today is the day......

I woke up today with such mixed feelings....i'm so excited to be returning to this land I love.....the famaliar smell as I step off the plane...the friendly airport staff who will greet me with such sincerity...the few minutes I will stand there with held breath hoping my bags made it. I'm looking forward to the long drive into town where I just stare out the window soaking in the vast amounts of land scattered with men on bikes, every once in awhile a gathering place lit by candles of men playing pool and chatting into the night. The stars shining down...ahhh HOME.

But this time, my heart's excitement is hindered because I am leaving behind my baby, my sidekick, my bestie, my world. I know that she is not meant to go. I have a peace about leaving her, but every time I feel the excitement about going arise, the high comes crashing down when i remember it means I have to leave her. Please pray for this week, pray it be a productive week with TAWV things, that I resolve some issues I need to resolve there. For safety and health. And for Neema who is staying here with my parents. I am so thankful that we have a God who can be with both of us all the time even when we are not together. I know that he will watch over us and gaurd us during our time apart. Thanks for your prayers. I will be posting on the TAWV blog, so check in for updates! www.takesawholevillage.blogspot.com

Love and Thanks,
Heath

Neema is FOUR!

My Beautiful Birthday Girl!

This was a big weekend at our house. Lots of planning for the Princess' Party....Only Neema has 2 parties at 4 four years old. On Saturday we had over all of her friends from her class and then our good friends from church, play dates, etc. It was a wonderful day - a little chilly but the sun was shining and children were running and laughing. To be honest, I have been dreading this birthday a little because 4 just seems so much older than 3 and everyday she exemplifies new independence and new abilities just reminding me of how she is growing farther and farther from my little baby and into this little girl. But on the other hand I have to thank God for bringing her into His marvelous light and guiding her to become all that He created her to be!

Preparing with lots of cupcake making and decorating...



Neema and my aunt Kathryn (Neema calls her Kiki or Kiks)



Weekend full of cupcakes....


Neema's party favors



This was Neema's first birthday at home and ahhhh presents!! :)











Henry and Mary Taylor were a little late but they got there just in time for present opening.



Neema loved her sticker dolls.....



Birthday Girl with Bibi



Sunday morning Birthday Breakfast.



Love her little heart.



"I'm FOUR!!"



Second Party. Sunday afternoon gathering to continue the celebrating...sweet friends who Love Neema!! We thank yall for coming!!!! :)



(Below) Tara got Neema this super smooth leather jacket so they could be twins. Looking good!!!

Happy Halloween!

Neema's first Halloween was so great! We met up with our cute friends Dee, Melissa, Henry, and Mary Taylor! We were not sure if they would be here to trick or treat with us because they are waiting to get the call from Uganda that will lead them to their 2 year old little boy that is there waiting for them! Here are photos of my ladybug!! Oh im just so obsessed with her!!!

Bachelorette Weekend

My sweet friend Christin is getting married in January and we had such a blast celebrating her engagement with a wonderful "Big Girl" weekend in South Georgia at Joni's cabin......I have to say that it was wonderful sleeping until 9am, sitting in rocking chairs, porch swings, down by the lake (no paranoid child alert) and just sharing life. We rode four wheelers, drank coffee, ate brownies, just lounged and loved. We went to dinner Saturday night and then of course had a little lingerie shower complete with interview from the groom.....such a great weekend. I am very grateful for these friends and for the awesome example of Christ's love in the future marriage of Sandor and Christin! Can't wait Bunny!!!!!!