"Missionary Mama in the Making"

MK SPIRIT WEEK--Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:03:00 +0000

Today we are going "CrAzY for Christ" as we dress up as one of our heroes of the faith--a missionary!

At our house everyday this week we have been listening to a portion of the amazing testimony of Darlene Deibler Rose, who served as a missionary in Papua New Guinea and was a POW of WWII.

If you have never heard her powerful, inspiring, and convicting story, I strongly urge you to take the time and listen to it...you can find her story from her own lips at nogreaterjoy.org. It is divided into 5 parts for your ease of listening.

Here is Darlene Deibler Rose as a young missionary wife. Isn't she lovely?!

And now introducing our very own mini "Darlene Deibler Rose"...

Not too shabby, right?! I think she makes a pretty cute "mini" myself. ;)

Here's Ethan portraying one of the Boegis bandits that Darlene met up with face to face one night in the hallway of her house...you'll have to listen to her story to find out what she did!

Here's a quote from Darlene's book--Evidence Not Seen, referring to what happened after that night:

“We heard bandits return several nights after that, but they never again entered the house. It wasn't until after the war that I learned why. I had suspected the Jaffray's gardener; he was Boegis, and he knew the layout of the house. When I asked him why they had never entered the house again, he answered incredulously, "Because of those people you had there - those people in white who stood about the house." The Lord had put His angels around us. He had delivered.”

Lookin' fierce!

And here's "Darlene" displaying her rat-killin' broom and her miracle bananas...again, you just have to listen to her testimony to find out what this is all about!

Although Brenna didn't really get in on the action today, I just couldn't resist this beautiful face! Such a lil' sweetheart! <3 p="">
Thanks for stopping in and I hope that we have piqued your curiosity to find out more about incredible people like Darlene Deibler Rose and other missionaries, some of whom can be spotted over at Baptist Missionary Women!

MK SPIRIT WEEK--Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 15:03:00 +0000

Ok, are you ready for this?

Do you have your sunglasses on?
You might need them so that the overwhelming bright colors and wacky patterns don't hurt your eyes.

**WARNING**
What you see next may be shocking and not appropriate for those that are matchy-matchy.

Here goes...

CrAzY ClOtHeS DaY...Gansemer Style!

Here they are in all their glory!

Love the angry face and bent ear!

Brenna is our -stylin' princess, complete with flowers, bows, and beads

Clara is our -well-dressed flag

Ethan is our -tie wearin', ninja fightin', cape flappin', little man!

SILLY SISTERS!

Yes, I was brave and participated, too! As if my kids would've let me off the hook?!

TA DA!!! The Clowns Have Come to Town!

Yep, we've got spirit, all the way down to our TOES!!! :)

Don't forget to check out the other awesome outfits over at Baptist Missionary Women blog!

And tomorrow, we'll see you back here for more fun!

MK SPIRIT WEEK--Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:19:00 +0000

Did you survive the suspense of not knowing?!

Drum-roll please.....

Dum, da, da, dum, dum, dum, dum......

Today is CRAZY HAIR/HAT DAY!!

Here's what we came up with...

Here we are, showing off our new "do"s

Clara is sporting a bow/bun-hawk

Ethan is our bucket head

Brenna is wearing a pony-hawk for the day

Lots of fun and giggles.

Don't forget to hop over to Baptist Missionary Women to see more of the action...and check back here tomorrow for...

CrAzY ClOtHeS DaY!!!! You won't want to miss it! :)

MK SPIRIT WEEK--Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:23:00 +0000

And here you thought that the only exciting thing going on this week was Valentine's Day on Friday! Well, not so for us missionaries!!! This week we are participating in Missionary Kid Spirit Week, a great idea that started over at Baptist Missionary Women blog and will reach around the globe!!! Such a fun idea that I couldn't pass it up and know my kids are going to have a blast with it everyday!

Here's what "Crazy Mustache Monday" looks like at our house...

Brenna, 22 months :)

Ethan, counting down the days til he turns 4! :)

Clara, 6 1/2, my fun 1st grader! :)

Yep, I got in on the "Stashin' Action", too! ;)

So I "MUSTACHE" you, Did these pics bring a smile to your face????!!!! They sure brightened up our Monday!!! My kids ABSOLUTELY LOVED this, even baby Bren! Honestly, I thought that she would be scared of them or at the least rip hers off in about .02 seconds--boy, was I wrong!!!! She did NOT want to take it off! In fact, as I sit here uploading these pics, she just came up to me with it plastered on her face again! She's so funny!

Who said MKs don't know how to have a good time?!

Stay tuned for more crazy fun coming everyday this week...tomorrow will be Crazy_______ Day!!!! Guess you'll have to come back and find out! :) Happy Monday!

While Daddy's Away...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 21:30:00 +0000

While Daddy's Away...
The kiddies will play.
And mama will, too.
He won't have a clue
the fun that they've had
while missing their dad.

They will rush through their school,
then do something "cool"
like books and play dough,
table games, tic tac toe.
There will be ice cream and sweets,
tasty treats can't be beat.

All these distractions will work for a while
but then it will turn into a fading smile
Extra hugs and kisses from mama just can't compare,
with having their sweet daddy there.

So at the end of a tiring, fun, and busy day
their thoughts turn to daddy and they wish they could say:
"I love you bunches!" to this wonderful man
a father who is dearly missed by his little clan.

Corny?...oh yes! But all true.
Daddy's away this week doing the work that the Lord has given him. Preaching a week of camp to 12-14 year olds in Buenos Aires. 600 miles away. A long overnight bus trip away.

