He is risen!

Happy Easter tomorrow to all my precious family! Thank-you Jesus for the cross, and everything that it means! He is risen!

It has been awhile since we've posted as well, so here's the 'quick' update over the last few months ;). As you know, we moved back to Honduras at the beginning of Jan. after a brief visit with Leah in DC. To be very honest the first month was difficult, very difficult- but thankfully everything has gotten much better. Paula decided to stay in Jan as well, which was a huge answer to our prayers for Andres. He is so loved :). Carlos loves being back, and its wonderful to see your husband happy and comfortable.

Here a few highlights since Jan.
School: I loved coming back to my 'old' students. We have a great relationship and it has been a joy being back in the classroom again, especially with them.

Home: Carlos is working as a substitute teacher, assistant AD, and helping with Visa's and housing for the North American community here. He doesn't necessarily love what he's doing, but its a perfect job for him while he goes back to school. Speaking of school, he starts classes in a few weeks for his marketing degree. He is a great help around the house and with Andres, he's been changing so much since we've been married (me too)- I'm so proud of him! Andres is such a blessing. Watching him grow and change is indescribable. He has just started crawling and since our floors are tile, he slips a lot and can't move very fast. But all the same he tries so hard to get where he wants. He has figured out how to stand in his crib as well, which was scary the first time I walked in after his nap...we need to drop the mattress so we sleep better at night. Andres has been very healthy, thankfully, and is realizing when we walk by and don't pick him up...which he doesn't like very well. And I must admit, I love having him close to me. He loves going for walks/being outside and literally cries when we come back inside and he's not ready...lol :). Really, the Psalm about children being a blessing and a gift means so much more to be me now as a momma :).

Church: We just started going to a new church, Impacto, that seems to be a great fit for us. It is a bit more established which means there are a lot of opportunities to get involved during the week with marriage classes, and bible studies. It's also a lot closer to home so we CAN get involved too. God is faithful!

Birthday: I have the chance to brag on my husband a bit...he made sure my birthday was so special! I woke up on Sat morning to Andres' smiling face and 'Mommy, I love you' written on his chest in dry erase marker along with breakfast in bed. :). My day could have ended there and I would have been happy. Then Carlos surprised me with a spa day at a beautiful hotel...I was pampered! He made me dinner at night and did all the cleaning too! Overall, it was a wonderful birthday, I felt loved! Oh, and my actual day he surprised me with dinner and friends over, and Paula made me a cake and they all sang to me...nothing like the traditional Terbeek birthday song, but lovely all the same :).

Semana Santa: 'Holy Week' here in Central America is when everyone leaves the city for the beaches...we decided to stay in town and it has been so relaxing. I made bread, cookies and took naps :). There is hardly any traffic and everyone is 'tranquilo' and happy...can't complain! We've taken a few short trips to visit Carlos' family in the city, but other than that we're happy to be home. I love waking up with Andres and taking walks in the morning, before it gets too hot. We bought a little kiddie pool and have put Andres in in a few times...he loves the water! Vacation is wonderful!

Family: We were able to have a video conference call with the fam (Dad/Mom, Grandpa/Grandma, Joel and Megs, Trav, Leah and Luke!) who were all over at my parents house for Leah's birthday...I loved seeing AND talking to everyone. Andres put on a great show complete with giggles and crawling, which I know tickled Grammie and Grampie pink...we all loved it! Gotta love technology! I can't wait until July to see everyone!

Paula: She's doing well, and has been gone for most of her vacation too. She has been helping with a medical brigade from church, translating and seeing the much poorer side of Honduras. She loves translating and does an excellent job, she even got to meet a former NFL player who came down with the brigade. Sorry, I don't remember his name...she'll have to post later with the details :). She goes up to the orphanage every other weekend where she has a good friend there, plus I think she likes getting away from the house :). She recently started tutoring for a little boy in the neighborhood so she's earning a little extra cash as well. I love having her here, and if you know Paula at all, you know what a blessing she is! (She told me to update for her, I'm not stealing her thunder ;))

Ok...I think that covers the highlights...I always seem to write a novel :). Just a few prayer requests and then I shall leave you...1) Continued prayer for our marriage, its hard, but rewarding :)...2) For the finances to be there for us to all travel home in July...and 3) Carlos- he starts school soon and his plate will be full!

The pics are us in DC, Andres in his pool and in the laundry basket, which he loves! Enjoy :)!

Alright, I love you all- Happy Easter, He is risen!

The Valladares' and Paula

He is risen! (tomorrow ;))

Hi family! It has also been a while since I've posted, so here we go :)....We moved back to Honduras in the beginning of Jan, after a brief stop in DC with Leah. I have to admit my first month here was very hard, BUT- thankfully things have improved! In that month Paula decided to stay with us until July...Thank-you Jesus, huge answer to our prayers for Andres. Carlos and I both started working at International School again. I am teaching 10/11 English and Carlos is doing several things, such as substitute teaching, athletic director assistant, and working with the housing and Visa's for the North American teachers. He also starts classes towards a marketing degree starting in the beginning of April- he's busy! I love my students and enjoy being back in the classroom again!

