GOING BATTY

In Fredricksburg we saw 3 million Mexican Free Tail bats emerge from an old railroad tunnel (the first RR in Texas which went from San Antonio to Fredricksburg). It was really awesome.



We also went to the Chester Nimitz (a fleet admiral during WWII) museum. Talk about a great history lesson! Here is what Ryan wrote to my dad (a WWII vet) about the trip:

Dear Opa,

Yesterday I went to the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas. This interesting museum had a lot of displays about World War II. I even got to learn about a Fleet Admiral named Chester Nimitz. We went on a tour about the types of vehicles and equipment used during the war including a PT boat, a Duck, a tank, cannon and tent. We saw a memorial honoring the people that had fought under Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, plus the ten presidents that either fought in the war or were in administration at the time.

I learned lots of different things. A ship’s propeller can weigh up to 28,000 pounds. Our tour guide, a World War II veteran, told us that airplanes were painted different colors to tell which branch of service they’re in. I saw the type of airplane George H W Bush flew on when he was shot down. I also saw the type of PT boat that JF Kennedy was on and hit during the war. There was a real torpedo and a spot light that would shine up to 2 miles. A pup tent has two identical parts that can be snapped together to make a whole tent so at night you had to find another man and create your tent in order to sleep.

There is a lot to see in that museum; maybe we can go together sometime.

Love,
Ryan

SHARING in HARLINGEN

Thursday, September 10, 2009

We have had a blessed time in Harlingen being loved on by our friends! We have had several opportunities to share about Paraguay during small group meetings, over dessert with medical residents, lunch and dinner dates with friends, and from the church pulpit. Jeff had the privilege of speaking at the church (both services) that has supported us for the past 4 years. He shared at a seminary in Mexico (He was really nervous about speaking in Spanish because the past 4 years we’ve been speaking Spanish/Guarani mixed) as well as at the Family Practice Residency.

On the way back to Belton, we were able to stay with two families along the way in Boerne (college friends) and Fredericksburg (from residency days). Plus, we spent one night in Comfort at a B&B which was wonderful.

We have been so encouraged by our Christian brothers and sisters (the body of Christ)






Yes, Jeff is on a pogo stick


We feel a bit like David in I Chronicles 17:16 (David’s Prayer just after the Lord has revealed to him that He would always have a descendent on the throne and that David’s son would build the temple of the Lord) – “Who am I, O Lord, and what is my family that you have brought me this far?” In the past 4 years god has brought us so far. He not only brought us far physically - 5000 miles, but he has brought us far spiritually. We are absolutely astounded that He has chosen to use us – broken vessels – to accomplish his purpose. He has allowed us to see the harvest and to know his awesome faithfulness.

Matthew 9:35 - “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowd he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.” We hear a lot about teach and preach ministries around the world. We tend to elevate physicians who can go to a foreign country and heal the sick. We forget that Jesus also had a ministry of compassion. That is something we all can do.

Evangelism is not an option. It is not a spiritual gift or something we have or don’t have. It is the privilege of every believer to share the Good News. Jeff McKissick

IT'S HOT

It has been so hot here and we have been blessed to be able to go swimming....I couldn't resist posting these too cute pictures.





Ginny and Grace


Ryan and Madelynn


Ginny and Maisey


Joshua and Kaleb


Ginny and Jenna


Ryan and Soren

JOSHUA'S FAVORITE TOOTH

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Joshua’s tooth has been on the verge of falling out for a week now. I got tired of seeing it hanging vertically out of his mouth that I insisted Jeff (I don’t do teeth) pull it out. Jeff grabbed the tooth and yanked it out. Joshua then proceeded to scream for the next 5 minutes. Once he calmed down we asked, “Did it really hurt that much?” Joshua replied, “No. But it has always been my favorite tooth and I wanted to keep it in.”

The tooth fairy visited Joshua that night. Because she didn’t have any small bills, she had to empty her change purse and put 2 dozen coins in a zip-lock under the pillow. The following morning Ryan woke up first and immediately announced his presence to me by saying, “I checked and there’s nothing under Joshua’s pillow!” About 30 minutes later Ginny woke up and entered the kitchen announcing, “I checked and there’s nothing under Joshua’s pillow!” About 15 minutes later Joshua shows up with all his change. Ryan and Ginny immediately quizzed him about where he found it. Joshua replied, “I found it in the middle of the night and held on to it so you wouldn’t steal it in the morning.”

Second tooth (and his favorite tooth) lost

Beach Trip

I am a beach bum! I love the beach! I think it is cruel to have land-lock countries and I feel so sorry for those who live in them. Living in Paraguay (a land-locked country), I miss the sand and waves. It was great to be in Harlingen again and visit South Padre. It was especially nice because we went with some of our closest friends.

Ready to go


Tyler boogie boardin'


Micah - first time to the beach.


Ryan


Pirate Joshua


Valerie and Ginny holding birds


Having fun!


Pigging out on all you can eat sea food! Table for 22, please!

RYAN SAYS......

Ryan: Where has dad been all day?

Mom: He’s been at the hospital taking a ACLS course to learn new medicines and treatments for saving people’s lives.

Ryan: Oh, he’s learning how to save people. That’s good. I thought he was just wasting his time.

THE HILL'S HOUSE

We stayed a few nights with the Hills. Kristi was my first friend in Harlingen. We were involved in bible studies and MOPS together; we scrapbooked, took our kids to the park and McDonalds together and we braved the beach and zoo together multiple times. We even had our babies at the same time! I loved being back in her house.

At the Hill's House: Madelynn (9y), Grace (7y) and Zack (5y)


A day at the zoo:

We have picture (taken 5 years ago) on this crocodile....we've added a couple kids since then.


Pink ladies


These boys preparing for adulthood and NOT asking for directions








The goat petting zoo is always a hit