Cactus Flower

Dalton and a friend earlier this year Tomorrow marks another Thanksgiving... another birthday for me, and a mama with a burdened, but grateful heart. Two weeks ago, our middle boy left for boarding school where he will be staying as the rest of the family heads off to Brazil in a few short days.  Tomorrow as we sit eating turkey and pie without him at the table, and without our oldest who is now in Brazil alone for the holiday, we might not feel overwhelming in the spirit of the holiday. But we can be grateful, nonetheless, for each one of our boys.  We can be glad that Dalton is in a great place with great people.  He is safe and sound. He is in a wonderful school with individual attention.  He is well cared for everyday. As my mama heart is heavy tomorrow, it can still be glad and grateful... and I humbly pray for other fellows out on the streets of Reidsville over the holiday weekend who have no family that cares for them, no warm place to lay their h...

"Wow, is this American?"     "Is this how it comes in the States?"   "I thought it came in a little can you put in the microwave."           "Where did this come from anyway?"   "How much does it cost in America?"   "We could live on this stuff after we go to the States to live!"   "May I have some more, please!" This past week our dear "big city" missionary friend sent us some much needed tea (we were out), 4 boxes of Walmart macaroni and cheese she found at the big city grocery store and a giant bottle of real Hershey's chocolate syrup she found on a recent trip.  Woo hoo!  Hog Heaven! The chocolate syrup deserved some ice cream to go along with it which we enjoyed one evening.  The mac & cheese went with pork chops and green beans for lunch one day.   The boys talked and talked about it.  Had it been that long since they'd had some good mac & cheese.  Apparently ...

Okay Folks!  After millions of requests for what I would love to have in a box from America, here's the big list!  Alright that is a slight exaggeration of the number of people who have ever asked or even cared to know, nonetheless the matter has been on my mind lately.   I guess it all started when a person told me that sending packages to missionaries was a big waste of money and effort.  Floored me!  Same person included snail mail letters and cards in the same paragraph as non-important!  So here we go and make sure you keep in mind that this is MY list and not send these same items to some other missionary mama that might not like tacos at all or need ear plugs.  Always best to verify before hand!  1. Mild Taco Seasoning in packets  2. Soft Foam Ear Plugs  3. Skittles  4. Plastic bowl covers (they look like shower caps)  5.  Mennon Speed Stick Antiperspirant (any fragrance)  6. Mechanical pencils (the chea...