Things just don't feel quite right when daddy's not home. Everything seems just a bit off-kilter somehow. I guess it's a good reminder of how much we take for granted. Of how often I take him for granted. His calming presence. Makes me feel safe. Makes me feel loved. Makes me feel content and at peace. Someone to share life's burdens and joys. I realize that ultimately all of those things come from my Lord. But they come from my hubby, too. Most definitely. I think that's partly why God has given him to me. To show me how all those things feel in a very real and present way. How I need to cherish the time we have together! How I need to remember that it's the "little things" in our life and marriage that really count. How I need to love and submit to him and show it.

God has given me a precious gift. A Godly and loving husband who is about His Father's business. A wonderful, hardworking man. A kind and caring father to our children.

I am truly blessed to call him mine.

Itchy Fingers

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 04:03:00 +0000

My fingers have that feeling again...my fellow bloggers know the feeling, right?! That itchy, tingly sensation that screams at you to just get a few words out via your fingertips. That need to rest them on the plastic keys and hear the soft and steady clicking as you let the words flow and the story be told. I get that feeling often. Unfortunately, I haven't seemed to quite figure out how to make that more than a feeling and turn it into a reality. You know how it goes, don't you?! Days steadily come and go, another morning to drag myself away from the soft sheets and hit the ground running with all the norms of motherhood. First there are bodies to clothe, mouths to feed, hairs to arrange, laundry to wash, dry, fold, sort, and put away, the overflowing sink full of dirty dishes, soon to be followed up with another meal preparation and, you know what that brings, more dishes and clean up. Crumby floors, scattered toys, books strewn from here to there and back again. Dirty diapers, runny noses, tears and screeches, laughter, tickles, and squeals of delight. Shouts of gladness, yelps of pain. General chaos with a few precious moments of peace sprinkled in, just to help me remember what sanity feels like.

Yep, that crazy mixed up life of a mom of littles. And it's the best thing in the world.

So, until I actually figure out what life looks like from the other side of the eight ball, let me just say that I do think of you as I go along my busy day. I do wonder how you are doing and wish that I had time to sit down with you for a good catchin' up chat. Wonder how you are coping with the mayhem that is your life. How the struggles are piling up. How the victories are won. What life is like on your side of the world.

And I bid you a most belated, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and just so I can be ahead in something, Happy Valentine's Day, too! I love you, sweet friend, dear family member, wonderful missionary lady, or blog acquaintance. And as I pause in my day, and you pass through my thoughts, I pray for God's blessings to be upon you. That He will supply that need, protect you and your family, give wisdom in the decisions that come your way, guide your path around the unseen bend or the upcoming fork in the road, and most of all show you His love and loan you His strength to help you through each day.

God Provides

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 03:59:00 +0000

Ok, in case there is anyone out there, #1 still interested in reading this neglected blog, and #2, that hasn't heard that we are now safely tucked away in our home haven in Mendoza, well WE ARE!!!

Part of the front of our house--love those pretty sunbeams :)

Wheew! Moving is Super Nuts-o Crazy! {As if you didn't know that, right?! ;) } Yeah, it definitely is.
God worked in a marvelous way and allowed the paperwork to finally go through on the house that I mentioned in my last post {here}. He helped us to find a good price on a moving truck (1/2 the cost of every other company that we had gotten quotes from--yay us!) and it came with workers included to help with the loading and unloading. Boy, did we ever need that! Plus, 3 men came from a church/city 3 hours away to help us move in. The Lord truly performed some miracles on our behalf, as we needed every square inch in the moving truck {I still have no idea how it all fit, it was definitely of the Lord! Maybe, he zapped things with a shrink-ray as they went in?! ;) } and we needed every ounce of strength that each man possessed to clean out our house and move in all of our stuff!

Our miraculous moving truck! Yep, it ALL fit in there!

And, right when I wanted most to be healthy and feeling best, I got sick. Yep, the night before we moved I could feel it coming on--sore throat, stuffy head, body aches and complete lack of energy. Just what I needed going into a move. Evidently, the Lord wanted His strength to show through my weakness. He reminded me {again!} that "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry". I leaned hard on Him and my hubby and just took it one day, one hour, one box at a time. After all, it wasn't like the dirt and piles of treasures were rushing off somewhere. They were there waiting for me each day and little by little progress was made, boxes unpacked, things scrubbed, trimmed, pushed, pulled, unwrapped, cut open, de-taped, and this unkempt shell of a house was transformed into a wonderful, comfortable haven of rest home for us lowly missionaries.

Our quickly filling up living room and one of our hard-working helpers

What a joy it is to:
Cook in my own kitchen!
Sleep in my own bed!
Have my own things around me--such as books, pictures, decorations, etc.
Play "hostess".
Watch my kiddos run around in our backyard and enjoy their own (long-lost) toys.

3 cuties on a bench in our backyard

And so many other little things, that all summed up just simply whisper to me...
"You're home....Home in Argentina, home in Mendoza, home in this sweet place, with this sweet family that I have given to you, and home in the center of My will."

I am so thankful. It is good to be home.

On "Being Homeless"

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 12:33:00 +0000

I know, I know...I said that I was going to "jump back in" to blogging...but, what do you say when you feel like you are stuck in a major holding pattern and going nowhere fast...I know we say those kind of cute little quips from time to time, but what if they were literally the truth?! Yep, that sums it up pretty well for me right now...

When we were on furlough, and staying mainly with my in-laws with a little bit of "here, there, and everywhere" thrown in, I would often joke with my daughter about being "homeless" as we didn't have a house of our own. But, it's not so funny when you really are/feel homeless.
Since returning to Argentina on July 1st we have been staying at the church that we worked with during our first term (in the Buenos Aires suburbs).

The first few weeks were a flurry of activity:

We FINALLY finished up Clara's paperwork and received her Argentine document! Huge blessing and answer to prayer!
We traded-in and bought a different vehicle, which will much better suit our needs as a family of 5.
Our container made it into port, and after a long and grueling week of lots of running around, waiting, and paperwork for my hubby, it was safely unloaded into storage with our other belongings. Wheew!

We then made the long 12+ hour trip out to Mendoza to begin our house search.

That's where the fun really began...we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, that's for sure!
We spent 2 1/2 weeks out there as a family, stayed in a cabin type place and then an apartment in the downtown area, made tons of phone calls, scoured the paper and internet daily, set up lots of appointments to see houses, went to see around 20 houses all over the city and suburbs, and drove around checking out neighborhoods/looking for "FOR RENT" signs, etc.
Sprinkled in amongst the house-hunting madness, we took the kids to the park a few times, to the zoo, visited the mall, tried to give them a few fun moments amidst the stress of being toted all over the place...

And, there's no end of the story...YET.
We finally came back "home" (except that is comical, because the whole point is that we are looking for just that, a home) empty handed.
So, Matt returned to Mendoza by bus a week later to scope out a few more options that became available. And, he found a great house with a good yard space for the kids. Hooray!!!
Wait, save the celebrating til later, we still have that infamous hurdle called "paperwork" to overcome. Yep, been workin' on that for a couple weeks now...so glad that they could get right on that for us (LOADS of Sarcasm inserted here). Anyway, without going into all the nitty-gritty and discouraging details, renting is no picnic here, in fact, it is probably more complicated than buying.

So, if you have stuck with reading my "pity party" post to this point, let me reassure you that honestly and truly we are doing fine. Has it been buckets of fun every minute of each day?? Absolutely NOT! BUT...
God is still on the throne.
God is faithful.
God is trustworthy.
God knows exactly where were at, why things are going {or not going} the way they are, what we need, and WHEN we need it.
God makes no mistakes.
God has a beautiful plan for us, it just doesn't look anything like we thought it would. BUT, THAT'S OKAY...HIS WAY WILL BE SOOO MUCH BETTER. I know that.
I trust Him. No, really, I DO!!! It's so easy to say that, but another thing entirely to have to put it into practice.
God is teaching and growing me and my faith through this whole process showing me that I must be content "in whatsoever state I am" {Philippians 4:11} Even if that means sleeping on a mattress on the floor for over 2 months, having suitcases for dressers and a "limited wardrobe", lugging my laundry to our Pastor's wife's washing machine every week, my kids don't have their toys right now, everybody and their brother keeps asking me if we have a house yet and I still have to answer, "No, not yet."
I can still be content with where I am at and what I DO have. Because, when I stop and think about it I have:
A husband who loves me and is by my side day and night, 3 precious kiddos that drive me crazy and I wouldn't change it for the world, my health and the health of my family, an amazing family back home that loves us and is praying for us, sweet friends and church family here that are willing to put up with us and help us during this time and let us have a part of the ministries and activities while we are here, sweet friends in the states that encourage me by their kind words, notes, and prayers, and a GREAT BIG GOD THAT LOVES ME and has NOT forgotten me and His precious Love Letter to me to remind me of these things.

I can choose an attitude of gratitude for all of these things and choose not to wallow in self-pity, discouragement, and depression.
I can choose joy in the midst of this time of trial because joy has nothing to do with my current circumstances and everything to do with WHO HE IS!
I can choose to dwell on the positive and look for opportunities of service instead of letting my situation render me powerless and useless.

I am learning so much in "God's Wait Room"...it all boils down to this...Do I really trust God like I say I do, or are they just empty words? Because if I truly do trust Him, then I know that He has it all under control. I don't have to worry or live in fear of what tomorrow holds. Although I cannot see what is down the path or around the next bend, HE DOES. My part is to pray, do what I can, and leave it in His more-than-capable, powerful hands. That's it. And that is more than enough.

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

Psalm 27:13-14

About Brenna Bear

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 02:01:00 +0000

My Brenna Bear--She's definitely my little "mold breaker".
Clara and Ethan were so similar in looks and attitude as babies, but not my Brenny.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. She is a very good baby, just very different.

1st off, mommy wanted Brenna's pacifier to be her best friend. It is definitely one of mama's best friends and worked well to comfort Clara and Ethan. Brenna had other ideas. She did NOT like the rubber plug from day 1. So, she is my finger sucker. Yep, she broke me. She sucks her two middle fingers shamelessly, but mainly when she is tired out.

LOVE that little smile hiding under there!

Then there's the reason for her "Brenna Bear" nickname. She has a favorite blanky bear. Actually, she has 2 {it's always good to have a backup ;) }. My other two were never really attached to anything, but their pacifiers. Not Brenna. Brenna's Boo Bear goes with us everywhere. It makes her happy, so in turn, mama's happy and everybody can be happy. :))

Sleeping at the table with fingers in mouth and bear in hand

Precious baby blue eyes

She really is a joy and the older 2 love her dearly. Sometimes they love her a little too much. As in, in-her-face and on top of her. But, she is already learning as the baby of the family to make her little presence known and voice be heard. Her shrieks are heard loud and clear when the others get a little to carried away messing with her or taking her toys. Overall, it is fun to watch her grow and able to interact and play with them more and more.

Giving Brenny some love

Happy Pajama Kids

Also, I think she is headed for anger management classes. Most of the time, she is a good-natured baby, content to play and keep herself occupied. BUT, watch out if she gets mad. She has been known to {rather violently} bash her poor little forehead into the floor. Which of course, only proves to make her more upset. Yeah, that is definitely something we are working on. Brenna and her means of self-inflicted torture. Crazy girl!

Then there's her crawl/scoot/jitter bug thing. I don't know what to rightly call it, but it's pretty funny to watch. Brenna would not want to be known as being conventional, so she invented her own way of getting around. She despised being on her belly. She did/does NOT want to stand. No really, when held up to stand her legs would go straight out in front of her! So, she sits and scoots using one arm and sliding her leg along the floor. Don't worry; it doesn't slow her down one little bit! She is quick as lightning! However, mama's thinking that it is about time to figure out this walking thing 'cuz the cold, dirty floor is not so good on the laundry or baby's bottom. I think she is holding out on me. One of these days when she finally decides the time is right, she's just going to hop up and take off and then I am going to be stunned and chasing after her! ;)

She's so full of smiles, ticklish spots, and baby belly laughs. Chubby cherub cheeks. Raven hair and blue eyes with flecks of brown/green. She is such a squishy ball of fun! I love my Brenny girl. She is so unique and special to me already. Can't wait to see the plans that God has for her life!

Jumping back in...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 03:26:00 +0000

with both feet, or maybe it's "diving in head first" ?! Hmmm....sure hope there's water in the pool. :S

Anywho, not really sure where to begin with all that has happened in the past year. Furlough is a whirlwind, let me tell ya. But, I think I will get into that more later...

For now, I just wanted to let you know that, yes, I am still here...after a long blogging sabbatical, I am still a missionary mama, I still have an amazing family, I still have a Great Big and Very Good God, I still have joys and struggles, and I still want to write here, for me and whoever wants to bend a "listening ear".

I'm going to give you the very quick and abbreviated version of what's going on in our crazy life so that we can at least attempt to be on the same page and make sense of some of my future musings. Ok, here goes...

Brenna was born April 9, 2012--no, I absolutely CANNOT believe that it has been 15 months since then already. Trust me, she does not resemble those newborn itsy-bitsy baby pics anymore. Will try to give you a picture update soon, too.

Packed up our house and put everything in storage then headed back to the states for our first furlough at the end of June 2012.

At the airport in Argentina June 2012

Enjoying the plane ride!

On our way to meet Grandma and Grandpa!

Looking pretty and being sweet on the plane!

Crazy-busy blur of activity--traveling, reporting to churches, seeing friends, and family, birthdays, holidays, ya know, that whirlwind-furlough-thing.

Last few months have been spent doing some serious packing and preparing to send a container to ourselves in Argentina to help with our home and ministry here.

Fast forward to 1 week ago--Thursday, June 27, got on a plane (actually 3) and made our way to Montevideo, Uruguay for the weekend and on Monday July 1, we had a 1 hr. flight and {after being gone for 1 year} landed in our beloved Argentina. Wheew!!!

And, although we are currently "homeless" and have a LOT to do in the next few weeks to really get settled again, it feels SO good to be back!

In spite of all the goodbyes {yeah, I really, really despise those} and tiring days and emotional moments, there's still nothing like being where you KNOW that you are supposed to be, getting back to what you KNOW God wants you to do. That brings so much comfort...that makes it all worthwhile.

So, don't go pitying me...I love my life and wouldn't trade this adventure of ours for the world! God is so, So, SO good to me!

Matt and Ethan sporting their Argentina soccer jerseys, a going away present from the church!

A "bird's eye" view

And hopefully, you will be hearing from me again soon...yep, it's good to be back in Argentina and it's good to be back writing here, too! :)

My Sunday School Classroom

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:06:00 +0000

I had mentioned over here that my classroom is now decorated and I was going to get some pics to share with you...well, here they are!

Stars to put stickers on for saying their verses and good behavior!

Our class name "ESTRELLITAS" {little stars} above our chalkboard which is hidden by the flannelgraph backdrop

The adorable car curtains that another teacher made for our class, they are so bright and fun!

See the flower and airplane wall stickers? They are perfect in here and below is our memory verse contest poster.

Our current bulletin board--We are learning about Super Heroes of the Bible and they are LOVING IT!

It turned out so cute, even I just want to sit in there and look at all the fun, colorful things that are there to see! Of course, it looks even better when it is full of little munchkins. I love these kiddos and am sure going to miss them!

P.S. If you are interested in checking out the lessons that we are using and doing a fun super hero theme, check out this great Sunday School lesson website for lessons in English and Spanish!

Lovin' on my Brenna Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:20:00 +0000

Time continues to speed by around here--Friday we are moving all the stuff out of our house, the following Thurs. we are headed to see the parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that we have missed so much. Needless to say, LOTS to do! So, going to try to do a couple of catch up posts today and then I will probably be MIA again for a while...you'll forgive me, won't you?!

A few weeks after Brenna was born the sweet ladies at my church had a baby shower for my lil' sweetie pie. It was a wonderful, relaxing time of food, fellowship and fun. Just what I needed to help me get through all those tiring days of paperwork.

All dressed up and ready to go!

No, they are really not that lumpy! LOL

Presents!