Paula watches Andres during the day for us and recently started tutoring for a student in the neighborhood to earn some extra cash on the side. She goes up to the orphanage every other weekend and has made some great friends there with a teacher/ some of the workers. I love having my sister around and if you know Paula, you know how much of a blessing she is!

This week is 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week) here in Central America, and EVERYONE has the week off. I love vacation!!! We stayed in the city and things have been really tranquilo (calm) around here since everyone is gone...traffic is light, people are relaxed, and the sun is HOT :)! Some of the highlights this week are using the kiddie pool with Andres, who LOVED it, making homemade bread and cookies- yummy, taking naps in the afternoon, waking up every morning and sharing breakfast with the fam, and taking walks in the morning with Andres, before it gets hot! Gotta say, I'm not looking forward to getting back in the swing of things on Mon ;).

Carlos and I recently started going to a new church, Impacto (Impact), which we really like. The church is a lot closer to home and seems to be very established. What sold me were the services during the week...I really want to get involved with a church and Impacto has mens/womens studies and marriage classes every week. Overall, it just seems to be more established and stable. Carlos likes how much we save on gas and that we have already met a few young families. We both think this is a good fit for us these next few years. Paula is still going to Tabernaculo de Sion so we still have that contact there as well.

We are looking forward to coming home in July and please be praying for finances because we really want to travel as a family, in other words...to have Carlos come home with Andres and I :). Other prayer requests are for Carlos and I and our marriage...God is faithful and we've both seen lots of changes in ourselves, but there's always more :). Andres has been so healthy, thankfully, and I pray daily for that! He just started crawling and continues to bring us so much joy! Children really are a blessing! Please pray for Carlos as he goes back to school as well, he will have a lot on his plate!

I hope you are all enjoying the first signs of spring, I don't miss winter ;). We have hit the middle of the hot season, and its HOT! Andres is usually in just a diaper by the time I come home from work :), and I don't blame him. We miss you here, and recently enjoyed a 'video conference' with the fam for Leah's birthday...we all loved it and Andres put on a great show full of giggles and crawling...Grammie Ruth loved it! (as did everyone else :))

Have a blessed Easter Sunday, I'm so thankful for the cross and what it means! He is risen!

The Valladares' and Paula :)

Hi!

Hello all. Remember me. Sorry I have not been posting but I had not done it in so long that I forgot the login info. But don't worry I got it from my momma :o)

So I was just saying hi if you wanna see what is going on in my life just click here.

Have a great day!

Our first 'empty-nester' project! Here is David cutting a hole between Ryan & Ross's old room and Stacey's. The french doors behind him are what will go there because the girls had this fabulous idea to combine the two and I think the exact (and very motivating) words were 'for future grandbabies when we come home for a visit'!

The Speyer Update!

http://ttt-ranch.blogspot.com/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT BARBARA!

WE LOVE YOU!

More of the Stickneys!! :)

Just more pictures of us! :) heheheee I always like looking at everyone's pictures so I thought I'd update mine.

Things are going well in our world. Graham is such a joy and is getting SO BIG! Ava is so helpful, SO smart and just makes me laugh everyday! Graham and Ava are shown having a picnic, in case you were wondering. We feel sooo blessed to have been entrusted with two incredible children!!

Love you all!
Tina, Cory, Ava and Graham Stickney

Hola from the Dominican

Just returned from a great Dominican Republic trip. The first night there, our friend asked everyone to consider three things during the week; was this a vacation, mission or vision trip. . . for David and I , it was the perfect blend of all three.
Someone else has the pictures of Grandma's shawls getting passed out at the nursing home so we will post those later.
David is helping this boy fix his bike tire with string. It worked! and David said that he learned something from helping him. He also left his Leatherman (after making sure it was ok with his mom) which he had taken quite a liking to.

From upstairs at the school overlooking the barrio.

This isn't such a great picture, however you can tell how small the 'library' is and that it is now a Dominican green!

A reconstructed home that is built higher so that when it floods (the barrio's name translates to 'black water') it is now higher than the sewer water.

I was the dumb one who raised her hand and asked where they bought the kiln (before we went on the tour). . . . of course, it was built by the Dominican who is in charge of making these ceramic water filters, a different filter that we were introduced to on this trip. . . . more on that later.

BELATED & EARLY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!

Happy Belated 24th Birthday to Ryan! - February 14
Happy Early 26th Birthday to Stacey! - February 17

Scott fam news

Hi , Happy Valentines Day to all I love :) I wanted to share two of my favorite recent pictures. Andres is almost 6 months already wow. Doing well his Aunt Paula watches him during the day for those of you who didn't know she had gone on her Christmas break to help out at the orphanage there and decided to stay until summer to help Tashina and Carlos out with child care. So what was going to be a 6 week visit is now more like 7 months . But it is a good thing for all I think. The other is one of my favorite pictures of the ship that Levi is on the Harry Truman an aircraft carrier. He is in the middle east, United Arab Emeriates and is for now expected to return home in June. In this picture they are testing the sprinkler system for the flight deck. I loved the picture. John and I are going to visit g-ma and g-pa in Florida next week can't wait. Travis is attending GVSU full time along with Luke. He is planing to finish his degree in communications. We are proud of him. Joel and Megan are doing well both in Sterling Heights area. Leah is still in D.C. and I'm not sure when we'll see her again. Tashina andCarlos are both working back at International School. She is planning a visit home in July ....Can't wait to get my hands on that little guy :) I know everyone thinks their kid, grandkid is the cutest but hey have you seen the picture of Andres?........jk Love to ya'll Aunt Ruth

