August

August was busy with spending time with Burneils, recouperating from our company, and getting ready for Heidi to move in with us. But we had normal days as well! And of course time for boys to haul big loads!

We also had many puppy days! The children enjoyed them. They have all found new homes now. 

We attended Albert's funeral. We viewed in the tent above. He was laid out on a bed. When it was time for the actual service, they moved his body to a coffin.

Prayer with his family members. His first wife and children were not there at all because of the feuding between the two wives. Only after his death did we learn more about his family. The pain and heartache that people cause by straying from God's way and the bitter reaping is hard to watch.

One of the highlights of August for me was cooking a turkey! My brother surprised me and sent me a whole turkey from the farm. We enjoyed the thought of who might have touched and butchered that turkey. I enjoyed the smell that took me back to the many days spent butchering turkeys with my family. It made me homesick and at the same time was comforting. The familiar process of cutting it in pieces, roasting it, and taking it from the bones. Kelsey said, "It smells like Grandma's house!" And I agreed! I also enjoyed sharing it with the missionaries. It was plenty for everyone!

A rainbow! Not a real common sight here, but these days with all the little rain showers they are more plentiful.

Kelsey and Austin went back to school the last day of August.

It was also Kelsey's birthday. Richard and Faith were around and helped celebrate. It is hard to believe she is 11 already!

And an evening walk to prayer meeting. I love Africa's dirt roads! (Actually I have a very strong love/hate relationship with them!) I know that walking these roads but even more walking beside these people, has forever changed who I am. I might be able to wash the red dirt of Africa from my feet, but never from my heart!