2 tiny sweaters

All the pretties

Bib Magnet Souvenirs

Yummy Cake

My dear friends

Candy "pacifiers"

Sisters

Beautiful Brenna

One of my dearest friends was not able to make it to the shower because she was dealing with her own sick baby, but she surprised me by bringing this to church--

It looks like a ginormous frosted cupcake made of diapers and 2 super soft fleece receiving blankets. Then it was decorated with tiny hair clips and ponytail "sprinkles". So cute!

And this sweater is the most precious thing of all...my friend Yanel's grandma made this sweater, along with some blue ones, for her future great-grandchildren before she passed away. But, so far, Yanel has 2 boys and no girls and so she wanted me to use it for Brenna. Isn't that super sweet?! I was very humbled that she wanted to share such a special gift from her grandmother with me and to keep my little girl snuggly warm. Such a kind and giving spirit! The Lord has truly knit our hearts together and I will sorely miss her and all my sweet friends at our church here. They have been so patient with us and have been such a blessing to me and my family. I always say that they are my Argentine family and they will always hold a special place in my ♥.

Sunday Services in the New Building

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 12:49:00 +0000

Wow! Another week has zipped by! Seeing that it is Saturday and almost time for church again, I figured I better let you know how our services went last week. We had a great day in our new building, filled with food, fellowship, worship, and people! It was such a blessing to be able to enjoy and use this beautiful space that the Lord has provided. It still seems a bit surreal that it is really ours (the church's, not Matt's and mine)!

Here's some things that I am thankful for regarding last Sunday Services and our new building:

1. Seeing the church full of excited, happy people
2. Having enough classrooms for everyone, with teachers and kiddos enjoying their new space
3. A safe place for the kids to play outside (and not worry that they are in the street!)
4. Nice bathrooms (the property has 4!!!)
5. A real nursery for my Brenna to be in
6. A beautifully decorated international dinner with LOTS of yummy food
7. The spirit of unity amongst the people, along with a willingness to pitch in and help take care of their new church building

Singing Sunday School Songs

Look at those big helpers!

My "little stars" class--such handsome little men

By the way...after church the other teacher and I (pictured above) decorated our classroom--it looks so cute! Will try to get a pic of it tomorrow! :)

"God's Treasures" Class

"Bible Explorers" Class

"Followers of Christ" Class

Adult/Teen Class

Argentina table

Decorating the China table

Mexico table and some of the FOOD!

FULL auditorium! :)

It was a wonderful and blessed day and I know that there will be many more in the future! Can't wait for tomorrow!

His Glorious Church

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Have I kept you in suspense long enough?! You haven't been holding your breath all this time, have you?!

Recently, I posted about our upcoming move preparations and hinted at another move going on down here. Let me tell ya all about it...

"...Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

Ephesians 5:25-27

The church that we have been privileged to be a part of here has been renting a building. Property is very expensive here in the central part of our town and unfortunately the prices are only continuing to rise. For the past 10 years, the pastor/church has only been able to afford renting a renovated house to meet in. Thankfully, the church is growing and this space is NOT meeting our needs anymore. The teenagers have been having Sunday School outside on the patio for months because there is no room for them. Now that it is fall time and getting quite chilly out they have come back inside and booted me and my class of littles into the itsy-bitsy hallway. Seriously, it is tiny! It is quite the sight to behold all of the classes get into their rooms and get situated before we can begin teaching. It is truly a science; the classes have to be dismissed and set up in such a way that everyone can get to their proper spot and set up, then once you are in your area, you are in for the long hall. Hope you didn't have to go to the bathroom 'cause there's no escaping! In fact, I pin up my flannelgraph background on the back of the bathroom door! Let me tell ya, it definitely makes me feel more like an authentic missionary! It is "do with what ya got" all the way!

So, after many attempts to raise funds and purchase a property, I am very happy to announce that we are days away from moving into our very own church building! Renovations/cleaning/decorating are all in the works as we prepare to have our first services in the new place this coming Sunday, complete with an international dinner to wrap up our missions month. It is so exciting to see how the Lord has provided for His people, especially after seeing closed door after closed door. But, as always God knows best and is in control. Our pastor showed interest in our newly purchased property over 6 years ago and the owners were not interested in selling at that time. However, they recently put the place up for sale and they couldn't believe that after all this time our church was still looking to buy and they were very pleased to sell it to us! God is so good!

Here's a little glimpse:

Front entrance--the door is open, come on in!

Auditorium--I can't wait to see it full of people!

Fellowship hall/Classroom

Sunday School Classroom

My Sunday School Room to teach my "Little Stars" :)

Beautiful backyard (Teenagers S.S. class is the small building in the back on the right)

Paddle Ball Court at the very back of the yard

So much space and potential! There are more Sunday School classrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, grill, off-street parking, and best of all no more renting!! Such a blessing to see the Lord answer prayer and meet the needs of his people. Will try to update again soon with pics of our first Sunday!

Marriage Fruits of the Spirit--FAITH {WW4MW Series}

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:14:00 +0000

{FAITH}

With God, nothing shall be impossible.
Prayer changes things; it changes YOU.
The couple that prays together, stays together.
If you get wrinkled up with care and worry, you need a FAITH-lift.
Take the Bible as your guide.
Faith makes all things possible, and love makes them easy.

photo source

My Thoughts

Have faith--definitely easier to say than to put into practice. As a missionary, I am quickly learning that God is in control. I mean, I always knew it in my head, but it's another thing entirely to see it as a reality everyday. What am I getting at? Well, it is easy for Matt and I to make plans--plans for our future, our ministry, our kids, etc. BUT, when we run into a detour it is then that we have to live our faith and trust that God has a better plan in store for us. So often we think that we have it all figured out and know where we are headed. God is in control and takes care of things in HIS WAY and HIS TIMING. We have faith that He will have "...all things work together for good to them that love God..." (Romans 8:28) I am thankful that our marriage is a partnership with the Lord and that we can leave everything securely in His capable hands.