Update about Luke and Guatemala : )

Hello All. I thought I would give a quick update. (Writing this allows me to procrastinate a little longer before doing a short homework assignment ;) )

Well, I have been pretty busy with GVSU, two part-time jobs, SLEEP, hanging out with friends, and church. Last semester went well, but I am definitely glad that it's over! : ) I am enjoying this semester much better! I have two Criminal Justice classes, a Political Science class, a Sociology class, and Spanish. It is really interesting for me to take all these classes because they all relate to each other. The theories and topics covered from last semester's classes and now are all intercorrelated from PLS, CJ, and SOC (minus studying Spanish). I like that : ) I am also looking for an internship in the law enforcement community, so if anyone has any ideas or knows something, let me know! :) I am still pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Political Science and a minor in Spanish and want to be a police officer : )

Youth has been keeping me busy as well. We just recently remodeled the youth sanctuary after a new youth pastor started, and I am in charge of the youth cafe. It is a lot of fun, and I enjoy helping out and meeting all of the youth kids.

I work at Bono's BBQ in Allendale still as well as at GVSU. I cook, expedite, bus tables, wash dishes, clean, and pretty much whatever I'm told lol. At GVSU I work as a student assistant in the Statistics Dept. I work on projects for professors, organize mail, data input, answer the phones and once again, anything else that needs to be done. If anyone has job ideas or knows of anyone hiring, I would like to quit at Bono's! I'm kind of sick of the restaurant business : )

Also, this summer I am traveling to Guatemala! : ) I have the opportunity to go on a mission trip with Res Life in Grand Haven. I am going with a lot of people from youth, and I know it will be an awesome trip!! I ask for your PRAYERS and of course, if you feel led, your financial support! The trip costs approximately $1,500 and the final payment is due March 10, 2008. Support letters will be in the mail soon. :) I just know you are all just as excited about that as I am the trip!!!! ;)

I am of course missing mi sobrino (my nephew)!! Recently, Tash used a webcam and my mom, dad and I were able to see him and talk to him. I liked that a lot!

Well, my pillow is beckoning--but first a little homework! ; )
Much love!
~luke

Its TO COLD were moving to Flordia!!

We are moving to Flordia!!

Why you ask.... Well my new wonderful husband Tim is going to be going to school in Orlando MMI its a marine mechanic institute. To learn to work on boats. We are both very excited we feel if we don't do it now we never will. We don't have a set date for sure that were are leaving here but Tim has orientation on the 12th and school starts for sure on the 17th. Its only a 13 month course so we wont be gone forever. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers were so ready and looking forward to our new adventure together!! love Tim and Andrea Speyer

Its TOO COLD were moving to Florida!!

We are moving to Florida!!

Why you ask.... Well my new wonderful husband Tim is going to be going to school in Orlando MMI its a marine mechanic institute. To learn to work on boats. We are both very excited we feel if we don't do it now we never will. We don't have a set date for sure that we will be leaving here but Tim has orientation on the 12th and school starts for sure on the 17th. So yes i know it means SOON! Its only a 13 month coarse so we wont be gone forever. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers were so ready and looking forward to our new adventure together!! love Tim and Andrea Speyer

The Stickneys!!

Well, I'm (tina) 30 years old!! Cory suprised me with a night out w/ our friends ice skating for my bday!! That was sooo fun!!

Ava is 2.5 yrs now and looking like a little girl! Graham is such a tank. He's 2.5 months and so laid back and sweet... he just smiles and cooos at you! :)

Cory is as busy as ever buying and selling things - life's never dull over here! :)

Well, I had better get to bed while I can!

Much love from the Sticks! Cory, Tina, Ava and Graham

The Stickney's

Well.... this is Tina writing for the Stickney's!! :) I had my 30th birthday and had a lot of fun! Cory suprised me w/ dinner with our friends and then we all went down town for ice skating! Wooo Hoo!! I hadn't skated in a LONG time and we all were laughing pretty much the entire time!! Since I've had Graham I haven't been able to get outside much, so it felt WONDERFUL just to be outside!! :)

Ava is looking more and more like a little girl (2.5 yrs) and is just a riot!! Graham (2.5 months) is such a tank, but sooo sweet and loves to laugh. He's my laid back guy! Cory is as busy as ever buying and selling... he cracks me up. There is NEVER a dull moment over here! :)

Well, much love from the Sticks! :) Cory, Tina, Ava & Graham

Happy Birthday Lisa!!!

Happy Birthday Lisa.....#28...Holy Moley!!! Happy Birthday babe. Thanks for the blessing you are to me and everyone you come in contact with. You are an amazing women of God and I'm blessed to be your husband, business partner, and best friend. God gave you one of those personalities that everyone else wishes they had....your tons of fun, hilarious, compassionate, steadfast(stubborn =-) ), courageous, and to top it off....you're stinkin' HOT. I love you babe. Happy 28th. Kurt

Life In T.C.

