Happenings in TC

I finally followed Stacey's directions and figured out how to post some pictures. I think Makayla might be a wee bit upset with me when she's older for sharing this.....but it's just too cute I had to do it. Her bike helmet is a little too big, but was free from a neighbor and she loves it. (obviously!) The other picture below was taken about 2 weeks ago in our backyard.
Nothing really new to report that's happening up here - just hoping the snow holds off for another month or so. The weather reports say a little is coming on Friday but I choose to ignore that and hope for the best. Which is SUNSHINE and clear skies. Love you all!

Kim

Photos from south of the border!

Here are some more pictures from Honduras, the picture to the left has traditional dancers from Honduras, the picture to the top right is me and a friend with our Honduran cut-out friend...don't I wish latinos really were even CLOSE to being tall ;)...both of those pictures were taken at our schools "Fiesta Catracha" which is an event the Spanish teachers put on to highlight, explain, and showcase Honduras and it's people. It was a great time! The last picture is one of my students at a sports assembly...look for the little guy peeking over the shoulders...hee hee, his name is Carlitos (little Charles) and he is little! :). I like this picture because it captures the personalities of those guys so well. Enjoy!

Tash

Latin Love!

Hey Hey! Here's a quick update from Tegus! I went on a medical brigade a few weekends ago which was such a cool experience...I saw a part of Honduras I had never seen before. Basically we went to a really poor part outside of the city and passed out medicine to people who don't have access to aspirin, cough syrup, and other common medicine, clothes, and some canned food. I went with church and it was great to get to know some people better from the church as well. I ended up walking with about 6 people and we had a chance to go to the remote remote parts and share Jesus and pray with people. I also had a "first" that weekend...I prayed with someone out loud in Spanish...oh man, I was nervous!

School is going well, we had a spiritual retreat that went a little haywire, we ended up getting stuck in traffic for an hour and a half and windows were smashed by some upset people walking by. BUT...over all no one got hurt and we DID get home :). I am feeling a little sick right now, which makes school longer than usual, but my kids are pretty good about working with me in class. It's just a head cold but it does drain you :) (no pun intended, but thats what I wish my nose would do- hee hee.)

OH YES...I did receive a package today from Grandma....yay!!! And if anyone else is interested, my address here in Tegus is:

Tashina Scott
c/o International School
Apartado 2282
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Central America

I hope life is going well back home, I'm going to try to get some pics up soon too for you all. Love you!
Tash

Fish in the Creek

Oh look at how well you can spot Mr. Fish (as opposed to 'Mrs. Beasley)!

Just wanted to let you (Kurt, Joel & Adam) know that the fish are running.

hi everyone! my mom wanted me to give everyone a link to the pictures from the anniversary party for grandpa and grandma. just click on this link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/50223352@N00/sets/72157594299209851/
enjoy!

hello again?

Hello all

Katie here.

First of all thank you so much aunt rene'e for the yummy socks and my favorite lotion. How did you know that was my favorite scent? Are you bugging my phones? just kidding.

Nothing much to update here. Still beautiful in gourgeous Colorado. Sun shines everyday and we have 70 degree days still. Which is wonderful. I have started my new job and I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I mean we had a meeting with all of our volunteers and just how they talk I feel at home. These people are just like me.

I had my first call out yesterday. We had an unattended death, which means that someone died of natural causes. So we went to be with the family and just be whatever they wanted us to be. I loved it. I mean this job just fits. I know God has brought me here and I am so blessed to have this position.

Just wanted to give ya'll a quick update.love and miss you.

Happy Birthday Uncle Nick!

Sights of DC

These are a few of my favorite things about DC. The light post is in front of one of the Library of Congress Bldgs. - the James Madison Bldg. The next picture is of a cherry tree during the cherry blossom season - the area around the Tidal Basin is GORGEOUS!! The final picture is one I took from the roof of the Capitol on the 4th of July. I got to watch the fireworks from there - it was beautiful!!

Barney or Ms. Beasley??

We got to see the First Dogs. I'm not sure which one it is, but it was one of them. It really is in the picture, you just have look hard. Kind of like "Where is Waldo?" - this is like "Where is Ms. Beasley?" or is it Barney........have fun :)

Friends

We got to go on a West Wing tour of the White House. This is me, Jenn and Jonathan in the Rose Garden.

