We had a lovely day today. Our last church service here in the US was really good. The kids all had good "goodbye's" with their classmates in Sunday School/Youth Group. Tom and I had the opportunity to share with our class about what we plan on/have been doing in Czech. Thanks for the encouragement you all! The box of goodies to bring with us was such an encouragement, as were your words to us and prayer as well as financial support! We will miss the support and friendship of the class!
After lunch, I sorted and packed 5 boxes of things to bring back with us...not sure we will make it in the allotted 12 suitcases/boxes, although we are doing our best to pare it down!
We watched our favorite show, "The Amazing Race" while eating supper. Then there was a spectacular lightening storm over the lake. Really beautiful!
I finished baking the cinnamon rolls for tomorrow. They are baked already as Tom leaves at 5:30 a.m. to return our van to Righteous Rides in St. Louis. He then flies to Chicago and takes a bus to the town near us. Whew! All in time to go with us and the cousins and Rachel's best friend from school.
Yes, this week is filled with many normal activities that we will enjoy for the last time. We are particularly sad about leaving the YMCA. What a great place to go and exercise, enjoy Zumba, gymnastics, swimming and weightlifting. There is nothing like it. We will try to find something close as the exercise has been great, especially in the winter. Thanks to all the staff who gave us such friendly service!
I talked with Matt today...boy do I miss him! He is doing well and will play catch up after a busy week last week preparing for the Renaissance Night they performed three times this last weekend. I have seen some pictures, talked with him about it, but can't wait to watch the recording of it with him! He is already planning a meal for Friday night and Nate has planned some activities with him as well. We have all missed him a lot!
So, since it is late and tomorrow promises to be full, I will close.
Thanks for praying us through another transition!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
my sister-in-law, Meredith
What a beautiful, talented and smart woman! Meredith and her husband have two lovely girls with whom we have such fun when we are together. Many of you already know this, but my blog is lacking the update, so I will write it here.
Meredith was diagnosed with breast cancer and has the surgery behind her already. She is now recovering and heading into chemotherapy part of the treatment...all while we are packing to leave the country!
She has a blog of her own so I will link you all to it here. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/meredithn/createorsignin
Please keep Meredith in your thoughts and prayers. We certainly are! We are really sad that she has this cancer to beat and that we have to leave while the worst of the fight is going on!
I love you, Mer!
Meredith was diagnosed with breast cancer and has the surgery behind her already. She is now recovering and heading into chemotherapy part of the treatment...all while we are packing to leave the country!
She has a blog of her own so I will link you all to it here. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/meredithn/createorsignin
Please keep Meredith in your thoughts and prayers. We certainly are! We are really sad that she has this cancer to beat and that we have to leave while the worst of the fight is going on!
I love you, Mer!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
on sending my son to Czech and leaving him there with friends until we return...
Boy, it feels as if I am sending my son off to college! Getting all his needs taken care of before he flew as well as making sure his phone, computer and bank card work in addition to arranging with our friends for him to live with him...whew! I don't think I like this part of parenting where you send kids off and you won't see them for a while. I know this is just beginning as Amy is going to college in the Fall, God willing, and Matt will be just a year behind her!
Please pray for me, that I would continue to trust God with my very special son; knowing that He hasn't moved away or lost frequent contact. Please pray for Matt to have a successful and smooth re-entry with friends and teachers. Pray for us both as we figure out home schooling from a distance...a new thing for me!
Tom is in Czech as well handing in Visa paperwork for a visa renewal. Please pray for this HUGE and often complicated process. Tom is also going to attend Prague City Team annual planning sessions. The time after the meetings is planned full of gathering/handing in any additional visa paperwork that may be required, meeting with our colleagues and friends and resting before flying back.
I am looking forward to my time with the four kids here. The time goes so differently without Tom, but I find it to be good, if I manage my time well!
Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT is hosting a womens retreat to which I am going. That means that I will be flying to NYC next Friday morning. Tom is to fly into Chicago Friday evening so we will pass like ships in the night. I am looking forward to the time of reconnecting with women I met last time I was at this retreat and making new friends, too!
Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!
Please pray for me, that I would continue to trust God with my very special son; knowing that He hasn't moved away or lost frequent contact. Please pray for Matt to have a successful and smooth re-entry with friends and teachers. Pray for us both as we figure out home schooling from a distance...a new thing for me!
Tom is in Czech as well handing in Visa paperwork for a visa renewal. Please pray for this HUGE and often complicated process. Tom is also going to attend Prague City Team annual planning sessions. The time after the meetings is planned full of gathering/handing in any additional visa paperwork that may be required, meeting with our colleagues and friends and resting before flying back.
I am looking forward to my time with the four kids here. The time goes so differently without Tom, but I find it to be good, if I manage my time well!
Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT is hosting a womens retreat to which I am going. That means that I will be flying to NYC next Friday morning. Tom is to fly into Chicago Friday evening so we will pass like ships in the night. I am looking forward to the time of reconnecting with women I met last time I was at this retreat and making new friends, too!
Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Happy 2011!
Wow, can't believe it is already 2011. Remember the movies, "Back to the Future" where 2015 was SO FAR into the future? Crazy. Where are all those fantastic inventions they promised?
I am working on our family ancestry and have gotten as far back as the year 1465! Ancestry.com is the site I am working off of and no this isn't a paid plug from them. I have the free trial and am working really hard to get some family history things in one place. As I dig, I found one relative that lived in Gabon, Africa...I think it was 1700's but would have to check my records to confirm that. What an experience THAT must have been. I wonder if they were missionaries? Hmmm, what would it have been like to travel in Africa at that time in history? Scary and wild are some words that come to mind.
And then I wonder if they ever thought of me...well, not me really, but their ancestors. Did they pray for me? Did they live their lives in such a way that we would be encouraged looking at their historical records? Will I see them in heaven and get to know them?
What about me? Do I pray for those following me and my life? My word for the year is prayer. I don't spend nearly enough time in prayer. I have been challenged by people who pray for me and my family daily. There is always a reason/excuse: little kids, travel, sick. I have decided that all excuses/reasons aside, my focus needs to be fine tuned so that I see life and my day and my activities through His lenses, not mine. Mine tend to be cloudy, even a bit funny shaped as they curve inward towards my often focus...me!
I am waking up at 5:30 a.m. to have uninterrupted time praying and reflecting on His Word. Really early for me. Really life altering as I tend to be a night owl. So that means that I need to get myself to bed earlier. I find that starting my day off in prayer is really helping me see God at work in a special way, I am hearing His voice and enjoying talking with Him.
Right now my place is on the couch in the living room downstairs. When we return to CZ I will find a new place. What a sacred place that spot becomes quickly.
So, my challenge to you...live with Him in mind and live like you want your up and coming ancestors to see you live. Not for your glory, but for His!
Acts 17:28
"In Him we live and move and have our being.:
I am working on our family ancestry and have gotten as far back as the year 1465! Ancestry.com is the site I am working off of and no this isn't a paid plug from them. I have the free trial and am working really hard to get some family history things in one place. As I dig, I found one relative that lived in Gabon, Africa...I think it was 1700's but would have to check my records to confirm that. What an experience THAT must have been. I wonder if they were missionaries? Hmmm, what would it have been like to travel in Africa at that time in history? Scary and wild are some words that come to mind.
And then I wonder if they ever thought of me...well, not me really, but their ancestors. Did they pray for me? Did they live their lives in such a way that we would be encouraged looking at their historical records? Will I see them in heaven and get to know them?
What about me? Do I pray for those following me and my life? My word for the year is prayer. I don't spend nearly enough time in prayer. I have been challenged by people who pray for me and my family daily. There is always a reason/excuse: little kids, travel, sick. I have decided that all excuses/reasons aside, my focus needs to be fine tuned so that I see life and my day and my activities through His lenses, not mine. Mine tend to be cloudy, even a bit funny shaped as they curve inward towards my often focus...me!
I am waking up at 5:30 a.m. to have uninterrupted time praying and reflecting on His Word. Really early for me. Really life altering as I tend to be a night owl. So that means that I need to get myself to bed earlier. I find that starting my day off in prayer is really helping me see God at work in a special way, I am hearing His voice and enjoying talking with Him.
Right now my place is on the couch in the living room downstairs. When we return to CZ I will find a new place. What a sacred place that spot becomes quickly.
So, my challenge to you...live with Him in mind and live like you want your up and coming ancestors to see you live. Not for your glory, but for His!
Acts 17:28
"In Him we live and move and have our being.:
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
between Christmas and New Years
Today is a quiet sort of day, aside from the throbbing head and the aching muscles in my neck and shoulders. I think that I shouldn't be too surprised at my body requiring a day off since we have been traveling and visiting for six months with hardly a break. The kicker was Nate crawling into our bed sometime early this morning after having a scary dream. Not sure what that is all about, but he just settled in the middle of the bed and was content to have his legs in the middle of my back. That is probably what the sore muscles are about.
I don't know about you, but this time of year always is a time for reflection for me. Reflection number one this year is that we were to be flying back to the Czech Republic today. This evening, in fact. Hmmm, I am not quite sure why we are to be here longer although I do have some really good reasons that I can come up with, and I am only human and don't see the beginning from the end. So, for whatever the real reason is, we are here a bit longer in the US. I mostly want to learn, be and do whatever is important at this time. God's plans are always for His good and glory...not usually my comfort, although sometimes that too!
We have really enjoyed the time with family these last weeks. With Amy working about 25-30 hours a week and not yet having a drivers license and way to get to work besides the van we are renting, Tom stayed in IN with her while the rest of the kids and I drove to Omaha, NE to spend time with my dear sister and her family. The trips were uneventful and smooth with the kids traveling so like the pros they really are. The time with the C family was special with all the little conversations as well as bigger ones, time spent playing games, going shopping, eating, breathing all together.
Christmas day here in IN was really relaxing as we started at 7 with the stockings after which we read/quoted Luke 2. After that we enjoyed opening the gifts under the tree one at a time with all enjoying watching the person opening the gift as they looked at it for a few minutes before getting someone else a gift.
Tom's sister and her family joined us around 10 or so and, after a pause for breakfast, we continued opening gifts together. The traditional Becker family lasagna was delicious and the time just playing with the new gifts after lunch was fun. That is one thing we miss when we are in Czech...the time with family. This will allow us to store up the memories and savor them next Christmas when we aren't with other family.
This last week, we traveled to MI to the D family Christmas get together. Since this is the extended family on Tom's mothers' side, we have a chance to see Tom's grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and their children. What a fun time catching up a little bit with different relatives. The time spent swimming the next morning in the hotel was fun as well.
Thanks to some dear friends and supporters in OH, we now have a second car to use that Amy and Matt can practice driving in as well. Amy is hoping to get enough practice to get a drivers license in the next couple of months. Matt enjoys driving as well and hopes to get many chances to drive it as well. Thanks M family!
So, back to reflection. As many of you know, Tom and I have prayed for a word that God wants us to focus on for a year since we were married, 20 years now. This year is no different. While I feel I have a small lead into that word, I am not sure yet and will continue to pray and ask God to show me that soon. As you know, this year has been a busy year with many ups and downs. I am so thankful for the peace that God gives and the encouragement He brings through His Word and others.
Thank you, my friends for being a part of the journey God has me and my family on and for your prayers!
I don't know about you, but this time of year always is a time for reflection for me. Reflection number one this year is that we were to be flying back to the Czech Republic today. This evening, in fact. Hmmm, I am not quite sure why we are to be here longer although I do have some really good reasons that I can come up with, and I am only human and don't see the beginning from the end. So, for whatever the real reason is, we are here a bit longer in the US. I mostly want to learn, be and do whatever is important at this time. God's plans are always for His good and glory...not usually my comfort, although sometimes that too!