Hey All!!! It's been quite a while since I've posted so I thought it was my turn again. Plus....I got sick of not seeing a new post the last few times I've checked! =) Life up here is going great. We're keeping busy snowblowing the driveway and snowblowing the driveway and OH did I mention snowblowing the driveway?!? Good thing we have the attitude "if we're going to have winter we might as well do it right!" because we're living in the right place for it! It's been beautiful though as I sit inside all cozy and warm with nowhere to go. The minute I've got errands to run and actually need to drive in it it's a different story though!

The kids are doing great - Makayla starts her dance classes again this week so we're very excited for that. It'll be great for her to learn her social skills with other kids because mommy isn't in the class with her this year! (just between you & me it'll be VERY hard not to have my nose glued to the window watching her the whole time!) But she thinks it's cool that she's going alone and that Cameron will be there this time too! She continues to be an absolute joy and keeps us laughing with her silly spirit!

Cameron is growing by leaps & bounds. Funny how soon you forget so how much they grow in that first year of life. He's picking his head up now to look around, he's giggling, squealing and smiling and loves to be in the middle of the action. We have a hunch he's got his daddy's energy but that remains to be seen! He makes life in our little family so much more complete.

We've been going to a church that seems to be a good fit. We actually tried it in the past but the timing didn't seem to be right. Now that we've taken a break over the summer and tried again in the last couple months we've really felt like it may actually work out. Of course we're still feeling our way to make sure, but it certainly will be fabulous to have a place to call 'home'. Especially since they've just built a new church and it's only 5 minutes down the road!!!

I think that's about all for now, hope everyone out there is doing well. We love you all!

The Velderman Family

Hello from Grandville Michigan! It was a beautiful snowy morning so I went 'snowshoeing' which sounds really fancy for strapping big plastic pretend snowshoes on my feet and going for a walk with my camera.

Gramps and my most precious

hello Group,
my precious family
We just want to say Thank you for all the things we have recently
experienced with you wonderful people. a list a 69th anniversary party
a GREAT Christmas Open house,( which almost everybody that could did
come) all the birthday partys we have been able to share in, (it's so much
fun to watch those little ones do their thing) , the blogs you all send the
prayers that are sent up as a result. You are the BEST.

Gramps and Gramma O.G.I.G.

prayer request

Hi fam,
I got an email yesterday from the guy that worked for me in Lansing office named Josh. He asked that have my prayer team prat for his Mom's friend that had open heart surgery, they were concerned that he may not live. Since my Lansing prayer team is no longer active, I'm asking you all to prayfor this man. I don't know his name but Jesus does. It's really awesome that Josh would ask me to do this as I lived my faith very openly in front of Josh but he never realy shared back with me. Just goes to show you never know how you're effecting others around you.
Lets pray for life, healing and salvation. I don't know where this friend is with the Lord. I would ask for you to also pray for an open email door for me to chat a little more in depth with Josh about life and death.
ly, blessings
Barbara

ONE MORE BABY :D

Hi all,

Stacey - like the new look!

Aunt Sally Here, We have another grandbaby on the way for any of you who may not have heard yet. Jessie and Gilbert are expecting and are due in August. She told me to go ahead and post the news on the blog so I am. It has been a very eventful year for them :) It's all good!

Love you all and we will post more later. aunt Sally :)

new year, new look

Hello all you TerBeeks! Well it's the new year, so this blog keeper (stacey) decided that we needed a new look.

Hopefully this new look of the blog will inspire you and your families to keep in touch, keep us updated, and most of all just be.

Just be true.

Just be yourselves.

Just be who you are.

Just be a part of this family, that is amazing, and wonderful, and supportive.

Happy New Year to all.

HAPPY BLOGGING.

NOW GET TO IT! (not so much as a threat as a nice suggestion!)

House For Sale!

Hello family! We thought it was about time to update everyone about our situation. To be honest, we meant to do this a long time ago. Due to organizational challenges, I was slightly unsure of how to log into this wonderful family blog. (Yes sisters and mom... I lost the password again!) So we apologize for the tardiness of this news. I think many of you have heard through the grapevine that we have moved in with my (Jen's) parents and are selling our house.

Background Info: (Thought we may have to catch a few of you up...)
Mark and I have known for many years that we are called into business ownership. We know that we have a call on our life to create wealth that we can funnel into God's kingdom. To be honest, we used to be slightly afraid to tell people that. Try as we may, us humans are prejudiced. There were some wonderful Christians who did not understand how owning a business and becoming wealthy could be equated with godliness. It even collided with some of my religious materialistic nerves when I was a "new" business owner. But as we grew in the business world, it was so obvious that it was a perfect fit. Then the search was on. Which is the right kind of business for us? We have tried everything. Currently we have two businesses: one we are trying to shut down and one that is truly where God has placed us.