{Photo source}

Life with 3

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:19:00 +0000

My how time flies...when your days are filled with a newborn baby girl, rough and tumble 2 year old, and an ever inquisitive and playful almost 5 year old. Man, that makes me tired just writing it out! ;)

Throw a whole bunch of running around doing paperwork into the mix and one after another the days vanish. Thankfully, although it seems to take us 2 days to do what should take us 1, we have everything in order for Brenna to take her first trip to the States in June. One {er...2 days} we worked on getting her Argentine birth certificate and document. Then we headed to the big city to apply for her Argentine passport (also took a couple trips) and then a visit to the American Embassy to get her American passport and certificate of birth abroad. Wheew! Of course, all these trips included dragging our 3 lil' munchkins all over the place to do a lot of sitting and waiting. To their credit, they did great! Maybe they are starting to get used to it?! We received Brenna's Argentine certificate and document and her 2 passports in the mail and are now set to travel! Praise the Lord! Dual citizenship is pretty neat, but a lot of work, too!

Of course, we tried to reward good behavior and stick a little fun in there, too. Brenna took her first trip to the park. I don't think she was too impressed, but we all enjoyed the gorgeous fall day. Another day we visited the brand new and only Wendy's in Argentina which had a ginormous play place for the kids to burn off all their pent up energy.

This is the life!

My pretty girls

Love that face, with button nose and perfectly pursed lips! ♥

Hangin' around

My 4 loves

Handsomeness

Not surprisingly with the change in seasons/temps. and the days of hurrying from one place to another to accomplish all this, the kiddos came down with lovely coughs and colds. It took a bit longer to reach to sweet lil' Brenna, but she too has been fighting it off. Even mommy and daddy did not get by unscathed. Thankfully, it has been lingering but not serious and I think that we are finally over all of that now.

This week we are happy to be at home and enjoying being a family of 5. Brenna is sleeping like a champ and starting to fill out her lil' cheeks and "bird legs" already. It is so amazing to watch the changes take place before my very eyes, although it always seems to go by too quickly. She is a content baby that has truly captured my heart. I am trying to enjoy every moment...watching her adorable sleeping form, listening to her breathe, feeling her snuggle on my chest, touching her soft skin and fluffy, dark hair, and overall being in awe of her beauty and tiny newness.

The older 2 love to shower her with kisses and talk about their "Baby Brenna". Clara is such a helper; always willing to retrieve things for me and help take care of her real live baby doll. As for Ethan, well, he has been nice and sweet and hasn't tried to attack her yet. Mostly, he is in his own little world of which she doesn't really have a big part so far. But, for now that's okay with me. Much less drama and problems. As she grows and can do more, it will be interesting to see how they interact.

In other news, with 6 weeks left before heading on furlough the packing has begun! Matt took down our spare bed in the office to make room for boxes and we are in the process of sorting, purging, stacking and stuffing, etc. It is exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. It feels a lot more real now and there's lots to do to make the remaining time fly by! Please pray that we can all keep our sanity and get everything taken care of, especially those last minute details that seem to sneak up on ya when you are movin'.

This is quickly turning into a book {or at least a long chapter} so, I will save the rest of my exciting news for another day. As a teaser, let's just say that we aren't the only ones in the process of moving around here. Can't wait to tell you more about what the Lord is doing. Until then...

Already Outdated Easter Pics ;)

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:38:00 +0000

Last pic as a family of 4 :)

2 (of my now 3) cuties on Easter

Adorable...but missing a lil' someone

39 weeks 4 days -- She was playing shy ;)

Me and my sweeties on Easter

See what I mean?! These pics are from just last week, but they are already outdated. They are missing my newest little peanut. At least from a more photogenic angle. ;) And the last month or so, I was all convinced that I would surely have my little Brenna girl before Easter and would be able to dress her up, etc.

But, I forgot one little detail. She is a female. As such, she has already begun the practice of arriving "fashionably late". Of course, her grand entrance was truly right on time, just the way that God had planned it. It couldn't have went better or more smoothly. I wouldn't change a thing. My labor progressed manage-ably and quickly and hubby was right there beside me every moment. My poor friend, Angela, got stuck holding the bags and never made it into the delivery. My doc. showed up about 2 min. too late. Brenna and I certainly didn't care. She came out to meet the world at 4:00 p.m. on the dot the day after Easter and mommy and daddy couldn't be happier. She's the picture of perfection with 10 tiny fingers and toes and a healthy set of lungs. She is finally nestled in my arms. All is right and good.

Here she is in her "almost Easter dress"

Sleepy smile! ♥

Finding New Life

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:44:00 +0000

As we know, Easter has recently passed us by, but being that I kinda had a baby the very next day I didn't really get to give you the low down on our Easter and the way that the Lord has made His Resurrection so meaningful to me this year.

The Wednesday before Easter we had a hum-dinger of a tornado-filled storm pass through our area. Where we live this has NEVER happened before and we were caught off-guard. Unfortunately, we, along with thousands of people, lost power and running water. Ours came back on in the wee hours on Easter morning. Many are still waiting.

So much for having the laundry all caught up before baby's arrival, huh?! Oh well, it was quite the adventure for us, and made us oh-so-thankful to have not been severely affected--our lives and home were untouched. That's the most important thing, not little inconveniences for a few days.

However, the story gets SO much better. God always seems to find a way to be glorified in the midst of the storm and this definitely rang loud and clear in my ears that Wed. night. When we lost power our 2 year old ball of energy, Ethan, wasn't to thrilled about being stuck in the dark and surrounded by all those stormy sounds. Clara wasn't real happy about it either. As I was lighting candles and reassuring them that everything was ok, I was quick to point out something that we often go over in Sunday School: We don't have to be afraid, because Jesus is always with us.

Our conversation went something like this:

Me-- Jesus takes good care of us.

Clara-- Yeah, but not the bad guys and police (think she meant robbers), they don't get to go to Heaven.

Me-- Actually, being good or bad doesn't have anything to do with going to Heaven. We all do bad things sometimes, but to go to Heaven we have to believe that Jesus is the only way that we can get there and ask Him to take us.

Clara-- I want to do that someday, because I want Jesus to take me to Heaven.

WOW!!! Inside my heart started to race and I thought, "Is she really ready to make this decision and accept Jesus?!" Of course, I quickly called Matt over and filled him in on what was going on. He took Clara aside while I took Ethan out of the picture so they could have a chat. How I wish I could have heard every word that was exchanged between daughter and daddy!

After a few minutes, Clara came to me with a big smile on her face and said that she wanted to tell me something. She happily told me that she had "prayed to Jesus that He would take her to Heaven someday". How that blessed my heart!

As soon as possible I talked to hubby and grilled him for all the details of what had happened. He assured me that he had explained everything thoroughly and that she understood that the only way she could get to Heaven was by Jesus and that she prayed on her own that Jesus would take her there.

Often since then she makes comments such as, how "full of joy" she is, because she knows that Jesus is going to take her to Heaven. Glory!

Happy Mama and Clara--April 4, 2012

So, you can see how a few days without power and water seem like nothing in comparison to my beautiful little girl putting her faith and trust in Our Almighty Saviour. I am so thankful that Jesus laid down His life on the cross and then took it back again 3 days later so that at this Easter time my precious daughter could find new life through Him!

Introducing...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Dun, da, da, dun, dun, dun, dun...{Trumpets and fanfare inserted here!}

Much catching up to do soon...first I will start with sleep and snuggling my beautiful Brenna. You can't blame me, now can you?! ;)

Marriage Fruits of the Spirit--GENTLENESS & GOODNESS {WW4MW Series}

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:24:00 +0000

{GENTLENESS}

Be to his virtues very kind. Be to his faults a little blind.
To speak kindly does not hurt the tongue.
A husband's best possession is a sympathetic wife.

{GOODNESS}

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The only way to settle a disagreement is on the basis of what's right--not who's right.
Don't make up your mind until you know the facts.
Do right and leave the results with God.
Improve the present moment.

My Thoughts

Speaking kindly--in other words, focusing on the positive and letting him know it!

Hubby is helping me (his quite large and uncomfy 9 month prego. wife) do some house cleaning catch-up today...isn't that just about the sweetest thing ever!?!! I sure think so.

Obviously, he is a man and does things in his own "man" way. Aka...not the way I would do it.
So, I have a choice, critique and criticize everything he does (which will put a quick stop to the helping) or be thankful for his willingness to do these "womanly" tasks, keep my big mouth shut and say "THANK YOU!!!"

Today, I choose the later.

Here I sit...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:42:00 +0000

So...

here I sit...

9 months pregnant...

38 weeks + 2 days, if you want to be exact.

People are always telling me how I don't look that big/far along.

I say, "Oooooohhh, but I sure FEEL big and far along!"
but, can't hurt for the whole "losing baby weight after birth" process, right?!

As of my ultrasound last Friday (the 16th), my lil' punkin is {supposedly} weighing 5 lbs. 9 oz. (like they can really know that with any kind of accuracy)...but, she has surely put on some weight since then.

♥ Cute button nose ♥

Thankfully, she doesn't seem to be sitting so high anymore, meaning that I can breathe better, but {ahem} more trips to the little ladies' room.

Tuesday I saw my doc. and I am supposed to go back in this Tues. so he can check if I am dialating/progressing at all. He said there's a chance that I will get to stay and get things going...hmmm...

So, I think my little princess heard all that talk and decided to add a little spice to the day, as later in the afternoon on Tues. I was having pretty regular contractions for a while at about 5 min. apart. She was just messin' with me, though. She seems to like to do that.

She is precious in His sight...and mine, too!

Bags are packed and sitting by the door, the closet is stocked with tiny diapers, wipes, onesies, itsy-bitsy-tootsie socks and adorable baby doll dresses...

Waiting, praying, hoping, waiting...praying some more {oh yeah, don't forget--trying not to stress or think about the actual labor}

I'm not feeling desperate...often...yet...

I know, I know, SOONER or later, she will come out! So excited!
♥ her!

Marriage Fruits of the Spirit--LONGSUFFERING {WW4MW Series}

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:11:00 +0000

{LONGSUFFERING}

Learn to disagree without being disagreeable.
If at first you don't succeed, you're running about average.
Don't go to pieces if you burn the toast--If your house burns down someday you'll be able to handle it, too.
The most difficult year of marriage is the one you're in.
Housework is something that you do that no one notices unless you don't do it.
Trying times are times for trying.
Marrying is not Marriage.
A man's best fortune {or his worst} is his wife.

