Jameel's Granddaughter's First Birthday

It's always such a blessing to be invited by Jameel to his family parties. His daughter's little girl Reema turned one and we were invited to join her little birthday party. I took family photos for them, which I love that they asked. Most Muslims do not like having photos taken, particularly of the women. But I love that Jameel was the one to ask. Johnson, Lathika and Stephanie along with our family were the only friends there and together we celebrated with Jameel's extended family. 

They're custom in celebrating a first birthday, tends to make the kids cry. It involves these sparklers which put fire sparks out everywhere (including on the kid). Next they crumble food on top of the baby's head and the cousins all force feed her, whether she's crying or not. Then they pop a balloon over her head, which is very loud and confetti falls all over her. Needless to say, she's a crying mess and wants nothing to do with her cake by that time. Funny system! 

Jameel with his grand baby

Practicing my tamil with some of Jameel's family 

Jameel and all his girls! 

Our family with the birthday girl 

The Blessing of Being A Part of My Mom's Wedding Day

I was so thankful for my brother making it possible that I could be a part of my mom and Terry's wedding. It was crazy just being with her three weeks before the wedding. But my heart longed so deeply to be there for her on her wedding day. My brother called me on Skype from his iPhone just as the small ceremony began. It was so special to feel like I was right there. Even my mom said she felt that way, and what a huge difference it made in my heart. That week had been a really hard one for me as all of the emotions of grieving my dad had come full force again. It was like the finality of truly saying good-bye to him. I can't even explain it. But through the many tears that not only my family cried but also Terry's (having lost his wife, and his kids- their mom); there was a joy that came from knowing that these two, though so desperately heartbroken and missing their first loves could now join together in a new love to encourage each other on throughout their next stage of life. We are so happy for them. My heart feels a huge relief to know that someone is there to take care of and love on my mom. Terry is a wonderful man that loves the Lord and loves my mom so very much. I love that they can both talk about their spouses and share with each other the love they have for them still.  Its like they both know how each other feels and they can still grieve together, yet still love one another and enjoy life to its fullest. 

My Birthday Fun

I woke up on my birthday morning to a delicious omelet and smoothie breakfast. My 3 boys had made me homemade cards and a beautifully decorated patio. I had a wonderful morning skyping family and a yummy lunch out since it was Andy's last day with us. That evening we had a bonfire on the beach with smores and singing and playing instruments. It was an altogether wonderful day! 

Johnson's New Surf Shop Grand Opening

It's always a blessing to be a part of Johnson's new accomplishments. We are proud of him for opening up his own surf shop to sell clothes and surf apparel. He is also using it to do surf lessons out of and rent out boards. We as STN staff and friends prayed over Johnson's opening day as God would bless his shop in every way. You can also pray for this new adventure for Johnson and his family. 

A Little Bit of Surf for this Month of May

Took an afternoon to shoot some surf at the point. It was a holiday here, so the beach was crowded with a lot of Singhalese and Muslim families.

Some of Our Favorite Times With My Mom (Grandma) Here

One night Cody had come home from fishing with lobster and yummy fish. We ended up making tacos with all of it, using the corn tortilla's that our friend Janie Craft brought for us. It was amazing while those tortillas and beans in a bag lasted!!!!! Thanks Janie! 

Some of the kids favorite times were sleeping over with grandma in her mosquito tent. 

Fun times at the waterfall in Ella

 My kids were invited to join the Singhalese school kids during their traditional New Years luncheon. My mom and I took the kids in the morning and Cody joined us later for fun games. It was an all day event at the school in our village.  

Our great Italian friends blessed us with an absolutely free room and food at their hotel in Tangalle for an entire week. What a blessing it was to enjoy a fun and relaxing atmosphere for "grandma's" last week in Sri Lanka. We all ended up sick that week, but tried to make the most of our time with my momma. 

 One of our last nice dinners out, celebrating mom and her exciting new adventure she was about to embark on coming home. 

We loved our times playing on the beach with "grandma." She's so much fun!

Loved quality time with my mom/best friend. So nice to love on each other in person rather than Skype. 

This was the moon one night from a restaurant in A-Bay. Mom was sitting on the bench talking to Terry. Had to capture this shot. 

So Nice Having Andy Here

We were super blessed to have Andy back out to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks. We missed his first week when we were taking mom to the airport. But we thoroughly enjoyed having him here. He was just transitioning, but he was on outreach for sure! He charged hard and helped out at every event, with great attitudes. He has great leadership qualities and also led us in worship on Sundays. True blessing to have him out! 

Cody got Andy and our new friend Will hooked on fishing! Good times!