Current Situation:
About six years ago we started a real estate business. It was a great business plan: We would buy low, fix up properties, and sell on a rent to own program. Through this program, we would help people qualify for home ownership through a two year program. To be honest, this would have worked wonderfully if the real estate market hadn't changed a couple years into it. But it did and we have been working to dig out from under a mountain of debt ever since. Since the market is so tough, it has been kind of rough. But God has been faithful providing miracle after miracle to see us through. Within the last two months, it became apparent to both Mark & I that we needed to do some big changes. So that is when we decided to sell our house. We are living with my parents while we sell our house and look for a place to rent temporarily.

The Good News:
God is so faithful. While we were in the middle of our real estate mess, we were led to start our Quixtar business (called Redline). This was pretty amazing. When God first told us to start our Quixtar business, we fought Him. We were quite negative about the idea, but had to listen to the Lord. As we researched the e-commerce market, it was apparent that the business climate was moving to the internet. It also seemed to be where the Lord was guiding us. So we began our journey. I tell you all this for one reason. We are selling our house and it was rough at first. But the truth is that we know what we are called to do and our financial struggles are just additions to our testimony. Our Quixtar business has doubled over the last few months, and it is doing so well that the stress of our real estate debt is starting to lessen. It is amazing how God works out His perfect timing.

We could really use some specific prayers. We know what amazing prayer warriors you all are. We are believing that our house is going to sell quickly and easily. We had a couple come through that seem to be "the ones". Their house needs to sell and we need to work out the details. So we just pray that God will work all of this out in His perfect timing as always. Also, if you could pray grace over our family. The girls have started having bad dreams every night. Maybe it is transitioning or new beds. Pray for peace. And hopefully we won't be too much of an inconvenience to my parents. :)

Thanks for the prayers. We love you all dearly!

Love,
Mark, Jen, Tori & Elli

Uncle Nick

Merry Christmas wonderful Family

Just wanted to let you all know that Uncle Nick's Mom went to spend Christmas with Jesus this morning. She went peacefully with family around, and now we know she's spending the day with Dad and Snooks (Uncle Nick's sister) in Heaven.

Please keep him in your prayers along with the rest of the famliy. They lean on him pretty hard cause they know he has a strength they need.
Thanks for being THERE when we need you . I love you all.
Aunt Barb

GRANDMA TERBEEK'S CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE!

You are all invited to Grandpa and Grandma TerBeek's for the annual Christmas Open House.

Christmas Day

1:00 pm - whenever the last person leaves!

Please feel free to come and go according to what fits best in your schedule! Grandma will provide goodies.

TO ALL THE PRAYER WARRIORS IN THIS WONDERFUL FAMILY

Hello family,
Because I believe in the incredible power of prayer I am writing to all of you to make a few prayer requests that I know you prayer warriors will cover with great dilligence, so thank you in advance.
As some of you may have heard through the grapevine adam and andy have decided that running a business is well, tough business. So, they have decided that after a incredibly successful summer, that they are not going to landscape anymore. God blessed their business for three years and we praise him for that, but the sacrifices for adam and andy to be sucessful and balance family and business was hard, at this time they felt it was for the best.
However, that also leaves them with the need for new employment. Adam is currently working for Integrity Tree service (praise God they had work for him!) but he will be needing somethiing permanent. So I am asking for prayer that Adam (and Andy) find jobs that they can enjoy, that pay well enough to support the families and that have benefits ( we currently purchase our own insurance which is VERY expensive) Specifically Adam applied at Buist Electric in Byron Center for their Underground Division which he is very well qualified for, (we have a friend who is the marketing/Human resources guy there and has been bugging adam to apply for a while now). Please pray for an opening in the Undergroung Division for Adam. This is a wonderful Christan company and we would be so blessed for Adam to get a job there.

My second prayer request is for my brother Jim and his wife Sarah. They just had twins ( a boy-Quinn and a girl- Allie) on Tuesday. Quinn was 4lbs 1 oz and Allie 5lbs. They were supposed to be born on January 8 but as is typical with twins they came early. Both are in the neonatal unit at Spectrum and doing well. Allie will most likely be able to come home this weekend but Quinn had to have a feeding tube put in because he is so little and most likely will lose weight and be in the 3lb range. I am asking that you pray that they grow and stay healthy. It was a long road for my brother and his wife to even get pregnant for these two little miracles and they are just itching to take them home. Please pray that Quinn will learn to suck and that mommy and babies will be strong and healthy quickly.
Thanks for all the prayers I know you will send up to our heavenly father, the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Love you all.
lindy

'Lovin on Levi!

Hey fam! Levi just emailed and said he's feeling a little lonely and could use some 'lovin :(...if you get the chance he would love to receive a package, letter, or email.....thought we'd pass it along! :D....Thanks!

Address: SKSR Scott Levi D.
USS Harry S. Truman
FPO AE
09524 2875

Email: scottld@cvn75.navy.mil

Movin South!

Hi family! We just wanted to update you on some big changes coming up in the Valladares family...about a month ago International School offered Carlos and I both positions along with some great benefits...and within a few days a school in Lansing offered me a Spanish teacher position as well....SO, with all of that came some major decisions...Carlos and I prayed about everything and we both agreed that moving back to Honduras is/was the best decision for our family right now. The school is offering us housing, car, gas stipends, paid utilities, nursery for Andres at the school, insurance, roundtrip airfare, and of course our monthly salaries...AND best of all Carlos can finish his degree he has started in Tegus. Lansing was a great offer, but would require an apt, setting up house (expensive!) and Carlos would still not be able to work because of paperwork...When we move back to Honduras we'll be able to file the paperwork without the stress of NEEDING it to work right now...overall, for our new little family...this is a huge answer to prayer...

