friends, food, fun and oh yeah an earthquake

So last Monday we experienced an earthquake. Before 6 months ago we had never experienced one but now we have both felt at least 3. This past one was the strongest one. Since we live on the 10th floor it seems a little more intense. Last week about 5:30 am I was peacefully sleeping when I suddenly felt the bed shaking. I came to my senses and called out for Chris who was already awake. We knew we were alright but prayed for those where it might have been more serious. That day we went to lunch with one of our new friends who is from here. He said that they are glad when they feel these small ones because it releases the stress. We ask him if there is ever a more serious one when do we know to take off running...he said just count and you will know to run!!

At our first Christmas party of the year.

Our Christmas tree...our friends were so gracious to let us borrow theirs. We are on our 6th Christmas where we haven't had to buy one...of course 2 of those we didn't have one but still we think its a fun record!!

Our cool friends took us to a great Greek restaurant. It was our first time to go to a Greek restaurant...it seemed a little crazy to be in East Asia and enjoying this type of food. What a fun world.




A few weeks back I went on a day trip with some friends to this village on top of a mountain. What a lovely view!

Some fellow shoppers

This man was from another country but had come here to paint. I wanted to purchase this painting from him but the price was a little to high for our budget.

Some yummy foods...what about the black hot dogs??

Our sweet friend came over the night to make some cookies. It was her first time to bake cookies so that's always fun. We almost had an incident with the blender but thankful all our fingers are alright.

let's not stand by...

This is a letter Chris just sent to our email buddies...I wanted him to share our heart because he does it in such a real way.

Family and Friends,

Please watch these videos. If after watching these videos and you are not changed then I question, what will it take to shake you, to move you, to change you?

http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=hLDGFzdPjBU

http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=hLDGFzdPjBU

I believe that after watching these videos your feeling like I am, “We must do something to stop this atrocity that is taking place in America. America is a great country, but this is a detestable side of America.”

What can we do? Education and People is the answer.

As followers of Christ we must not stand by and not turn a blind eye. Please send this to everyone you know and lets come together, so this will not continue.
Christians stood up against slavery and stopped it, we must believe we can stand up against abortion and stop it. This is a God size task, but I believe, God is greater and will defeat this evil!

What should I do? Please pray! Please speak! Please stand up against!

Who will speak for the unborn? Who will be a voice for the voiceless? Who will care about the powerless? We can! Will We?

Thank you for watching the video. Thank you for emailing your friends.

Want some Action!

Educate yourself, check out these websites http://www.nrlc.org/ http://www.prolife.com/

Educate others- go to churches, go to schools, have conferences, seminars

Serve-Volunteer at a Pro Life Clinic, Help at an orphanage, Adopt!!, Picket or Pray at a Planned Parenting Center

Blessings,
Chris

off roading

Our verses to ponder for the week:
Psalm 68:4-5
Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, whose name is the Lord, and exult before Him. A father to the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation.

Today we got a lot done for our adoption. We turned in the required paperwork for the American government and also were fingerprinted. All we are waiting on now is for our agency to finish looking over our paperwork (praying that everything is correct), they will then send us a document and after we have received that we will send alll of our paperwork to America, it will then go to Ethiopia...which means we will be on the WAIT LIST! We are rejoicing in His goodness.

So we went hiking on Saturday to the tallest mountain around here. At least that's what our new friend, a 60+ year old woman who was practically running up the mountain as we slowly made our way. She was incredible. Every week she does the 2 hour climb up and then meets up with her friends at the top where they go off-roading. They invited us to go with them. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We walked through fields...here you can see me getting lost in the grass. At this point I turned to Chris and said, "Are you sure you want to go?" Of course he said, "Yes, this is fun...it is an adventure!"At one point we had to use a rope to climb up a small hill/mountain. They were all impressed with Chris mad climbing skills, they said they wished they had his long legs. Climbing up wasn't that bad but trying to go down another way was a different story. Let's just say that I slipped a few times and though I wasn't happy I got my clothes dirty I was so thankful I stopped before the drop off! Well, after about an hour or so we made it back to where we began. I have thought often the past few days of the spiritual applications that can be applied with us choosing to take the harder road. It was an enjoyable time as we were able to meet some new friends and experience a small adventure

Our guide pointing out something...at one point they showed us 2 rocks that they said looked like dragons kissing...I thought they looked a lot like dogs. We were very appreciative for our guide because there is no way we would have made it back on our own. Thankful also for all the white markers that lead us back to safety.
Here are some of our friends...they are so much braver and tougher than I!!

At the beginning of the hike...we weren't tired yet. Actually it's Tuesday night and our bodies are still so sore.

fighting for life

Oh, happy day. We took our papers to the American office here...we weren't able to do things that day because of various reasons (long story, won't bore you)...but the next day was a new day and we got all our documents notarized and authenticated!!

After waiting 3 months for our home study...we finally received it. So thankful!