My Thoughts

That Housework line...yah, that's so me...and trust me if no one else does I sure notice!!

I am very glad that I have a longsuffering husband that puts up with all my faults and failures. He really is very easy to please...{for instance, trying a new tasty recipe makes his day ;) } And, he doesn't get upset over burnt toast either...{good thing, since I think our toaster likes to eat the toast}

So, when I am tempted to get all worked up over finding dirty clothes on the floor right next to (but not IN) the hamper, or wonder why the desk in the office or the bedside table look like a bomb of papers exploded there, again...I realize the best thing to do is to think of all the things that he has to "put up with", too. Our house is far from immaculate, dinner is not always promptly on the table, he trips over a maze of kids' toys, etc., at times, I send him to the corner store sometimes multiple times a day, and the list goes on and on...
If he can be longsuffering with all of that, then surely I can cut him a little slack, too, right?!
Plus, I always think...such trivial things to get upset about! After all, he's HERE!! I don't have to wonder if he has stopped off at the local pub for a pint, or if he is coming home tonight at all, I don't have to wonder if he will be in a bad mood and take it out on me and the kids (verbally or otherwise). He is HERE and I wouldn't have it any other way! I will gladly pick up those stinky socks and organize the paper volcano, because it is WAY better than the alternative...just depends on your perspective!

Wouldn't you agree?!

Marriage Fruits of the Spirit--JOY & PEACE {WW4MW Series}

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:24:00 +0000

{JOY}

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The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to give, not to get; to serve, not to be served.
Each new day is an opportunity to start over again...
King or peasant, he is happiest who finds joy and peace in his home.

Photo source

{PEACE}

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Any housewife, no matter how large her family, can always find time to be alone by doing the dishes. :)
Don't go to bed angry.
A minute of thought is worth more than an hour of talk.
Peace isn't the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope.
To will what God wills brings peace.

photo source

{My Thoughts}

As we have all heard before, J-O-Y = Jesus, Others, You...Time to get the focus off ourselves in our marriage and serve with a joyful heart. If I stop worrying about MY needs and start focusing on the needs of my hubby, then I am not only doing my job, but also will realize that my true "NEEDS" have changed/are being fulfilled.

I ♥ that quote about the dishes--makes me smile every time! :)
Also, love that to have peace in our homes we #1: must have Christ as the center, and #2: will still have trials and struggles, but we'll be able to deal with them because of the calming assurance that Jesus' presence brings.

Marriage Fruits of the Spirit--LOVE ♥ {WW4MW Series}

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:55:00 +0000

Dearest Daughter~

I already had these written down when asked to add to this journal, so I'll share them here. The thoughts aren't original, but come from the book Apples of Gold. They are based around the fruit of the Spirit, as I trust your marriage will also be.

{LOVE}

{Photo source}

Success in marriage is much more than finding the right person; it is a matter of being the right person.
There is more pleasure in loving than in being loved.
True love never grows old.
Be the first to show your love:

smile first
nod first
speak first
and, if necessary, forgive first

We cannot love without giving, tho' we may give without loving.

Creation of Woman from the rib of Man

"She wasn't made of his head to top him;

Nor of his feet to be trampled upon by him;

But out of his side to be equal with him;

Under his arm to be protected

And near his heart to be loved."

The bonds of matrimony aren't worth much unless the interest is kept up.
We like not only to be loved, but to be told that we are loved.

The best way for a husband to clinch an argument is to take her in his arms. ♥
It always takes two to make up after a quarrel.

Mrs.--"Do you love me still?"

Mr.--"Yes, better than any other way!"

It's as absurd to pretend that one cannot love the same woman always as to pretend that a good musician needs several violins to play a piece of music.
Some women work so hard to make good husbands that they never quite manage to make good wives.

Perfect love is...

slow to condemn--quick to justify

slow to suspect--quick to trust

slow to demand--quick to give

slow to resent--quick to forgive

slow to belittle--quick to appreciate

slow to hinder--quick to help

slow to reprimand--quick to forbear

{My Thoughts}

OUCH, right?! Some of these quotes are cute and funny, but others, if we ponder them, can really step on our toes. So, how are we doing with our Marriage Fruits? Are we loving as we should?

I know that I need to work on my "reflexes"--being "slow to/quick to".

Also, I need to work on "making a good wife" and NOT on trying to "make a good husband". It's far too easy to try to "fix" him, when that's not my job in the first place. Plus, if I work on fixing myself, I would get a lot farther. Most likely, hubby doesn't need to change, but rather my perspective does!

Valentine's Banquet 2009

36 weeks and counting...

noreply@blogger.com (Heather ♥ {Missionary Mama}) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Today we headed to downtown Buenos Aires to do some {thrilling} paperwork.

The nice part was that it was a gorgeous, sunny 75*. Perfection! It was SO nice for this prego. mama and the kiddos not to roast in the car as we did a lot of driving and waiting.

In the afternoon we had to wait for one of our papers to be ready for pick up, so we took advantage of the lovely day and went to the park. The kids loved getting to run around, climb rocks, and soak up some warm sunshine. There was a little pond with geese and a light breeze...it couldn't have been any nicer!

As for me, well, being 36 weeks along (and considering my only and last belly pic. was taken at 20 weeks) I had Matt snap a couple shots of the ever-growing baby bump.

So here they are, for all the world to see...

Me & My Babies

Giving Baby Girl some Love ♥

Just us {3} Girls

36 weeks and counting...

Can't wait to introduce our littlest princess to the world! ♥ her already!