Picnic

 This is a STORK!!  I know right....did you even know they were really real birds and that they live in Iraq of all places??? So if you know anything about storks,  you know they migrate, so part of the year they live here. I love seeing them in the spring on these huge power lines.

 They each have a mate and the same ones come back to the same nest every year. Amazing...what a beautiful journey. I love how God made so many beautiful creatures.

 We went on a picnic with our friends who believe. We went to this amazing spot that was completely shaded by these trees. It was perfect weather. There was a creek running through.

 Seru...beautiful little girl.

 Speda and Annie...they had so much fun running around and explore and being free.

 Kojin and Tim... I love that Tim has spent 2 years pouring into his life in a patient and humble way. He has gained access to his heart and we can't wait to see the fruit pouring back out.

 He loves his little girl. At the end of the day Seru had to poop. She is potty training...which is so hard. Doesn't matter which country you are in. You know your kids always pick the worst time to poop. They had brought the little potty with them. So they put her on it and because it was dusk and all the other picnickers were gone, it was a little eery in the forest. She began to cry in fear. She was sure a bear was coming out to get here. So her Dad made this big show of running up and down and scouting out all the places to make sure there was no bear, even though he knew there wasn't one to begin with. That made her feel a little better, but she was still fearful. So he squatted down behind her and wrapped her up in his arms and whispered to her. She calmed down and finally managed to get her business done. But as I was reflecting on it this morning, I thought...wow...that's just like me. Yes...it's true I would be scared to poop in the forest, but more over when I feel vulnerable...as she did with her pants down....I start to imagine things where they aren't. I can work myself up into a frenzy. My Father assures me there is nothing to be afraid of, but I go right on crying. I pick the worst times to do this to. But it can feel so real in my mind. Every time, my Father is so faithful to surround me with himself and talk me down and help me do what I need to do.

 What is it about boys and fire??

 Sweet helpers

 There are no words...she is so beautiful.

 Love this picture with the reflection of Lajan in the teapot and the forest over us.

 note to self: do not sit in the foreground of a picture.

 taking a little rest from exploring to play IPOD.

 Well....we tried.

 Annie

 Nassar

 Speda

 Jesse

 Toby

 Hamwar

 Taking a nap with a cucumber in hand

 The kids collected trash that others so carelessly threw into the creek.

 Washing hands at the end of the day....and blowing bubbles with the soap.

You can just barely make out Annie's bubble...you can see the top of it above the white car in the background. 

What a great day. Kurdish picnics are SO LONG! 13 hours from door to door. Phew! Tiring, but such  beautiful day. God kept my allergies at bay after my kids prayed for me and we had such a sweet time of fellowship. Felt like the Lord said he was bringing this family into something new and deeper with Him. Am excited to be a part of that.