I will start with the most wonderful news first: Isabelle prayed to have Jesus be her Lord and Savior this week!!! We were talking about a friend who prayed this week and I asked Isabelle if she remembered when she made that decision (she did it a few years ago) and she said that she remembered, but she didn't really mean it. I asked her if she would like to do it now. She agreed and said she really meant it now (love the girls honesty!). We prayed together and a half hour later she asked if she could get baptised!!! Huge surprise. This can be an intimidating step of faith in our large church, that makes you say your testimony in front of 800 people while in a pool of water. Berkeley had already decided that she was ready for the plunge, so she too will be baptised on Sept. 5. This is the next baptism service. 2 of my girls will make a public declaration of their love of Jesus! We feel sooooo blessed!!
Well, we had our first official vacation as a family of 7! In lieu of buying a new, larger vehicle, we added a storage "thing" for the top of our car. We were able to fit all of the kids and luggage and food for one week in our Pilot! Huge accomplishment. We drove a few hours to Boyne, Michigan along with Karen's family for some outdoor fun. Some highlights were: kayaking and canoeing on Bear Lake, ferry ride to Mackanaw Island, riding bikes around the island, watching "Up", waterpark and goofing around resort property. It was a blast to have the whole family together and experience some "firsts" with Paxton and Phoebe.
Since we have been home we have been busy with some activities. The boys have basketball camp this week and seem to be enjoying it. Berkeley started 2 Bible studies and is enjoying her freedom from homework and a tight schedule. We go to the pool quite a bit and have had friends over for the kids. Next week will be even crazier with VBS and swim camp, but then we have 2 weeks of some quiet down time-- whew!
Looking forward to the next group of Ukrainian children to arrive. Our family will help mentor 2 families while their children are here. This is so exciting for our family. We have loved the experience and the friendships we have made through it, and look forward to others experiencing the same movement of God in their hearts for the things that move Him.
