Four generations

Four generations visited tonight . . . since we were using Skype, we didn't get a picture.  My dad and I were here in Lee's Summit while Daniel and Maleia were at home in Sunnyvale, CA,  My dad was able to "meet" his new great-granddaughter, Aviah Jean Parris, "watch" Josiah play with his trucks and "listen" to Maleia tell us about her day.  

So blessed to live in a day where technology is able to bring families together!

McKinney Kind of Christmas

We went to  my sister's house for lunch on Christmas day and what a lunch it was:  various dips/appetizers, ham, cheesy potatoes, mixed veggie casserole, cherry fruit salad and hot rolls. All of this plus a couple of trays of cookies and a pecan pie for later.

Gift exchange time is always fun with the bulk of the packages going to Dad, the girls (our nieces) and Jon.  Dad's treats tend to be of the edible variety and most are very sweet.  He unwrapped three different kinds of chocolate covered cherries.  Note that I say "unwrapped," not opened because there's never an expectation that he will share the bounty.  

The best part of the day is the after dinner/gift game time.  As usual, Dad, Stephen, Bruce and Jon went straight to the round table for their traditional game of Hearts.  We know better than to bother them during this time.  The rest of us play the less competitive group board games.  This year it was In a Pickle, followed by MadGab.  

It was a great Christmas!

Handel's Messiah

Just spent an amazing night listening to the Spire Chamber Ensemble and Baroque Orchestra perform Handel's Messiah at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.  Unbelievably talented instrumentalists playing Handel's musical score and beautiful voices singing scripture!  The sound was absolutely perfect.

Although most people are familiar with the Hallelujah Chorus, it's not the final song.  In fact, I think this masterpiece should be required listening for all believers.  The final chorus:

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain and hath redeemed us to God by His blood to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.  Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.  Amen.

Do you know about the baby in the manger?  More importantly, do you know Him as the King of King and Lord of Lords?  He is the reason for the season.  Christmas (and everything else) is all about Jesus.

 

Traditional Cookies

I made two kinds of sugar cookie dough yesterday morning--used 4 sticks of butter.  Yikes!  The dough needed time to chill before our late afternoon cookie making event at my sister's house.  Jon and I packed up cookie dough, cookie cutters and sprinkles and headed to Kristi's house about 2:00 p.m.  

First up were the Snickerdoodles--it just isn't Christmas without these cookies.  I've been eating these cookies my whole life and not just at Christmas.  I always found it difficult to turn down a snickerdoodle cookie, but not a single one ever tasted as good as my mom's recipe.  Rolling them is therapeutic!  Laken and Jon handled the cinnamon/sugar layer.  Even after everyone sampled the wares, we had more than six dozen left.

Second, we made Sand Tarts--don't know where my mom found the recipe or where the recipe got it's name.  She starting making these when I was in high school (maybe), but even so, that makes the recipe at least 40 years old.  Kristi and I have really struggled to get them right--we're so much better at them than when we first started making them by ourselves.  The trick is to roll them as thinly as possible.  If done correctly, they are the ultimate in crispiness.  No frosting for these, just an egg wash and sprinkles to decorate.  Some family members prefer one shape over another (angel vs. reindeer or mitten vs. light bulb), but I think they're all equally tasty.

By the time I rolled out the last batch, the freezing rain was coming down like crazy, so Jon and I left before the final pan came out of the oven.  We will be enjoying the fruit of our labors on Christmas day!

Family Time

My first hug from Jon since September was Tuesday night about 9:30 p.m.  Thankful for his on-time flight which allowed us to eat at Minsky's Pizza before it closed.  We made it back to Lee's Summit about 11:15, and called it a night.

Last night we ate here at the house, but tonight we went to my sister's for dinner.  Both of our nieces are home from college (Jensen from Nebraska and Elizabeth from MU.)  Everyone but my sister-in-law, Jane, was there.  She was working late and missed the salad/pasta/break sticks dinner.  I made two pumpkin pies; Jon said he didn't think one pie would be enough for 8 people.  

Holidays are always special, but spending time with family (especially because we don't have very many opportunities) is an important way to celebrate!

Candy, Cookies and Best Friends

There's nothing like time spent with your best girl friend!  Stephen is in West Plains visiting his parents, so I've been staying with the Guenthers to get in some extra girl friend time.  Terisa went to work early so she could come home early and we could get started on Christmas treats.  
Last night's cooled strawberry cake was the foundation for cake balls!  Love those little sweet morsels of goodness.  