OF COURSE, I'm sad to leave my family and support system here...but I know that where God opens doors, He also provides and will take care of our needs...He is faithful!!! And...once Carlos finishes his degree (about 2yrs) we'll move back to the States...much more stable and prepared to transition to life here...Overall, for me it's a bittersweet move...I know what I'm leaving behind (ouch!)...but I also know this is the right move for us...Here are a few things I'm looking forward to in Honduras in no particular order...-weather!!! (i will NOT miss winter ;)) -Lela, our wonderful 'cleaning lady' who takes care of your house 1/2 times a week for SOOOO cheap (i'm spoiled!), Carlos' family and friends meeting Andres for the first time, -cheap, but quality pedicures (again i'm spoiled :)), -our church, Tabernaculo de Sion, -seeing my husband back in his element and doing what God created him to do (protect, provide etc...)), -stability (financial, emotional...) JUST to name a few...;) We already know the house we are going to live in (3bed, 2bath), it is right in the neighborhood where we used to live- about 5min. away from the school, and we can't wait to move our things into it that we left in Honduras when we came to Michigan...YAY! I think the hardest part will be getting us ALL out of the house on time in the mornings :D. I'll post pictures when we are settled...

Right now the plans are to travel down to DC with Leah after Christmas to spend NY's Eve there and so Carlos can see DC...and then fly out of DC on Jan. 3 or 4...we will start classes at IST on Jan. 7! ALSO, our plane tickets will be roundtrip to return to MI for the month of July!!! (one major perk with the 'teacher schedule')

THANKYOU for all of your support and prayers so far, please continue to be praying for our transition back to Honduras, especially for me...this is requiring a lot of trust on my part...and as much as I KNOW this is the best/right decision....it is still very hard...:)- Thankyou!!!

We dedicated Andres at Iglesia Vida (Life Church) in Holland (it's affiliated with Resurrection Life Church- Grandville) on Dec. 9...so here are a few pics from that, and a quick trip to Fred. Mejier Gardens to see the Christmas trees and lights....

We love you...Merry Christmas!

Tashina and Carlos :D

A long update from the lakeshore Polavin's

Hello,I am writing you today coming from a thankful place, a place where I have experienced some holy moments recently. A couple of weeks ago I was at a funeral home spending time with a family whose daughters are in YL because their Dad passed away. We hung out with the daughters, their friends there to support them, we met more of their family and community members, and we hugged. It was a holy moment, God was present, I felt at times that I should take my shoes off(I didn't don't worry) because I was standing on ground where God was present. I was at club the other night and I watched someone's heart grow and accept someone in a tender way that she would have never done at school, the safe environment and the fact that the Holy Spirit grew her heart allowed her to able to do this, holy moment. Listening to my daughter laugh and watching her crawl up into my wife's lap and giving her a hug, holy moments. I spent a few hours Sunday listening to stories from leaders about how they are spending time loving students and then participated as a community members gave them presents, told them they were valuable and prayed for them, holy moment(I actually did have my shoes off then.) I think that I have recently had eyes that see these moments, and it might have something to do with my perspective I guess, and that is another reason I am writing here today.
I have decided that this has been my last semester on young life staff. I have a heavy heart about that choice, yet it is the right decision for me. The heaviness comes from understanding that I won't get to see or hear from these folks I have come to love as often as I may like and the reality that these connections will be missed in my life. I have loved YL staff and I will miss the experiences that this job affords. However, I am leaving and feel peace and excitement about what is next for me. The details quickly are I am going to be selling color to injection molding companies. Robin has a family connection that offered me the job in passing and little did she know that she was answering a prayer I had been praying for awhile. Many of you know that we had Avary last December and before that and since I have been praying that God continue to show me how I could be a selfless father and husband. How I could step into the role of husband to a mom and father in the way God created me to fulfill that role. I felt increasingly uncomfortable in the job I had, not because I was doing it poorly, but mostly I was watching Robin's heart ache to be with Avary more and watch her sacrifice her sleep, time and health to be a great mom, hold up the financial burden of our family and still try to fulfill her other roles of family and friends. I felt like I was not being the husband God created me to be. I was trying as hard as could to take things off her plate, but what I was doing was removing things she needs to do and God created her to do. So, that left me with this ache and question of how do I remove the burdens from her that will free her up to be the woman God has so carefully crafted. This had built itself up to such a crescendo in my head and heart that when this job offer came in passing, almost joke like, that it was as if God was shouting that this is the new direction I have chosen for you, this is the path, this is your new call, so I leaped.
Now, I am full of sadness at what I am leaving in so many ways, yet I know that God doesn't need me to be on staff to do great things through me and YL south of Holland. In fact, I believe this was in His plan all along as I look back through my life, to be a community member who understands that for a ministry to thrive in a community, the community must own it and not just pay for it, whether that be a church or any ministry. So, I will be continuing to seek God's guidance in how I fit into what that looks like. I am excited about that, I am excited to learn more about myself and through other people I will meet in the course of this new job. I am worried about the transition for YL, my family and me. I am full of apprehension about this new career, stepping into the unknown is not something I have been great at. Yet, I know God is by my side and I am by His, I know my wife will be freed up to continue to blossom into whom God created her to be, I know my daughter will benefit from this, I know I will be missed(b/c those who I have told, have shared that with me.) and I know I will miss them. But, one of the beauties and struggles in life is that change is always present. So I am going to continue to adapt to this one in my life.
Quickly, we are doing well, Avary continues to amaze us and we are relearning what an adventure the world can be through her eyes, so full of wonder and curiosity. Robin's job is going well and she has worked out a great schedule so she can work from home two half days and friday every week, this has her working until 11 or midnight most nights after Avary has gone to sleep, but she gets to spend more time with Avary then. We are looking foward to the holiday season and Avary's first b-day. Love ya,
Ben
oh yeah and Tina I am honored and feel privledged to share my birthday with Graham.

