Sunrise...

Jim & I had talked about getting up early to see the sun rise over the ocean. Today was the day. It was hard getting up early but well worth it. The waves were much higher than they have been since we arrived. It was a beautiful morning and we loved our long walk on the beach and seeing the sun rise.

Shells, Sand and Sun...

Jim and I, along with Stacy, Travis, Shawna, Austin and Ashlynn arrived at Gulf Shores Saturday afternoon. In spite of our weather concerns the sun was shining so as soon as we got the keys to our condo we headed to the beach. We left cameras behind and just decided to enjoy our time and take pictures later. I thought Ashlynn's first time in the ocean would be a time of giggles, but she did not like the salt water when the waves hits her face. So we decided to give her some beach time for awhile and put her on a float next time. She was much happier.

We woke this morning to another beautiful, sunny day. Before breakfast Jim and I took a walk. Ashlynn went with us! She loved walking in the water with Pa.

Friends & Family visit

Our long time friends, Casey and Jarrod, visited us. They live in Arizona and were on vacation. We loved our time with them as well as their sweet children, Hunter, Elizabeth, Becca and Tori.

Chad and Heather, along with their children, were in town for a wedding. They were able to visit us on their way home. It was so good to spend a few hours with these special friends. Nykolas and Lily enjoyed giving treats to Jack. Earlier Lily enjoyed chasing Jack around the house. She was squealing with delight as he tried to get away from her.

Mia, who is a horse lover, was content to play. She may have been wishing Jack was a horse instead of a dog.

My brother, Tom & his wife Peggy and my niece, Cynthia & her husband Hutch visited the next day for a few days. Cynthia was here on business and her husband Hutch came along. He, Tom, Jim and Travis had fun playing golf. It was so hot those days but that didn't keep those boys off the course. We had fun eating out, shopping, laughing, and just being together.

Stacy & Cynthia

cousins

Joshua

Tom & Peggy

Colette was thrilled that Peggy read a book to her at breakfast.

China trip

Jim was in China for three weeks during the Olympics. I wanted to share some of what he wrote on the way home.

"As I am writing this I am looking out the airplane window at the
Grand Canyon and thanking God for a country founded on
His precepts and for the freedom that we have to follow Him...
even to the end of the earth.
Seventeen of us are just returning from three weeks in China.
My heart is full as I reflect on all that we have seen God do
over these days...the battles won...the setbacks and struggles
that allowed us to learn lessons that we would never have learned...
and to return to America with the knowledge that several on this
pilgrimage are now contemplating long term service in China.
As we meet and talk on the airplane and in the airports
there is so much excitement as to how they will be used
to impact China in a significant way over their lifetime.
We all fell in love with our Chinese brothers and sisters
and gained great appreciation for their daily
struggles as they seek to serve God on a daily basis."

In Memory of...

Amy Elizabeth Pack

3/31/77-8/26/98

A Tribute to Amy's Life

A precious baby, a curious child
A fragile sweetness, a brilliant smile
A life of joy, a life of giving
A life of encouragement, a life full of living.

A life of suffering, a life of pain
A life of trusting with only heaven to gain
A wonderful example with peace as its root
A child seeking Jesus, an adult seeking truth.

A life wasn’t lost, a death didn’t come
There was just a shift from both feet to one.
For Amy was balanced since the day of her birth
One foot in heaven and one foot on the earth.

9/2/98 Sharlene Burlew

Amy was a wonderful daughter, sister, cousin, & a friend to many. She had a contagious laugh, loved Elmo and Tigger, fun clothes, cute shoes, music, drama, roses and children. She wrote poems, both funny and serious. She was fun and made us laugh. She was full of life and the joy of the Lord! We thank the Lord for the 21 years we had with her. Her name, Amy, means Beloved and this is what she will always be to us!

Welcome home!

We are happy to have Jim home from China! He arrived home Sunday night, Aug. 17. He brought us Olympic hats and shirts and adorable outfits for Colette & Ashlynn!

Two cute China dolls!!!

He brought me a beautiful pearl necklace and earrings!

Buttercup

Colette and I visited friends last week. She had such a fun time playing with the girls. She fell in love with their pet bunny, Buttercup! We were pulling out of the drive way when the following conversation started.

Colette: I want a bunny like their bunny.
Me: You do?
Colette: Yes! Can we stop at the pet store and buy one.
Me: Well, I think that is something you need to ask your mommy and daddy.
Colette: No, I don't want one at home, I want one at your house.
Me: Now what do you think Mr. Jim would say if we asked him for a bunny.
Colette: HA HA HA(I think she knows Mr. Jim very well!)

Scholarship time

We are pleased to be able to continue this year to present the Amy Elizabeth Pack Memorial Scholarship. Last year, with the help of friends and family, we presented a scholarship to a student in Comayagua, Honduras. A $1,000 scholarship went to Celestino Velasquez from Ruach International Christian Academy. He decided to attend college in Texas and will be attending Tarrant County College. We look forward to being able to spend time with him while he is here.

We are excited to be able to present this scholarship again to a graduating senior from Ruach International Christian Academy. Jim will be in Honduras in October and at this time will present the scholarship.

Helping another young person fulfill their dream is a blessing to us, as is keeping Amy’s life story and testimony alive.  If you are interested in donating to this fund please let me know and I will explain how.

Hooray!

We have been trying for months to get two pieces of luggage to Stephanie in Honduras. One finally reached her, thanks to one of our missionaries, Porter. She received it yesterday. She was thrilled and said it was like having Christmas! Thanks to everyone who gave her a gift or a card. It was so much fun to bless her in this way! The next bag will go in a few weeks. Another missionary, Annette, will be able to take it for us. This one contains all kinds of books, crayons, and other things the children need at the school in Honduras. Thanks to our friend Lauren and Covenant Christian Academy! The children will think it is Christmas when that one arrives!

Jack Bower...

We took care of Jack while Stacy and Travis were in Maryland visiting family. He was happy to have Ashlynn to play with one day!

Getting away from Jack wasn't all that easy...he followed her wherever she went!

A little alone time with her favorite toy!