Also on the agenda was "never-fail" microwave peanut brittle.  The recipe sounded too good to be true since my memory of making peanut brittle is of stirring the mixture forever while using the candy thermometer to be sure it gets to the correct "hard-ball" stage (about 305 degrees.)   In fact, the first batch proved the recipe title wrong!  Guess the old saying that the power of microwave ovens varies is true because the 4-, 4-, 2-minute recipe resulted in over cooked peanut brittle which just tasted burned.  We had enough stuff for a second batch, but the dilemma--how long to cook it?  We found some other recipes which suggested a 4-, 3-, 2-minute cooking time so we opted for that.  Success!  It really tasted amazing and is very easy.  Here's the link--same recipe works for all kinds of nuts, including cashews, almond, pecan, macadamia, etc.  Just be sure to adjust the time for your microwave!

The sugar cookie dough chilled while we made these treats and ate dinner, which was a delicious homemade chicken pot pie!  We tried the sour cream sugar cookie recipe that's been all over Facebook for the last month.  It is supposed to render very soft, not crispy sugar cookies.  Ethan and Chloe helped us cut them out (Michael took pictures, but I don't have them.)  Chloe loved adding the sprinkles after they were frosted.  They turned out cute, the dough was easy to work with, the frosting is simple, but I'm not convinced they are the best tasting sugar cookies.  

However, baking was just the medium to spend time together and that was a rousing success.  Love how God has knitted our lives together so that even though we've been apart for 5+ months, we can pick up right where we left off.  

Baby, it's cold outside

This is our fourth morning in the states (already.)  Stephen left about 7:30 this morning (yes, I was still in bed) to (a) run or (b) go to Starbucks.  Neither of the two choices are of particular interest to me; of course, if I had to choose between the two, B would would win.

I'm sitting by the fireplace with gas logs burning trying to get warm.  The adjustment to the cold weather is continuing.  I think that a life of constant flip flop weather has left both of us with "thinner" blood.  At least, that's what I thought before my research on the issue revealed this:

Thinner blood, however, "is absolutely a myth," said Dr. Bruce Lenes, medical director of Community Blood Centers of South Florida, noting that blood thickness isn't influenced by temperature. He said people simply adjust — mentally and physically — to a new climate.

Read more: http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/how-does-south-florida's-warm-climate-affect-your-health%3F#ixzz2nSctKTui

I guess we just need to change our attitude and wear more clothes.  Which, of course, is another problem, as our supply of winter clothes is very low and everything is quite old and out of style.  Not to mention, we're not very motivated to spend money on clothes we only need for a couple of weeks a year.  

Case in point on how our coldness manifests itself to others--last night we picked up Steve and Terisa to go to dinner.  It wasn't until we got to the restaurant and ran into to some people we all knew, that Steve and Terisa admitted that were roasting in the back seat of the car.  We had the heat cranked and the fan on max!

The past three days have been busy with lots of errands--grocery shopping to restock the pantry of the mission house where we are staying, picking up and going through five months of mail, doctor's appointments, etc.  Today I'm hoping to get started on several Christmas projects, before it gets too late.

Tomorrow morning we will be at Abundant Life Baptist to worship with our church family and then have dinner with some dear friends.  Even if we're not physically as warm as we'd like, we've received a warm welcome and are so blessed to be able to be with family and friends for the holidays.

A Special Goodbye

Jeff and Paula flew back to El Salvador last Thursday evening.  Because we were still in Managua, we didn't get to see them until Sunday morning when we picked them up to go to church in Lourdes.  It was a great morning of worship--I just can't tell how beautiful it is to sing Christmas carols in Spanish.  Pastor Steve Kern's message was titled, "Why do we celebrate Christmas with lights?"  He encouraged us to remember that Jesus is the light of the world and all the Christmas lights (wherever they are) should remind us of His birth.

At the end of the service, they had a special goodbye for Jeff and Paula.  First, there was a presentation called "Thank you for your Footprints," next, the little kids came forward and read a thank you card to each of them and then the Pastor Koky and Pastor Julio presented a placque to them.  It was a very touching goodbye and there wasn't a dry eye in the church.

After lunch we drove up north to attend the 7th anniversary celebration of Iglesia Buatista Vida Nueva, Aguilares.  After the worship and preaching, the deacons and pastors ordained Joel Lopez as the new pastor.  

This morning we picked them up at 5:00 and drove them to the airport.  Jeff starts his new position as outreach pastor at Topeka Baptist Church on January 3.  We are so sorry to see them go, but we are so thankful to have been able to work with them for the last 3 years.  

Last day of last campaign--2013

The 2013 campaigns are now all over.  Yesterday was the final day and it was a great one.  We have tried something different here in Managua this year.  Each time we've come here, we have always had Kids' Clubs in the parks in the morning.  Each day we would go to a different neighborhood and set up 5 stations (Bible story, Bible verse, games, music, refreshments) and invite the neighborhood kids to spend 2-3 hours with us. 

