Deep sea fishing

One full day, Zach, Justin, and Kevin went out deep sea fishing. The waves were pretty rough and the boys both got sick. Kevin wasn't feeling too good himself but was able to fight off losing his stomach. Most of the morning the boys were sick and sleeping on the boat then around lunch time they started feeling better and seemed to get their sea legs and were able to enjoy some fishing. They said it was a lot of fun to catch these big fish. This was another first experience for them and they really enjoyed it despite getting sick. While they were out fishing all day I enjoyed a day to myself.

out on the boat

This is the boat they went out on.

Kevin caught a 40 lb. Wahoo.

Zach caught a 25 lb. Wahoo.

Justin caught a 25 lb. Kingfish and a 25 lb. Giant Trevally. I think he is standing beside the Kingfish.

The fish that are laying on the ground are Tuna's which Zach and Kevin caught.

Snorkeling

One morning/afternoon we went snorkeling. It was incredible! God surely was showing off His creation to us on this day. I just wish that I could have taken pictures to show you all the different kinds of fish we saw. How in the world could someone see all that is under the water and not believe in a God? Just like us, each sea creature is unique in its own way. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have gone snorkeling. The boys especially enjoyed doing this because they had never done it before.

This is the boat we went out snorkeling in.

Zach

Justin

me, zach, and justin snorkeling.

The boat had a glass bottom. Here are Zach and Justin going up underneath.

Turtle Bay

This past week we traveled to the coast of Kenya and stayed at Turtle Bay lodge in Malindi before we took the boys to RVA. We had a great few days of spending time with them and getting to do some pretty neat things together. Enjoy the pics.

This is the very small plane we had to ride on to get from Nairobi to Malindi. Those who know me, know that I don't enjoy flying and often will get sick. Thankfully, I did not get sick on any of our flights even though some were quite turbulent.

This was out on the beach in front of our lodge. I so enjoyed sitting out here and gazing out at the ocean. It was also fun to have a waiter come and bring us drinks or snacks whenever we wanted. It was all inclusive!

One day we walked down the beach to see this wishing rock.

Of course the boys had to climb on it.

I just love palm trees!

Me and Kevin out on our balcony.

Zach and Justin playing ping-pong.

To the right is where I enjoyed an hour long massage while all 3 of my boys were out deep sea fishing.

We got to ride a camel named JoJo down the beach.

enjoying the pool

This rock looks like a turtle, doesn't it? This was out in front of our lodge. We kayaked out there one day and walked underneath it and were able to see some beautiful shells and lots of live starfish.

Kevin and Justin kayaking.

AGM

Kevin teaching at the AGM.

During the month of August there are many AGM's or Annual General Meetings all over Zambia. This past week Kevin has gone to two different associations to take part in it. Today I went along too and got to be with the people of the Great East Road Association which is basically the Chongwe area where we live. It was fun to see some of my friends that I have not seen in a while. Kevin taught on how to choose a pastor and the job of a pastor. They were two very good lessons. Most of the time the leaders of the association will choose a topic for you and that is what they chose for him to speak on. Next week is the big AGM for all of Zambia. Pray for all the people who will be coming to have safe travel to and from the meeting. Also, pray for them to be encouraged as they hear all that God is doing all over Zambia.

We will be traveling to Kenya on Sunday to take the boys to RVA. Please pray for us as we have to say bye to each other and that Zach and Justin will have a great year of school. Pray for Justin to transition into boarding school well. This is his first time going.

