Tick a year off the calendar.

One year ago we woke up for the first time in our Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay home. Two days before we were up early packing all that last minute stuff into our 22 checked bags. My mind was filled with all the last minute details and thoughts of what we had ahead of us...getting seven children, 11 carry ons, and 5 other bags (purses, diaper bags, etc.) plus two car seats through Chicago O'Hare, Washington Dulles, Buenos Aires and Uruguay airports and all 30+ hours of travel time without good sleep. Making a very close connection in DC. Life ahead of us on the mission field. Surviving in a country where we didn't speak the language. Man alive! How in the world did we manage all of that??? In short, the simple grace of God and a lot prayer warriors!

Some of the highlights of the last year:

• We spent several months in Spanish language study.
• Learned enough Spanish to communicate.
• Scott has preached in English and Spanish.
• Debbie has taught the ladies in English and Spanish.
• Brandon has preached, joined choir and headed up game time for King's Kids.
• Kaitlin has taught children in English and Spanish, joined the orchestra & junior choir, and works in the nursery.
• The children have nearly completed a year of school.
• Scott (with the Perez' help) has dealt with all of the paperwork to bring in a container, gain legal residency, get our Uruguayan ID's, renew our American Passports and apply for Silas' US citizenship.
• Debbie experienced a pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby boy.
• We have all made friends and developed relationships with the Uruguayans.
• Debbie has learned to cook nearly every meal from scratch, and Scott has learned to make awesome Chocolate Chip cookies.
• Everyone has adapted to the basics of life in a foreign country.

Without question this year past year has been filled with blessings beyond measure. And we are ever so thankful to God that He has allowed us to serve Him here in Uruguay.