Bella's Friend Party

 Bella is turning 9 and today was her friend party. We rushed home from Eagle River so Allie and I could join the fun. 

Bella chose an around the world theme for her party. She dressed as a flight attendant. Bre decorated several different stations to represent different locations. Each child had a passport and received stamps in their passport as they went to the different areas. 

There was face painting in the Amazon Forest, a photo both at Disney (either LA or Tokyo), treats in Paris and gifts/treasures in Egypt. It was all really cute. 

Facepainting by Joelle and Rebekah

📷by Jamin 

Uncle Jamin and Trudy

A favorite memory for me was arriving early and helping Bre replenish the shrinking rain forest. Arielle, Allie and Bre in this shot...

Shots from the Photo Booth 

Annie

Bella

Gideon

Lucas, Gideon & Morgan 

Lucy & Jojo

Cousins - Jojo & Danny

Annie

Trudy

It was a fun party. I enjoyed meeting Candace. She and her family are looking for a church home in the valley.  I know churches in the valley. They are looking for a Bible teaching, un-legalistic, walking the word church....Y'all be on the look out for Candace, two kids and a hubby and don't make a liar out of my recommendations. LOL 

Nine years already! Wow. Time is moving right along. LOL 

Allie and I spent a couple of hours in the hot tub - a great place to process and connect. Taxes were submitted.  We gathered at the table with Michael late in the evening and discussed the upcoming week and my propensity to believe most things that go wrong in the world are somehow my fault. ::snort:: 

Note: If the photo isn't marked with Courageous Joy or a photographer they are from BreAnne. 

Sunday in Japan - Stacia

 By Stacia

Today was very full. It was amazing but very full. We had two church services, GT (grow together) groups, kids English (basically a condensed vbs), J-Sports, and a dinner.

The service I attended was cool because there was a genuine dependence and longing for God that is not something I've seen very often.

The GT group was amazing! I loved getting to break away and intentionally connect with a smaller group. While I have been trying to use Japanese, this group setting was hard to follow, and I was very grateful for their willingness to translate for me. It was very kind.

Kids English was probably the most natural thing for me we've done thus far. I know how kids' ministry works; it felt very normal. I love how despite all the cultural differences kids will still be kids.

J-Sports was probably the most unnatural. Athletic is a word NO ONE would ever use to describe me so this time of sports at a gym was trying. I had fun getting to know more people and playing volleyball very poorly.

The dinner was so fun. We all sat at different tables and chatted. I loved this time of conversation and games.

After all these events we had a group meeting and called it a night. I didn't take any photos because...well...I didn't want to. It was easier to be in the moment if I didn't take photos because of how fast the day was going. However, many other people were able to snag some photos and I'm borrowing some of theirs. These are from kids English.

Goldfish all the way from Alaska!