We have really enjoyed the time with family these last weeks. With Amy working about 25-30 hours a week and not yet having a drivers license and way to get to work besides the van we are renting, Tom stayed in IN with her while the rest of the kids and I drove to Omaha, NE to spend time with my dear sister and her family. The trips were uneventful and smooth with the kids traveling so like the pros they really are. The time with the C family was special with all the little conversations as well as bigger ones, time spent playing games, going shopping, eating, breathing all together.
Christmas day here in IN was really relaxing as we started at 7 with the stockings after which we read/quoted Luke 2. After that we enjoyed opening the gifts under the tree one at a time with all enjoying watching the person opening the gift as they looked at it for a few minutes before getting someone else a gift.
Tom's sister and her family joined us around 10 or so and, after a pause for breakfast, we continued opening gifts together. The traditional Becker family lasagna was delicious and the time just playing with the new gifts after lunch was fun. That is one thing we miss when we are in Czech...the time with family. This will allow us to store up the memories and savor them next Christmas when we aren't with other family.
This last week, we traveled to MI to the D family Christmas get together. Since this is the extended family on Tom's mothers' side, we have a chance to see Tom's grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and their children. What a fun time catching up a little bit with different relatives. The time spent swimming the next morning in the hotel was fun as well.
Thanks to some dear friends and supporters in OH, we now have a second car to use that Amy and Matt can practice driving in as well. Amy is hoping to get enough practice to get a drivers license in the next couple of months. Matt enjoys driving as well and hopes to get many chances to drive it as well. Thanks M family!
So, back to reflection. As many of you know, Tom and I have prayed for a word that God wants us to focus on for a year since we were married, 20 years now. This year is no different. While I feel I have a small lead into that word, I am not sure yet and will continue to pray and ask God to show me that soon. As you know, this year has been a busy year with many ups and downs. I am so thankful for the peace that God gives and the encouragement He brings through His Word and others.
Thank you, my friends for being a part of the journey God has me and my family on and for your prayers!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving. What a wonderful holiday! This year had many highlights:
All the Becker family in one house at the same time...17 of us.
Family and friends, most of whom we have gotten to spend at least a little bit of time. I always have a hard time saying goodbye. I am thankful for each chance to catch up face to face.
Our wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The chance to celebrate with all the trimmings that aren't so easily found in the Czech Republic.
The chance to run in the Turkey Trot at the YMCA in Portage, IN, with all of my kids, except for Nathanael. Tom gave up his chance to run because we wanted Nate to be there to cheer us on and he took the job of being our coach and food expert. He made us all a healthy, smallish breakfast and drove us to the site of the race this a.m. just before 7 a.m.
The 1k race started and finished first with H and R running and coming in 1st and 2nd. The number 3 was w....a....y....behind them.
The 5k race started after that and M came in first of our family, then Amy, then myself. I was especially happy with my breaking my old record in training and I came in at 35:58. Thanks for the encouragement from many of you!
What did you do today? What special things are you thankful for?
I'd love to hear from you!
All the Becker family in one house at the same time...17 of us.
Family and friends, most of whom we have gotten to spend at least a little bit of time. I always have a hard time saying goodbye. I am thankful for each chance to catch up face to face.
Our wonderful Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The chance to celebrate with all the trimmings that aren't so easily found in the Czech Republic.
The chance to run in the Turkey Trot at the YMCA in Portage, IN, with all of my kids, except for Nathanael. Tom gave up his chance to run because we wanted Nate to be there to cheer us on and he took the job of being our coach and food expert. He made us all a healthy, smallish breakfast and drove us to the site of the race this a.m. just before 7 a.m.
The 1k race started and finished first with H and R running and coming in 1st and 2nd. The number 3 was w....a....y....behind them.
The 5k race started after that and M came in first of our family, then Amy, then myself. I was especially happy with my breaking my old record in training and I came in at 35:58. Thanks for the encouragement from many of you!
What did you do today? What special things are you thankful for?
I'd love to hear from you!
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