Exciting year ahead

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog.....the last few weeks have gone by as a blur. We are staying busy in the community and still have a french tutor two times a week. In May, we will be starting to learn an African language. I can't say that I am overly excited about this, I realize that it is a good opening when you are able to greet them in their heart language but this is starting again at ground zero. But the good news is that the African language that we have picked won't be as hard as french. Pray that our french will continue to get better even while we are learning the second language. French will be the language that we minister in most of the time.

The dry season has returned and with that comes heat and humidity. But I can say that it doesn't seem as bad this year, I think our bodies are adjusting a little. When we come to the states for a visit, we will probably freeze!

We have had an answered prayer this past month....we found a friend (friends) for Autumn. We met another missionary family at a gathering for all missionaries in Abidjan. They have a 18, 14 and 12 year old daughters. The 14 and 12 year olds speak French and English, the 18 year old only speaks French. Autumn can communicate with them well! This will also improve Autumn's french skills! ;) They are just as excited as us....and we plan on getting the girls together every other weekend. Autumn has also began taking tennis lessons. She really enjoys this and it also keeps her busy. She also really likes her online school, Northstar Academy, she has made many friends through it and they chat often online.

The African Cup (soccer) is going on now. Even Jon and Autumn has got into it! As I write they are sitting in front of the tv and yelling at it! ;) We have to root for our country! Go Elephants!

We are very excited for this year......dynamics are changing. In February, our friends from South Africa are coming for a visit and Eric Fuller and his father in law are coming for a visit. You will be seeing us in the states this spring and Eric will be bringing another team back in August. Also, a couple friends from Midwestern are suppose to come this summer. It is going to be great to see friends from home....if any of you can't decide where to vacation this year, come and see us in Abidjan!

Better head to bed....Jon has decided to get healthy on me and we have to get up at 7 to walk! ;)

Love,

Teresa

2010

Jolie liked her present too!


YUM!!

Wow, can you believe it is 2010? Time seems to be going by so fast! We had a great holiday season here in Abidjan. We celebrated Christmas and brought in the New Year with our team mates. We tried to come up with some new family traditions this year for Christmas. As you can see from above, we cooked our own Christmas meal. We had ham, dressing, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green beans, deviled eggs, and lots of candy! It all tasted wonderful!

I have to admit that I am glad we are back to normal life now. The homesickness seemed worse during the holiday season, but now it is like every other day and we are staying busy.

Here are some prayer requests for the upcoming year:

*that we will continue to improve in our french and that our brains will be ready to tackle an African language in May

*that we will stay healthly

*continue to build and grow relationships

*salvation for our muslim friends

*the small group will grow in the Lord and someone will step up to lead

We would like to thank each and every one of you for praying for us in 2009. Continue to lift us up! We thank the Lord for the many ways that he has blessed us. In the first 3 days of 2010 we can already see the Lord's hand moving in many situations!

Blessings,

Teresa