Gherkin Convocation

The great Gherkin Convocation has begun. All nine Gherkins are now in one spot - Eugene/Springfield area.  We had everyone here at the house when the final two drove up.

 

Jared was supposed to arrive earlier, but there were a few tornadoes yesterday. in the Dallas area....they had said it looked like he wouldn't get here until Wednesday. We talked late last night (or early this morning) and he said to go ahead and post on FB and ask for prayers. He was trying to surprise the family, but wanted prayers.  He was able to get out at 0600 TODAY instead of Monday night or Wednesday.  He had lots of stories to tell us when he arrived - and we enjoyed hearing them all.

 We had dinner, Sunday night ice cream and talked some more. All are settling down now.  We are house-sitting and eight of the nine Gherkins are here with us - we gave BreZaak a pass. LOL

This mama is over the moon content to have all the Gherkins in the same area and eight of them under "my" roof. 

Eugene Japanese Baptist Church

We continued our tour of Eugene/Springfield area churches this morning. The body at Eugene Japanese Baptist Church meets in the fellowship hall of Rivera Baptist church on River Road.  This small fellowship welcomed Arielle with open arms from the first time she stumbled her way into their meeting. No, she wasn't drunk. She had worked closing the night before, got lost, the ushers of Rivera sent her to the wrong service, and finally she realized the service didn't appear to be a Japanese church and so she walked out. On her way out she heard Japanese, investigated and ultimately found the Japanese church.  

Arielle loves the Japanese food on birthday Sundays, she's been introduced to Japanese exchange students and is motivated to begin her Japanese lessons again now that she has a semester under her belt.

Arielle's family also felt very welcomed on our first Sunday. Our eight were noticeable in the group of 30. The service is Japanese/English and the word was solid. Hayashi Sensei spoke from Romans 5 - his title was "Keep Standing in God's Grace." We discussed the Principle of Earned Wages, the Principle of Grace, and the Results of Suffering. All very good.  He shared how there are many gods in Japan. Each one guarantees happiness, wealth, health etc......but the Bible tells us we will suffer and that in suffering we receive an outpouring of God's grace.....and endurance, character and mature faith are built in us.  For me, this illustrated how important it is to TEACH THE WORD in Japan (and everywhere).....that if we say "God guarantees you health, wealth and happiness" -  our God appears no different than their many gods.

I enjoyed talking with several of the men who had served as Japanese missionaries, hearing a solid sermon and hearing Japanese again. All in all, it was another great Sunday in OR. 

Jamin's Arrival and Jared's Surprise!

Jamin arrived at the airport EARLY today. So early the girls hadn't made it and we spotted him in the parking lot as we pulled through the gate!

A quick phone call diverted the girls to Mom and Dad's. We went over so they could visit with Jamin - and we shared leftovers for lunch.

We had great fun visiting and playing with Gracie and Layla back at the house. Unfortunately, Gracie is paying for her play time. Poor thing.

 The girls have decided to come spend the nights over here with the rest of us. We picked up some Papa Murphy's and settled down for the evening. Bre was able to join us.....

TOMORROW - Josiah was due to arrive. The SURPRISE is that Jared was flying in to SEA today and would be with him when he arrived. No one took tornadoes into account when these plans were made....truly a big surprise.

From Dallas

 Jared is still in Dallas. He's been told there will be no flights out until Monday. He's still waiting to see a rep and hear his options. Maybe he'll be able to fly to Portland or out of another TX town.....or maybe he won't be able to make the trip home and they'll refund his ticket.

I'm up late waiting to be sure he's settled with a plan tonight....poor Gherkin....it's 2 a.m. for him.....been a long day and it's not over. 

Christmas 2015

Christmas morning got off to a nice, leisurely start for most of the family here in Eugene, OR. I wake up early - REGARDLESS of what time I go to bed or where we are.  I got up, spent some sweet time in prayer, study and writing and then made cinnamon rolls. I'm still not quite sure HOW that tradition started, but the Gherkins all assure me it IS a long-standing tradition they would miss.

 

 After a bit, BreZaak came over. We actually READ the Christmas Morning Advent reading in Ishtar's Odyssey - ON SCHEDULE!!!! AND we opened Christmas stockings. We are keeping to our 7 year tradition of saving our family gift exchange for a day other than 25 Dec. 

Knife Sharpener

 This year we have lots of family to join in celebration. We went to my parents and enjoyed a great dinner. 

Mikhail and Nolan plot Battleship

Arielle, Krista & Elizabeth 

Mom and Dad exchanged gifts with all. Mikhail and Elizabeth (Nate and Heather's children) received their presents from all their family far from here. It was fun to celebrate with them.

I'm not sure how it happened but a huge paper fight began....Grandma and all the kids.

 

 I wasn't going to show any of the "odd" photos. I noticed, however, this family thrives on odd - and the oddity is truly the best part. Here are a few glimpses.

I'm sure I had nothing to do with Sherri's expression

We have moved over to Will and Sherri's to house-sit while they all go to visit AMY in AZ. 

Christmas Eve

We attended Christmas Eve service where Bre is the children's pastor. I didn't bring my camera in - here are a couple phone shots. 

Bre kneeling with music

I assured her she was grown up enough to hold a candle this year

Francie sent Krista a great map with local houses to check out.....this neighborhood in Springfield was amazing. These two houses were beautiful with  lights going across the street.....

But...their neighbor stole our hearts! 

This house was also amazing....angels up in trees, stars, nativity....on and on it went. 

Merry Christmas to all as you celebrate the gift of God coming to our mess - and providing a way for us to be in relationship with Him. Jesus - the light that shines in our darkness. 

Random Shots

A few random glimpses of life this week at Krista and Arielle's home. 

Games

 In addition to games we've watched movies and Krista has introduced us to Leverage and Person of Interest. Now, if we could only get streaming capabilities back at the trailer we'd be set for long winter nights.

Wrapping - always wrapping for a family of 11

Yuuki continues to crack me up as she deals with OR rain 

I cannot tell you what a dream THIS oven is after my small trailer stove/oven. I cannot even fit a normal cookie sheet in my oven. LOL 

Dream oven topped with 4 Veggie Pot Pies