Well, on the adoption front we have definitely moved ahead (Hallelujah), although it has not come without a struggle. I have heard from others who have adopted that there is such a spiritual battle that is fought when children are adopted. Our enemy certainly doesn't want these children to have the love and protection that comes with having a family...he wants us all to fight alone. He doesn't want these children to have parents that will daily be teaching and showing His love for them (deut. 11:18-21). Of course the enemy would fight for these defenseless children...well so is our God! He is our Defender, the One who goes before us...and we believe and know that though we have faced many hurdles...there will be a day of victory! Thank you so much for all of your prayers for our future children and for the millions of orphans without a forever family.

The second battle is in America (as well as the spiritual realm). Please go to the following Fight FOCA website sign the petition and read about what Obama told Planned Parenthood he would do. "The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do."

You ask what is FOCA?

"The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide.
FOCA will do away with state laws on parental involvement, on partial birth abortion, and on all other protections.
FOCA will compel taxpayer funding of abortions.
FOCA will force faith-based hospitals and healthcare facilities to perform abortions.
Barack Obama believes this legislation will "end the culture wars." To him, "ending the culture wars" means eradicating every state and federal law on abortion — laws that the majority of Americans support." FOCA Website

I think Obama needs to read some history about Margaret Singer!

"Margaret Singer, the founder of Planned Parenthood, advocated eugenics. She warned of "black peril" if educated people of Northern European descent did not increase their birth rate. Her motto: "More children from the fit, less from the unfit." She believed that those who lived in the slums had an "animalistic nature," and would therefore breed like rabbits and "soon overrun the boundaries of their slum or country, contaminating the better elements of society with diseases and inferior genes." Her plan for abortion, birth control and sterilization among the "lesser races" would, she said, be the "salvation of American civilization."
Critics allege that Planned Parenthood does promote abortion among America's blacks. Studies indicate that almost two-thirds of Planned Parenthood abortion clinics are in neighborhoods with a disproportionately high black population.
Also, blacks have an exceptionally high abortion rate. While blacks constitute about 12 percent of the population, they account for 32 percent of abortions. For every five African American women who get pregnant, three have an abortion."

In America alone there are 1.6 million babies aborted every year. It is unfathomable that in our great nation this has continued for over 35 years. May we all do what we can to fight for these defenseless and precious children.

Words from Proverbs 31

v.8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate (sons passing away). v.9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

Saturdays...

So before the weather turns cool we decided that we need to explore this beautiful great big island. Several Saturday afternoons we have done just that! The last few months it seems like we never have our camera unless we are going on a scenic outing...enjoy some pictures of our adventures.

COME, LET US RETURN TO THE LORD. SO LET US KNOW, LET US PRESS ON TO KNOW THE LORD. HIS GOING FORTH IS AS CERTAIN AS THE DAWN; AND HE WILL COME TO US LIKE THE RAIN, LIKE THE SPRING RAIN WATERING THE EARTH. HOSEA 6:1A, 3

I have been thinking on this passage the past few days, this was a picture for me of what the Lord continues to whisper to my stubborn heart. Oh, He is full of lovingkindness!

Today we took a drive up the coast and enjoyed seeing the ocean, on our way home we traveled through a lovely mountainous park. We saw this incredible sight on our way home.

Driving home we saw this incredible spot so we stopped to take a picture. It was such a cool place...there were hot springs, a water fall and with the fog blowing in it was absolutely breathtaking.

We just sat on the rocks watching and listening to the waves. It is such a treat for the soul for this ocean lover.


A fisherman enjoying a gorgeous fall day.



Such a neat memory with my beloved...life certainly gets sweeter everyday that I am with him.



Franklin Graham came to our city, it was a marvelous, fruitful time.



There at the Festival with some friends



One Saturday as I was taking a nap (while Chris was working on school :) I woke up to the sound of a rather large crowd not too far from our apartment. I ask Chris to take a study break and we went to see what was going on...let's just say they are expressing their freedom of speech.

There is a great zoo here in our city and since going to the zoo is one of our favorite things to do...we went. It was such a blast.

Chris' new penguin friend. There were so many parents taking pictures of their little ones by this cute little thing...of course we wanted pose with it as well!

Check out this massive turtle enjoying some peanuts, too adorable!

millions in need

"...drought, high population density, successive failed rains and rapidly rising food prices are dovetailing to create a crisis. Ethiopia is bearing the brunt of the food shortages currently sweeping across east Africa threatening the lives of millions." from Green Famine article

As most of you know we are adopting from Ethiopia. As we have learned over the past few months of the increased struggles in Ethiopia...we desire for to do something. There are millions in need. Please go to this site ( Green Famine ) and watch the video and read the related article. Though much of the world is facing hardships, few can even begin to compare to this degree of need. All of us are affected in some way by the market lately: losing a lot in stocks and retirement, cutting back on eating out, gas prices are sky high...but said simply we have food on our table. Please seek the Father how you can be a part, whether its in Ethiopia or another country in need.

Here are a few ideas for how to help: (just click on the organization name)

Indigenous Outreach- we met someone while we were in the states from his organization. It is a wonderful ministry! They have the Micah Fund, "helps to provide for physical and educational needs for some of the poorest of the poor" as well as focusing on supporting Indigenous "Workers". Their purpose is make disciples.