Pictures from DC

A picture of a door on a beautiful church here - I love doors :)

Regular Stuff in Grandville

Well, we have nothing earth shattering to share, just normal everyday stuff. . .
I'll post for those children of mine who probably won't. . . . here is Ryan's dog, Sadie, an australian heeler . . ..who has more energy than the entire TerBeek family put together. Ryan is having wisdom teeth removed on Friday.
Then there is a pic. of Andrea and Tim in Ludington over Labor Day. They have been with the water ski team for Hope (who knew there was a water ski team from Hope?) where Tim has been the coach. He grew up on Green Lake.
The other three pictures are of Uncle David at the firebarn this week for the fire prevention open house.
You can see that when he 'poses' he is usually saying something like 'what are you doing?' so I've just taken to stalking him with the camera!
More later.

Hello from Portland

Hello To All!!! This is Kim but I'm writing for the Thelen family since they don't have a computer!! I know, I know...hard to believe in this day and age someone doesn't have a computer. We've all given them the speech but they do have a valid excuse. They don't have a lan line because it costs about $3000.00 (YES, you read that correctly) to get one where they live. I keep telling them to look into wireless but nothin yet! =)
So anyhow she asked me to write a little somethin and I'm happily obliging! Here we go: Brent is doing well....working like crazy but actively trying to find a different job. He's got his "feelers" out to a couple of places but nothing is set in stone yet. Brenda is - - pregnant again and everyone is super excited! They're thinking it would be kinda fun if they had a little girl but of course will be happy with whatever God gives them! She's feeling pretty good for the most part so long as she keeps up on her daily dose of peppermint and ginger. (helps with the naseau for those who don't know) They've been flying around trying to get their landscaping done and so far so good. They're about half way there and she said it looks very pretty.
Gavin has started first grade so he's at school all day now but sounds like he's really enjoying it and learning alot. I asked him what his favorite thing about school was and he told me "gym!!" Well.....can ya blame the kid? He's a natural athlete (and I'm not just saying that because I'm his Auntie) and he's a boy! So I'm sure "getting all the bugs" out probably is the most fun. Now me on the other hand....well me and gym didn't always get along so good but that's a whole other story for another time!!!
Caden Nicholas is getting big....and that's kindof an understatement! He's always been a big boy right out the shoot and hasn't let us down since! I keep telling Brent that instead of a football player he'll probably be a ballerina or something. Funny.....he didn't find a whole lot of humor in that!! =) (it's so fun to tease Brent because he reacts so nicely!!)
Caden's been walking for a little while now and is busy, busy, busy but oh so much fun and HEAVENS he's so adorable! Again, I'm not just saying that because I'm the auntie.
Well I think that about covers it for now - - lots of love to you all!
The Thelens

Greetings from Washignton, DC

Hey Family!!!

So I know I'm sounding like a broken record, but Stace - what an awesome idea!! I have really been enjoying reading about what's going on in everyone's lives, I love it :) I also figured that if my mom can figure out how to post on a blog then I for sure could do it :) (Kurt - it took you 45 min.?!!! J/K)

ANYWAY - a little bit about what's going on with me - I'm still loving being out here, (in Washington, DC for those of you who don't know) and working on Capitol Hill. We just went into a recess so that means things will slow down a LITTLE bit for me. I am working for Pete Hoekstra, (MI, 2nd District) who is also the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. As I'm sure most of you are aware, intelligence issues are a pretty hot topic these days so we get a lot of calls and questions. Some days I think, wow, this is a pretty cool place to be, and other days - God and I have a lot of conversations about why He sent me here!! Other than that - I'm enjoying what I do and what I get to be involved with. I have a friend who works at the White House so he took me and a couple of my friends on a West Wing tour last weekend (my mom tells all my news) which was amazing. I got to see the Oval Office, where the Vice President's office is and where all the Cabinent Members meet for the regular morning meetings. I didn't get to see anybody really famous, but we did get to see Barney and Ms. Beasley (the Presidental dogs) playing in the Rose Garden :) I've been invited to attend a "Presidental Arrival" which is when the President comes back from a trip and he greets people getting off of the helicopter. I'll have to let you know how that goes :)

