the summer is almost over already!

So I just realized that my last post was at the end of April! The month of May was crazy busy with graduation preparations. I had 9 graduates this year which doesn't sound like a lot but this is the largest KICS graduating class so far. I had to track down a place to get new caps and gowns (ended up getting them from Uganda!) plan the ceremony, take pictures, finish all the final transcripts, etc. and prepare to be gone for 2 months. It was very hectic but fun.

We just spent the month of June in California with Matt's family. It was a really fun time. We were able to speak at a few churches and meet many new people. We spent a day at Disneyland and lots of time with family and friends. We are now in MI for the month of July visiting my family. We are booked to speak at a few churches here as well. We will be attending our friends (2 KICS teachers!) wedding in Indiana. Emma is going to be the flower girl and I am the photographer. Several of the teachers are flying in for the wedding. One all the way from England! We just love our KICS family and we are so blessed to be a part of Douglas and Kerry's day. My brother is also coming to visit from NY so we will be able to spend an entire week with them.

In other news...Emma is reading like crazy! She is 4 1/2 and is reading at a 2nd-3rd grade level. Insane! I am so glad that we are switching her to a new preschool this year. I think she would be completely bored at the old one. She is having so much fun with family and friends. We had root beer floats out on the boat tonight and Emma caught a fish. I just love it here. So relaxing!

The Royal Wedding!

Today was finally the Royal Wedding! Emma and her friends (and who am I kidding...all of us mommies, too) have been waiting and waiting to celebrate. One of my earliest childhood memories is getting up at 5am with my mom to watch the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. I was 5.

It was so exciting today to watch Prince William's wedding with Emma. Emma's British friends came over to join us for a Royal Tea Party. It was so fun!

I admit that I am very jealous that our British friends were all invited to a Royal Wedding Party at the British Embassy tonight. I can't wait to hear all about it!

Emma and Emily all princessed up

Here comes the bride!

Tea, Scones, and wedding cake.

Easter in Africa

Each Sunday during the month of April we have been lighting 17 candles to remember the 17 year since the genocide. It has been so moving because members of the congregation are asked to come up and light the candle in memory of a loved one.

Easter Sunday was such a time of celebration. We celebrated the resurrection of our Lord. While lighting the candles we celebrated that Jesus is in all things and that through Him there is healing and peace. Even when we don't understand and our world seems to be falling apart around us, Jesus is there to rescue us from the darkness.

Emma and Monkey Funky with there matching Easter dresses.

I need a favor...

I really hate to do this but I am in desperate need of a favor. I am planning graduation for our school and I need more caps and gowns.

I am wondering if anyone is coming to Rwanda by May 24? I have 20 caps and gowns that I need to have brought over. They weigh about 25lbs total. If you have room in your luggage and are willing to help, please let me know as soon as possible.

Thanks!

Jeana

Lovely...

I am in love with this tiny baby...

My Birthday Gift...

Friday was my birthday so we headed to the market in Ruhango to buy my present. I have been waiting for several weeks now to pick out this gift...a goat for Leia! Ruhango is the 2nd largest market in Rwanda and has the largest animal market. It was fantastic! As soon as we stepped out of the truck we were mobbed. We bought 4 goats for people in Todd and Andria's neighborhood by mine was going to Leia.

Matt and Emma at the market.

This picture pretty much sums up what happens any time we take Emma to the market.

Love this! Emma shaking hands with one of the kids.

I just think this couple is adorable!

Matt and Emma hanging with the kids.

Andria, Emie and I sat in the back of the truck with goats.

Emma delivering a goat to one of the neighbors.

This woman was collecting the goat for a handicapped woman in the village.

Matt passing off a goat.

Me giving Leia her goat. Notice Emma in the background making more gumbo!

She was so happy. She kept saying "Thank You" and "God Bless You."

The goat is officially hers! They used a pen to write on her thumb and take a finger print.

What an amazing way to celebrate my birthday!

The Road to Kibeho...

Mine in the side of the mountain.

Tea Plantation!

Creepy storm clouds rolling in...

I guess it's okay to let your child ride the camel in the giant nativity as long as the Catholic Priest is the one who puts her on it?

Love these ladies!