Senegal-part 2

It was truly a gift that the kids and I were able to go to Senegal. We felt like having two patients for Brett to care for in another country while fixing their meals and such was a bit much so he needed a nurse to go with him. It was work caring for the kids and two patients, no doubt, but really a blessing. I loved that our kids got to spend extended time with our Malian friends.

Josué, pictured below, had never traveled outside of Mali. So he experienced many, many firsts. First plane, first of many foods, first time seeing the ocean. The night we arrived (around 11pm thanks to getting dreadfully lost) we went out and saw the ocean. His face filled with amazement and wonder. Even though he had seen pictures of the ocean he couldn't comprehend its vastness until he saw it himself. His words were, "God is big. The world is vast. One must discover it." Probably one of my most favorite moments of all time. So special to have been there for him to experience the ocean for the first time.

The next morning the boys made him touch the water. He was incredibly fearful and wouldn't go far, even though they tried. At least he can say he's touched the water.

Both Joseph and Josué after surgery. They had it one day apart.

 Dawson's game of RISK was used well as he had truly a captive audience. The games lasted for days.

Neither guy would take any risks so if they gained one army or one country they stopped. They never went to battle to conquer. Jo hunkered down in South Africa and Josué in Australia. Finally, having conquered the rest of the world, Dawson was able to take them out.

Our last morning before heading back to Mali. The guys remarked that even though they had had surgery, the time away from the hospital was so refreshing and replenishing for them. I will always treasure the time we got to share with them.

Senegal- Part one

We were in Senegal in April to help two Malians get knee surgery that isn't available in Mali. Both work at the hospital in Koutiala. It was really special to spend time with them. 

While Brett was taking them back and forth to appointments and surgery and all, the kids and I got to enjoy the beach. Not a bad deal. :) 

Day one- the boys were out at the water before 8 am. Our house was literally right on the beach so all they had to do was walk out of our porch. Unfortunately, the water was freezing. However, everyone managed to have some fun.

There are pics of Dawson at about 4 running out of the water like this. Somehow it seems like that could have just been yesterday as the actions seem just the same but he is not a little boy anymore.

We played games on the porch for my Momma. :) You would have been so proud of us.

He found charcoal on the beach and made a pencil out of it

Dawson's 10th Birthday

Yes, I'm just a bit behind on posting pictures of Dawson's 10th birthday in March but it's always better late than never I suppose.

This kid is fantastic. A true joy. He is an amazing helper to Brett and me. I feel it when he is gone and am reminded just how much I have come to depend on his helping hands. He has such a sensitive heart and truly cares for his siblings. He can come up with a zillion questions on any topic, just like his father. He is a critical thinker. I love this kid to pieces. He is such a gift to us.

The boys have gotten into Bakugan again so that was the theme of the party.

Trying to spray the tissue paper enough so that the balloon will fall.

There was a game of trying to catch the falling Bakugan cards which worked nicely in our stairwell (above) and then, of course, water balloons because boys love water balloons.

He was super-thrilled to get his own RISK game. He's gotten into it and loves it. Unfortunately he has a hard time getting people to play with him. It's a weekend kind of game...like all weekend. A boy thing that I don't fully understand. :)