Just some pictures

 Here are just some random pictures that I thought were worth posting.

Love these kiddos.

At the Niger River. We have pics of the kids from years ago on this tree (before H was even a thought in our mind). Fun to have another on the same tree many years later.

Watching UNC basketball. Trying to teach them the right things even over here. :)

I think here they were actually watching Messi, but I have no idea. Cute to see them all piled up on their dad.

This really doesn't need a caption. :) Just a cute smile.

So Brett's been trying to lead climb on our house, and well, he fell. From holding onto the roof (which is like a third story) to about 8 feet off the ground. I watched it happen and amazingly didn't freak out for some reason. Thankful that Jean caught him before he touched the ground. :)

And this struck me as funny. Even the donkey carts respect the street lights. :) 

Dawson's baptism

We've have many conversations about baptism over the years and we've always told the boys that we want them to do it when they feel ready and not feel pressured by us. 

About a week before his birthday, D said he felt ready to be baptized. Since his birthday was so close, he decided it would be neat to do it on that day. 

So after school we headed out to the river with some friends. There were a lot of people around and a lot of trash but we were able to carve out a little space for ourselves and have a moment.

It was a sweet moment. Special in so many ways. On his birthday. Baptized by his dad. In the Niger river. 

Dawson, I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of this step you have taken to choose for yourself to follow the Lord. I pray that you will grow in wisdom and knowledge, that you will grasp how wide and deep is the love of God, and that you will know His grace is full and complete. I pray that you will have a heart sensitive to His voice and that you will do whatever He calls you to do.

Twelve

Dawson has turned twelve. I can hardly believe it. My Easter morning gift who changed my life forever is now twelve. I'm not surprised at his age when I look at the young man he has become. He's polite, respectful, responsible, kind, incredibly helpful, and sweet. But it takes me back that 12 years have already passed. Two thirds of his childhood are completed and in the books. Crazy. I can't keep thinking about this or I'll end up in swimming in my tears.

We were grateful that his friend J was able to come up from Koutiala and spend the weekend with us. The boys may not have a lot of friends but the ones that have are super special. 

Speaking of growing up, D has officially made his own mac and cheese. :) As with all things parental, D is the one I have to learn on, and I'm not totally sure when I wassupposed to let him start making his own meals. I mean, he uses a knife and can light matches but preparing a cooked meal I just didn't know. But I'm pretty sure I was cooking noodles for myself after 6th grade so I figured there's no time like the present. At least now I know he can feed the family if we are ever in a pinch. :)

D is still the rock climber, the one who desires to be outside but is just as happy reading a book or playing legos with his brothers. He cares so well for his siblings. I'm impressed by his critical thinking, his desire to know about things, to try to learn new skills, his heart for others, and his incredible willingness to do whatever is asked of him. Whatever. Whenever. We are so blessed with this one. Love him to pieces.

Happy Birthday D- man!