I have been taking a few small days trips here and there. In August I went out to the Eastern Shore in Maryland to Assateauge National Island Seashore (where all the wild ponies are) and camped with some friends for the weekend. The ponies DO actually come up to you (who knew!!) and they helped themselves to some of the food the guys had left on the picnic table, was pretty darn funny!! We got a few pictures which I'll post once I figure that out. I (of course) got a little more sun than I was hoping for, but now have a great tan after a fews days of peeling ;) For those of you in MI, I'm still getting 70-80 degree days here even though is October :) :) No complaints, I don't really miss the cold that much!! Although Stacey, your fall pictures did make me a bit homesick.... One really cool thing was I got to see some dolphins playing in the ocean, they were beautiful to watch. We saw 2 playing one morning and then 4 the next morning - was awesome. I also had an opportunity to go out to Ocean City, in Maryland for a day. It was pretty fun, we just hung out at the beach, played football and ate seafood. Levi came down a couple of weekends ago from Norfolk (the weekend of Hurricane Ernesto). He's about 2 1/2 - 3 hours away and drove through about 2 feet of water to get here. He stayed for the weekend and we went out to Shenandoah Valley to their county fair, It TOTALLY reminded me of the Hudsonville County Fair. They even had professional bull riding, which was cool to watch (made me think of going to watch Adam bull rider up in Morely - I remembered that feeling of "wow this is cool" and then"WHAT the heck was he thinking!!")

As to my living situation, I am currently living in a house that is basically 1 block away from Union Station, I love it here (there's a restaurtant 2 houses down and a coffee house owned by a local church right across the street that is great) but will have to move by the end of the year because the people who own it will be turning it into a deli. I think it'll be a little weird going back to a place I lived in and be eating in my bedroom.......anyway, I don't know where I will be moving to yet, but I am looking to stay on the Hill. I do have a roommate now (I've had a couple different girls who have stayed with me temporarily for a few months at a time) and the one who is currently living with me now will be moving back to NC. So, I have found another girl to live with and we'll begin the process again :)

Anway, I think that's it on this end for now - I'd love to hear from you all if you get a chance :)

Leah

Scott Family news

Hey dear family, this is the fav aunt for those who don't know or aren't sure Aunt Ruth :) News here well I will share kid news actually, Leah got to tour the west wing of the white house. I was impressed. Joel got hired in the utica school system and is now an official 6th grade teacher. He is happy about that, Megs is subbing every day. Travis is temporarily moving here which isn't home to him probably anymore but this is b/c he is going to return to finish his degree at GVSU. We are so proud of him and feel this is a great move for him at this stage of his life. So the out/in move continues. Tashina and Paula have already posted . Levi's birthday is October 4. I'm sending cookies for a party :) Travis is going to visit him in a few weeks and they hope to hike on the Appalacian Trail for a few days. Luke attended the homecoming dance in the yellow bug this week-end and had a fun time. He's a senior and I am going to be glad to be done w/ High School. This coming w/e we are taking a road trip to attend a 60th b-day party for John's brother and sister-in-law in TN. A long drive but we feel it's something we should do. John and I have been busy with work, but John did manage to fit in a bit of bow hunting but didn't see anything. That's all for now Love to you all!! Ruth

fall colors

here's some of the fall colors i promised. i home this doesn't make you too homesick.

amazing

I am almost in tears as I read everyone's posts. I am so blessed to have a family like this. We are truely one of a kind. I think we have an amazing family! It is so good to hear from everyone. Hopefully this will continue and more and more family members will post. As for me (Stacey) I just thought I would let everyone know what is going on with Jason and me. We are currently in Marquette, MI. We moved up here the end of August to start school. We are going to North Michigan University. www.nmu.edu I am basically a freshman all over again, but what I am going for is my nursing degree. If I can get into the program I should be done in 4 years. Jason is in the English Masters program. He only has class 2 nights a week. But it requires a ton of out of class work. I am so glad I am a freshman! :)

I just started a job at an answering service here in Marquette. We answer phone calls for companies all over the United States. My first day was on Thursday and it's a little daunting just with all the information I need to retain and all the steps I need to take. But I am sure I will catch on in no time. Jason is working at the ice rink that the school owns 3 days a week as well as some weekends. The Olympic speed skating team trains here in Marquette so it's cool to watch them practice.

It has started to get very fall-ish here. For all of you who are not in MI I will elaborate so you can get a good picture. :) Lately anytime of day it can be raining. Or raining and sunny. Sunny and cold...etc. you get the picture. The trees are not yet to prime colors, but they are definitly getting there. And it is just beautiful. Hopefully I'll be able to take some pictures and I'll post them sometime with in the next couple of weeks.