Tumpunyunyu

Every week when I go to teach the women at Kamilulu Baptist Church there is a swarm of tumpunyunyu or gnats which fly around all of our heads. It's not just a couple of gnats but a swarm of gnats. Each week I tell myself that the next week I will apply some bug spray but I always forget as I walk out the door. While I'm teaching I am constantly waving my hand in front of my face to keep them out of my eyes. Well, today I remembered to put on some bug repellent before I left. I was so proud of myself. I even took it with me along with a can of doom, which is just bug spray. As we walked up the hill I immediately saw each woman with a swarm around their heads and swatting. I thought, "not me, today, I came prepared." Well, as soon as I sat down they descended on me as well. Keep in mind this isn't just some American woman complaining. All the other women are annoyed as well. Anyway, I ask if it is okay if I spray some doom and they agree. I go to get it and come back and have everyone move out of the way, and I precede to spray the mats we are sitting on and just out into the air. Hey, I know we are outside, but these tumpunyunyu have to be stopped. Well, as you may guess, doom did not work either. The women say they are there because of the heat but I just don't think that could be right because I don't have them at my house. I think it must be the tree we are sitting under. Perhaps I'll suggest moving next time to see. So during today's lesson I only got one up my nose and 3 in my eyes. Ha Ha!
Today I told the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch and Phillip, and taught on baptism. We have been missionaries here for years and still struggle with getting people to understand the need to not wait to be baptized for so long. A lot of times they will wait 1-2 years before allowing someone who has been saved to be baptized. As I asked them why they waited for so long they said they had to wait until the person quit sinning before they could be baptized. What?? I had to back way up and start at the beginning almost. They said they understood by the end but they probably really don't. They may understand what I say but they don't believe it for themselves. What it comes down to is they just don't understand God's Grace. Please pray for Zambians all over the country to understand the grace of God, the point of baptism, and that they would have the assurance of their salvation. How sad to live day in and day out and think that if you die with unconfessed sin you will go to Hell. I'm so thankful that once I repented of my sins and asked Jesus into my life that he freed me from the bondage of sin, and I was assured of going to Heaven when I die. I'll never be perfect here on this earth but thankfully God promises me that if I sin, He is faithful and just to forgive me of that sin when I ask. I really would appreciate your prayers on this matter.

Voices of the Faithful, Book 2

Many of you may have all ready read the first book, Voices of the Faithful, which has daily devotionals written by imb missionaries. The second book has just been completed. I just wanted to write and let you know that both Kevin and I have a story in this book. I really enjoyed the first one and I'm sure the second one will be just as good. I put the information below in case you want to check it out and pre-order one now. I looked at several other websites and the imb website had the cheapest price.

Voices of the Faithful, Book 2

Your Price: $11.95 Quantity discounts automatically calculated when added to cart: 1+ $11.95 each 24+ $8.00 each 100+ $7.50 each 500+ $7.00 each

Before I clearly knew who Jesus was,” says best-selling author and bible teacher, Beth Moore. "I knew there were people willing to go anywhere and do anything to tell people about Him. Jesus must be something, I mused. And He was.” How about you? Does your life make others think He’s something special? Do you have the courage, the faith, the fire to tell people about Christ no matter what? The nearly 300 missionaries in this book have given up everything to be on the front lines of the faith and make a difference in their corner of the world. With His help, they are changing the world one child, one neighbor, one co-worker, one farmer, one mother, one community leader at a time. Here are some of their most amazing experiences from life on the edge to clue you in what God is doing today around the world - to provoke you to do something in your corner of the world. Order your pre release copy now through September 4th to receive special discounted pricing! http://imbresources.org/index.cfm/fa/store.prod/ProdID/2535.cfm

Prayer and Assurance

Yesterday I was able to travel out to the women's meeting at Kamilulu Baptist church about 1 hour away from home. It was so good to be back with my friends. I taught on the Good Shepherd from John 10 and then we discussed things to pray about and how we can have assurance of our salvation. It was a hard topic because many people in Zambia believe that you can lose your salvation. Since a lot of the denominations mix at different times they can become very confused on this matter. Please pray for these women to understand the basics of prayer and be sure of their salvation.

Suzie's family pics.

After we left Oriental we headed towards Virgina. We spent the night at my grandmothers home which brought back a lot of memories. For those who don't know, she died a couple of weeks before we went to the states. The next day we traveled to Liberty University to check it out for Zach. We had a great visit and enjoyed seeing the campus. We stopped at Cold Stone Creamery on the way back to my parents and then spent the weekend with them. We are so thankful for the time that we had in America visiting with our families!

My mom and dad fixing pancakes and bacon for breakfast.

My mom with our kids.

Gram liked this pose the best.

Our family with my mom and dad.

My sister, Angie, was jealous so she had to have a shot like my mom too.

Me and Angie

My mom with her two girls.

Me and Kevin

Macey, Michaela, and Hannah-they sure had a fun time together.

My sisters family

last days in Oriental

We had a great time in Oriental. Here are a few more pics. of our time there. It is a beautiful little town on the Pamlico sound. During our holiday it was fun to be around the water so much.

Here we are with Kevin's family.

A couple that Kevin's parents knew invited us over one afternoon to ride his four wheeler and kayak. We really appreciated their hospitality.

me and Justin racing. yes, I won!

Justin on the 4-wheeler.

this is a view from the couples house that we were visiting.

Hannah loved riding with her big brother, Zach.

the boys got to shoot skeet twice while we were in the states. these are some pics. when we were in Oriental.

Kevin's dad.