"Operation Tree Removal"

Derek was able to join his Uncle Kevin and a father-and-son team from southern Germany (we know the latter family from the Tübingen ministry and camps) for two days of working at Camp Impact. Derek and Kevin left yesterday morning at 5 a.m. for the three hour drive to camp. It was about the same amount of driving for the other two coming from southern Germany. Yesterday Kevin had two important meetings with officials and several of the men from impact which they felt went well. We continue to look to the Lord to work out all the necessary details. At the camp Derek was asked to check for useable items (here he was in one of the garages). He located the bunk beds in the largest house, furthest away, and it was a challenge to bring them over the snow and ice. He set them up in a room in the old administration building. This is the building in which the former owners kept the many keys which the boys sorted out. Notice the buckets of snow which they brought in and melted. (No running water or electricity) The kitchen/eating area was set up in the front room. The propane helped to heat the rooms and cook the food. The main work project was to take care of fallen trees. The first trees they worked on were the ones that had fallen across the fence. Then they removed the ones on the building and lastly some too close to buildings. Daniel, the father, brought the chain saws. His father owns a section of forest in southern Germany. Ruben, 13, had his own saw and worked right along with him. Derek used the ax to remove the smaller branches of the trees. He also stacked the trunk sections and branches. A last farewell before locking up the property. We do pray for its safety. Vandalism is common over here in vacant buildings.

Danika turns 8!

A special place setting at the table The traditional date with Daddy included Mommy this time, at Danika's special request. :)

A Party for Our Birthday Girl

We have had camera trouble for several weeks, but were able to take some pictures today at Danika's party. We had it a few days early, because it seemed to fit into everyone's schedules best! Brüggemanns joined us for dinner and the afternoon, the other guests came for coffee and cake time around 5 p.m. Here Danika and Helene posed for a picture of Danika's new umbrella from Helene. Danika will be 8 years old on Wednesday, February 25th. These napkins reminded us of Danika (in the middle), Helene (on the right) and Danielle (on the left) :)

Safely and Happily Home!

Danika took many of the 150 pictures she brought home. I picked out some to share. Kay and Susan helped to get pictures of Danika, too. Ready to go on Tuesday! (Left to right: Jesse,Helene, Danika, Jacob) Getting settled in. The girls each had a top bunk. Breakfast and supper were enjoyed at the youth hostel. Wednesday they went hiking. "2km, Uncle Kay said", but Danika was sure it must have been more. :) Visiting the tourist attractions. (I still have to find out what exactly they saw. :)) Danika loved this one of Onkel Kay! Entrance to the cave they visited. Down inside the cave. A rock Danika was allowed to buy. SHe put it in the snow for the picture. On Thursday Tante Susan made them matching braids. A surprising sight: a kangaroo! Sledding---what fun! There was just enough snow. Camels were there, too. They ate lunch along the way. Here they were waiting for their food. Danika happily told me that she picked apple juice every day! They visited an old castle... and toured the inside. Here Danika was fixing dinner. :) We were happy to welcome her home today! She had a wonderful time, and the Lord gave her grace, but she was also thrilled to be back home again.

Preparations

Our dear friends, Kay and Susan (parents of Helene), invited Danika to go on a little trip with their family during the winter break. Here Danika was getting her backpack ready, and Danielle was copying everything she did. This morning everything was ready. Peaking out of the backpack is Ricochet, the kangaroo and her little one, who accompanied Danika on her trip. She got picked up right around 11 a.m. to head to southern Sachsen-Anhalt for three days.

Saturday

Danae had requested a picture greeting from home, so I carried my camera around on Saturday and took a lot of pictures. Here is a sampling. Doreen, Dustin, Danika and I went and cleaned the church. Shiny and clean after baths in the evening.