Keep up the posting. Don't be shy! Anything you write we want to hear about it and pictures are always welcome!

Below are some pictures I took Thursday morning. I was going to go back to bed after my class, but I grabbed my camera instead. And I got some really fun pictures. For a point of reference. The body of water is my new favorite great lake. Lake Superior. And these are taken only about a mile or so from my apartment from Presque Isle Point. I think you can see it on a map.

There are more on my website. www.shrontz.blogspot.com

Finally!!!

Hey yall, this is Kurt (and Lisa). So after 45 frusterating minutes trying to figure out how to post something I finally read the directions on the sheet that Stacey handed out and low and behold I figured it out...funny how that works.
So, Lisa and I are doing great. For those of you who don't know Lisa is still working at St. Mary's in labor and delivery. She's pretty tired of getting up at 5am and we're hoping that will change soon with her hopefully going to P/T. I on the other hand am jacked about NOT being P/T and finally have a full-time job. I made the switch about 2 weeks ago to Dr. Dekkinga's dermatology office. I really liked derm so I was happy that I found something closer to home and full-time. I'll be working 3 days in Grandville and 2 days in Holland. I really like it there so far...it's really busy but I"m not complaining.
Lisa and I are pretty excited about a new addition to our family =-)........no it's not a child....it's a puppy!!! We haven't gotten her yet but we should be getting her in about a week. She's a lasapo (lassa opso poodle mix). The lady we're getting her from has been acting a little funny the past 2-3weeks and everytime we plan to see our puppy again(we've only seen her once) she says that something came up and it won't work out. So we are really hoping that things don't fall through.
Lisa and I just had our 3 year anniversay!!! I can't believe that it's been three years already. So to celebrate we took Lisa's grampa's motorhome up to Ludington camping at the state park. It just so happened that the salmon we running there. =-) I managed to catch a couple...man is that fun!!! We did some hiking and lots of bike riding...overall a very relaxing weekend.
To Stacey, I echo all the comments of what a great idea this is. I had no idea that the family was in chile, colorado, and cali....kinda crazy. God Bless!! Kurt and Lisa

IT'S WORKING!!!!

Thank you to everyone who as added to the family blog. I'm so excited that this experiment is working and that we really can stay a bit more connected this way! I love it. Thanks so much. Here are a few more pictures from the party.

Honduras checks in!

Hi from Honduras...this is Tashina! I know this has been repeated over and over...but this is amazing, I just spent the last 1/2hr catching up on family that I wouldn't normally be in contact with. I love it!!!

SO...just a brief update, I'm teaching in Tegucigalpa, Honduras which is in Central America, and I love it! This is my second year here and so far the school year has been so different than last year :)...but different can be good! I teach 8th grade English and a little of 9th grade as well. My students are bilingual, I teach in English and the other half of their day is in Spanish. I truly love my students...yes, there are a few that I have to pray about because some really are hard to love, but overall I have the best kids :). It's so incredible how God provides for your needs (emotional, physical...etc) when you are doing what He has called you to do. I have seen and felt the frustration of walking outside of His will, and then the peace and provision of being right where you are supposed to be...thankfully I feel like teaching in Honduras is it for me right now. (I'm still praying about next year ;))

I have found a wonderful church here as well. It's called Tabernaculo de Sion (Zion Tabernacle) and one of the best things about it is that Grandpa and Grandma know the pastors of the church. Grandpa came here a while ago to help build the orphanage the church sponsors. So, once again the seeds that Grandpa and Grandma have planted are bearing fruit in such unique ways. How could they have known that some many yrs later their granddaughter would be growing and be blessed by people whom they came to bless and encourage in another country. I'm slowly starting to work with the youth here at church, I just went to youth group tonight, and tomorrow a friend and I are going to a "Medical Brigade" to pass out food, clothing, medicine, and smiles and hugs to some of the Hondurans who live in extreme poverty. It's interesting and somewhat sad to me that even after a year living here I still haven't REALLY experienced the "third world" side of Honduras I know exists...it's just so easy for me to stay in my comfortable world with my middle/upper class interactions with my students and their families. But tomorrow I'll see that side of the country and I'm sure I'll walk away more blessed and changed than those that I came to serve.

I loved seeing pictures from Grandpa and Grandma's anniversary party, what a heritage we have! AND, this is such a great idea...I can't wait to hear more about all of your lives!

Love Tashina