The Latest Stickney Has Arrived!!

Well our precious baby Graham Maxwell Stickney has arrived!! He weighed 8lbs 2oz and was 18" long. His delivery was quite delicate and the operating room was ready for me, and a pediatrician was standing by to recitate (sp?) Graham. We and many others were praying for a normal and healthy delivery for both he and I and... he came out with great color and was crying w/in seconds!! All our delivery staff were Christians and we all celebrated his safe delivery!

Gotta go! Love you all! Tina

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREA JOY SPEYER!

Dan and Kim Update

Hi Fam,

I wanted to fill you all in and ask that you add your prayers to ours. Dan is in Missippi right now,Kim is at our house. Dan's Mom collapsed last week (Tues I think), anyway her breast cancer had moved to her spine and brain. She changed residences last night at 9:30. Heaven is now where she lives, and in Makayla's words, "Jesus is taking good care of MeMaw". It's really difficult for Dan and Kim to be apart during this sad time, but it just wasn't practical for them to go together, so please keep them in prayer.
Thanks so much!!
Barbara Grace

Another See ya Later...

Hello Precious Family,
I wanted to update you on the latest with our family for those of you who heard the news....and catch everyone else up on those that hadn't heard. Dan's precious Mom went to go see Jesus last night at 10:35 p.m. after a rather sudden bout with spine/brain cancer. She was only diagnosed 8 days before she passed away. Needless to say we're sad to see her leave because she was such a great Me-Maw (that's Makayla talk for Grandma), a loving mom and the best mom-in-law a girl could ask for!!! BUT Dan was able to fly down there (they live in Mississippi) and be with her before she died....he had lots of time to pray with her, cry with her, laugh with her and just "be" with her. He was alone with her when she peacefully just drifted off to see our precious Savior.
Dan is scheduled to fly back this coming Sat (the 8th) and I'm staying at mom & dad's with the kids until then. I didn't think being alone at home was such a great idea! Thank heaven for a family that just says "whatever you need, we're there" - - you guys are priceless!!!!
All your prayers are welcomed with open arms.....we love each and every one of you.

The Velderman Family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

WE ARE ALL THANKFUL FOR YOU!

hi there family, just wanted to brag alittle for brent.To all you hunters out there, he got a 10 point, its a wall mounter!!!!!!!!! hes soooooo excited. we are to. i told him there is a good spot for the head out in our garage!! it would look great there. he really doesnt like the look in our house anyway so its not a big deal, which im greatful for..caden broke his arm in 2 places, he broke it over a week ago, but we never really noticed. he really wasnt acting any different until a couple days aago, so we thought we should bring him in. the doc said hes a tough kid to not say anything for so long. anyway, he has a blue cast on for 3 weeks maybe 4. thats all for now. love brenda

May you all be blessed!

hello family,
Lindy here. Just wanted to peep in and wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving. I know I have MUCH to be thankful for. Our little family is doing great. Adam and Andy are wrapping things up for the season. This was an AWESOME summer for their company and they were truly blessed. Little Izzy is growing like a weed. She will be a year already on Dec.29. We had her dedicated on Nov.4. That afternoon she just decided since it was such a special day anyways that she was just going to make it more special and she took off walking (at 10 months), so she's tooling all over the house and now with the additional height she is into EVERYTHING! She is such a joy, always giggling and being silly. Adam and I are really enjoying the parent thing. Izzy is definately a "daddy's girl"! She can't wait to se him when he gets home from work. We just had family pictures done a few weeks ago so I'll post some of them when I figure out how to do it because they are SO cute!
Anyways, I am thankful for my family (which includes all of you) and I am thankful for my toasty little house, and mostly I am thankful to God for blessing me so graciously. Much love and blessings to you all...Lindy

