One Thousand Gifts (con't)

"You make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands"
(Psalm 92:4).

Continuing to be joyful and giving thanks...

#2076-#2096
-God says "yes" to His promises
-Christ, my Saviour is all sufficient


-completing another race
-thousands of runners raising money and awareness for great causes such as edu deo ministries https://edudeo.com/

-daughter wanting to run in a race, just like her mom (every runner received a medallion, by the way)

-great weather for running
-the hype before the race
-a well organized race with lots of volunteers

-my favourite fans cheering for me as I cross the finish line


-learning to play with toys

-grandparents giving away loot (treats specific for their grandchildren)


-the easy way to "carve"/decorate pumpkins, yet still creative


-creative decorations

-evidence of "a kid was here"

-celebrating "gotcha day"


-uncles who read to their little niece
-Deborah's giggle
-playing ring around the rosie with my 11 year old, 7 year old and one year old (and a couple of dolls/stuffed animals) and having LOTS of laughs!
-grade five girls working on a project together
-daughter who loves to whistle -just like her daddy
-prayers answered as news was shared of a young couple getting pregnant (expecting quadruplets)

One Year Ago (Part 10) Welcome Home!

"Praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honour and sing for joy on their beds" (Psalm 149:3-5).

-a proud big brother!!

One year ago today...
We were going home!!

We boarded the plane from Addis to Paris at 12:30 A.M. We requested a seat with a bassinet, however they were unavailable. Although we were disappointed at first, we were rather THRILLED to find out that they bumped us to first class instead!!! While Paul made sure that he took advantage of all the yummy food, me and the children slept most of the flight. It was quite nice to have SO much room to recline and stretch!

We hung out at the Paris airport for a few hours, and then boarded the plane to Toronto where we were greeted by many friends and family members!! I was so excited to see/hug Curtis, but when he came running toward me, he ran right past me and straight to Deborah!! After 3 years, he finally was able to meet his little sister! It was so good to be home and be so warmly welcomed. God is Good!!

One Year Ago (Part 9)

"I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken" (Psalm 16:8).

God was with us during the entire trip, and He will ALWAYS with us!!

One year ago...
This was our last day in Ethiopia. I had mixed emotions... we were having a great time. We had a wonderful week in our daughter's beautiful birth country and we definitely would like to go back there again some day. However... I couldn't wait to go home!! I couldn't wait to see Curtis too!!

One year ago.
Our last day.

"Paul was up earlier this morning in order to get ready for his outing. He was picked up in the morning to go visit the greenhouses in Koka Lake area where he gets his (geranium and poinsettia) cuttings from!! He noted that there were many workers there as there is very little automation.

After breakfast, a different taxi driver came to pick us up to go to the Hilton. Nicole had her hair braided and was very brave even though she was in a lot of pain!! She also had her nails painted as did Trish. Jesse sat patiently in a chair and read his Foxtrot book. We (mainly Trish) did a bit more shopping at the Hilton (we just can't get enough of shopping) and then we went to the Sheraton all day (our last day of swimming). We all LOVE the pool at the Sheraton! For lunch, it was the usual- french fries, pizza and OJ! Deborah had a little nap on the lounge chairs. We swam, read, played football, journaled, read, lounged, etc. VERY relaxing!!

Back at the Weygoss, we bought some things from the university boys who were selling souvenirs. I met another Ontario couple and I talked to some other Canadian women and a couple from Canadian Humanitarian Organization.

After supper, we packed and Deborah and I were very cranky.
At 8:30 p.m. we left for the airport!!!!!"






-Paul's favourite sign!


-yes, poinsettias in Ethiopia



-beautiful geraniums!



-their pet camel










-some last minute souvenir shopping!



-a patient brother


-Oh, the pain; I kept popping peppermints in her mouth as a distraction!

-she was still able to smile!


-out typical food that we ate all week