Our Life in Pictures

Our Friends Part Ways: The McKenzies boarded their plane to Chad on October 14th. We already miss them so much! Who could resist that smile? (Jocelyn, 2 1/2 yrs with Karen; and Annelise, 5 with Margit). After living together with Margit in her tiny apartment for 2 weeks, they may have been ready to go, but we were really sad to see them leave. As they walked into the security area, we got up on the chairs and looked through the glass, waving all the time. As they passed the metal detectors, the kids could see us anymore, so Stephen lifted each one up to wave a last goodbye. They're in Chad now, and facing a lot of difficulties, but we know the Lord has led them there at this time, and He sees everything and is taking good care of them.

After we dropped off the McKenzie's at the airport in Lyon, we decided to go an have lunch together downtown at Subway! Yes, there is a real live Subway in Lyon, very exciting! And it was even open despite being Sunday. We had a yummy lunch, and afterwards, Rob and I went to a big park there where we took a nap in the sunshine, walked around, and rented a little row boat to go out on the lake. In the midst of all our recent life changes, and then saying goodbye to our good friends and leaders, there was for a little while, memories of calmer more peaceful times, floating silently on that lake. Here's my cutie of a husband rowing our boat for us. (He's a keeper!). I like this picture because it captures Rob how I usually see him: face to face, with a smile so radiant it always brings me joy, eyes that are laughing and saying 'I love you', steering our boat through the waters, at times calm, and many times not, with God's light shining down on him, guiding him through. I love you Rob!

The Cinema Museum in Torino, Italy: We took a day trip with our school to Torino. It was very chilly, but a beautiful day. This museum was our favorite part, especially when we got on the glass elevator suspended in the middle of the museum, all the way to the top! (Below: Michiko, Japanese friend; Rob; Emma, SIL missionary to Chad; Karen; Margit). We enjoyed walking around a morning market, eating real Italian pizza and pasta, and we even managed some gelatto, even though it was nearly freezing out!

Pumpkin Carving Party! On Halloween, we got together and reveled in the fact that Chambery decided to carry real pumpkins this year (I got mine for just 1 Euro!) Two of our classmates that came (Michiko from Japan on the left and Martin from the Netherlands, with the black t-shirt on the far right) had never before carved pumpkins and had a lot fun, especially on the part where you pull out all of the guts! As you can see, there were a lot of creative and interesting designs!

Cupcakes anyone! Yum, pumpkin spice!