guarantees on the future. Where we will be, or what is next, but we are thankful for this past 12 months, especially when we thought our time was done here.
Seeing how it is almost  Thanksgiving, I guess it is a good time to remember all these things. I really miss Thanksgiving over there...Hope you all have a great one.

Ryan's school in Caux, Switzerland. 

Our four, fantastic kids

My Boys. 

.