The Long Good-bye, Part 8

This past weekend our team welcomed new teammates to Kara! It’s always a thrill and an affirmation when God brings more dedicated servants to work in his kingdom. However, Mark, Nicole, Maddie (9) and Michal (7) Kennell are extra special as they were on the original team that settled in Togo in 2000. They left two years later because of personal struggles. During the past 5 years, God has worked his healing power in their lives.  Mark and Nicole were settled into American life as teachers and active church members.  Then, God once again placed on their hearts the desire to serve as missionaries. It’s is sign of his desire for reconciliation that the Kennell family has rejoined the Kabiye Team. I am personally in awe of God’s great plan coupled with his attention to details after listening to Mark and Nicole share what they’ve been through and how he has loved them through the years. Everyone else on the team also shared how God has been working in their lives. My heart is full today thinking of how he has created us each uniquely to bring him glory!

The retreat was also an emotional time for Bryan and me. It was one of the last times we will all sit around and share our hearts. I am reminded of what a blessing it is to be a part of a community that values each other and seeks to glorify God.

The stress levels have started to rise as we realize how much we still need to do before we go and how little we know about the future. Thankfully, God is already there!

Matt’s Visit

It took about 3 days before I could look into his face and not see a strange mixture of a 5 year old boy and a grown man. My brother, Matt, and I are twelve years apart. When I went off to Harding, he went off to kindergarten. We were raised in different homes for all practical purposes, however there is still a strong bond of love between us. His visit was special for two main reasons. First of all, he’s the first (and the last) of my siblings to have made the journey to Togo. Secondly, this was the most time we’ve spent around each other since…well, forever! It was eye-opening to see how much we are alike! We both love travel, history, art and people. During his time with us, we mostly lived life as usual and he tagged along. Although, we did manage to squeeze in a weekend safari. God really loves Matt because he participated in one of the BEST safaris ever in Pendjari. Our truck was chased (unknowingly provoked…I promise!) by a family of elephants. We were apparently blocking the path they wanted to take to water. Plus, we followed a huge lioness for around 15 minutes as she sauntered down the dirt road. It was great! On the way home was stopped at a beautiful waterfall. Thanks to everyone who helped Matt make this trip!

Owen is Four!

We celebrated Owen’s 4th birthday with a Star Wars themed party! Most of the team kids were able to come and play games, eat cake and witness the gift opening.

Asher, Gabe and Owen enjoyed yummy chocolate birthday cake.

Bryan played Yoda during the “Yoda says” game…aside from the height - he made a great Yoda!

The cake didn’t look amazing this year, but it did taste incredible. Chocolate cake, peanut butter fluff filling and cream cheese icing….too bad it’s already gone.

Bryan explained the rules for the light saber duel relay.

On Owen’s actual birthday, January 12th, we had a family party at home. He chose his favorite meal, to quote him, “Scrambled eggs with KETCHUP!” (The ketchup on eggs was taught by his father. For the record, I think it’s gross.)

He opened gifts from us and his grandparents that evening. He loved the Star Wars characters!

Owen is such a joy to have as my son. He is expressive, creative and loving. Some of his favorite things to do include playing imaginatively as a Star Wars character or as a knight. He likes to look at books, be read to, draw people and build legos. He has a great sense of humor too. He is the one to make us all laugh at the dinner table. Oh, did I mention that he is a very fast runner? He is very excited about being four now. (I think he just wants to catch up to Isaac and Graham.) Although, in my heart I am happy for him to stay little just a bit longer. Happy Birthday Owie!!!

Underwear

As I pulled on a fresh, clean pair this morning, I started thinking about the blessing of having new underwear.

Living in Togo, has made this little perk of life a true mountain-top experience for me. Sure, I could find underwear here at the local outdoor market. They sell used underwear on Tuesdays along with other used clothing items. They sell new underwear made out of colorful stiff lace from China any day of the week. Somehow, these two options don’t really seem viable.

For my first few underwear crises in Togo, I resorted to having other people buy my underwear in America. (I got over my initial embarrassment by dreaming of hole free panties.) They would bring them over on their own visit to Togo or send them to someone else to bring. A few years ago, I told someone the wrong size and wound up with huge underwear. I still wore them. Another time, someone bought me a colorful assortment that I hated. I still wore them.

Any good missionary knows that the first order of business on furlough is buying new underwear. But, this past furlough I thought myself extra clever because I bought myself a few extra pairs from Old Navy thinking that I’d stash them away for a year and then “surprise” myself with them. What a treat! That backfired too since I bought a kind that I’d never worn before. I pulled them out a few months ago only to discover that they are too…well, I won’t go into details.

Bryan brought me reinforcements after his trip to the US in October. Since, it was my husband buying them, I felt like I could go into great detail about exactly what kind I wanted. (Can you imagine the conversation?) I’m happy to report that my hero conquered the ladies’ intimates department at Target!

Needless to say, one of the simple pleasures that I look forward in 2008 is going into Target and choosing my own underwear.

Don’t even get me started on bras…

Happy New Year!

May God richly bless you in 2008!  Hopefully, we will be able to visit with many of you this summer.  Love, the Rieses