World Orphans - an amazing organization that rescues orphaned and needy children by working with the local Body. As a result the Body is strengthened and used to raise up a new generation. You should check out their website!

Samaritan's Purse focusing on spreading His light by assisting those in need

Compassion-sponsor a child (or children)

The orphanages are having a great difficulty taking care of the children because of the crisis so we are also hoping to do something...we will let you know.

Of course we believe that with aid needs to come abundant seed sowing...so as you look for an organization to work with we hope you will find one that seeks first His Kingdom as they help.

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our G0d and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27

around the world and back

The last few months I have really been lacking on our blogs, there are many reasons for this but none seem to be good enough for a 3 month break. These next few pictures are from our time in the states. We were able to spend some time with most of our family and friends, it was truly a gift from the Father.

Here is our Captain JP and his little helper. He was one of the few brave ones on the boat to jump into the chilly water.

Here are the guys grilling up some tasty burgers

Enjoying a restful Sunday afternoon with my family

We absolutely couldn't get over how these 4 little ones have gotten so big...they are just the best and sweetest. So proud of Ben and Em. my big bro is now a pilot...whoop whoop!

What do you do if you have some free time with your hubby and parents while traveling in Tennessee...of course you go to a civil war memorial. They were so sweet to let me choose our activity for the day, we had a great time! My mom and I just loved this massive beautiful tree.


Rach with her little sweet pea

Got to spend some time with 2 of my bff's

We had a great time with Dad and Mom Hickman in TX and then our road trip to MO

It was such a treat to be able to finally see...Seekers. We are so proud of you Scoot! Guarantee you they have the best Spinach Artichoke dip around.

Here we are with 2 of our amazing siblings and their special friends. What a treat to be with our some of our favorite people at our favorite restaurant in the whole world...we sure do enjoy some Joe T's.

What a fun weekend with Dad and Mom Lowe...sure made some memories by the pool.

Spending some quality time at Seeker's with lil bro Casey.

The last few months we have not been too consistent in taking pictures. Now that we are back home in TW we will try and give you some more glimpses of our life here. love to you all!

5 big ones

(This is Chris, my first blog attempt. This should be fun)

Can you believe it has already been 5 years!! We are so thankful to the Father for His faithfulness, provision, protection, and love. I am also so thankful to my wonderful wife who has been my best friend these past 5 years.

Here we are in our new home celebrating our 5 wonderful, terrific, fun years of marriage. Anna and I cooked up some chicken, potatoes, corn, salad, and drank some fresh Welch's grape juice. ( Nothing like a little candle light to spice up the evening)

To celebrate our big day we went to Anna's favorite place, the beach. It is so great this beach is only one hour away. Here we are giving a big 5 shout-out!

You know after 5 years it is always good to Sizzle up the marriage. I like this book, especially His needs part. I guess I need to pay attention to Hers too.

Here we are wearing our new swim caps. The life-guards at the pool made sure we did not contaminate the pool with our foreign hair. We kind of liked it after awhile. I think Anna looked especially cute in hers.

We stayed at the Howard Resort. It was a nice place, I would recommend it if your in TP.

Well the dinner part was a little adventure. The hotel buffet was way over priced and did not have much of a good selection so I thought we would venture into town and eat a nice romantic meal. To much of my surprise the town was more like a village. I think we found the only restaurant their and it was mainly sea food. We were thankful though the dinner was very delicious and the workers were very friendly. And after it was all over we ate better food and payed less money then eating at the hotel.


A picture with my hot bride of 5 years!

A picture outside by the pool. I love Anna in skirts.
Our 5 years of marriage has been great. I am excited to see what the next 5 years will bring. Hopefully some kiddos. To be continued!!

settled in

So we are now settled and enjoying life in the big city. Here is a little peak into our life these past few weeks.Here is my cute hubbie REALLY enjoying some beef soft tacos for the first time in two years. A youth camp

Some Aborigines youth that were dancing for the Lord...pretty neat stuff
Our nice kitchen.
And our family room.Last week we participated in a youth camp. It was really fun getting to know these precious kids and being able to share God's love with them.


Our super duper team, we won first place. Whoop Whoop!!
A new very sweet friend, as well as a gifted actress.

The busy subway is now our most often form of transportation...fast and cheap that's the way we like it!
Our first two weeks here the sky was especially beautiful. We are so thankful to the Father for this precious gift. When you all go outside today, I would encourage you to take a look at the marvelous sky and give praise to our magnificient Creator.
A view from our 10th floor apartment, it's absolutely breathtaking early in the morning. Notice the cross, what a wonderful sight to see many churches.
Another view from our apartment.

On a Saturday morning we decided to go climb a mountain that was right outside the city. After we got off the bus we were a little unclear about how to begin the climb. We happen to be waiting to cross the street when we asked this man if we were going the right way. He said yes and that he was going there to so he would guide us. We so appreciate how kind and generous the people are here. Here is Chris relaxing on top of a rock. It was a little to big of a height for me. Notice the tallest building (at least for a little longer) in the world.
Almost to the top...we sure were tired, red faced and sweating a lot.

Chris enjoying some baseball. Not only can he QB...he is also a wonderful first baseman.