The Pastors continually evaluate the results of our efforts and have realized that although Kids' Clubs are fun, they have not been a very powerful tool to grow the church.  In fact, they are very costly and there has been very little "fruit that remains."  Most of the time the parents send their kids to the park without joining them.  So, this year it was decided that we would forego the cost and effort and try something different.  For the two weeks before we came, Pastors Felix and Rodrigo distributed fliers to the neighborhoods we planned to visit.  This announcement told the neighbors about the upcoming family festival in their park.

In the mornings we all went to park where the evening campaign would be held, put up the inflatable as a "teaser" for the kids and then the team went out to share the gospel door-to-door. Unbelievably, we had 30 to 40 decisions every morning.  Even more importantly, the pastors have realized when people make decisions in their homes, those decisions are more likely to be genuine--more of them will visit the church, more will start discipleship and more of them will have transformed lives.  In the evenings we've returned to the park to find the kids waiting for us.  The attendance at our evening events has been great.  The team went back out to share door-to-door and found "new" people home. 

Both Pastors Felix and Rodrigo are excited abou the number and quality of the contacts they received this week.  The follow-up phone calls have already started and the Los Robles church site is holding a reception this afternoon.  The Bolonia church has their reception tomorrow.

As far as the team goes, almost all of them are on their way home.  The bus left at 2:00 AM this morning (and we're thankful we weren't on it.)   A group of 15 went to the airport this morning at 6:00--their flight leaves in about 30 minutes.  Our flight is not until this afternoon, so we are taking it easy this morning.  We will be eating lunch with Pastor Felix and his family and then heading to the airport.

Please pray for the follow-up and for the US teams as they transition from a very warm week and mountain top experience to "normal" life.  We pray every single one of them will arrive home as a different person.  Thank you for your faithfulness to pray for us and the work here in Central America.  We leave for the states next week and even though we're not happy about the cold weather we will face, we're excited to spend time with family and friends in the Kansas City area.

Last Campaign of 2013

We started the campaign in Managua, Nicaragua, on Saturday evening, November 30.  On Sunday morning we held the first-ever Koinonia service here in Managua, with the two church campuses in Bolonia and Los Robles coming together with Salvadorans and North Americans for a joint worship.  What a blessing to be a part of this service and to hear all the voices lifted in praise.  

End of November

My last post was on November 27 . . . how much could happen in the last three days of November, you ask?  Here's a rundown of the last three days:

Thursday, November 28--Thanksgiving!  We had the privilege to share Thanksgiving dinner with Steve/Pam Kern and Rachelle LaBotz.  Pam and Rachelle cooked everything--Stephen and I just had to show up and eat! 

 We had all of the traditional dishes, including turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, hot rolls and pumpkin pie; plus, corn casserole, a jello salad and apple pie.  It was amazing.

Friday, November 29--"Birth" day of our third grandchild!  Our son called about 6:00 p.m (PST/8:00 p.m our time) to let us know they were heading to the hospital.  We went to bed about 11:00 p.m.(CST/9:00 PST) without hearing anything more.  Received a call at 1:15 am letting us know that Aviah Jean Parris was born at 9:30 pm (PST.)  She weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 inches long.  She and Shannon are doing well; in fact, they went home from the hospital today.  Here's the only picture we have of her, so far.

Saturday, November 30--First day of the last mission trip for 2013.  We left our house at 5:45 am so we could be at the airport by 6:30 am.  The airport was packed and the lines were really long.  We did, however, remind ourselves that the airport lines pale in comparison to the lines we usually see at the border crossings (when we go by bus.)  The flight was 55 minutes--so much better than a 13+ hour bus ride.  We met up with the team from Murrell's Inlet Baptist Church at the hotel.  The bus (and translators from El Salvador) picked us up at 4:00 pm and we held our first family festival of the week.  It was a great night--the team shared door-to-door, I worked the inflatable and Stephen gave the gospel after the movie/drama.  

The last three days of November--FRIENDS, FAMILY and FAITH!  

Day before Thanksgiving

It's been four years (2009) since I experienced what "used to be" the normal day before Thanksgiving.   Back then, the day included last minute grocery shopping, baking pumpkin and pecan pies, making cranberry sauce or cranberry salad, etc.  

Although we've always made it to the states for Christmas, we've never gone back to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Since Thanksgiving isn't a holiday here in  El Salvador, although we're doing our best to get it started with our IDEM group (see previous post), the final evangelistic campaign of the year is always scheduled the week after.  We are leaving for Managua, Nicaragua, on Saturday morning.  

