The Good and the Bad

The good side of things here is that it is summer. We are almost ready to pull out our blow up swimming pool and let the kids enjoy the back yard. We have enjoyed our first summer road trip with the company of Benny Prasad, the world record holder of traveling to 250 countries in the least amount of time. We have known him for over 10 years and it was a delight to drive him to the grasslands and watch him perform his amazing bongo guitar. He shared his story with those around us and inspired many youth. He also inspired us, he has amazing stories and the 12-hour car ride was a great way to catch up with him. We used our tent and the kids loved waking up at 6am to Yak just outside. We met local nomad families and marveled at God’s amazing hand in His creation. We are also enjoying the many friendships we have made. A few friends have shown their friendship by regularly showing up at the door just wanting to hang out. Many times it’s perfect timing for dinner and we share our American style dishes with them. I even introduced the salty licorice from Holland to a few friends; it did not go over well. Even though cheese is not a familiar food here, most everyone seems to really enjoy it. Cheese Broccoli soup, Pizza, fajitas, and more. We have found ways to find these things in our area. Oh and not to mention that Uncle Tommy sends Mac and Cheese enough that we almost never run out. (Keep it coming!) We have also enjoyed the summer change of things. Morgan and I have volunteered to help a friend teach English for a few weeks. It is a great way to meet more families and people eager to learn more about life. I (Lori) have also enjoyed the return back to the orphanage and the amazing teachers I have there. They really care for each child and it has been a blessing. Yet it tears my heart to walk away each time wishing I could help these little ones more personally. Like adoption or foster care, we will just have to wait and see if any thing would open up someday.

There are also some bad sides of things. Summer is here so Alleyah is out of school. She gets a little bored sometimes and this leads to picking on Noah and the parent control saga begins. Alleyah misses her best friend who had to move out of the country and cried herself to sleep just last night about it. After talking to her and giving her a little peace she woke up to facebook sitting open on the computer. She looked at the pictures and said, “I can tell America is so much better.” This leads me to think that Facebook can be a catch 22. I love keeping up with friends and family and posting pictures of life here in Asia, but it hits me too. I miss the summer memories and time in the sun. I miss family and friends and watching my parents and in-laws smile over their grandchildren. I miss cousins playing together and maybe fighting too. I think about the possibility of just hopping on a plane for a short visit. In those moments I have to remind myself of things we are involved in and why we are here. I remind myself of the amazing road we are on and that His will is so much better than I could ever plan.

In August my Mom and her best friend will come for a short visit of 10 days. Of course, I am so excited to see her and hug her and watch her marvel at how much the kids have grown. I can’t wait for her to hear the kids speak the local language and introduce her to our closest friends. Yet I think it is just too short. I am secretly already looking forward to our visit home in January for a few months. But I guess it is not a secret now, so to everyone...WE MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH!

I guess there are good days and bad days wherever you are. I know that many other families face long distance relationships too. I have been holding on to the fact that this life is so short compared to eternity with Christ and those who love Him. Eternity to never be separated from those we love so much again. To stand in the presence of our Father and worship our creator!

I will leave you with the lyrics of a song I sing regularly.

“There Will Be A Day” by Jeremy camp

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have 
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab 
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth, 
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings 
That there will be a place with no more suffering 


There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears 
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face 
But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always 



I know the journey seems so long 
You feel your walking on your own 
But there has never been a step 
Where you’ve walked out all alone 

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart 
Cause joy and peace he brings 
And the beauty that’s in store 
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting 



I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced 
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….


There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears 
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the stains, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day.

Benny Prasad, playing for 100 girls.

Our camp site!

Eating with the local nomads.

Our Thank you bread gift from our house guest.

One of many visits to the farm areas.

Bless you all! Thank you again for your encouragement and keeping up with us.

P.S. We will be working on a new blog layout for those who get this in the email form. Sorry about the color, we have heard it is difficult to read and we will see what we can do for that. :)