....Until she saw that he had face making skills!
Our good friends Piper and Seth had a little girl about 5 weeks after Eli was born. Her name is Aine (said Awnya...the 'A' is supposed to have an accent over it). She is so beautiful! We got to have lunch with them last Monday. It's been so fun being parents with some of our friends. We have known Seth and Piper for 4 years now! Here is Piper with her little girl Aine.
Seth and Dan were both Philosophy majors at the University of Washington together.
On Tuesday night, we had a delicious dinner with Dan's family (sans Will who had just left for California) celebrating Dan's 24th birthday.
Of course, we played pass the baby.
We had a wonderful time house sitting at Pastor Irwin's house this week. We have really appreciated our families putting us up and feeding us and caring for us....however, it was SO wonderful to have a little space of our own for the first time in 4 1/2 months!
Dan and Eli chill on the couch at the Irwin's.
Eli is really enjoying being a big boy already. He loves to sit up on our laps or on the couch. He loves being apart of everything.
Eli has time on his tummy at Ezra's house.....
While I get my hands on Ezra finally!
Eli and Ezra nap together in the car on the way to the Ribera's Sr. house for dinner.
Dan and Brendan, daddies together!
The gang: (from left to right) Top row: Dan Ribera, Jordan Ribera, Mark Ribera, Nathan Partain, Brendan Ribera, and Dan. Bottom Row: Myself with Eli, my sister Sarah with Amos' cup (he was sleeping) Laura Ribera and Jessica Ribera with Ezra.
We had an awesome time hanging out with our dearest friends. It was a tearful goodbye as we hugged the Partains for the last time in year. They were heading back to Indianapolis the next morning. It's been so much fun being close to them again and being able to see each other every few weeks. It will be a long hard year without them.
I am beginning to emotionally prepare myself for leaving. I remember saying goodbye to everyone last year, thinking it would be 2 years before we returned. We didn't know we'd see everyone just a short 10 months later! A year really isn't that long, but it certainly feels long when you are in the midst of it. Last year, I really struggled against feeling left out and being discontent. I do enjoy working and serving in Malawi, and I know that God has called us there for this time...I guess that is what got me through it. In my deepest homesickness, God would remind me of His faithfulness to me, in calling me out of my sin and calling me to Himself. It is because of Him and Him alone that I am in Malawi. I long to serve Him and if it is through missions, then I have peace about it, even though it's so far away.
2 comments:
Wow Bethany, those pictures of Eli and Áine are amazing. I am glad you got your camera out and took pics of them. After you guys left I was bummed that I forgot to get some. Do you think you can send those 4 pics you took at our place to my email account when you get a chance? It was so great to see you guys. We want to get together with the Riberas soon so maybe you can join us then, too.
Hey! Sorry you haven't heard from us. We haven't been good with emailing lately, but I have been faithfully checking your blog and watching Eli get bigger and cuter every day. We need to email...would love to catch up. Somehow, though, I have lost your address. Can you email me? Talk to you soon.
Courtney
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