For the past three years, we've spent Thanksgiving with whatever group of gringos/missionaries happened to be in country.  So, I always spent this day making at least one Thanksgiving dish--usually a pie.  This year we have been invited to share Thanksgiving at the home of Pastor Steve and Pam Kern.  Rachelle LaBotz, our newest gringa missionary, will be joining us, too.  Even better, Pam said I don't need to prepare anything!

So today, instead of baking, I am thankful to be working on the baby quilt (with these colorful and fun fabrics) for my soon-to-arrive granddaughter.  

An IDEM Thanksgiving

For the second year, our IDEM (discipleship small group) celebrated Thanksgiving together. There are 8 couples in our group and all but 2 couples are Salvadorans.  So, we and the Blackstocks (our group leaders) are thrilled that the group wants to share this part of our culture.

Last night's traditional menu (prepared by the gringas) included:  turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green been casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberries, pumpkin pie and pecan pie.  We also had salad, corn, typical Salvadoran red salsa and bread.

After dinner we all shared the things for which we are thankful.  Topping the list:  God's faithfulness and love, family and friends.  This is a group with the right priorities!

Later we played a Bible version of the Taboo game in Spanish, of course.  What a riot!  

 Keeley carves the turkey.

Typical Salvadoran red sauce for the turkey.

Whipped cream and ice cream not pictured.

Happy Birthday to You

We celebrated Stephen's 63 birthday on Wednesday.  I offered to make him biscuits and gravy, but he opted for Starbucks instead.  Of course, that meant less work for me and less mess in the kitchen! 

The Starbucks barista brought him a free blueberry muffin.  She said it isn't normal for them to do this, but she brought it anyway!  Maybe it was one of the perks of being a gringo in El Salvador.  

After a relaxing morning at home, we went to our favorite Chinese restaurant, 168, for lunch.  They have great lunch specials and the food is as good as our favorite in Lee's Summit.  

Stephen spent most of the afternoon practicing the music for Thursday night and Sunday morning.  After band practice we Skyped with the kids and talked with Jon.  There's nothing sweeter than hearing Maleia say, "Happy Birthday, Grandpa, wish you were here!" and hearing Josiah's sweet little voice sayiing, "Happy Birthday, Stephen."  Last time we were there, he was calling him "Grandpa Stephen," but guess he wanted to shorten it!  

5 Days of VBS in Guatemala

VBS started on Monday, November 11.  This year's theme was:  Colossal Coaster World--facing fear/trusting God.  The kids could easily relate to the theme and we all loved the music.  I was assigned as a guide for the 11-year olds and Stephen as a guide for the 12-year olds.  We both had awesome groups!  Each day consisted of an opening session, five rotations (Bible story, Bible verse, crafts, music, games/snacks) and a closing session.

DAY 1--There were just under 200 kids in attendance.  Everyone in attendance received a sash and a Colossal Coaster button for attending.  They had the ability to earn a good behavior button (and the ability to lose it); the older kids (11 and up) were also able to earn a star button for memorizing the daily Bible verse in both Spanish and English.  

Hard at work on their roller coaster picture frame craft.

 Awesome group of 11-year olds with our trademark "elevens."

Bible story time--learning about Paul's miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus.

DAY 2--Friend day saw the attendance increase to almost 230 kids!  Everyone who brought a friend earned a LOVE button.  

 Foam ball caps were the craft of the day.  Yes, they're showing their "elevens"

Closing session

Day 3--Another high attendance day for Crazy Hair Day.  

 Fernanda--our 11-year old, 1st place Crazy Hair Day winner with a Barbie doll on her head.

 Dulce--our 11-year old, 2nd place Crazy Hair Day winner.

Rosemarie Rivas (VBS Director) and one of her assistants.

Day 4--We thought we reached the epitome of craziness on Wednesday, but kids of all ages really loved Clown Day.  More than 230 kids attended.

 Two guides and a group of kids "clowning" around

 Me and my good friend, Sherry Jobe, from Corinth, Mississippi

Smiling 12-year olds working on their cross craft.

DAY 5--Highest attendance yet--237--and almost all were in their pajamas for PJ Day.  It was the last day to earn all 5 of the scripture verse buttons and the final day of Apostle Paul's amazing life story.  

 Making a self portrait

 Yes, 12-years will wear their PJ's to VBS

A stage full of kids on the last day!

What an awesome week!  It was worth every minute of preparation to see these kids learning about Jesus and how they can face their fears because He is with them.  My favorite song from the week:  Change my heart, O God; open up my eyes I want to see your glory shining like a light.  Change my heart, O God; stir me up inside I want to feel your spirit movin' in my life.

Pray for the church as they begin follow up with the kids and adults who made decisions during the week.