hi everyone, this is the thelens! yes, we finally have the internet. our email address is brendathelen@yahoo.com or gavins is gavinthelen@yahoo.com he is always very excited to get email. lets see, not much going on here. brents been working lots of hours so im kinda single parenting. i cant complain because umemployment is just around the corner for the winter, butttt sometimes moms get tired too! yes men we are supermoms MOST of the time! evan is almost sitting up although he is fat he has a hard time. caden is busy getting potty trained. he was definateley ready. he was actually putting himself on the potty, just like big brother! so that was a clear sign he was ready! we have seen a big buck behind our house, hopefully he will give brent a good shot so we can have some jerky. brent makes the best jerky!! thats all for now. love, brenda

not sure if im doing this right, testing, testing. thelens

THE EISEN UPDATE

Hello my fellow family,

i thought i would write a little something. Eli is in school and loves it although he says it's so short so he calles it his short school. so cute. He is getting so big always helping and such a tender heart. Lily going on 14 months now and doesn't stop talking, always curious and always learning she is so precious. Jason and I are plugging away on the house HOPING to get is done soon. God has giving us LOTS of grace and patients through this season in our lives. sometimes I don't like it but in the end I see his plan. Jason has been very forgiving in the middle of my tornado's, Yes terbeek family I am still working my self control of the tongue. Well other than that not much else has been going on and everything else that has happend I'm sure you have all heard about it AND in the case if you haven't oh just drop a line and i'll be happy to talk, us girl's you know have to get our 2500 words in a day some how. Well my soon so be bundled family from the winters of michigan i shall bid you all farwell. much love the EISENS.

Correction to email address

Hello all. Jen meant to list her email as jenv@urassociation.com. :)

Mark

Soldier Christmas Project

I wanted to extend this to anyone who is interested in doing a Christmas project this year. Our family loves to find something special like this to do with our girls. Some friends and I are organizing a 'Soldier Christmas Project' to bless the soldiers in Iraq. It is similar to the shoe boxes for the kids we done in the past. We will be filling boxes and sending them to soldiers to brighten up their holiday season. I have heard so many stories of how care packages have made such a tremendous difference in soldier's lives. This project is very simple because of the strict regulations with customs and the military. All you have to do is send money and a hand written encouraging card. We will be filling the boxes. We want them all to be exactly the same to "bless" the soldiers equally. The cost is $25 / box and $9 for shipping (total of $34 for each box). So if anyone is interested, let me know. I have to have total number of boxes by November 1st and the money & card by the 10th of November. This will ensure us enough time to get the boxes to the soldiers in time for Christmas. If you are interested, either email me at jen.vanderveen@urassociation.com or call me on my cell at 616 502-1229. Thanks!!!

~ Love, Jen V

Hello Family!

The Middle Vander Veens have not fallen off the face of the earth. For months I have lost the sign in info to post a blog. I have been reading everyone's info and love it but thought it was past time to update everyone on us. Hmmmmm... where to start?

First, school is in full swing. We are LOVING it. I was very nervous about this school year. I knew that with Tori starting first grade, we now had to be serious. No more "playing school at home". I was nervous that I would go stir crazy being stuck in the "schoolroom" for hours on end. (I kind of don't like being in once place for too long-a challenge with my personality type.) But it has been amazing. We have had so much fun painting science projects, acting out history lessons, reading signs while shopping, and much more. Tori is a sponge and I love this age. I am sure it will not always be this easy but for now it is so much fun. It only takes us about 2 hours to finish school. Elli has been joining us for some of it. The first "acting" session we had was for History. We are reading through the old testament for History and read the story about Abram and Sarai when Abram lied and said Sarai was his sister. Tori & Elli ran into get their leotards and tutus on for their "play". After discussing the story, Tori stayed "beautiful dressed" for Sarai and Elli got dressed in all black to be "boyish" for Abram. Boy did they get into it! A couple of hours later, Tori was reciting the play we did word for word. It was amazing how effective it was!

Mark is great and so am I. We are going to Niagara Falls this weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Amazing how time flies! We are very excited to get away and enjoy some R & R. My coaching at the Y has been going great. It is growing so much we are very short on staff. So if you know anyone who is looking to get a free membership and can coach gymnastics, let me know. :) Tori just got her hair cut super short. It is so cute on her. She loves it. She told me that she is never growing it out again! I will post some pictures soon. We are getting professional family pictures done tonight actually. YEAH! (Mom says yeah, too... we are kind of well known for our lack of family pictures.) Kind of weird because I love pictures but the sit down, get your kids to sit still aren't so much fun. But it will be great tonight! :)

Anyways, gotta run! Love you all!

detour to the Veldermans-from Stacey

On my way back to the UP on Sunday I was able to take a little detour to Kim and Dan's to see them and Makayla and the new little one Cameron. Kim and Dan it was so great to spend a couple of hours with you and meet Cameron before the rest of your fam! (Sorry Lisa!)
Thanks for a great time.

Velderman Pictures!

Cameron Daniel Velderman

He arrived October 8 at 7:15 p.m. weighing in at 6 lbs. 15 oz, 20 3/4 inches long! Quite a little peanut considering mommy was 42 weeks along!!! He's such a joy and we're all enjoying having him around. Makayla has taken a liking to her "big sister" role and is such a big help with him. Thanks for all who were thinking and praying for us - we love you!

The Veldermans

CONGRATULATIONS TIM AND ANDREA!!!!!!