Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!

Our family wrapped up the year 2007 by trying our hand at "geocaching". You can see the pics to the left. We probably chose too difficult of a cache for our first one. But the kids were troopers! We hiked about 3/4 the way up the "chumash elevator". It is a very steep trail right off the Pacific Coast Highway across from the SeaBee firing range. At the end of the day we decided that we really need a hand-held GPS (the portable auto-navigator we got for Christmas is good for helping Mark find road directions but doesn't do the trick with geocaching).

LOOKING BACK...
A lot to be thankful for in 2007. Topping my list is the absence of back pain!-YAY! Yes, when I overdo it I still pay the piper. But on a daily basis I feel great, which says alot when late in 2007 I was feeling pain every day and my doctor was recommending surgery. I now praise God often for the gift of health and mobility.
If you are reading this blog looking for a family update...
Mark is home until April when he deploys again, this time to Iraq until November. So we are treasuring every day. We are planning a vacation to Palm Desert with our missionary friends from Zambia -Wes and Laurie Wilcox this month. They have graciously invited us along on their R&R .\
Until then, Homeschool is back in session and the kids are right on track. Katie is actually enjoying reading now, and I am more convinced than ever that homeschooling her is the best thing we can do. All the kids are enrolled in a homeschool co-op that meets two to three times a month. This gives them a chance to be with other kids and learn from someone besides "Mrs Twinkles".
Isaac is now officially potty trained!!!YAYAYAY (you have to be a Mom to fully appreciate this piece of news).
Mark just sent in his request for our next duty station (he is required to do this about 12 months prior). So we are once again asking the Lord to send us where He wants us to be.
"...and pray for us too that God may open a door for our message..." (Col.4:3). It takes the fear out of the future when we remember that God always has us right where He wants us -even in Iraq, California, whereever...as long as we are asking for His will to be done and we are willing to obey Him when He calls.
Its hard for us to believe that we have been away from Zambia for almost two years now....sometimes we wonder if that ache will ever go away, if we will ever NOT be homesick for Africa.
But we thank God for the military ministry He has entrusted to us. We have really been stretched this past year and blessed. Now 2008 offers its own set of challenges. Will you pray for and with us regarding the following:

Protection for Mark while he is deployed.
A good adjustment for our family to another deployment.
Wisdom and guidance for the Detailer who places us in our next duty station.
Ministry materials for Mark's troops - he has no budget for bibles, care kits,etc so we pay for these ourselves.
A restful, refreshing vacation
Continued daily wisdom and guidance for Mark as he counsels troops and their families, that he will stay close in God's Word and prayer.
Thank you!
May your new year be truly blessed!