Reminiscing

      Today was a day of reminiscing. Wes and I and his mother took a trip to the town of Bolivar, where Wes grew up, we met, went to college, and spent our first eight years of married life.
      We decided to take the back roads to reach Bolivar. It was a beautiful but curvy drive through the rural areas of Missouri. We passed through quaint little country towns where Wes had a story to tell about many of them. The trip took longer than expected, as there were a lot of detours, but it was an enjoyable trip.
      Arriving in Bolivar we went to visit Wes' Aunt Carolyn in a nursing home, enjoying a nice lunch with her and Wes' Uncle John. One of Wes' cousins, Mary, joined us as well as his sister, Teresa.
       Before leaving town, we surprised a friend that we had not seen for years and had a sweet reunion.  We also stopped by to see an older gentleman who had been Wes' neighbor for years. He looked at me, looked at Wes, looked at me again and finally said, "Wes Wilcox."  I guess we've changed a bit!
      It's fun to go back and visit the past, but I wouldn't want to go back. I enjoy what God is doing in the present and look forward to what He will do in the future.

On The Move

        We have been in the states for two weeks, and will be here until mid September. During our time in the states, we will be visiting family, catching up on what is happening in America, enjoying some good food, exercising because we are enjoying good food, and traveling around the states speaking for New Day Orphanage. 
        While we are here in the states many exciting things are happening at the orphanage site in Mapanza. The first orphan house is finished, and Mom Margaret has joined the team.  Social Services came out and gave their stamp of approval, and Blu and Darbi will be ready soon to head to Lusaka to the government offices to receive official orphanage certification. It won't be long and little children will be running around the orphanage.
        We are also excited about our house that is being built while we are gone. When we left Zambia we were able to stand on slab of our house and walk from room to room, but there was only one layer of bricks. Now the walls are up to the top of the windows, thanks to the Tidwells and all the workers!
        As we travel around the states, we will "try" to keep you updated on what is happening in our world. You notice I said "try," as we don't know if we will always be in places where we will have great email. 

Our new home in Mapanza, Zambia is going up quickly thanks to the Tidwells and the many Zambian workers!

It's really starting to look like a house!

The first orphan house is ready for children!