Copan Ruinas

On December 9th Elizabeth and her friend, Jesse, arrived in Honduras.  Before heading to Balfate, we spent a couple of days exploring Copan.  The first day we went to see the ruins.

 On the way we found this family making cotton candy.  We passed by them on three different occasions and yes, we bought cotton candy each time.  

Exploring the town. Then, off to the Mayan ruins.

A huge Ceiba tree.

The Mayan history book.  This is a staircase that has hieroglyphics on each level that tell much of the history.

We had a wonderful guide that explained all the history of what we were seeing.  Another great day in the Pirkle School!

Packages!!!!!!!!!

We have been loved on by a couple of small groups and family throughout the last month.  What fun it is to receive treats from home.  

 The Freeman CP group sent us Itune gift cards and collected money for us.  The kids enjoyed buying games and songs with the gift cards and we used the money to help the kids at the Children's Center celebrate Christmas. Stay tuned for another update about the fun we had with them. Thank you so much!

 These goodies came in a package from the Welborn CP group.  They asked for a list of suggestions and I think they sent everything on that list.  There were lots of goodies for us and lots of fun things to share with kids at the children's center and dump. What a blessing!

 These are the contents of two packages from Granny and Grandpa.  They have sent us several and they are always full of many yummy things.  We love you, Granny and Grandpa!

Last, but definitely not least, Sarah received this birthday package from her friend, Olivia Roberson.  Olivia,  you did a great job.  Sarah loved the shirt.  Of course, who wouldn't!

Sarah's 15th Birthday Party

On November 25th/26th Sarah celebrated her 15th birthday.   The festivities began down on the beach with a friendly game of tackle football among the girls. 

 Team 1

 Team 2

 The game got very serious until...

 Rebekah got a "jellybean" sting.  Yes, she actually said jellybean when she meant to say jellyfish. 

So, we moved the party to the house for more games and food.

Fun times playing "Pin the Tail on the Maronkey" 

 At the end of the game, the birthday girl got a ride on the Maronkey.

 For her cake Sarah choose homemade cheesecake by Rebekah, chocolate and regular. 

All the party attendees waiting to taste the cheesecake.  In case you were wondering, it was yummy!  We are hoping to find another reason for Rebekah to make them again soon.

The party continued throughout the night, but the photographer needed her beauty sleep, so the pictures end here. 

Thanks everyone for helping us celebrate another year with our "party girl", Sarah.

Just a Packet of Papers?

NO!!!! Although this may look like an ordinary packet of papers,  it is actually the answer to many prayers.  This is the paperwork for our residency in Honduras.  We were able to pick these up on Sunday and will be able to complete the final step on Friday.  Even though there is one additional step, having these papers in our hands means we don't have to leave the country every 90 days anymore.  The final step will be to take these papers and apply for our official residency cards.  If our 90 days expires before we get the cards, we will have to pay a fee, but definitely cheaper than buying 6 plane tickets.  Please continue to pray us through this process all the way to the end.  Pray that we will receive those residency cards in a timely manner and won't have to spend any more money.  We have definitely seen God's hand at work throughout this process and know that He is charge of this final step also.

The First Game

The persistent and somewhat fanatical man that I married discovered a way to be able to watch the Georgia games on the computer.  So, since we were a bit excited, we decided to share the excitement of the first game with some of our friends. 

 The Crowd

 and the spread.

 Vance and Marinajo, our neighbor, preparing to dig in to the goodies.  Notice that she even dressed in the appropriate colors for us.  Actually we told them they couldn't have any food if they didn't wear red and black.  Just kidding!

 Everyone getting into the game and the food.

Beautiful Mariah showing her Georgia spirit.

Although we didn't enjoy the outcome of the game, we did enjoy teaching everyone the Bulldog bark! 

The Treehouse

Before our arrival in Balfate, we heard rumors of this amazing treehouse that was built for Benjamin Fields, our upstairs neighbor.  We weren't sure what to expect, but I must say, it definitely did not disappoint! This is truly one amazing treehouse and the boys have enjoyed hanging out and having sleepovers in the treehouse.  After several sleepovers, they decided a nice addition would be to add some hammocks.   

 And so they did.

 Caleb chilling in one of the hammocks.

 Phillip thinking he is something as he hangs out in his hammock.

 Benny, owner of the treehouse, and good buddy of the boys.  Thanks, Benny, for being willing to share such an awesome place with others!

Sarah invaded the "boy space" so she could test out one of the hammocks.

The treehouse serves as a place for sleepovers, hanging out, a hideout during nerf wars, and whatever else the minds of these boys can imagine.  This is definitely one of the many things Caleb and Phillip have enjoyed about our life in Honduras. 

First Three Months

Just wanted to share a link to a video that our daughter, Elizabeth, made for us of some of the things from the first three months.  Just click on the link and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyShIoVHWrI