Life with the Thomas Troops

What would the answer be?

2011-01-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

Could these really be the children who didn't do their jobs this week to the best of their ability? Why yes would be the answer. We're working on it...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What's your connection to Michael Jackson?

2011-01-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Another crazy week for The Thomas Troops! The largest extra’s being Wyatt’s concussion and Caroline’s flash drive with all of her schoolwork getting a virus. Life, it happens. On the other hand Jefferson got to go swimming with his fourth cousins on Monday and Melanee Kate made an 86 on her last Math test. She has been working so hard and this was a major success.

I have a cousin named Michael Scott Jackson, he goes by Scott. He’s married to a darling love and has four amazing children. We did not grow up together, well, yes we did. We met in college, and we did of ton of growing during that time. My Nana told me I had a third cousin that went to Texas A&M and wanted me to meet him. I called that very week and to this day Scott loves to tease me about saying, “Hi, I’m Dinah Mowery. I think we’re related,” in a very high pitched Texas accent. His imitation is usually accompanied by his great laugh.

He came by that day and little did I know that first lunch we had, I’d just gained a brother.

We spent hour after hour together while we were at A&M. We often had lunch, studied at the library, and we danced together as much as possible. I had taken a ball room dance class with 29 other girls one semester. At the end of the course many of us decided we would take it again. I marched up to my teacher and asked if I brought my own boy, could he be mine? Would I have to share him with the other 29 girls? She agreed he could be mine, and Scott jumped right in. What a sweet young man, willing to dance with his cousin when there were so many other girls right under his nose.

Scott always treated me like a gentleman whether opening my door, grabbing me what I needed at the dining hall, or offering up his arm to walk across campus. What a beautiful time in my life to have a young man setting such a high standard. Scott cheerfully took care of me and loved me good, bad, and ugly. When you spend as much time together as we did for two years, you see it all. He always loved me anyway.

Scott and his family live in Kodiak, Alaska where he flies helicopters with the Coast Guard. This is the closest we’ve ever lived to one another since we both lived on the Quad at Texas A&M. Two weekends ago we had dinner together at our house on Friday. We spent a full Saturday that included skiing, Wyatt’s hockey game, and another evening at our table. I love to sit together at a table over a long meal, it’s one of my favorite things in life. Sunday evening was a double date with just the adults. Monday Jefferson was included in swimming festivities while the rest of the Troops accomplished school. The Jackson’s came by on Tuesday before they headed back to Kodiak.

What a treat to be together! God has been working in both of our lives and it’s so exciting to know we are still persevering in our walks with the Lord, thriving in our marriages, and working hard to raise our children in a way that honors God. After all of these years, we still have the most important things in our lives in common. I love Scott Jackson so much and praise God for bringing him into my life. We are so hopeful to catch a hop to Kodiak to spend a weekend together before they head out to a new assignment.

We have the same great great grandparents. I sure would love for Ed and I’s great great grandchildren to know and love each other...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Happy New Year from The Thomas Troops

2011-01-22T01:21:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR…

from The Thomas Troops! Last year’s letter was overtaken by a move from Hawaii to London. It was our shortest move yet, checking in at 7 ½ months. We are now residing at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska. We do desire more snow as it’s been a light year as of yet. What a special place to be!

This week we’ve spent quite a bit of time contemplating on God’s provision and grace in our lives this past year as well as looking forward to the upcoming year and the goals we would love to see realized. It was fun listening to the children come up with a “Top Ten” list and we decided it was great way for you to have a peek into our family at this time. They are in the order that they popped out of the children’s mouths on Monday.

Top Ten List of God’s Provision and Grace in The Thomas Troops Lives written by The Thomas Children commentated by Mother:

1) Reestablishing Sibling Relationships~ When we brought home Wyatt from the hospital we boldly announced to big sister, “Here’s your best friend!” The children played and played as little ones with great joy. As they got older, it became harder. Six sinners living in one house is often a challenge. This year we’ve seen our three oldest reclaim their relationship in new and exciting ways. Don’t get me wrong, there is always work involved. Putting aside our own desires and learning to put others before ourselves is a worthy pursuit.

2) Going Back to Italy~ Our Italian tour continues to be a family highlight even ten years later. Sweet Jefferson had never been, what a hard way to be odd man out, never been to Italy. When we were in Rome at the end of our tour I told Ed that it was my prayer that a trip to Rome could be a part of their education while they were under our roof. We spent three nights in Rome December 2009 and were able to go back to Aviano last April. What a rich blessing to worship with our church. We also reveled in time with our pastor and our Italian landlord’s sweet family! Senora Del Maschio makes Northern Italian Lasagna like no other. When Caroline was asked by one of the Del Maschio’s if her mother or their mother made better lasagna she replied as only a Public Affairs daughter could, “Senora Del Maschio makes the best lasagna in all of Italy and my mother makes the best lasagna in all of America!” I use Senora Del Maschio’s recipe and am still grateful she taught me how.

3) New Desires to Honor God~ Our entire family sees God working in our lives and changing us to be more like Him. A slow and not always fun process, but we are all grateful for progress forward.

4) Letting Our Family See Grandparents More~ What a precious thing for three teenagers to put as number four on their list! We were able to go to Texas for two weeks in between Hawaii and London. Nana came to see us in February and as always, just jumped into life with us including school (Ed’s and the children’s), church, field trips, the theatre, and celebrating Chinese New Years in a PLA Colonel’s home. Grammy and Major came in April and Nana and Chief came in May. As much as our children never have Sunday lunch or Friday spend the nights with grandparents, they do not complain when they go to the theatre, climb towers in Windsor Castle, or ride the train through the English countryside. Major and Nana also came in August to Alaska to be a part of our celebration as Ed took the command of the 673rd Mission Support Group. We also had the privilege of grandparents around our Christmas tree this year, what a blessing all four of them are!

5) New Perspective From People All Over the World~ Ed’s school consisted of eighty officers and diplomats from over forty three countries. We were able to meet the world, and I’m pleased to say we fell in love at first sight. It was fun to see firsthand how people are people. We were able to revel in our differences and similarities. We walked a road that we will always share with Ed’s schoolmates, one that we will forever be grateful for.

6) God Provided Beyond Measure~ This year we’ve experienced God’s provision double time as we’ve never done back to back moves quite so quickly. We’ve seen God provide TWICE: two homes, two neighborhoods, two churches, two jobs, ect. Our flat in London was directly across from Victoria station. It was my second choice but God knew better. I’m not sure how I would have done the year without Rick and Maggie Coleman as neighbors and friends. A little taste of Texas right there in London. Ed had a seven minute walk and one day Melanee Kate ran in her suit and high heels in about three. You don’t want to be late to class as the British are very prompt. God has provided as well in Alaska. We are thrilled to be living on base with a four minute drive for Ed. We are amazed by new music teachers and opportunities we’ve never had. Wyatt is loving hockey and we have a brilliant little ski slope on base. Between the four children we are covering ski team, junior ski patrol, and we have an official ski patrol candidate.

7) Gifted Time Spent with Family and Friends~ Not only did our grandparents come but we also cherished our time with my sister and nieces, the Newton’s, two of the Stone girls, the Allert’s, the Krause’s, the Leigh’s, the Danielson’s and Steven Dahl. We went out with a bang as Steven was with us up until our last night in the flat and we spent our very last night delighting in London with the Danielson’s. Spending time with people you love is always a treat, but sharing a portion of what we were blessed with in London multiplied it many times.

8) New Friends~ In the meantime we made so many new friends, shared meals, laughed much, and had unique experiences with people we had never known. We loved having people into our home and I was so grateful for all the help the children provided as we entertained guests from Lebanon, Afghanistan, Ireland, China, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, England, Poland, and Iraq. Caroline’s birthday involved five countries and we had a youth game night including Pakistan, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Brazil. Our friends the Amour’s, welcomed us to Northern Ireland for an incredible scoop of hospitality along with sightseeing, meeting their family and friends, shopping, more food than I’ve ever imagined, sweet friendship, and a very exciting 50th birthday party. It was an experience we never could have procured as tourist. We celebrated the 4th of July at our dear Slovakian friend’s home, and they even made sure there was red, white, and blue to be had. As an Air Force family it was a privilege to draw strength, camaraderie, and encouragement from two Navy families. Captain Murray provided Ed with another American stronghold at the school and the cutest three year old you’ve ever seen. Lt. Commander Ray’s family loved on me endlessly and took the children and I to Morocco. They should have mentioned the twenty hours we were going to ride in an unairconditioned van out to the desert, then I could have mentioned our children would probably sing for eighteen of them. Greg may never be the same…GO NAVY!

9) Travelled the World in Ways We Couldn’t Even Have Imagined~ I love to travel. I get it honestly from my mother. It’s genetic I’m sure. I thrill in meeting new people and wait for those sweet moments God provides to share what He’s doing in my life. I love our children seeing God provide from door to door even in those moments that you wish you had not had. Moments when you dearly wish you’d had a reservation for a hotel, you hope your eight year will not throw up, you pray your children will politely eat everything they are given, or you are working hard to not gag because unfamiliar intense smells. It is in those moments our family has seen God show up not a minute early or a minute late, but right on time. His provision is complete, His grace is rich, and His love is immeasurable. We are so grateful to see a bigger view of the world He created.

10) Time with Daddy and Time as a Family~ With grins and giggles the children claimed this as their number ten. Stories abounded after the announcement came. God has been so gracious to let us be together so much this last year. I will forever be grateful for the gift of time together! Ed’s schedule was different in London than we’ve ever known. Although he still accomplished a ton, and continued to earn your tax dollars, we were able spend large quantities of time together. We had heard that the Royal College of Defense Studies was very inviting to families but we didn’t know if that included a homeschooling family with four children who lived around the corner. The rumor was true and they were thrilled every time we burst through the doors, which was often.

It’s hard to believe 2010 is over. It will always be a treasured memory in our hearts and minds. In the same breath, we are looking forward to the New Year as well, knowing God has exciting plans. Our prayer is to thrive as never before…

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Thomas Troops
Ed, Dinah, Caroline, Wyatt, Melanee Kate, and Jefferson

Have you been wondering?

2011-01-11T03:16:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

Just in case you've been wondering...yesterday I was up early after a failed attempt at trying to go to bed early. I was in bed at 8:30 p.m. and so happy to be there but my husband, children, and the United States Air Force didn't seem for my sleep to the be their number one top priority. I finally drifted off at 11:00 pm.

At 6:45 a.m. my mind cajoled up the fact that I still had meatballs in the oven, from Saturday. Someone had turned off the oven but the result were hard carbon rocks. The boys could have done some serious damage with a sling shot.

I dealt with two fussy children over hot water by 7:45 a.m.

I crawled in bed and read to a darling snugly eight year old until 10:30 a.m.

I had everyone listening to a New Years sermon by 12:30 p.m. Great questions to be had. The gentleman was discussing running the race. What has characterized my running this past year? What are the weights in my life that keep me from running? What needs to grow dimmer in my life? What is my running plan for this next year? We've been discussing this past year and this upcoming year at great length since January 1st. I'm still reflecting and excited about both.

At 1:30 p.m.I rounded up the Troops for a photo sessions for Caroline's class. Although forced at first, it quickly turned into a sweet moment.

By 2:45 p.m. I'm running into the house to answer a ringing phone. I'd gone to Office Max to run off my New Years letter only to realized I'd done it incorrectly and had to come home to fix it. I was talking to my Aunt Sue when I glanced up to see that the oven was on. I started laughing so hard. STRIKE TWO...I'd left these meatballs in for two and half hours, I may be loosing my mind.

At 5:30 p.m. I declared we were not going to Bible study. I was so tired and know what the rest of my week entails so I'm trying to pace myself.

At 7:00 p.m.the children and I sat down for homemade rolls and the lentil soup I finally decided to make. I'd made a pot for them to take up to the ski hill on Saturday and some people had made fun of what it looked like, although the children promised everyone loved the flavor. Note to self children, if you want Mother to make dinner even though she's burned meatballs twice in two days, don't mention making fun of her soup. Wyatt was in a panic at 1:15 p.m. that I'd announced I was not making dinner. God moved my heart at some point and somehow I managed it to the table. I'm glad I did as it was yummy.

At 7:45 p.m. my sweet man came home. I'm so grateful that this is not normal here in Alaska as it was quite normal three years ago in Virginia. I can't believe it's almost been three years since I sat in our Honda waiting for the deployment boom to be lowered only to hear, "What would you think about moving to Hawaii!"

At 9:00 p.m. I was tucked in bed ready for some much needed sleep.

At 2:00 am I woke up as my mind is rolling...my list is long this week. I daily ask the Lord what He wants me to accomplish as I can't begin to do all that needs to be done. The great news is I'm only responsible for what He has for each and every day...not one bit more.

I'm going to finish getting everything in my mind onto paper so I can go back to sleep. I just thought you might be wondering what we've been up to.

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

So what?

2010-11-21T01:26:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

Getting our things this fall has brought back a flood of memories. Memories that are starting to seem far away, yet were just a breath ago.

Last February in London, my precious husband was so dear when one night in bed I announced, "I have a little dream." Not a dream as when you are asleep, but a dream of the future, something you desire to experience. Now mind you, this is not the first time my husband has heard this announcement as I've had a lot of little dreams over the years.

Just tonight at the table the children were talking about one of my little dreams. When we moved back from overseas the first time, the European experience grew a desire in my heart to see my own country. That year we were studying moving out west and living in Colorado. My dream included our children riding in a Conestoga wagon across the Oregon trail, which we did. A five day trip into Wyoming, a common American vacation. I even found a tepee that we could camp in for $50. Ed made my dream happen, but he drew the line at the tepee firmly stating that he was not sleeping in a tepee with three giggling children and a infant, no matter how much it furthered their education.

This dream I had in London didn't involve a tepee, it involved a motorcoach.

Ed had a two week break in April and we'd been praying about how we were going to spend our time. Lots of neat ideas were on the table as we were pounding out our priorities of the travel we were going to try to experience while we were in Great Britain. At first we were thinking Europe but then I got on this tear that we should see England and Scotland. It would have been a real shame to be there and not venture far out of London.

So once the decision had been made, the planning began. I had several travel guides on the table and my laptop full of ideas. A few Brits had given me their take on what they would consider musts. I had a vague plan of where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see, but then I hit an obstacle. Places to stay in England do not accommodate a family of six very well. Most places wanted us to have two to three rooms which meant large amounts of Great British Pounds.

One way we've gotten around this little snafu when we went to Rome and Paris was to rent an flat, ie apartment. This is a fantastic way to go in Europe, but you usually have to commit at least three nights. This was not in our plan as we knew we wanted to cover quite a bit of ground in a short amount of time and would not be anywhere for more than a night or two.

One evening Ed and I were at the College for an evening function and I was sharing this with one of the proper English wives. After listening politely she piped in, "Why don't you rent a motorcoach?" After she told me what a motorcoach was, I knew I had a dream!

So there we were, a family of six with five rolling duffel bags, backpacks all the way around, Miss Pear our handy grocery cart, and one other large but light bag stuffed with all of our pillows. Normally when you travel in a motorhome you drive it up to your house and pack all you need before you head out. We were laughing as we were standing at the elevator to head downstairs to take the tube to the train station that it was not a typical camping trip, yet we were hauling everything we needed for eleven nights...toilet paper and all.

My sweet husband had volunteered to be the driver of this adventure. I had driven in New Zealand on the left side of the road for five days. Ed had driven in Japan on the left side of the road for five minutes. Considering our vast experience I quickly agreed he should be the driver. I knew it would take him a little to adjust, I just didn't know the man was going to be baptized by fire.

I had rented the motorcoach on the edges of London rather than central where we lived as it seemed obvious that downtown driving would not be the best place to start. So he took off the left rear view mirror in the first five minutes, we were not to be deterred as it was either hitting a high old stone wall or being hit by a car. I thought the wall was a pretty good choice considering Ed's options . Bless his heart, after that little incident the serious praying began.

Did I mention it was a stick shift? Did I mention the Sat Nav took us straight into the heart of London rather than heading out through the countryside towards Stonehenge? Did I mention their curbs are not curved but have a hard 90 degree angle? Did I mention it was Friday night traffic? Did I mention it was quickly dark?

If any of you out there want to learn to drive on the left side of the road, I can set you up!

We spent two and a half grueling hours of sweat, prayer, and fear just heading out of London. I've never been so grateful to be out of city traffic in my entire life.

So now we were a tid bit behind schedule or sh eh dule as the British would say.

The first night we were planning on staying in a motorcoach park, but it was closed when we got there. This was cracking us up. You see at this point we had just been given a load of perspective and we were not even bothered by the fact that the owners would not let us in. They had said they close at 8:00 and boy howdy did they mean it. Americans are about the all mighty buck...not the Brit's. 8:00 means 8:00 and they had no concern that we'd just survived the ride of our lives by the skin of our teeth. They sat watching the telly while we knocked at the door, but didn't budge.

So the evening was rounded out by eating Kentucky Fried Chicken at a truck stop 5 minutes from Stonehenge. That night we slept in the parking lot with the truckers on the side of the road 4o feet from the highway. It was a good night though. I hardly could believe how close we were to such a famous piece of history that we were going to get to see for ourselves the very next day.

When I first wrote this particular blog, I hit this point and clicked "SAVE NOW". I didn't really have a reason for writing it, I usually have a point, but not this time. As I talked to my mother several days later she pointed out, "You may not have a point, but God certainly does!" I agree...

Even if I never understand why God lets me experience something, it's not for naught. In Isaiah 14 this week it's been a wonderful reminder that we cannot thwart God's plans!

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

P.S- I apologize for so many pictures. Ed would say choose your best 10;but it's my blog and I'm going to choose many more. I worked hard to get it down to this many! I'm hopeful I'll get all of our trips up on our blog in the next few months while everything is still fresh on my mind...we'll see.

This trip was well planned by God, but I'd not had much time. We had a basic road map of where we thought we wanted to go, a reserved motorcoach, and lots of books! Stonehenge was stop number one...we loved it! Please notice the guidebook in hand. Once we were members of English Heritage we leaned heavily upon the guide as all of those stops were paid for.

There she is...the faithful little motorcoach that was home for 11 nights. Big by English standards, tiny by American.

Stop number 2....Bath. It was so amazing to see what the Romans built up front and personal after studying about it last fall. We were blown away time and time again at the details that went into their buildings; they were setting up shop for more than the 400 years that they were there. On the other hand, since we'd just been to Rome, we were very aware that their arts did not compare. B Team accomplished a great amount though.

Nothing like being put into your first corset by your brother. Boys just do things differently now don't they?

The meal here has the all time record as it was only 2.99GBP's. We could hardly believe it. We were the only family eating in the local pub and we were happy to be there. We didn't know the game was going to start while we were there and it was fun watching the place fill up quickly. We were given our table by three men who were just generous and kind. We had to leave earlier than I would have as Caroline gave it away to some college students while I still had a few fries left on my plate. We still love teasing her.

Day 3...Kenilsworth...the largest castle ruin in England! Queen Elizabeth had several visits there and Sir Walter Scott wrote a book called Kenilworth that Caroline was able to find an old copy of while we were in England.

After so many years of having very few pictures together, it's fun to have children who are happy to get behind the camera. Wyatt took this one.

There was a wonderful hill at the back of the property that brought us a ton of fun. How that boy gets me to do some things, well it must be love.

The next morning we were heading to Hadrian's wall and came across an enormous farm house that ended up being Melanee Kate's favorite, hence the picture.

We were all completely fascinated by the shoe...talk about some old leather!

This is the story of my life :). I'm trying to not only keep them under control, but the goal is to teach them to control themselves. Oh the process...

We were at a fort and the tops of the walls that you see were the floors. They had heated water that ran underneath in order to provide heated flooring. The commandant had the largest house and the children quickly decided Daddy would have needed to be in that position.

Students and Mother sitting on a tiny portion Hadrian's Wall...still hard to believe!

When we got into Scotland the weather went south. We spent an entire day in the motorcoach which also ended up being our only laundry day. I don't know that my hands have ever been so cold as I walked through the sideways rain carrying a heavy black trashbag of laundry. I felt really old school even with a washing machine. The children read and played games, and late afternoon we went on a little shopping trip which was a wonderful opportunity to see God's grace. I'd not brought enough clothes for the snow and in April there's not much left for winter at the stores. We hit a TKMaxx and found an extra layer for everyone. We also found hats and gloves at a sporting goods store. Since we were moving to Alaska it was not wasted money AND we paid 70% of everything. The pickings were slim and God had something for everybody! To round of our down day we ate a delicious dinner in an old stable. Jefferson was very excited to try Haggis as he'd not been to Robert Burns night with us in February.
So the girls 70% hats weren't the most stylish, but they DID NOT care! This day we participated in a group tour in order to head into the Highlands. Very worth our money so Ed didn't have to drive on awful roads, on the left side of course. I have no doubt he could have, but was very happy he didn't have to. We are standing in front of Edinburgh Castle where we met the bus.
A ride from big brother is always welcomed. Jefferson now has the warmest fleece lined flannel shirt you've ever imagined.

This young man is always happy to not have his feet on the ground!

It's so much fun watching our girls love each other...God is doing a really neat thing here!

On the way home Jefferson and I were GREEN due to the bus getting too warm and the incredibly winding roads. Don't you just love when your family photographs you at your finest moment?

The daffodils were fabulous; a tremendous sign that spring was on it's way.

This day we spent in York, hot pasties all the way around. I have to say we kinda ate our way through York.

Nothing like getting a little snuggle from your Daddy.

I was very sad to miss the evensong, but Caroline was at another old bookstore. She did find some amazing treasures though, I will say.

I'm trying, I'm trying...

I'm not going to tell you how many people were burned alive in this turret.

I told you we ate our way through York. I love Fish and Chips. They are a heart attack on a plate though.

This was our table, the boys beds, and where the children rode in seatbelts for many, many hours. Wyatt's pleased about something and Kate is semi disgusted. We're working on that.

This is our pitstop in Sherwood forest. As we made decisions going North it had gotten thrown off the drawing board, so we pulled over for a quick stop when we came back through.

This was the night before Easter. A sweet reminder that the next day we would celebrate that Jesus rose. He is risen!

Oh, and it was the night we laughed and laughed at this British man walking around the motorcoach park in his bathrobe. It did not seem very proper but managed us a great family memory.
I love this picture. I think Wyatt must have been scaling a wall, saving a damsel in distress, or possibly in trouble.

The family still lives in a small portion of the largest house I've ever seen. Portions of the latest Pride and Prejuidice were filmed here. This was not on our English Heritage list, but it was worth the money!

Back to little America...it had been a long time. We had not been to any American bases as a family since Hickam AFB in November; a Thomas Troop record. Our last stop was at RAF Mildenhall. The children were thrilled to be at a BX and to eat Taco Bell. I was thrilled to be at an American Commissary with American prices. We mailed four huge boxes of groceries back to London. Well, not all the way to our flat, but to our mailbox that was an hour out.

Now that's a lot of books for 11 days. This was the pared down version of what the children and I originally selected.

What kind of cranberries did the recipe call for?

2010-11-12T21:51:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

When Ed was in high school he had this awful experience that we were very reminded of last night.

He was sitting at lunch with his faithful tuna sandwich when several people at his table questioned it. Apparently it had quite a funky smell, but he swore up and down his mother had made it for him and was extremely adamant that if his mother sent it for him, he knew it was good.

He confidently took a bite, then quickly fled to the trash can to spit it out as quickly as possible. It baffled him, his mother would never send something nasty.

Then it dawned on him, about two weeks before he had brought a lunch that he ended up not needing. It had been rotting in his locker for two weeks before the infamous day where he claimed his mother would never do him wrong.

Last night was a typical crazy Thursday evening. I had dinner ready as we were going to be eating in shifts. Ed had the day off for Veteran's day and the vast majority of The Troops were at the gym. Then I had to grab Caroline for PT and a quick commissary run. I had made a lentil rice pilaf. At the gym I had told Ed you just needed to stir in fresh spinach, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Normally I would throw it all in right before we all ate, but since we were in shifts we would need to do this step individually. I'd made this before, but it's been years.

Easy enough right?

When I got home Ed and Wyatt had headed off to hockey. I came in to find the cranberries on the counter; the fresh cranberries that I had used to make bread last weekend. The cranberries I had left were sweet dried ones.

I hadn't caught on yet.

Jefferson then said, "Mommy your dinner is good, but Daddy didn't make me eat the cranberries." I questioned him as I still didn't understand.

The girls had come in by then and I now understood and was rolling with laughter.

Ed had put fresh cranberries, at least a dozen, in his and Wyatt's bowl. Wyatt was pained after the first bite but Ed was confident. "If this is what Mom had planned, we're going to eat it son," he announced...and so they did.

I was so proud that his confidence in me was as strong as that day in high school with his tuna fish sandwich. I can only imagine they were both gross.

I love my mans loyalty, what a worthy character trait I want to continue to grow in myself and our children...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for the Troops

Can God handle Algebra?

2010-10-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

This week in Bible study we were in Isaiah 10:5-15 and 2 Kings 18:9-16. At first glance I thought, "Okay God, what am I going to get out of this one?" Then the deeper dig began.

It's a reasonable question though. What in the world does Judah, the Assyrians, and their rebellion to God have to do with me? How does it apply to my life?

I warn you, the first time you read it, you may yawn.

Isaiah 10:5-15 (New International Version)

God's Judgment on Assyria
5 "Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger,
in whose hand is the club of my wrath!
6 I send him against a godless nation,
I dispatch him against a people who anger me,
to seize loot and snatch plunder,
and to trample them down like mud in the streets.

7 But this is not what he intends,
this is not what he has in mind;
his purpose is to destroy,
to put an end to many nations.

8 'Are not my commanders all kings?' he says.

9 'Has not Calno fared like Carchemish?
Is not Hamath like Arpad,
and Samaria like Damascus?

10 As my hand seized the kingdoms of the idols,
kingdoms whose images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria-

11 shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images
as I dealt with Samaria and her idols?' "

12 When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, "I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.

13 For he says:
" 'By the strength of my hand I have done this,
and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.
I removed the boundaries of nations,
I plundered their treasures;
like a mighty one I subdued [a] their kings.

14 As one reaches into a nest,
so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations;
as men gather abandoned eggs,
so I gathered all the countries;
not one flapped a wing,
or opened its mouth to chirp.' "

15 Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it,
or the saw boast against him who uses it?
As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up,
or a club brandish him who is not wood!

2 Kings 18:9-16 (New International Version)

9 In King Hezekiah's fourth year, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and laid siege to it. 10 At the end of three years the Assyrians took it. So Samaria was captured in Hezekiah's sixth year, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel. 11 The king of Assyria deported Israel to Assyria and settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River and in towns of the Medes. 12 This happened because they had not obeyed the LORD their God, but had violated his covenant—all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded. They neither listened to the commands nor carried them out.

13 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. 14 So Hezekiah king of Judah sent this message to the king of Assyria at Lachish: "I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand of me." The king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents [a] of silver and thirty talents [b] of gold. 15 So Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the temple of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace.

16 At this time Hezekiah king of Judah stripped off the gold with which he had covered the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and gave it to the king of Assyria.

Read it again.

So the first question in my study was: How was Isaiah's prophecy accomplished against Israel and Judah?

In my mind that was an easy one, God allowed the Assyrian's to come in and take Judah back to Assyria.

The next question asked, "How did God's immediate purpose in sending Assyria against the godless nation of Israel compare with the Assyrian king's intention in advancing against Judah and other nations?"

I love that God's plans were different than the Assyrian kings, yet he used this man to accomplish what he knew was best for his people. God remained in control. It never slipped out of His hand. He had full reign of the outcome AND the process.

How in the world do we somehow think we are in control? What a waste of time, energy, and often heartache. I will tell you that I do not believe that I am, yet at times my heart and my actions reflect otherwise.

I then wrote, "Lord, teach me to bask in the fact that you are in control. Please give me your peace and joy. I want to walk the process in a way that honors you!"

The bigger questions for my week were questions like this. Why am I stressed over school? What if a child failing a particular class this year is part of God's bigger plan? What if that child needs that experience to see God's hand in bigger ways, to prepare them for life that is to come, or just to have to work hard in order to receive victory?

I ask Him with great fervor, on a consistent basis to work in all of our lives, then I stress out when He does just that.

I want to learn to trust my Lord, as many doubts that I do have in life, His trustworthiness is NOT one of them!

So here we are. Today we left London 12 weeks ago. I have to be honest, I am grateful that they are twelve weeks under my belt and that I do not have to repeat them. It's been hard, but it's been good. We have no doubt that God is using this all as part of His bigger plan!

This weekend, today or tomorrow, is the day that we finally get to claim we are unpacked! What a great thing, a certain victory for The Thomas Troops. Yet even in typing it, He reminds me that this is not where we find contentment or peace. He is the only source for such treasures and in the greatest moments of chaos, stress, or even tragedy, in Him, they can be found.

If God can control great armies and Kings, he can certainly handle all three levels of Algebra and The Thomas Troops.

Love in Christ...my Immanuel,
Dinah for The Troops

What treasure have you found?

2010-10-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I've been so sick this week, which is no fun, it has brought me to a dead halt.

I feel so much better today, but am exhausted. A combination of sinus infection accompanied by migraines has been a great opportunity to trust God.

I am so grateful, this is the first day since Tuesday that I'm really feeling better. I feel like I'm recovering from surgery and certainly haven't been in bed this much since I recovered from surgery three years ago this month.

The first week of Bible study I found a treasure in Isaiah 1:24. Yesterday I found a treasure in John 15:16. Bible reading can vary so vastly for me. There are many days I really enjoy it and have sweet fellowship with Jesus, there are days I do it out of obedience which I know He honors, and there are days where it's just habit. It's amazing God wants me back after days as such. If you were to go the Queen and present yourself the way I present myself to God sometimes, well, another invitation would not come.

Then there are the days you find treasure.

The verse that you read that you know God put there just for you, just for that moment. A verse that is sometimes an answer, a promise, or just the encouragement you need.

I've really struggled with portions of this move, yet I know I am exactly where He wants me. It's nothing to do with Alaska, it has served as a beautiful backdrop. It doesn't really matter where we are right now, I would still be doing the same thing. I'm trying to find a new "normal" for everyone while sorting out the fabric of our lives.

My list continues to be long and I have to look backwards to see the progress in order to even think about looking forward as it has been so overwhelming.

We are ready for winter and that makes me cheerful. The studded tires are on, the Christmas lights are up, the new rakes we needed are purchased, and the happy light is working. Did you ever hear of a happy light? It's really helpful for the short days that are coming and heaven only knows these children need a "happy" mother.

The weeks are starting to blend together as I've pressed through on organizing and orchestrating school. For the first time in Thomas Troops history we are receiving state funds for educating our children. What a project that has been; creating four educational learning plans, preparing lots of paperwork, thinking through how I'm going to collect a sample of everyone's work for each subject quarterly.

We are starting our third week of online classes which means the first round of tests have arrived. I'm now on someone else's timetable which adds another whole element. I don't think Wyatt will mind me telling on him. He wrote his first lab report like a creative writing assignment, catchy lead and all. It was funny, and through the laughter I had to explain that lab reports aren't usually funny. Always something new to learn...learning to learn.

Music lessons are in place and going strong although I'm still looking for a used piano. I need one with stronger action and when I ask most people they have no idea what I'm talking about. I am so grateful for both of our new teachers. I could have searched the world over and not have found a teacher more perfect for Caroline than Kevin Barnett. I look forward to having the music that is in our London shipment.

God has provided an opportunity for Wyatt to be in Boy Scouts here and he's beyond pumped about hockey. He wrote this sentence in a memoir this week, " The thought of flying across the ice with a puck, and smashing into people at bursting forces, sounds fun, and thrilling." What more could a fifteen year old boy want?

So how does this all tie into my treasure?

John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last."

Fruit that will last, those words were like fresh water to a thirsty soul.

There are so many things that a mother does that are exhausting and sometimes it feels so fruitless. I so dearly want good things for our children. Not good "things" like the "things" we are waiting on. The things that count...the things that will last.

I'm working hard to teach our children to run our household without me. This is one of my goals for the year. This next year Ed and I will travel at least once together and it's something they are very capable of. They've always helped for many reasons. Although their helping does free up more time for me to accomplish other things, it's really about the deeper lessons. The lessons of perseverance, diligence, hard work, and attention to detail. The lessons of trustworthiness, caring for others more than yourself, self control, and reliability. The lessons of kindness, graciousness, and love. The fruit that will last.

This past week has been good practice. I now know some areas where they need more training, new information, and accountability. I have also seen them excel and can grab the victory and revel in how much I love them.

We aren't schooling, parenting, and loving these children so they'll be highly educated, make great money, and have off the chart SAT scores. These can be fine things, but in and of themselves they would leave you pretty empty. They are not the goal. We're are desiring to help them grow the fruit that lasts.

So I venture into a new week knowing God is doing a work that I cannot do.

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

Who is He?

2010-09-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Just wanted to let you know we've not perished up here in Alaska. What a beautiful place to be. You should see my backyard. I mean literally. This is the view from our backyard. Now doesn't that call you to worship?

It's been a little over seven weeks which is hard to believe. We had prepared for Ed's new job, set expectations. It always takes a while to really settle in to a new job. What I seemed to have missed was setting expectations that it would take a while for me to settle in also. Not just our household goods, but school. Every year we've schooled I diligently prepare in the spring for our upcoming year. I was a little busy this year and now am having to pump for time well spent.

When we move it's usually about a 10 day affair from truck to pictures and hung curtains. We push hard, and then it is done. I usually have a few projects, of course the normal settling in routine as I locate new music lessons, orthodontist, ect.

So here we are past week seven, and I do not feel settled in, at all. The ironic thing is in London we received our four crates on a Tueday and Friday night I felt settled in. God was so good to let me feel that settled so quickly. I didn't have the resources that I do here. It was simply His grace.

It's really been a challenge for me, a spiritual exercise you might call it. Last Friday we thought we would receive all of our London things which meant for the first time in almost three years we would have all of our earthly belongings in one place. Well, except the things we have at Mother's and Daddy's in my room in Texas. That's a whole other story.

Seven crates is what we took, only two arrived on Friday. SIGH...they were split at the port heading out of London. This happened on the way too London also. We received four crates on the 4th of January and three more crates three weeks later.

It's such a vivid reminder that they are things. Stuff, granted, our stuff, but stuff none the less.

I don't struggle with thinking we'll never see it again. I think it will come, I just think it's coming in God's timing rather than mine.

My struggle has been the time I waste. Looking for something for twenty minutes only to realize it's in the London shipment part II. In all of our years of the Air Force I've never heard of a family receiving their household goods in FIVE deliveries. I'd been wanting several photos thinking they were on our laptop that had been sent to the lower 48 to fix. When I got it back my excitement turned into another opportunity to choose contentment realizing they were on the hard drive, that we don't have yet.

My struggle is the organized chaos. I have school books lined up neatly across the wall of the basement as neatly as possible that is. Of course little feet, or big feet, come crashing by. I brought 70 pounds of school books and supplies, but everything else is on it's way.

My struggle is there are things I can't cook and I forget. I jumped up Sunday morning to quickly whip Wyatt's birthday cake together only to quickly realize I didn't have my mixer or my vanilla. I've not purchased things for our kitchen that I know are coming. I hate wasting money and I really don't mind waiting. I just get bothered by forgetting.

My struggle is I'm tired of base furniture in my house. I know this is a very ungrateful attitude, I should just be so grateful. I've really chewed on this. Why does that big red couch bother me so? It's in the basement where people don't really even see it. I've decided it makes me feel out of control. Isn't that silly, but it's true. It's made me realize I like to control things much more than I think. The challenge is to share this with the Lord, and let Him change me.

He is...little by little. I am so grateful for these little opportunities in life to grow. I want to embrace them. I want to change.

This year the children and I are studying the Book of Isaiah. On Saturday I was at the gym running, and praying. As I was asking for peace for the things that remain unsettled in my life God quickly called Isaiah 1:24 to my heart, "The Lord, The Lord Almighty, the Mighty one of Israel". I said it about three times in my mind, and then I was completely overwhelmed. The tears came, my smile dawned broadly, and I even realized despite the music in my ears at one point I was quietly laughing. I can only imagine the sight I was.

"The Lord, The Lord Almighty, the Mighty one of Israel," is in control of my life. He is so much bigger than I can fathom. My picture is only a miniscule glimpse. I know my mind doesn't really even begin to wrap around that, but I know it's true. Why in the world He wants an intimate relationship with me? I struggle wrapping my mind around that even more, but I know it's true.

He orchestrates my days, listens to my frustration, loves our children more deeply than we do, knows exactly where my hard drive is, and the time our footboard is going to arrive. He provides for all my needs, interrupts my thoughts, guides me in our schooling, gives me His wisdom...and strength...and grace...the Mighty one of Israel. Whom shall I fear?

So for those moments, I had complete peace. Then I looked up at the ceiling to see this pipe that was marked "air supply". At this point I laughed again, even louder. He is the only reason I breathe and His supply is vastly immeasurable.

Today I had to borrow a blender and a pan to cook my rolls in. We're having lentil soup, rolls, and salad which is good thing as I need a little comfort food.

I've been sad today as a dear friend has a precious girl at their church who died on Saturday at 17. For a moment I could hardly take in a breath. Don't we all have that moment where we apply our own families to a tragic situation? I've prayed for this family today. I've really had a hard time keeping my mind on school. I know she is with the Lord and wouldn't want to come back, but her sweet family.

There are so many things I don't understand.

Today I'm just concentrating on what I do understand. The Lord, The Lord Almighty, the Mighty one of Israel is true. I thank Him for perspective, and reassurance, and patience. I thank Him for hope, and peace, and life.

Today is a day I'm just having to keep my eyes directly on Him, where they should always be. He is faithful though, and His air supply never ceases.

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

What else do I need to leave at the altar?

2010-08-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

It's so hard to choose what to tell you! So much continues to happen so quickly. I could choose to share about the last few weeks in London, all that we saw and did, it was fantastic. I could choose to share about people that God continues to put in our lives, it humbles me. I could choose to share about our travels from London to Alaska, God always gets us there right on time. Would you guess our first thing to do on American soil is eat chips and hot sauce at Chili's?

I could choose to share how God provided, how as always, He went ahead. I could choose to share how the Smith family has blessed us again and again and how Nana and Major came with loving hands and hearts. I could choose to share about Ed's change of command, new beginnings. Of course I can always share about these children, a constant resource of love and learning in my life.

The list goes on and on, and I'm telling you it's hard to choose as I want to share it all.

I choose church. Can you think of any better subject?

God has always been so faithful to put us exactly where He wants us. Sometimes we find a church quickly, but most often we pray and search. I don't know that this one church we've visited is where God will have us, but I do know we were deeply touched and our children will never forget it.

The pastor is apparently not afraid to discuss the hard things. They spent the month of June on Sex, out of the pulpit.

Now he's doing a series called lip service. Lip service, now there's food for thought. I can list the things in my life that I've thought would be good to do, but didn't take the time or effort to make them happen.

One week they had a reverse offering, everyone took $5 from the plate to see how the Lord would use it. Another week they came in to no services rendered on Sunday morning including the band, coffee, and childcare. So often the same people do most of the work in church...not that Sunday. I hear he made quite the point.

Last week, well I guess I should start with Doug and Sharla. Bless their hearts, anytime we bring people to church we want them to love what we love. They have been so blessed at this church and were so excited to share it. We walk in and the pastor has no shoes on. I honestly didn't think a thing about it. I'd met him the week before out at the air show and he didn't have shoes on that day either.

They are a casual family and we love to dress up. Certainly nothing a matter with either as long as our hearts are looking to honor God and not ourselves. They'd warned it was a casual church, which does not bother us. We're who we are and who we feel the Lord is calling us to be and we expect others to do the same. It's all about hearts...

We sang two songs and then the pastor spoke. His title was World Changers. Everything matters to God and we need to focus on the Kingdom. Do we love God more than comfort? We need to be seeking His agenda. We get caught up in things that do not really matter. As believers we have the ability to change the world as the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Just that morning while we were getting ready Ed and I had the same discussion and we were tickled to hear it again in church. The same Holy Spirit that made Paul so mighty and gave Solomon such wisdom indwells in all believers. We've got the resource, do we use it?

Changing the world starts with me, continues with the Holy Spirit, and ends with God. God loves us just the way we are, but He refuses to leave us that way. Now isn't that good news!

We all laughed as the pastor called himself the sheep dog. I cracked up as I've never heard a pastor call himself a sheep dog. It's so biblical though. So often pastors speak of shepherding their flock, certainly true. He claimed in this church, Jesus is the shepherd and he's just the sheep dog working hard to keep the Lords sheep heading in the right direction...to the shepherd.

He spoke of big ways people change the world and he also talked about practical ways. He had a woman at the church come up and talk about a ministry called Souls for Soles. I'd heard of it this spring. A practical way this church can minister to people in their community and around the world. Alaska didn't have a drop off site or contact, now they do.

After the sermon was over they sang again. I loved this. Song for preparation and praise before and song for response and praise for after. I love going to new churches to see how they do things differently by the way.

We were preparing to take communion and in this church you come to the front to receive the elements. The pastor asked at this point, if you felt led by the Lord, and only if you felt led. Would you please drop your shoes at the altar.

Dropping something at the alter, now there's a beautiful picture in and of itself. What do we have that the Lord needs, NOTHING. God needs nothing, He's just looking for hearts.

There were many bare feet that left that church last Sunday.

As if this weren't beneficial enough, to have something tangible to give to the Lord at the alter. Well, after the service the blessings that we reaped just kept rolling in. I think I'll give you a list of how I was blessed.

I was blessed when my father in law was the first of our crew to go. Not only were we visitors, but our parents were also with us. Don't think Doug and Sharla were comfortable with all eight visitors they'd brought. I'd just had a quick thought of what do our parents think when I looked up and my father in law was half way down the aisle with his shoes in hand.

I was blessed when Jefferson had his socks tucked in his shoes. I told him we were just giving our shoes and he whispered into my ear and directly into my heart, "No Mommy, I'm giving it all." We all laughed later that the church had better be grateful Jefferson wasn't up at the altar stripping down to his underpants. I think he would have stopped there...

I was blessed knowing my husband had on his favorite and most expensive pair of shoes. I was blessed as my sacrifice of shoes was so small compared to his. I was even more blessed when I offered to buy him more the next day and he sweetly replied with a smile, "I'm not sure if we go out and just buy more that it would be very sacrificial Dinah."

I was blessed knowing the shoes that I had on my feet were my mothers and I knew she would give two pairs with joy. Major only brought two pairs but Mother had a few to spare.

I was blessed knowing my mother's sacrifice was not even the shoes, but the possibility of getting sick. She gets sick so easily when she gets cold and it's been wet and chilly this summer in Alaska.

I was blessed when Doug gave his expensive outdoor shoes, also his favorite, not only because he wanted to give to the Lord, but because he wanted to be an example to his sons.

I was blessed when Austin followed his father. The boy has big feet and they are expensive to replace. He gave knowing that there would not be new ones this week and that he would need to be content with what he had.

I was blessed that Caroline didn't give hers away as God showed her not to. Her sacrifice was her pride as everyone would think she was not willing to give.

I was blessed that it touched eight children's hearts in many different ways. Eight children that I know at that church, four Thomas Troops, and four Smith children. We did hear of a 5th grade boy who'd been working all summer for a new pair of "cool" ones that he's just purchased days before. They were in the enormous pile representing the hearts of God's people.

I was blessed by a pastor, a fine sheep dog, who was overwhelmed by his flock. He had just thought it would be a great moment to kick off ministry and was hopeful for a few pairs of shoes. He was blessed by God's people. He admitted at the beginning that knowing what he was asking that morning he had to choose his very best, when tempted not to.

I was blessed by sweet Sharla and her tender heart, well, I'm always blessed by Sharla and her tender heart so I don't really know that last Sunday was any different.

I was blessed as young men named Austin and Wyatt carried me across the parking lot as my feet are so tender.

I was blessed that God helped me quickly put aside the cost, as I have to admit I quickly calculated. Far more than the cost of shoes, the sacrifice of time that it would take to replace them. Of course I didn't know that my dear husband was going to take care of that problem as we aren't going to replace any time soon. I think it would somehow take away from our experience, cheapen it.

In the long run, we didn't give shoes, we gave our hearts. It was a beautiful act of worship and we were all so grateful to be a part of it. We all agreed over taco's in the park, that we wouldn't have missed it for the world. We did not bless, we were blessed.

So all week it's had me thinking...what else do I need to leave at the altar?

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Thomas Troops

P.S.-We can hardly wait to go to church in the morning!

Why am I ever surprised to see how God provides?

2010-07-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Last night Miss Maggie fed us dinner, which of course doesn't surprise any of us. The truck left yesterday with about half of our things and will be back at any moment for the second load today. I've got to go and take pictures today of our belongings being loaded on the streets of London. I didn't even see them coming in and apparently it's quite the sight.

So as we were leaving I was grabbing my little red collection out of her washing machine as it doesn't surprise any of us that she was helping me with laundry yesterday now does it? I found an enormous discovery.

Before we moved here I was very aware that laundry would be more ardous. I knew that from previous experience living overseas as well as full warning from the Americans who had just attended the school. I prepared as much as I could. I bought an extra drying rack not knowing my dryer situation, but more importantly I tried to adjust my expectations. Do you remember that the decision was made inbetween the two flats because this one had a dryer?

I have a sweet friend here who has a strapping husband. She can only put one pair of his pants in at a time.

So last night as I was leaning into the washing machine I discovered my washer must be twice as big as Maggies. Isn't God so good?

Don't get me wrong, I've been grateful for our smooth laundry routine since we've been here and what I thought was going to be so difficult has been relatively normal. Of course, when God gives you a washer twice as big, it really helps.

It had me thinking last night. How does He provide that I just don't even know about? His abundance abounds....Lord help me to always be grateful!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What preparations are you making?

2010-07-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

Signing medical clearance documents. This was actually a momentous occasion as I was allowed to sign our own children's education forms which is not normally allowed. Don't get me started on how I feel about taking papers to a school and having them sign for our children whom they've never met! Don't get me started...
The first bag to be packed filled with school books! We start school before we get our hold baggage. In the past year I've hauled our school over five to six oceans depending on how you want to count it.
Traipsing through London enjoying the last days and checking off the final things Mama wanted to see. LOVED the Transportation Museum! Yesterday the boys took off to the Imperial War Museum and enjoyed an evening in the theatre to see Stomp. The girls and I stayed home to pack, clean, and organize.
Five children for two weeks plus...Steven Dahl has been a wonderful guest and has really just jumped into the swing of whatever. Thank you Steven for just being a part of our family.
So I get these little things in my mind that somehow become important to me. This may sound silly, but McDonalds is one of those consistent things in our crazy lives. It's a treat and although it's certainly not nutritious, it's a taste we know filled with memories of our lives. I also feel this way about Chili's but we don't see them as often as McDonalds. I should not publically say it was my favorite meal in Morocco so I won't. Every time I walked by this particular window in London I've thought it would make a great picture. We got up at 5:15 AM on Wednesday to go and take pictures in London without a million people in our pictures. The children get the gold star for their sweet sweet attitudes!

Dear family and friends,

I feel so torn this morning.

On one hand I'm filled with sadness as I can't believe it's really over. The packers start today.

On the other hand I'm filled with joy and excitement as my heart is bursting with gratefulness at all that God's done and all that God's provided. I could spend an afternoon with you over tea talking double time, and you know I would. I wouldn't begin to really do it justice. I would share about the people we've met from all over the world, how we've seen God's goodness in new and exciting ways, and how I've seen the Lord working in the hearts of our children. The last could take a day in and of itself. I'd only be able to hit the tip of the iceberg.

The last of our time is filled to the brim with goodness. Tomorrow we are spending time with a sweet family from Hawaii. On Sunday our friends from Colorado are having lunch with the adults. They live in England and are coming in for the day. Next Thursday and Friday we will be immersed in time with my library friend from long ago. We lived together in DC, spent time together while we lived in different countries in Europe, and lived together in DC once again. The consistency that God continues to provide for our family amidst this crazy lifestyle we lead boggles my mind.

We also have a party tonight, a BBQ next Wednesday, a luncheon next Friday, and my dear Maggie will be taking care of dinner Monday night. We have three days of packers. Did I mention we had company this past week for a night and we have a house guest? Well, he's really been more like one of the family. One more to love and care for which is always worthy of my time.

In the middle of all that is going on my emotions are full to the brim. I'm not ready. I think I feel somewhat like you might when a child leaves for college or gets married. I'm not quite certain but I'd be glad to confirm it for you in a few years.

It's made me realize that in the past, no matter what or who I'm leaving, I've always been ready. Not that I don't have sad moments and not that I don't always miss the people who are left behind. Walking away from my precious sister in DC two and half years ago was a very difficult thing to do. Please don't get me wrong...I always miss people. I think it's God's grace in my life though as I am always ready.

Maybe in eight days I'll be ready as either way, we're going. I'm continuing to claim in my heart and out loud in our home that God's timing is good and perfect. I can't tell you how much I believe this and I know it's true. An opportunity to live out my faith, to believe what is true, and to let my actions and heart follow the Lord's best plan.

On the other hand, I have three you know, most mothers do...I can hardly believe that we are moving to Alaska! ALASKA...there is literally no place in the world that we would rather be going. How's that for a swing of emotion?

The job is going to be hard, but a sheer privilege to serve our country and American families who work so hard to protect our freedoms. We've watched America take a beating on many days at Ed's college. We know she's not perfect and my man continues to be incredibly gracious. America is filled with things that I would love to change, but our freedoms are not one of them.

The Smith's are waiting for us! I can hardly believe God is allowing this. I've written about them before. We heard about them in Colorado, met them in Alabama, spent time with them in Montana, and learned to live life together in Hawaii. This will be our fourth assignment together and one of those precious treasures that the Air Force (via Jesus) has given us. They've already purchased our new van and will picking us up from the airport in it. This is literally the third move we've had where God has provided the Smith family for a smooth transition. They help us on the way in town and we serve them on the way out. It's a great little system we have!

Preparations surround me. Preparations for the move. What am I forgetting? Of course, I've learned over these years there is very little that you can't really do without. Actually, nothing that I can think of. I would love to have my white dress that I was planning on wearing to the change of command. I wore it on our last day in Hawaii and think it's in my closet at Mother and Daddy's.

Preparations for the future also abound. We land on Saturday and Internet will be up and running on Monday morning.

We also see that you can prepare properly and then still have to be flexible. The plan was: leave on Saturday, enjoy Sunday, receive both storage shipments Monday and Tuesday, Ed inprocess Wednesday and Thursday, change of command on Friday. This is a move where there is no time in between assignments and we will quickly be in the full swing.

The little bump has been that on two separate days this week we found out the ball has been dropped in VA and CA and we'll be receiving nothing the week that we'd planned on settling in. God's plans are different and Ed and I are quickly course correcting expectations. I was going to start school on the 16th but it sounds like I'll be unpacking.

This morning I woke up early as my mind is swimming violently. I've had a quite moment in God's Word, a cup of tea, and a little time on the computer.

As I was thinking about preparations for packing, moving, and transitioning it made me think deeper.

Lord, please help me amidst the busyness and demanding schedule to prepare for the real things of this world. Help me prepare to honor you today, to love my man, and to whisper into the hearts of these precious children. Prepare me to continue to love others... and while you are there please teach me to love them more deeply.

Help me be a better daughter, sister, and friend...please prepare me for that. Prepare me to serve you more faithfully, to open our home widely without grumbling of the things that must be accomplished, and to encourage the families we are about to meet.

Prepare us to serve our country with fantastic energy that you provide. Prepare us for the moments of sadness that I know will come. We know with an entire base population some
tragedy will happen. Prepare us to minister, to claim your goodness boldly, and to give hope to those who don't know you.

Prepare us for what we don't know is around the corner. The fact that you do know gives me such peace...thank you for that peace. Thank you for going before us Lord and thank you for never making us go alone. Thank you, that no matter what state I am in, you are perfectly ready!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for the Troops

Who are your neighbors?

2010-07-12T03:15:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Not only is my washer running full time but my sweet neighbor is doing my towels and sheets. God's goodness and provision are always overflowing....

It's had me thinking this morning about all of the amazing neighbors that God has really provided for me over the years! It's hard living so far from family and yet He graciously always provides exactly what I need.

Neighbors...to serve and be served...what a blessing!

So here's my list of the servers. I'm certainly not deserving of such a list as this...

Lubbock, Texas: Susan and Jeff Dunn-They lived a street over. We were in a little apartment and Jeff, who was a Captain, lived in a HOUSE. This friendship is where the phrase "Captain's are rich" was born. The Dunn's loved us through a very hard time in our lives. Bless their hearts, they just can't get rid of us. This friendship continues to sustain us even though we usually don't live on the same continent. It has been a friendship of commitment, accountability, and joy. The Jefferson in Jefferson Allan...

McGuire AFB, New Jersey: Marcus and Debbie Vincent-Debbie was my constant source of Diet Coke's and conversation. Just loving me right where I was at. We had the delight of spending time with them last fall in California. When Caroline was born Debbie gave me a tin of her mothers that her mother always kept her ribbons in. Her mother passed in her preteen years. One of the most sacrificial gifts I've ever received.

Washington D.C.: Claire and Allan Wright- Hence the Allan in Jefferson Allan. Their hospitality lessons continue to speak to my heart even after all these years. In New Jersey they lived a street over and in DC they lived directly across the culdesac. I'll never forget right after Caroline was born we were running some tables over for them to borrow. They were having a crowd of 40 plus that night. A neighbor who they'd really been loving on came over to ask if they could possibly watch the children that evening. We were waiting for Allan's gracious explanation of their massive party plans but instead heard Allan say with such joy and sincerity, "Oh we're having a couple of folks over tonight, but we'd just love to have them." Ed's jaw was on the ground. It was one of those convicting moments where God showed us we weren't as hospitable as we thought.

Budoia, Italy: Rich and Kat Seifert-We shared a yard and a wall for two and a half years. They were generous and gracious of our enormous collection of children's toys, noise, and general chaos. They were also bathed in hugs, love, and very loud cries of their names over and over. The welcome home wagon was often available with lots of jumping up and down followed by consistent chatter. I've never prayed more for a car than Rich's little red sports car as I was horrified it would be damaged by our children. In the meantime the Seifert's helped pull off ticks, Kat travelled with me, and Rich had his shorts cut with scissors WHILE they were on him.

Colorado Springs, Colorado: Rich and Kat Seifert- Apparently they had not had enough as God put them five doors down when we all moved to Colorado. They have thoroughly spoiled our children their entire lives. Our children are very grateful and highly encourage it. Sweet Rich even accepted an invitation in DC from Caroline to see Disney's Enchanted. This is a kill em, chew them up, spit them out kind of movie man. It was one of the dearest acts of love I've ever experienced towards our children.

Washington D.C.: Andy and Tricia Porth-The moment we left DC the first time, my sweet friend started praying for our return. When it happened she quickly secured the house across the street. It was a privilege to watch this family in action. You've never seen such an amazing network of neighbors living in each others lives as this neighborhood and it was catapulted by the Porth families desire to share the love of Jesus. They connect people like I've never seen. One of the best examples being the day she asked me if Wyatt had red soccer socks. Once I had answered yes her explanation went something like this, "Oh great, as Ethan (our neighbor) is also going to need some so would you be willing to share so they won't have to go out and buy any?" Her plan being that twice a week I would have to connect with my neighbor to trade the socks. Crazy, but it was a delight...twice a week...to return the socks, or have them returned...to live life together.

Hickam AFB, Hawaii: Brad and Emily Waters-When they were moving in we quickly found out that Brad would be gone to Wake island for the year. They have two young, and darling, girls. So there we were with an opportunity to serve...which was just not the case. Emily Waters took care of me providing extra sugar, new recipes, encouragement to our children, leftovers, dog advice, prayer, and friendship just to share the tip of the iceberg. Oh and did I mention that she is a Biology teacher by trade and did all of Caroline's Biology experiments side by side with our daughter and her friend.

Hickam AFB, Hawaii: The Purdham family-We lived in two houses in Hawaii as just staying put in one place would be no fun. We only lived next to the Purdham's for two months, but it was a delight. They were so dear in opening up their arms and hearts despite knowing we were leaving. I'm not sure how I would have gotten to London without Lauralyn...

London, England: Rick and Maggie Coleman-The only Americans in the building live directly above us. Their daughter is an Aggie! I know I've mentioned them recently but they are worth a second mention to say the least. They have just taken care of us here and are certainly a brilliant part of God's provision. I've had amazing neighbors in the past but one of the special things about the Coleman's that I've never experienced is they are ahead of us in life. Just by a little bit...we are all celebrating as number one grand baby is on the way! Maggie has cooked for me, washed my laundry, loved on our children, and been a precious sounding board of all that has been going on in our lives here in London and around the world. Rick makes me laugh no matter how long the day has been.

Neighbor's see you good, bad, and ugly...and to be loved anyway...that's where it's at. This list doesn't even mention the people who lived two doors down or out the back.

I'd love to have my Mother and Daddy living next door, but I don't. Instead we get to see God's grace in new and exciting ways...His provision is indescribable...may we always be grateful for it!

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

You have company?

2010-07-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

We have a houseful....the beds, floors, and couch are full. What a great thing to have people in our lives! We have another family spending one night next week and seeing two other families after the movers have already started. God is keeping up busy and providing every step of the way. I'm so grateful that He makes me trust Him...

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

2010-06-20T04:37:00.001-07:00

"I AM your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1

Does God see the bigger picture and the close ups at the same time?

2010-06-19T04:09:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

This is one of the pictures that sweet Kari Ray took of our flat last December. Little did I know at the time what a God send Kari would be. Jennifer Borger's first response when she heard that we were moving to London was, "Oh, you've got to meet the Rays...they are moving from Hawaii to London this spring!"

Kari was a dear from the first, patiently answering my questions thoroughly, letting us learn from all of their research, and just being warm and inviting.

So when we needed someone to go and see the two prospective flats that we needed to choose from, I hesitantly asked Jennifer if she thought Kari would mind. "I'm aware I don't know her, do you think she would do such a huge favor for me?" I questioned.

Kari not only went with bells on, but she did a phenomenal job. If I ever tell you, "Oh I have a friend named Kari who would be glad to help!" Just know God has intervened and you are set up well.

Kari sent us pictures and also did an amazing job of being very observant and thoughtful. She considered it all and laid out the pro's and con's very carefully as if it were their family.

There was only one problem...she recommended his flat rather than hers.

The one I wanted was so beautiful, regent, and old. The kind of old I've always dreamed of living in; cherry wood floors, crown molding, and nooks and crannies at every corner. The kind of home a princess should live in while living in London.

Ed's location was a little better on the map, although I looked it up two days ago, and the location we ended up with is just out and out phenomenal.

His was new, modern, and roomier. His location, well I just fessed up to that one in the paragraph above.

She claimed his didn't have the "feel". He claimed his had better closets. Little did we know his also had a half bath that would graciously be our storage closet.

Now please understand this all unfolded at the Hickam Library as we were literally hours away from getting on the plane to Texas.

Once it was all hashed out, pro's and con's, my sweet man said, "You decide, I'll be happy in either and you are the one who is there 24/7." Yes, I did love him even more at that moment and quickly chided in that God was just going to have to show us. So, I started praying, "Lord, make it clear, oh and quickly Lord, as Ed really wants to move forward with this tomorrow."

The next day as I was anguishing it came to a complete halt when the realtor told me that his had a dryer and hers did not. That was about as clear as a glassy lake during the wee hours of a Texas summer morning. The decision was made.

When we first came in the flat the children were thrilled. They love to run around room to room discovering what the pictures didn't say, taking it all in. It's one of the highlights of moving for them. It's not always for me.

In Alabama they saw space, potential, and new adventures. I saw ugly linoleum, vomit stains on the carpet, and smelled a dog. Now I will tell you my sweet man cleaned carpet stains for hours that night as the truck was coming the next morning at 8:00. I sorted out belongings and prayed for my bad attitude while he got every major stain, including orange Kool Aid, out of that nasty carpet. The dog smell never fully left on hot humid days, but it taught me to be grateful for what God has provided and that's lasting in my heart for a lifetime. I hate to admit that Ed found me kissing our brand new cheap base carpet in Montana. That cheap brown carpet looked like cherry wood floors.

So there I stood in the window view that I had thought was so ugly, praying again. I love a beautiful view...it's one of my favorite things. Please remember my context as views like this were just normal in Hawaii:

"Okay Lord, this is your best for me, help me to embrace it," I silently whispered.

What I saw was ugly modern buildings.

Can I tell you I've never enjoyed living room windows in quite the same way as we have enjoyed these. If you get up at 4:00 am you don't have wait a full minute to see someone.

We love the suitcase game, I made it up myself. During the day it's hard to find a single moment that you don't see someone pulling a suitcase. I've never had so much hustle and bustle outside my window. It has provided hours of delight and entertainment.

In the evening we get our very own "Office" program as the mirror windows become translucent and we see everything that is happening inside. Who needs television?

I now don't see the ugly buildings, but I see the reflection of our building. I get a beautiful picture of our darling quaint building at any given moment I look out. I love to find our window. Jefferson loves to jump up and down like a monkey so he can see himself across the way.

Same scene, different angle, and much closer up; are you getting the picture?

Can you find me? The bottom two windows are ours. The window directly above us is Mr. and Mrs. Coleman's. How would we have ever navigated London and all that we have experienced without the love and support of Rick and Maggie Coleman? Wasn't God good to put us in just the right place.

He always knows better, He sees the bigger picture, He also sees the close ups. God knows where we need to be, who we need to live by, and how He's going to stretch us. That nasty dog carpet made me so much more grateful for the little things. I can now be grateful for that nasty dog carpet at a whole new level.

It makes me grateful...what all would we have missed out on if we'd not lived right here at Chantrey House? A tremendous amount of God's blessings. Would He have blessed in other ways, certainly He would have. BUT, I'm grateful for these blessings, that I have come to love. I am also very grateful that at this very moment I don't have wet clothes strung all over my lovely, regent, and old flat.

So how does this change me? Well, I'm certainly working on the fact that our children are going to live in 11x10's in Alaska. A girls room and a boys room, which is how we've done it their whole lives. Not always on such a small scale though. Is it our sacrifice in order to serve our country, or is it God's best?

It's God's best I say, and I can hardly wait to see how He's going to use it!

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

Did you know my littlest man loves to photograph me? I could do a whole portrait gallery of Dinah at her worst. He rarely catches me when I'm ready and heading to The London Tower or the day that I'm going to see the Queen. No he catches me in the kitchen at the end of the day, working at the computer when I'm tired, or heading out to run. He loves these pictures and boldly claims my beauty no matter. I thought you might enjoy one, I'm even smiling here. Often I'm completely caught off guard. He'll be so tickled I posted one of his great works.

2010-06-17T03:19:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I can't tell you how much I miss my man! It's been over two weeks with over a week to go. I know this amount of time is menial compared to other families so I hate to even say it publicly. On the other hand, wouldn't it be sad if I didn't miss him horribly.

I'm cleaning up my computer a little this morning and have come across pictures that I love...

Yes this did make my heart go pitter pat last August! One of the most fantastic emails I've ever gotten from my man! A month later it was Wyatt's lunch with Dad month and they apparently played a little dress up. I'm amazed at how much Wyatt's maturing and these pictures just shout it. Nothing like playing dress up with your Dad on a school day:

For the first time I feel like I have a foot in each world. Preparing for Alaska, but enjoying every moment of London. Our environment is constantly changing this year, but we have been together, in wonderful places I might add. I wonder what I'll be doing on June 17th next year?

Wyatt and I had our date last night to the theatre...we saw War Horse and it was AMAZING! The most top notch show I've seen here yet.

We are finishing up Math and trying to wrap up our school year. This is where I'm really having to trust God. I know He's provided a year of a lifetime for my children, yet I struggle with what traditional school must be accomplished.

Hope this finds you all well...love, love, from The Thomas Troops!

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

2010-06-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I just sent this email to my man and thought y'all would enjoy what's going on. After Mother and Daddy left we flew to Ireland for five nights and then to Morocco. The Ray family has included us in their family adventure for which we are grateful. Ed left two days later to head out for his school trip to Russia, Norway, and Turkey! The whirlwind continues and I struggle that I can't blog more to share what all God is doing in our lives. I'm hopeful this month I'll be able to back track a little with pictures.

Love to all!

In Christ Alone,

Dinah for The Troops

Dear love,

I love you so much darling! I've had a great time praying for you and your trip. I need a list of the gentleman(and lady) on your trip as I want to pray specifically and am only praying at this point for the ones I remember.

We are doing fantastic! Definitely in that whole experience of a lifetime category. Today we are going slower. We slept late, the children are swimming, rearranging our things, and not going out until the heat of the day cools down a little.

We've all laughed at the 80's forecast, and this is coming from a Greg who is a trained Navy Weather Man. It's been well into the 90's here in the city and hit 112 when we were in the desert. I'm so grateful that they are going to let us do some laundry today!

The ryad is beautiful. Truly an oasis in this city. The people, motorcycles, donkey's, ect can be overwhelming when you are trying to get through the streets. We are staying in the Medina which is the older part of the city.

God was SO GOOD...as always. We'd been here for a few hours when we quietly realized that our trek out to the desert was going to entail MUCH driving. Oh Ed, I wouldn't have come if I'd known, and God did not let me know ahead of time as he wanted us here. It was such a great moment as a family to rally and pray for God's provision. They were talking about 5 hours the first two days (each) and ten hours the last day home. I'd also taken a lot of anti nauseous medicine out of my bag from the Ireland trip and only had about 20 tablets. Again I say, God is so good.

The first two days went beautifully as far as the car. I sat up in the first row in the middle behind the drivers. Caroline was a row behind but directly by a window which was helpful to her. Oh, did I mention that we did this little trek with no airconditioning. We tried their "air" twice and agreed it was definitely cooler with the windows down.

The last day (we left at 8:30 and got home about 6:30 stopping an hour and half for lunch plus a few little breaks including once for Jefferson to throw up) the driving was not so great. The guides were so careful on the way there and more like horses wanting to go back to the barn on the way home. It made for a little bit of a long and miserable day, but God was good and it was a good opportunity to trust Him.

The desert was beautiful. It surprised me how much I thought it was beautiful. Ed, it was like driving through a National Geographic. The first day we saw a movie studio, stopped to do a little here and there, and stayed at a hotel.

The hotel had a wonderful pool and we'd not brought our bathing suits. Greg and WYATT went out to see what they could find for the girls. They came back with an assortment so all the girls could get in. Please imagine these American girls swimming in a Muslim country where WYATT picked out their clothing. We have a great video and I was so grateful for them to be able to cool down! A memory none of us will ever forget...lots of laughter that afternoon.

The second day we did more driving and then had a later lunch on the edge of where we were heading out on the camels. The lunch was at an expensive little get away and looked every bit like you could imagine. A little haven right in the desert complete with greenery, carpets, and another beautiful pool. Our two girls opted out of their new swimwear which meant that Kari and I could have a go! I'll tell you all about the bus drivers chasing us around the pool while Greg gave a swim lesson later. Caroline has some hysterical pictures! Apparently we broke every rule they had given us...I'd not heard the rules thank you!

This was the evening where we headed out to the desert on eight camels. The youngest rode with their mama's. My backside is amazingly sore by the way. We rode for about an hour and half before arriving to camp. Another 20 people came shortly after us from France, Spain, and Germany. There are all kinds of stories and experiences I could explain but due to time I will just tell you one.

We were hot....we were hot in the car, hot at lunch, hot at dinner which was served in a hot tent. I will say though, with great delight, that all seven children did not complain! We cooled off in the pool and the camel ride became pleasant as we watched the sunset towards the end. When it came to bedtime the Rays pulled out their mattress so they were directly in front of their tent and we quickly followed suit. We laid there under the stars...I can't begin to make my words do this justice. It was indescribable. We just have no concept of who our God is and what He is capable of. Seeing His sky this night made this more clear in my mind and heart than ever. Sweetheart, you've shown me beautiful skies. The skies of the Italian countryside, that sunset in Belgium, the moon at the canyon in Texas, the stars out at Bellows in Hawaii, yet I've never seen anything like I saw that night. The sky was so blue, so vast, and so majestic. The stars were so bright, so brilliant, and so many in number. It called my heart to worship. The best part though, although I would have loved for you to have been beside me to share this moment and to have had this experience....He was enough. Jesus was there and there was not a thing missing.

I love you so much darling and am so excited about your time away. I can't wait to hear of all you learn and see. I particularly look forward to hearing about the people. The people you are with and the people you meet. People is God's heartbeat...I pray we always let it be ours, right after Him of course.

I need to go and check on the boys but I just so wanted you to hear from me. The Rays have been a delight to travel with. You would be very pleased. Now that we are back in Marrakesh we will have more contact. Thank you for letting us come. We loved the pictures you sent!

Love in Christ,

Dinah

What kind of glamorous evening?

2010-05-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I should so be in bed and hate to give proof that I am not. My precious parents left this morning after a fantastic visit. Sweet Daddy has such a hard time with jet lag and was quite the trooper. Mother was, well, Mother...a constant example and delight to my heart.

So we are getting up in about four hours for a little adventure. We are heading to Ireland! My great grandfather was six weeks old when his parents brought him to America. I know very little about this part of my history but I'm so excited none the less.

The children and I are running over to the Cliffs of Mohers tomorrow morning and staying for the night on the west coast. Ed joins us in Dublin Friday night. The Armours are some our new, and dear friends who are then taking us up to the North coast to where they grew up for a long weekend. I just thought weekend in an Irish accent as I typed it and I'm laughing at myself.

I wonder what all God has for the next few days? I know His purpose is greater than us checking off another box. I know it's about Him...I can hardly wait.

So off to bed I go!
Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

I was going to post a few quick pictures of my parents visit only to realize my camera is already deeply packed in Wyatt's bag. Melanee Kate did let me borrow hers on Monday night so I'll
just share a few of these. Please ignore that I'm in every picture, it just turned out that way.

Monday evening Mother and Daddy went to see Wicked, the older two children saw the queen while waiting for a bus, and Ed and I had an evening out at The Tower of London. Please know most Monday evenings at our house are not usually that glamorous.

It all started at Texas A&M University. Did you know I love military ceremonies? I love the sights, the sounds, the crispness in the air. This was the first military ceremony that I've ever been to that the soldiers weren't American. It was as wonderful as ever...

A British wife grabbed my hand and whisked me over to this lovely lady talking about having my picture with a lady. It took me a few seconds to realize what she meant, "a REAL lady," she chatted. So there I was. The best part, which is a long story that I will not share at the moment, is I knew that this real lady loves Jesus. I was able to whisper about Him quickly as she smiled and nodded.

Okay, I think there should be a revolt. I know not every American woman who serves her country would enjoy a dress like this, but I certainly think there should be an option. This is Anita's UNIFORM. At a certain point in the evening you are able to take it off and now have your ball gown for the rest of the night.

Off to bed...goodnight!

What does not change?

2010-05-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Directly to the east, across the street that is, Victoria Station stands boldly. We live in a red brick building above the Starbucks, which still makes me giggle. The new American dream, to live above Starbucks.

Directly to the west is Belgravia. We live on the very edge. It's a beautiful old wealthy neighborhood. I googled it to find this description, "It was one of London's most fashionable residential districts from the beginning (early 1800's), and remains so to this day. It is a relatively quiet district in the heart of London, contrasting with neighbouring districts which have far more busy shops, large modern office buildings, hotels, and entertainment venues. Many embassies are located in this area, especially in Belgrave Square."

I'm working hard to run three times a week and always run to the west. I love running in through my neighborhood, around Belgrave Square (which is where Ed attends school), and up to Hyde park.

As new as we are to London, I love our own little history. I glance down at Mrs. Thatcher's house, go past the Scottish Caledonian club where we celebrated Robert Burns, turn towards the window where I sit when I go to school with Ed, and by a friends mews house on the way home. Although our history is short, it is history.

Running in a older neighborhood, age of course being relative, I'm also reminded of change. Daily there is new scaffolding, old paint being chipped away, repairs being made, remodeling commencing, an ongoing menagerie of sorts.

Last week as I ran past some construction or should I say reconstruction, I thought about how God is forever working in my heart. Peeling off old, replacing with new, making changes, fortifying, ect. I'm so grateful He continues to persevere and does not sleep or slumber.

The changes in our lives continue to come rapidly. Often great changes, but none the less, change can certainly take time and can be unsettling at moments or even for seasons. Many days as a military wife I have thanked the Lord for being the one thing in my life that does not change.

This morning He reminded me again in the book of Malachi, "I the Lord do not change." It's not because he doesn't want to or is unable to, it's because He's complete, perfect, and holy...there is no need to.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Did Shakespeare know how to Charleston?

2010-05-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I've been amazed how much time everything seems to take here in London as far as planning. I knew I wanted to take the children to see Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre when we got here. So here's the process:

Google Globe Theatre

Study season and do research to decide which play we want to experience

Start looking at dates but can't buy tickets since we'd not cemented dates for travel and family coming

Forget about it due to everything else going on in our lives

Recommence six weeks later and then sad that my ticket options weren't as good as the first time I'd looked

Purchase, receive, and tuck away tickets where they are safe AND try to remember where I put them

Gather children two hours before we are leaving to read about the Globe Theatre and a synopsis of a Midsummer's Nights Dream

Make sure I know how to get there by tube and coordinate a coupon so we can also go out to eat

Grateful our tickets were on the side where we missed some vulgarity due to our seats

Got tickled as we were on one row by ourselves and we all shifted from side to side in order to see

It was such a wonderful experience. My only regret is that I could not have included more children that I love in our evening. The children have been exposed to Shakespeare, Caroline has studied it. To see their first Shakespearean play in The Globe Theatre was just phenomenal.

I was a little concerned, okay a lot concerned, when we walked by a bill board for A Midsummer's Nights Dream to see a more modern version than I had expected. The poster had a scantily clad woman and another couple in a lip lock that seemed a little more passionate than I was comfortable with. This was where I was grateful for that huge column that blocked our view here and there.

It was brilliant: Original dialog through and through, dress from the twenties, a twist of jazz for any singing, instruments used by the actors included the saxophone, clarinet, banjo, and drums, and a mean Charleston that lit up the faces of all. Creativity at it's finest. I have no doubt that Mr. Shakespeare would have been tickled through and through.

We laughed so hard. The acting was so excellent that you didn't even notice the Old English. The actors conveyed the story through so many other mediums than just words. Eight actors, one stage, an engaged audience, much talent, and a beautiful evening in London with our children!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Who does Ed go to school with?

2010-05-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

The school that Ed is attending here in London has been such a privilege. Yes, the lectures are incredibly educational. Yes, the opportunity for growth in leadership has been fantastic. Yes, the events have been phenomenal. Yes, the building is my favorite place in London. Yes, the phrase "once in a lifetime" comes to mind over and over. But, there is just nothing like the people...the people have been the highlight and understanding their countries, perspectives, and lives has been an honor!

International Night was brilliant as my British friends would say. Another opportunity of a lifetime. Not just another evening of food, costume, and dance...but food, costume, and dance with people you know, respect, and love.

Edward and I were finishing our set up with the American flag placed securely behind us. Well, securely was the goal. I jumped up to help and the air conditioner came on. Nothing like a little Marilyn Monroe in front of the world, literally. Along with our sweet Navy family, we served Cowboy Cocktails (brisket, beans, and coleslaw) and brownies. A little taste of home to share.

Jefferson with Colonel Wang from the People's Liberation Army (China). If Jefferson and Colonel Wang are in the same room, they are often somehow connected. Arms around each other, holding hands, Jefferson in his arms again. I get tickled at what big buddies they are. His daughter was here for six weeks at the beginning of the course, I can't imagine how he misses her. Zengmin continues to invite us to come meet his family in Beijing; I wonder if he really knows what he is asking. We are praying about accepting the invitation!

Sakib and Edward donning their traditional hats. My sweet father in law carried this over on the airplane as we didn't really know Ed would need his cowboy hat in London. Sakib is from Bosnia and has the most beautiful wife and daughter. Gana explained to me last Saturday how she and her mother were refugees during the war. Her brother was born in Germany as it was still not safe for him to be born in their homeland. Ed spent a Christmas in Bosnia during this time period.

This picture just makes me want to sing a few rounds of "Jesus Loves the Little Children". Melanee Kate had so much fun joining her friend in painting Henna on all of the ladies. We know from other friends that in Middle Eastern cultures this is a great honor to have someone do Henna for you. Melanee Kate was so darling in her Hawaiian dress which was our choice of traditional dress with the Navy family who also lived in Hawaii. Our Hawaiian Ohana (family) is still loved and missed. I'd forgotten how I love to wear beautiful floral dresses with crummy flip flops!

The Middle Eastern men worked very hard to recreate their little piece of home. If I didn't know better I wouldn't guess they were in London. The Al-subaie's have also offered a sincere invitation and I'm actually warming up to the fact that I'll be expected to come in the side door with the rest of the women. They are a very kind and respectable family that we are so grateful to be friends with. Three of their seven children joined us last Saturday evening. They have the loveliest girls...

Major and Grammy jumped in on the fun. Bless their hearts, it was their first day here and jet lag was being served up for them along with foods from around the world. It was their favorite thing we did and I'm so grateful they didn't miss it despite how tired they were.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Let me introduce my friend Steve from Ghana. He always looks so handsome in his suits and here in my Texas view he looked like he'd walked straight out of National Geographic. Which is why I love the picture as it reminds me that every page I've ever turned are not just amazing photographs, but real people, with real lives, real loss, and real love. A great reminder that Steve is not playing dress up, but being who he is!

My boy loves food from Asia! I get tickled over how he so proficiently works those chopsticks. We had to cut him off lest he embarrass his family and country. "Darlin' you have to leave some of Miss Mio's rice for others." Miss Mio would have been happy for him to have eaten it all. Mio's English is great and I tried to not act too horrified when she told me months ago that she practices her English by watching "Friends" on television. "Oh Mio, please do not think that all young people in America are like the people on that show!"

Miss Vanesa is the daughter of an officer from Brazil. Wyatt was more than happy to take his picture with her. The great thing is she is beautiful inside out! Her Godfather is American and her mother lived in North Carolina yeas ago. It's been neat to hear of our international friends American adventures, including the British officer who rode his motorcycle through 36 states. He survived for one year on Sambo's $1 breakfast and by going to farmhouses at night. He would politely ask if he could "pitch a tent in your garden" in which he was always offered a hot meal and a warm bed! Thank you for your hospitality America! We took care of General Hickson in 1986.

I've introduced you to Hani before. My sweet husband sees the value of titles and we've used this along with family names as one avenue to teach our children to respect adults. Hani very humbly didn't not want the children to call him General Diab, so General Hani lovingly stuck. He is from Lebanon. He has been very generous to share parts of his story with our children. Our children have clearly seen that this man has sacrificed for his country and his family.

Our Australian friends very generously donated their hats to the girls at the end of the evening. The corks keep the flies away. We certainly could have used these hats cooking Christmas dinner in Hawaii. Elizabeth and Adam are wonderful people and live just around the bend. We had already had them over for dinner but had to invite them back as Ed was horrified that Adam had had a poor experience with American grits in the mess hall in Afghanistan. Ed was very confident I could remedy this tragedy. They introduced us to Vegemite (beer scum that Australians eat on their toast on a daily basis) and were surprised that I LOVE IT! Elizabeth is the first officers wife to homeschool her children during this course. The Australians have been coming here for forty years. She had never even considered homeschooling and I respect her so much for diving in with such courage. Ben and Emma are delightful children!

Along with everyone else, I danced my way through Africa. I know there is a picture of me being sent to Africa via the Internet but you just can't resist!

Oh the Armour's...don't you think this is a perfect name for a Royal Marine...Graeme Armour. Tanya is taking the course and has been Ed's sponsor. The first time I met her I enjoyed her, the second time I met her she stole a place in my heart! The Armour's hail from Ireland and Tanya has been the reinforcements sent from God. She's answered every question (that I continue to have) and has taught me the ropes around here. The Armour's have two amazing children that were not here on this particular evening. You'll see Erin and Patrick in the future though as we're going to spend a long weekend in Ireland with them over Memorial Day.

Nothing like a little game of Cowboys and Irishmen...we have a video where Graeme is chiding in this his thick Irish accent, "Who should be controlling these American children?"

See, I told you. Please notice the South African horn that we now have TWO of. We are enduring these horns in the hands of our boys due to our love for our new friends!

God is good! We are so grateful...

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

From where did they come?

2010-05-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Ed jumped across the pond today for a two week training course that will be another tool in his tool belt for his new job in Alaska.

My inlaws also just left after their London adventure that was filled with grandchildren, public transportation, and sights at every turn.

Tonight the Thomas Troops had the honor of hosting young men and women from Pakistan, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Brazil. We agreed that meeting and knowing people from so many cultures and lands around the world is the highlight of our time in London.

I don't think I'm really beginning to soak all of this in...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

P.S.-Mother and Daddy come on THURSDAY!!!

Does the marathon slow down?

2010-04-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Since I blogged about our trip through England we've had my amazing sister and darling nieces for eight days, I've been preparing for next years school year, we've been to Italy for a weekend of God sent refreshment, my in laws are coming for a fantastic stay tomorrow morning, and we are participating in International Night tomorrow evening with Cowboy Cocktails.

I am grateful for the marathon of life. I know at some point it will slow down, but until it does, I just want to know Him more and praise Him with each step! Well, I want to do that when it slows down too...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What was my favorite part of the trip?

2010-04-08T02:15:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

We are home from our trip and I'm on my third day of laundry. It may take a little longer, but I am so grateful to have a dryer here. Not only do I have a dryer, but it is not one of those combo jobs that most people have around here. This has truly made our time here easier. God is so good to provide!

Many times when we travel the wonderful experiences blend together and it would just be so hard to pick one moment that I loved the most. In Paris how could I choose whether I loved the Louvre or Victor Hugo's house, putting one over the other? It was awesome seeing one of the paintings we know inspired him and it was also amazing seeing where he wrote, thought, and loved.

Was dining in a fine French restaurant more of a memory than riding bicycles through the streets of Paris on a Friday evening? Both delighted our children. Wyatt blazing through the wind and rain soaked streets on his bike or the boys in their sports coats looking so much like their father, if I had to choose I just couldn't.

This last trip through England and Scotland...hands down I can choose...it's easy as pie. American pie to be precise.

This past Saturday we were making our way back from Scotland and I found a medieval hall that looked interesting. The guide read, "A little known gem...among the best preserved medieval manor houses in England." I love treasures and certainly love great secrets. From the little info we had this seemed to be both. We'd done several castles and we were looking for a enormous manor.

It was great. An enormous hall with a ceiling that looked like the bottom of an old pristine boat turned upside down. The kitchen was incredibly in tact; like several maids were going to come around the corner amidst their work at any moment. I'd never seen a kitchen this old as so many burn down at some point. The tower was bold and the view was beautiful. There was a great audio guide and I was in no way disappointed. I'm not sure I ever saw Wyatt as he loves to take off in large places. The girls and Jefferson were nearby and I was feeling quite pleased with our find.

Then the fantastic happened. Towards the end of the manor in a corner near the back were six wall hangings with text. We love to read whatever we can learn. I just had no idea where I was until that point.

When the children were little I'd seen a book in homeschooling catalog that peaked my interest. It was a story of Thanksgiving. When I was in school I remember learning about the pilgrims and the fact that they wanted religious freedom. I knew they had not been allowed the freedom that we so take for granted.

This book opened my eyes in so many new ways. The story is way more than quaintly dressed pilgrims that sailed over on the Mayflower.

Did you know that pilgrims lived in Holland for many years first? First they fled to Holland.

Did you know the first time the fled after days of traveling with woman, children, and a new born in the open elements of winter they were duped out of their money and turned over to the authorities?

Did you know the men went to prison and were very afraid of being hanged for treason? The women and children housed in a church and the people in the town begrudgingly provided some necessities.

Did you know they lived in Holland for a decade plus before they realized it was not a long term solution for safety?

I won't go on and on, but these were thing I did not know. This book, which I won't be able to tell you the title to until August as it's in storage in California, was mind boggling to me. It gave me a whole new perspective on those who had gone before us. It gave me a new understanding of the cost that was paid for my freedom.

The original congregation was divided into two house churches as it was not safe to worship in large numbers. It was not safe to worship at all for that matter.

So there we were enjoying this old manor to suddenly realize we where the pilgrims had met. That huge old hall is where our forefathers had once worshipped God. We were literally standing at the roots of our heritage. It blew my mind, made me giddy, and caused me to worship.

We've seen mountainous cathedrals that are decorated to the hilt. The moment I stand in a place such as this my mind always quickly wanders to this conversation I've had so many times with the Lord. "Jesus, have people really worshipped you here? It's incredible beyond belief, but over the centuries have people really called out your name in this place? Has this place brought you glory? Have men grown in your Word here? Has your Word been boldly proclaimed in this place?" Then I have that sweet intimate moment, usually with our children tugging at me with their words and hands, that moment where I tell Jesus how much I love Him and that I will worship Him in the particular place that I'm standing. Recently we were in a cathedral such as this and it made me horribly sad. This was not a place where my Lord had been worshipped and adored. The majestic beauty did not matter or impress me, it only burdened my heart. It had been so obviously about honoring men, not glorifying my Saviour.

Yet on this day, in this great hall, not only did I stand in awe that my Lord had been worshipped here, He was worshipped here by men such as Brewster, Smyth, and Bradford.

I was not surprised that my favorite part of our trip through Scotland and England had to do with Jesus. I was a little caught by surprise that my favorite part of our trip through Scotland and England had to do with America! It was an amazing moment that I will always treasure on this side of heaven...

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

2010-03-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

I know that you can do all things; no plans of yours can be thwarted...Job 42:2

How blessed am I?

2010-03-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I was loved by my grandfather, I am loved by my father, I am loved by my man, and I have two sons who also love me. How blessed am I?

Lord, thank you for four generations of men in my life who love you!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Jefferson and Mommy off to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang...what a great date night with a fantastic young man!

Are friends like children?

2010-03-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I would love to blog daily, wouldn't that be fun! My blog runs twofold; to share what is going on with friends and family and to have a great record for our own family someday.

Since I've last blogged...let me get my calendar. We've had two different sets of company for dinner, the children went away for a weekend on a retreat with All Soul's Langham place, we've been out to dinner with two other families, spent six days in Paris, had lunch at another friends house, celebrated our oldest daughter's 16th birthday, visited the Duke of Wellington's house, and spent the evening on St. Patrick's day with my very favorite Irish woman. Okay, she is the only Irish woman I know, but I have no doubt that if I knew thousands of Irish women, she'd still be my favorite.

Yesterday I had such a delightful surprise in the late afternoon. Have you ever had a friend that you haven't physically met? It's a little crazy having a friend that you've never even seen their face. It's a special thing, I think, as you have a different opportunity to see their heart.

My new friend is the wife of one of the gentleman that we're having the honor of getting to know at Ed's school here in London. I have great respect for this woman for many reasons. One of which is the sacrifice their family is making for the future of their country. They remind us of a modern day John and Abigail Adam's; putting aside their own needs and desires for something much bigger than themselves.

So yesterday a husband was sent, with great love, to share something with a new friend.

He was so charming saying, "First I must attend to my responsibilities." He represented her so very well.

Aren't they delicately beautiful. I hope you can someday see them in person in my home as pictures don't do them justice. She bought them in Iran five or six years ago, and she choose me. She gave them to me!

Farzana, thank you for blessing me in this special way. I can hardly wait to put my arms around your neck in the near future. Until then, I think of you everyday and have such amazing reminders in my living room. Don't you think that friends are like children? Your heart always has room for more. God created our hearts to love and I'm so grateful.

Love in Christ,
Dinah

Off to take a quick nap as Jefferson and I have a date tonight to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on stage. Tomorrow night we're having a 16th birthday party for Caroline and Saturday night I'm making Mexican food for the kind family from Saudi Arabia. Their children like to go to Chili's in Saudi so my Tex Mex will have to suffice for all of us until we return to our respective countries. Paris pictures will have to wait until Sunday.

What does this day entail?

2010-03-04T02:32:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

I feel in many ways that I've slayed a giant!

We have been in the throws of trip planning which takes an enormous amount of time. A great opportunity to trust God. You would think we have an army rather than four children. Making reservations for four is an enourmous struggle while remaining in our budget. God has been very gracious.

I now have train tickets/secured apartment for Paris next week. A motorcoach reserved for Ed's two weeks off in April so we can drive to our hearts content in Great Britain and see all the history we want. I promise you a picture of our children on Hadrian's wall!

New friends are including the children and I in a trip to Morocco in June and all I have to do for that one is write a check and show up with bags that aren't overweight and with children that are cheerful. I have a fantastic luggage scale thanks to mother and a faithful Saviour who's doing exciting things in all of our lives. So hopefully the second will also be possible! Stress always reveals the sin in our hearts and traveling always has a certain amount of stress until we really get rolling.

So today...cooking, running to Sainsbury (my local grocery), math, Bible time (next), conferencing papers for our books (middle children), inviting Italian boy over to play with Jefferson on Saturday, parenting, preparing for our guest who's coming for dinner, and I need to get make my bed and get dressed. Pray I can honor God every step today. I want to honor Him in the enourmous, the miniscule, and all the life inbetween!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

New computer on the way. Our old one overheated last week so I'm limited on sharing pictures until it shows up. My sweet man ordered me a RED one! I'm not sure that should be as exciting as it is...a RED one...

Remember my new "short" goal?

2010-03-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

I'm about to go and fall into bed.

Dear friends took the children out to dinner and home for games on Sunday night so Ed and I could have a little prebirthday celebration. It was the first time since October that we were alone in our own home. What a treat!

The children had a blast. Maggie and Rick Coleman are amazing friends that we look forward to knowing for a long time.

Tonight we were invited to the home of a Saudi Arabian Naval officer. His wife and seven children were delightful. The feast was amazing, the conversation stimulating, and the hospitality was unwavering.

Can I just tell you how grateful we are to have a telephone? Just want to keep thanking God publically for that one!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

How can you start a new adventure when you've not completed the one that you are on?

2010-02-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

Another special night in London town...

How can you start a new adventure when you've not completed the one that you are on? I think it's a great question. All part of life...changes, dreams, excitement, planning, and relationships.

London has been an amazing experience so far, with so many more months to go. Again, looking forward to the future, yet not willing to even wish one day away. Hands down, the relationships are where it's at.

All of this to say. The Thomas Troops family menu for February 26, 2010:

Rice, Stir Fry, Salmon, and Hot Chocolate

We can hardly wait to see all the relationships God lets us be a part of in Alaska!

You will be relieved to know that God's provision is already abounding. The ALASKAN salmon was the only fish on half price this week. You would be so proud of how I boldly went to that cash register. It was amazing by they way, and I hope I never pay that much for fish again.

We are looking so forward to serving Elmendorf Air Force Base!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Thomas Troops

Why were you toting a dog around London?

2010-02-25T03:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Brettaboo,

In January I saw Queenie Pup and immediately knew just the girl to love and care for her. She's so excited she's about to meet you and I wanted you to know a little bit about her before she becomes a permanent part of your heart and home.

Queenie Pup is one special dog. She was born of royal descent and bred to live in the palace (the one right down the street from Aunt Dinah of course). Queenie had heard about that rebellious colony with great fascination. When I met her it had always been her dream to travel across the pond. When she heard about you Brett, I knew it was a perfect match.

Queenie wanted a few final pictures before she came to live with you as she wanted you to have a little preview of her homeland. I hope you enjoy them!

I am so pleased with you Miss Eleven Year Old! It seems just like yesterday that you were nuzzled in my arms. I love you so much Brett! I can hardly wait for you to come and see me...

Love in Christ,

Aunt Dinah for The Troops

Queenie Pup with The Thomas Troops, out for a day of adventure!

Waiting patiently for her Coke at her favorite Irish pub - "MC Donald's".

Queenie Pup was so excited to be with the Thomas Queen Mum. You know how Nana has that special knack of making anyone feel comfortable.

With much reluctance, Aunt Dinah let Queenie Pup have the coveted first sip.

Jefferson and Queenie Pup waiting for our carriage.

Queenie Pup riding by Westminster Abbey.

Queenie Pup and Big Ben!

Queenie Pup at Trafalgar Square, be careful darlin', Lion's can be quite ferocious!

Don't fear, Wyatt's here! Wyatt saving Queenie Pup from the jaws of a lion's mouth. The struggle was long and arduous. Wyatt was so brave, you would have been so proud.

Melanee Kate sitting in front of the National Gallery comforting Queenie Pup. She may always be a little leery of lions so you'll have to be careful with her if you come upon any.

Queenie Pup with Nana and Aunt Dinah in front of Buckingham Palace.

Queenie Pup taking a rest after a long fun day in London town!

Why are you saying Gung Hey Fat Choy?

2010-02-14T01:40:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

Gung Hey Fat Choy...Happy New Years! Today we've been invited to spend the day with a Chinese officer and his family. We are so honored and excited.

We've done our homework, google style and are grateful for a little knowledge, but are looking forward to an education. We are all wearing red, have our gifts ready in just the right number with the right color of paper, know to not speak of death or the number four.

"How many children do you have?", will be answered with, "Well, first we had three, and then we had one more." Now that took some thinking but we're excited we have our answer.

Hopeful for the lack of an international incident...we'll keep you posted.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Are you going to throw your own Burns night next year?

2010-02-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Nana kept Master Jefferson for a night of pizza and movies.

I'm thinking about adding a child who plays bag pipes into our family. It would add such variety to our music. This gentleman was playing outside the Scottish club and we could hear his music echoing across the square as we were walking to the party.

My feet automatically go into a two step as do my husbands. My father paid a lot of money for me to learn a good two step at Texas A&M and I know he'll be glad he's still getting his money's worth.

This is our friend General Diab! He did a great job. There were WAY more men than woman due to so many gentleman not bringing their families for the shorter school course they are having this year. This made our girls quite popular as you will see.

Now this is my idea of line dancing. Standing in a line, yet meeting those men in the middle for all kinds of twirls, gallivants and stomping. They did a fantastic job of teaching us the dance and then calling it out for us as we went.

These are our dear Irish friends, Tonia Armour and her son Patrick. Notice Melanee Kate going for a twirl in the background.

Wyatt also does a great job dancing. Here he's waiting his turn patiently as he's up next. You should have seen the beautiful Brazilian woman who he danced with. Had I not known she is a lovely young lady I would have had to intervene.

The Thomas Troops and the Armour's minus Jefferson and Erin. Already having families in our own home made this night so special for all of us!

I think anyone could enjoy dancing under this ceiling. I would love a ceiling like this in my living room...my sweet Edward would have to dance with me every night.

Dear family and friends,

Why yes we are! A Robert Burns party will be thrown next February wherever we live and you are all certainly invited. Poetry will be read, accents will be a flyin', men and women will be dancin', and maybe we will even serve up some mighty Scottish Haggis.

The moment we find out where will be moving locating a great man who can blow the bag pipes will be a priority. Well, maybe not. I've never heard Amazing Grace played so majestically. It made me worship.

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

Can you make them short?

2010-02-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

The parks are as beautiful as everyone always says. This is Saint James park which is in front of Buckingham palace.

Nana and General Diab join the troops for a little Texas BBQ. GREAT evening...Mother is always willing to jump into anything. Making new friends is one of my favorite things to do.

Dear family and friends,

I'm going to really try to start writing some short blogs! Is that possible? Only time will tell...

Mother is here, we still don't have Internet, we love where we live, we love Ed's school, lots of little overseas challenges, and we've been invited to spend Chinese New Year with one of the Chinese officer's and his family!

Have already had new friends over from Ireland, Australia, Lebanon, and two families from Texas.

We are taking the three older children tomorrow night to Burn's Night. We didn't know if we'd be able to take them to anything formal while in London. We are looking forward to an evening of friendship and Scottish dancing. Oh, and the children have been quite funny asking if we'll ride the bus in our formals.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Why is Wyatt feeling tortured?

2010-01-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

We did miss a few opportunities this weekend due to the fact that we were just tired. It's going to be year of picking and choosing like never before. I don't like that I can't do it all, but it's a good spiritual exercise now isn't it?

By God's grace, we were successful in getting Wyatt to the orthodontist yesterday. Hopefully he will be out of his braces in June. We walked past Tiffany's as we got off the bus stop and Wyatt didn't offer to buy me anything. Can you believe it?

We rode the bus both ways, then walked to Harrod's where I bought the children a huge playmobile set that was on 50% off. Possibly our only purchase ever to be made there and I can still hardly believe I got such a good price. Wyatt was more than happy to tote the large ackward box a little more than mile home, on foot.

Today Kate is going to take the bus to go and babysit for the afternoon. Wyatt is going to be her escort, both are excited as this will be their first solo outing. I am putting them on the bus, they will have a cell phone, and then they have about 8 blocks to conquer. Wyatt does not know yet that I'm going to slip him some quid so he can get a McDonald's hamburger on the way home.

Ed's hopeful to have a date of delivery today...the phone is still an opportunity of being cheerful despite confusion and little progress.

Tonight we head to the Royal Automobile Club. Wyatt is convinced that we are going to get to drive Porche's and Ferreri's and feels tortured that Edward's wife is going rather than his son.

As always...God is good!
Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What is so exciting?

2010-01-16T11:48:00.001-08:00

Dear family and friends,

We were finally able to go to the British Museum today, it was our third try! Unfortunately we weren't there that long, fortunately we get to go back and now know how to get there.

There were a few things that just blew my mind:

The yummy pita's that didn't begin to fill my family's sweet tummies. Don't they look delicious though?

This was on a palace wall in NINEVEH...did you read that correctly? NINEVEH...are you thinking Jonah? This really blew my mind.

I took a picture of the description so I would get this correct, "This is the beginning of the inscription which was carved on the pair of human headed winged bulls which flanked the entrance to the throneroom of the king. It included the most detailed surviving account of the attribute sent by king HEZEKIAH." All that little scratching behind Jefferson's head...701 B.C.

Children in front of pieces of the Parthenon. Did you know that it was standing intact until the late 1600's when it became a tragedy of war?

Wyatt and Kate trying to be taller than me, Wyatt's about there. They are standing in front of the East Pediment (triangular gable ends to Greek temples...you know the top part of the upside down v that makes the roof) to the Parthenon. Never mind I'm just going to post the description and save us both time.

They were darling and funny, right there in front of the east pediment, although it did end with one of those "we are not in a park" discussions.

We barely skimmed the surface.

I had planned a picnic, but we got going so late, that we went ahead and ate before we left. We were all so tired this morning that Ed decided to let us sleep. We also have a fourteen year old who is growing and needing more sleep than he normally does. We peeled him out of bed at 10:30. His seven year old brother commented, "It's not that he's growing Mommy, it's all of that Math you've been making him do."

We ate the sandwiches and threw some yummy bars in the backpack. If we'd actually picnicked I would have added fruit, vegetable sticks, maybe crackers. I forgot all of that and not very far into our trek, not only did I have hungry children, but a hungry husband. So, like any good planner, out we marched to the hotdog stand just outside of the museum. 7 pounds and 3 hotdogs later, complete with sausage and grilled onions I might add, we were in for round 2.

A few issues with round two so we decided to stop while we were ahead and finish up an errand on the way home. On the way out one little one realized their hat was gone...well that little issue ended up including tracing our steps through the parts of the museum we'd viewed, asking questions continuously of all museum staff that we could find, consulting both cloakrooms, and a final 10 minute run back to the museum when they called us after we'd left to say that they had found it.

You know we've been studying and talking about irritations. There was a lot of victory today, to God be the glory. I hope that sweet child always remembers running back with their mother through London streets to retrieve their favorite hat. Daddy was making an important purchase for our family so the running came down to me...funny huh! I was SO GRATEFUL for the training God has had me doing as this time last year I would have died...physically and spiritually. Isn't our God good to prepare us for what He calls us to do!

In a few minutes a Navy Captain will be arriving with MEAT from the American Commissary. I never knew meat could be so exciting, on the other hand, Ed's always thought meat was exciting. We are so grateful for their offer...God's provision is so great, in the enormous and minuscule.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Why was one officer's story so special?

2010-01-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

We just had our Friday night pizza (1 pound a pizza from our local grocery), a week of school under our belts (great victory this week...taking writing by a storm with those middle two), the flat it clean (the upside of 1200 square feet, doesn't take long to clean with four children in tow), and we are ready for the weekend.

This week was filled with "overseas" moments. I was so grateful for our previous overseas experience and that God has had us focusing on humility and dealing with irritations in a way that pleases Him. You should just expect opportunities to practice when you are studying such things in God's Word.

We still don't have a phone line, Ed spent hours at the bank, I spent hours trying to get our Paypal accounts to work, Ed wrestled with his issued computer, etc, etc, etc.

We also had some fantastic highlights:

On Sunday we had a taste of what it's going to be someday to worship the Lord with the nations people from so many countries. It was one of those moments where you know the Lord is letting you have a minuscule glance.

I had so much fun watching Ed in his civilian clothes, I wonder how long it's going to seem like a sport?

We had SERIOUS victory in school with one particular child and one particular subject...I still can hardly believe it. I've always known it wasn't a concept issue.

A DEAR neighbor who has climbed right into our hearts let me call my mother for an hour and a half. We'd only talked about five minutes in over a month.

Ed had an amazing week at school...truly an experience of a lifetime! We have been very aware that we could have come this far, made all of this effort, and the school be okay. Certainly not the case.

I was able to go with Ed last night to the Royal Air Force Club, The food was fantastic (although we've not eaten outside of London, so far we are not buying this whole food in London is horrible as it just hasn't been our experience), the art mind boggling (laughing out loud last night about a German officer last year who was meticulously looking at all pictures hopeful for a German plane...wrong country buddy...we finally found one, but he was belly up and heading to the ground), but the company just couldn't be beat!

The Polish officer was quotable. In response that Ed was Public Affairs and works with the media he replied, "I just spent a long time in Afghanistan as an artillery officer , I'll face down the Taliban any day, but just don't ever make me face the media."

The Nigerian officer is a delight. His laugh begs you to smile.

The officer from another country, well I will never forget. He shared how he sent his girls to France after high school in order to make a better lives for themselves. He had to proclaim to them, there was nothing left for them in their country, and he sent them away. It's the reason he is so thrilled to be here, to be close to France, to see his girls.

At lunch I had a moment to share all that this Brigadier General had to say with our children. We've discussed for years how people make enormous changes in their lives, their geography, their very being...for their children. It made me think of all the immigrants who brought their children to America, with much danger and sacrifice, to give them something else, something more. It's been very thought provoking.

He also offered the most hysterical, quizzical, and confused face I'd ever seen when we explained to him that we tutor our children at home. "Homeschool" is not a word that is very understood across the nations, we are discovering. I've also never been quizzed and listened to in quite the same way. We can hardly wait to have him in our home, and for our children to meet him.

Next week is going to be quite busy. Hopefully we will get the rest of our belongings, Wyatt broke a bracket on his braces today so the orthodontist adventure begins on Monday, the children and I will be heading to Ed's school on Wednesday to have tea with the other spouses, and have lunch with Daddy. Ed and I have a function one night at the Automobile something or other club, and Kari Ray is going to be my bright Ray of sunshine Monday morning to stop and be in God's Word together at Starbucks. It will be the first time I don Starbucks since we now have Internet in our apartment.

There are so many little things I've been learning...I can't wait to show you my Brussel Sprouts picture, but I won't until I have time to tell you the infamous story!

Love to all...
In Christ Alone,
Dinah for The Troops

How far do you go to pick up the mail?

2010-01-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

This is going to have to be short as Starbucks is closing in ten minutes.

What a day...great day and one we'll never forget, although it was local travel, it was quite the trek. The children and I left at 9:30 in order to head to Ikea, the Ray's house, and to pick up the mail at our American mailbox which is an hour away. This may not sound like that big of deal in our American world, but in the world of not having your own car it meant 6 subways, 3 buses, and 8 1/2 hours.

We had mailed two dishpacks to our post office box back in December as we were quickly outgrowing our bags. So today we took four rolling suitcases and brought all our extras back, along with a new rolling grocery cart full of Ikea goodies. Remember we only have half of our household goods and I've been filling in a few holes like bowls, plates, and tupperware.

The children were FANTASTIC! I got so tickled at Jefferson on up and what troopers they were. Jefferson had the pink LLBean bag and did a "lovely" job.

We came home quite tired and full of victory to dinner in the crockpot. We ate off our new 69pence bowls and plates. Nice to not eat on plastic...a small treat in life.

Edward comes home tomorrow...we can hardly wait. I know that sounds silly as he's only been gone since Wednesday, but all the more being in a new place, we are really excited Daddy's coming home.

I can hardly wait to tell him about Jefferson's question on the tube tonight...from left field might I add, "Mommy, I know the baby looks like the Mommy because the baby comes out of the Mommy, but how in the world does the baby get to look like the Daddy?"

Love in Christ,
Dinah for the Troops

Why do you go to Starbucks?

2010-01-06T10:58:00.001-08:00

Dear family and friends,

Just a quick update...we did move in on Monday although only half of our belongings that are coming are here. Little disappointing, but by HIS grace, we handled it well. Always a great reminder that they are just things!

Yesterday Ed and I celebrated our 19th anniversary. About eleven he announced that he was taking Mommy out on a date and the unpacking would wait. It did, and we had a marvelous time. We ended up at a little place called Bumbles. You can literally see the wall to the Buckingham palace gardens from their front door. Hard to believe this is where we live. We also ran a few errands trying to get a little of the never ending accomplished: light bulbs, new pin for Ed's watch band, milk, ect.

The children and I have also been back on top of finishing us Les Miserables. I'd forgotten how much we love it, how could I forget so quickly? Yesterday Marius proclaimed his love, today he lost her again. Poor Marius, it's really some hard going these days.

Ed left for Germany this morning at 3:30 A.M....BLAH! He had a great attitude and I missed Linda Whitlow DEARLY as she took such great care of him in Hawaii.

My treat of the morning was meeting with Kari Ray! What a bright "Ray" of sunshine she is. So much fun to have a sweet friend already. It was good to be in His Word with a friend just sharing where God has had me this last week. Can I just say I love Matthew 13?

I'm sitting here at Starbucks as we don't have Internet until next week. So grateful that Starbucks is willing to serve me on so many levels. I need to send off one more email and run upstairs for taco's. Melanee Kate was fixing them for me. Daddy proclaimed the children do all the normal housework while he's gone so I can get everything else accomplished. The taco shells at our local grocery are $5.00. So grateful to the Lord that I brought my own!

Love to all...In Christ Alone,
Dinah for The Troops

Are The Thomas Troops really going to be settled?

2010-01-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

So here I sit on a Sunday afternoon. We had a wonderful morning of worship at All Soul's with a trip on the way home to our "favorite" Irish pub (Mc-Donald's). The children announced they had not eaten at McDonald's since Alaska...depravity at its finest.

I want to get these pictures up and running. I've been working on them for days (a moment here, a moment there) and still don't feel like I'm doing this justice. Either way, here they come.

We are going to read aloud this afternoon as we are back on top of reading Les Miserables. Only four hundred pages left to go. Marius and Cosette finally spoke and declared what had been embedded in their hearts just yesterday afternoon.

We're also packing up our family for the 21st time since the 15th of October. Tomorrow is the big day! Early in the morning a van that Edward has hired will be coming to pick up all of our suitcases and odd's and ends. I will travel over with the girls and Jefferson by tube. Walking to church a child and I mused at the fact that we've never moved by subway!

Tomorrow night I will dreamily sleep in our own bed...in the meantime I am so grateful for all that God has done in our lives and hearts during this leg of our journey in life. So, until August, we are settled. It's such a great reminder to me that this is a quick moment, our time here on this side of heaven. The only place where we will permanently reside...

We had 13 bags heading to London along with carryons. It was a crazy moment as we did this with my sweet parents at the Denver airport 21 months ago. I was so grateful to be traveling WITH my sweet Ed this time that the luggage didn't phase me. Relieved to get it all in the bags after mailing two large boxes in order to get everything to London.

We spent four nights in London before we headed to Rome. We didn't arrive til almost sunset and then spent the next five hours roaming through Rome. It was majestic. This picture is in front of the Pantheon. This was about fifteen minutes after Jefferson announced he wanted to be an archaeologist and he thinks we should retire in Rome.

An Aggie took our picture here in front of the Trevi fountain. It's always amazing when you travel who God puts in your path. We even had a mutual college friend.

We loved the Egyptian section. The highlight for the boys being the 4000 year old mummies...his and hers to be exact. Wyatt did such a fantastic job on this trip making sure no one got lost, always counting us and being the caboose. It's exciting to see how he's maturing and learning to be a protector is one way we are watching.

The Vatican museum not only has an amazing collection, but the building and grounds are fantastic in and of themselves. The only time I'd been there was by myself 10 years ago. In that moment of having three young ones I was grateful to have an adventure by myself. This time I was so grateful to have them with me!

We thought the little guy looked like a commercial, although he is certainly not for sale. We were eating pizza right in front of the Coliseum. We had lengthy conversations over at least a weeks time about this historical site.

This is up on Palestine Hill above the forum. Rome is known for many things including history, architect, food, ambiance, and gelato...but being with our children was hands down the best!

The Shaw's were so sweet to jump into this Thomas adventure! We met the Shaw's over 13 years ago when Ed and John were Air Force Interns at the Pentagon. We've lived in the same town THREE times which is a God thing considering Ed is PA and John is Space. We are so grateful for iron in our lives...

We had two nights on the ship that were formal. This night Ed evacuated our room and let the girls take over. It was so much fun! I can hardly believe that these children are so grown. When we first met the Shaw's Caroline was still sleeping in diapers, Wyatt was not walking, Rachel had that binky going double time, Melanee Kate was growing inside, and Tim and Jefferson were distant dreams.

Caroline and Rachel in Tunisia walking through amazing old and winding streets. These girls also had a great time bartering. Caroline had had her first bartering experience last year in Thailand. Rachel jumped right in there.

Caroline in Carthage...the ruins were breathtaking. The thing that was mind boggling is the ruins we experienced were 2000 years old Roman ruins. When the Romans showed up they obliterated Carthage and their 2000 year old civilization and then built up. I wonder if those Eygptian mummies, that we saw in Rome, had ever travelled to Carthage in Africa....same time period. Just wondering...

Do you think heaven will be filled with column's and arches? Maybe?

We did a little rug shopping in Tunisia. This was particularly fun to watch Tonia as she'd done quite a bit of rug shopping for the two of us several years ago. I was so grateful to all be together this time! Please notice Miss Melanee Kate...oh how she has always loved Col (Lt.Col/Maj./Capt.) Shaw.

This is my sweet husband buying me jewelry! At this point I think Ed would have bought me jewelry just to get this man to leave him alone. It would have been worth the money to end this man's pursuit.

Melanee Kate so desired to ride this camel. She loves to care for horses out at her grandparents and she was very excited to see the differences in riding a horse and a camel. Please notice the gentleman who was leading her on his cell phone. Whoever he was talking to had this mans attention which bought MKate a longer ride.

Parenting in Malta...

Most of my pictures of Caroline involve her camera. We had more fun taking pictures and she does such a great job. Tim and Jefferson were having the greatest time riding artillery shells. These boys can play war just about anywhere, and they did. You should have seen the creations they made one day in Italy out of straws, toothpicks, and empty sugar packets.

What a fine crew we have here...God is so good to give me a friend like Tonia Shaw. We are so alike in many ways and yet so different in others. Our similarities bind us, and our differences broaden and stretch us both. Thank you Tonia for being my friend. May we always love, serve, and ponder our creator!

Now is that an awesome picture or what! Ed's training in photography from the USAF does come in handy...of course willing subjects help.

Again...being with these children was hands down the best part of our trip. Music lessons, tennis, work, and school are daily and worthy pursuits. On the other hand, being together, every once in a while without these responsibilities is a treat.

This is one in a series of hysterical pictures. The guys had surprised us with an afternoon away in the spa, on the ship. In this picture we are reenacting, for the children, the two of us trying to get settled into the ever moving waters of the enormous whirlpool, trying not to touch the Italian men around us. The boat was rocking and rolling at this point and everyone seemed to be quite stable, except us. Unfortunately, at this point, to add to the scenario, we got tickled. We were clinging to each other and the rails and looked more like Lucy and Ethel than anyone on the ship at that particular moment. By the time we were settled we had the whole room in laughter...some with us and some at us. A great highlight that money could never buy. Just one of those fun moments in life that could never be ordered.

The day we spent in Olympia Jefferson picked many wildflowers for me. I still haven't seen our pictures from our small camera which was the main camera I was using that day. At some point I just may have to upload the video of the mothers and children running across the original Olympic field! I need to explain this whole running thing God has had me experiencing anyway.

Christmas Eve...and the only picture that we have of the ten of us. Having just one picture of the ten of us was not my choice by the way. The men looked so handsome! We talked a lot about how we should celebrate Jesus in our nontraditional setting. The most important goal being that we honor, worship, and celebrate Him. Christmas day was a treat...including a great brunch, a four hour walk in Corfu, reading His Word, and Colonel Shaw ending the day reading The Gift of the Magi. He read this to the children on New Years Eve in Alabama five years before and it was requested specifically by the Thomas children.

Another series of pictures that are really funny, but I just choose a great one at the end. When I see this picture it quickly brings me back to a little binky baby who used to LOVE to run in circles in the circular baby bed that we had. Rachel's the only baby who ran so many laps that I finally had to pull her out and pop her in the rectangular pack and play to end her exercise. I giggle every time I think of a roaring four year old or a second grader who only seemed to stop her motion when sleeping or nestling with her Daddy. Rachel, you are doing such a lovely job, by the grace of our God, growing up. I am so pleased with you love. It delights my heart to be with you and you still make me laugh in the strangest of places. Keep loving Him love...

Tim has been taking dancing classes and I have to say he is getting his parents money's worth! Can this baby who sat on my hip for three days straight while his parents had a few nights away really be swinging Mkate around the dance floor? What a great sense of humor he has. It's so much fun to watch his sharp mind in action! I have no doubt Master Timothy, that you are going to be a fine man who loves and serves Jesus with the talents you have been given...

Christmas morning...started off with prayers and Bible reading in our jammies. One present to be shared. You couldn't open your eyes until it was your turn. We had Wyatt go last...

My favorite picture of Kate...this is such a Kate moment! This was taken up on a fortress in Corfu.

John Shaw is the man that Ed has had the most opportunity to run with all these years. The running thing is one of the items God used to catapult us into this relationship. This is their first running picture that I'm aware of...well, except the one we took the day before in Olympia, but it was really only a saunter for these two. Many miles have been pounded out between these four legs and all the while discussing much Air Force doctrine, fiesty wives, precious children, and deep theology. They love to run together while pontificating. What a great receipe...exercising the body, mind, and soul. Thank you John Shaw for being a dear friend to my sweet husband. I thank the Lord for your friendship and know that you are both better husbands, fathers, officers, and followers of Christ because of it.

Doesn't he look European? Edward could have really blended right in if wasn't for the five of us following him. In two days we celebrate our nineteenth anniversay. I can hardly believe it. Twenty years ago this week God made if very clear to me that I would travel around the world to share Jesus. Little did I know...

Lord, may we honor you no matter where we go or what we do. Thank you for this experience of seeing people you love, places you created, and for being together. Being a family is a precious thing...something I pray we always treasure. It sure does take a lot of hard work living with five other sinners, who have to live with a sinner like me. It also makes me see everyday how I need you Lord, how I will always miss the mark on this side of heaven. Thank you for the growth you have brought, the grace you continually give, and the love you bestow. Help us to always share this love with others...

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Thomas Troops

Are you preparing for the New Year?

2009-12-29T03:20:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

I will certainly be sharing about our latest adventure in the next few days. Caroline did a great job in her blog so you can certainly get a heads up there with her Twelve Days of Christmas. All of The Thomas Troops will be blogging while we are in London as a fun school project. Even Jefferson is excited. Caroline will be a little busy getting us all going. It's fun to watch her create.

This week we are in a temporary flat in Marlylebone. The week will be filled with work and pleasure as we finish up getting ready for our move next week and other transition items like orthodontist. In a couple of minutes we're running to what we hope to be a larger grocery store...I'll keep you posted. This afternoon we are going to head to the National Museum for our first traveling opportunity in London. I saw a man,s comments somewhere that he likes to be a traveller rather than a tourist so I'm opting for this title for our family over the next seven months.

Yesterday was my 39th birthday. I've decided to celebrate it all year long this year. I think the "9th" year of any decade should be special all the way around don't you? There is so much to be thankful to the Lord for! I spent the day doing laundry British style. I have a washer/dryer combo here so I'm not really using the dryer as I don't have time. I literally ran the washer for 15 hours yesterday without a break. The whites take 151 minutes so they are the last ones I put in before we head out anywhere or go to bed. The radiators dry pants quite splendidly. We're up and going again today and hopefully by tomorrow night I will finish up from the trip laundry. In our new apartment I will have an actual washer and vented dryer which is not the norm. On the other hand, I won't have radiators.

It was a good day taking care of our sweet family. They did take me to dinner and Ed and I were alone for 20 minutes running to Tesco Express to buy fruit and milk while the children headed back to the flat. Melanee Kate made me the sweetest card ever and Wyatt ran out to grab me a birthday Coke from McDonalds which is right down the street.

Since we are going to be here for only seven more months AND it's the New Year, I'm praying for goals for our time here. I want to be intentional and God lead in what we do, who we spend time with, how we grow in His Word, and how we treat each other. It's going to be a GREAT year...

I hope each and everyone of you have had a worshipful Christmas! I will be sharing our trip in pictures in the next day or so with full commentary. Love to all...

In Christ Alone,
Dinah

December 14, 2009

2009-12-15T15:46:00.001-08:00

Dear family and friends,

The last two days have been a whirlwind.

Church was a tremendous blessing. We were able to attend All Souls. It's always a privilege to be in the Lord's house. It always amazes me that no matter how far away from "home" I am, I feel so in place in my Father's house. This may be the first time that we go to one church and just quickly plant. It was a great morning of worship and as much as I'm excited about the next few weeks, I'm looking very forward to going back again.

Today we were able to actually plant our own eyes on the flat that we've already signed and given a great deal of money for. It's going to be fantastic, and no doubt, where God has brought us. The location is amazing! We are in "theatre land" in the west end. The theatre's for "Wicked" and "Billy Elliot" are right around the corner. We are right across from Victoria station for anyone who knows the area or wants to get out their London map. We knew that The Chantrey House was located on top of "Earth Spa" but we didn't know that we'd also be residing on top of a "Starbucks". Ed's open to any and all gift cards for his upcoming birthday on March 1^st.

We also took a walk to Ed's school which was a little less than 10 minutes. One of our prayers was that God would put us in a location that we could afford and yet the children could walk to Ed's school. We've been told through several resources that the school is very welcoming to families. I do wonder if that really means a family with four children who are homeschooled. Our children are very capable of attending adult situations with success and love the opportunity. We've made sure that they'll have the appropriate clothing and we plan on easing in slowly before we show up full force. It was really important that they be able to be able to walk home in order to be able to participate on a normal basis. Ed's studies will be in international relations and we are all looking forward to learning! We just found out yesterday that there will only be about 80 students, half of which will be internationals.

Tomorrow is filled with business, packing, and a lunch date with my man. The children are excited to all get 5 pounds to go and buy their lunch. We are staying in a flat that is right across from Tesco (small grocery), McDonalds (Wyatt's favorite Irish pub…he was so funny with his little accent yesterday saying that MIC-Donalds was a great local option), Starbucks, and many other businesses. I like standing at the kitchen sink watching the people walking by. We won't have this kind of view in our new flat which will be better for keeping our eyes on our schoolwork.

On Wednesday we are leaving for a trip that almost seems unfathomable to my little dreamy mind. God knows how much I love to travel and this year He has been so gracious to delight me. It reminds me of God loves to delight His children…don't we love to do the same? When we were in Italy Ed and I both went to Rome but this is one of the few places that we did not take our children. After our trip there we both agreed that we were hopeful that a trip to Rome would be a part of our children's education. We are going to be spending three nights in Rome this week and then meet longtime Air Force friends, John, Tonia, Rachel, and Tim Shaw, to spend 8 nights on the Mediterranean! Last summer we saw a deal for British residents only (we qualify) for a child to go free with each adult. I'm still amazed it's going to happen! This is the 17^th pack up we've done since the 15^th of October…God is good!

Love to all,

Dinah for The Troops
P.S.~ See last post for Texas pictures~ enjoy y'all!

After all this time, are you really there?

2009-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

PA folks really know how to throw a party! What fine folks they are. Anytime you are with PA you can always count on great music and fun professional photos! Just few a the PA perks.

The children on the day of Ed's going away.

Saying goodbye is just out and out hard. Mrs. Waters (orange shirt) was so precious to host a little sushi party that night. "So let's get together and make sushi...oh and by they way, since you have a house can we do it there?" Emily was a fantastic neighbor and an amazing woman. Sushi making, frog disection, what does this woman not do? We are so grateful for dear friends on base and church. Nikki (black sweater) is Melanee Kate's violin teacher...and more importantly a dear part of our family!

Major had all the children out riding on Thanksgiving morning. Never a dull minute on the ranch!

For anyone who doesn't know another unique quality about are family is we have uniforms galore! Major has a collection that will knock your socks off. I felt a little queasy about my children running around the front yard in authentic uniforms that I could not replace, well, if we're going to send them to college anyway. Caroline had asked if they could take pictures and the dressing up began! We have tons of them, but this is my favorite. The Taylor children were more than happy to jump right in...

Major also built us our very own Fightin' Texas Aggie Bonfire the night we played t.u.! Now is that service or what?

Ed has been friends with Paul and Ginny Baker since his Belton days. When the four of us became friends in Colorado we had three they had one. Since then we've added one and they've added three. Neil, Rachel, Ryan, and Luke will just about steal your heart. God has been good to let us see one another over the years despite the distance. This is the second time we've been able to see them in Belton since we've left Colorado. We've also seen them in Colorado and when we lived in Montana they were precious to meet us in the thriving metropolis of Thermapolis, Wyoming...now there's friendship!

The infamous picture of Ginny and I is on it's way to London. The babies were days away from coming...we look SO MUCH livlier here. Paul and Ginny came into my heart right after I announced to Ed as we were leaving Italy, that I was done making friends.

Deanna Castello and Amy Allert met me for one of sweetest brunches I've ever had. These two woman are so special. They are willing to go with me deep, quickly...what precious encouragement!

If you know me, you understand this picture clearly.

This could be a very long blog in and of itself. This picture here is a small miracle. Long story short...I am not a runner. God has had me running. The furthest I'd ever gone on the ground (instead of a treadmill) was two miles with my mentoring runner friend Beth the night before we left Hawaii. This day I ran with Susan (who has done two half marathon's in the past two years) for 3.3 miles~what victory. God is teaching me that it's good to do hard things! This was the first annual Dunn Thomas run.

When we first met Susan and Jeff we'd only been married 8 months. Shaw was 20 months old and could say Mama, Dada, and bus. He's the enormous one in the back. Morgan is 6 months older than Caroline and is as precious as can be. What a GREAT time to reunite, fellowship, and worship. Thank you for walking through life with us...

These are eleven great great grandchildren of my great grandfathers. We had gone to church with the Permann's (my sweet sister's family) and in walks our cousins. Isn't God good to let us worship in His house together! I'd love to think that my great great grandchildren would be in church together while actively growing in the Lord!

We're only missing Royal and his family. These moments are such treasures! The children were STARVING and after this shot we ran out for great mexican food.

This is so typical of my family growing up, well and the family I'm in today as well now that I think about it. Always ending up in the smallest of places. Our family usually conferenced in my parents small bathroom when I was a child. Poor Aunt Melly...just trying to do laundry. There's always room for more!

We celebrated Christmas early with Aunt Susan (my fathers aunt)...nothing like a good story and Starbucks!

Dear family and friends,

Since I've blogged we spent 12 crazy days on Oahu finishing up all that needed to be done in order to move, a great week out on Ed's parents ranch, three nights with our best friends in Louisiana, and a week with my parents in Dallas. Both of our sisters came to Texas with their entire families to spend time with us. I could spend a whole blog on that alone but I'm going to have to let pictures take care of that.

As of today a new chapter has begun. One that will unfold slowly before our eyes, but is already fully known to our Father. I thought I would share my thoughts today as I wrote in my travel journal on the airplane:

"Landing is not far away. We are moving to London today. After all of these months of preparation, toil, and excitement, it's really here. I'm all over the map at this moment. Certainly excited, tired, and a tiny bit overwhelmed. This fall God has been teaching me that when I feel overwhelmed in any way, shape, or form- I need to let Him help me refocus- on Him! My God is always so faithful. I am grateful to serve Him...

The preparation for this particular move has been mind boggling. I've always said you can multiply an overseas move times seven. With very little support on the ground in London, I'd say fourteen.

As of yesterday the van is no longer ours, so all of our loose ends in Hawaii are now tied. All that is left for us on that island in the Pacific are dear friends and sweet memories. Two things to surely be treasured.

Our time in TX and LA flew, as we knew it would. It was wonderful seeing so many people that we love. Our time in Dallas was packed with gathering clothing, shoes, and other items. My parents were so sweet about how hard we needed to work. I appreciate their, yet again, servant attitudes. Mother is coming in February and I'm already looking forward to her visit.

Being out of pocket this long can be a little unsettling at times. It's an incredible reminder that ultimately, this is not our home. When that feeling creeps up out of the pit of my stomach I have to stop and gain perspective. Do houses, cars, and belongings provide me comfort and a feeling of belonging? Is it wrong? Do we look for security in things that can never provide it? Of course we do. There are times God uses things/people to provide comfort, but ultimately the deep peace that passes understanding only comes from our Father.

Thank you Lord for peace, may it be ours as we serve you. Thank you for letting us go all over the world to proclaim your goodness and truth. Please help us to serve in a manner that will bring you glory. We love you deeply and look so forward for all that you have waiting around the corner. May it be all about you..."

I hope to post pictures from our Texas trip this week. Caroline already has some up on her facebook page. Off to bed. Tomorrow morning we'll have our first opportunity to be in the Lord's house in England!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Who flew you home?

2009-11-16T02:29:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

I need for this to be quick as sleep should be coming soon. I'm not quite over the jetlag, yet jetlag will be coming our way again next week.

After we spent three nights in California and realized the military's ride home would come very slowly I took my sweet sister up on her offer. Ken works for American Airlines, although he is on a military furlough. YEA KEN...I will forever be grateful for my brother in law getting us home. No complaints about our military travel, it was wonderful. With the move so close, it was time to get back to the island so we could prepare for what was ahead.

We quickly rearranged belongings, rental cars, and hotels and were on our way to Los angeles. It was a six hour drive and we didn't leave until five in the evening. The first hour I was really tired, but the rest flew. Nothing like a little drive across California in the dark.

After dinner Caroline announced we needed to go back through our trip, oldest to youngest, and talk about our favorite things. Two hours later we stopped and thanked the Lord for it all. To God be the glory!

It was such a wonderful opportunity, I can hardly believe we really did it. The best part of the trip for me was seeing God's plan unfold and just being alone with our children. I can clearly see that God just wanted me to be with these children without all the wonderful interruptions of life. What a gift...

I'm really having to trust Jesus with my time. Many things to be done and only so many hours in the day. School to be accomplished, people to spend time with, songs to prepare, list to made, phone calls to be made...I'll just stop there as I think you get the picture. A week full of life.

Selling the car and securing a flat are at the top of our list this week. Again, God knows and His plans are best. May we walk the process in a way that honors Him.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Does His creation call you to worship?

2009-11-08T01:06:00.000-08:00

The Thomas/Smith children are eight amazing children. I can't wait to see what God does in each and everyone of their lives. They've been friends for five and a half years which is like forever for a miltary child.

Our four bags weight 199 lbs...okay, fair enough. Then in Yokota they said they needed to weight all carry ons including our coats...they weighed 200...opps.

Wyatt was in his element today serving people. He carried many a car seat, stroller, and maman's diaper bags. The game boy is for trips and weekends. They never have time on the weekend. Wyatt and Will were quite entertained.

Melanee Kate was so in her element today loving on this baby. A sweet Christian mother was very grateful for God's provision of our daughter.

Debbie and Marcus Vincent were our nieghbors at McGuire AFB in our very first house. They came out tonight and took care of all five of us! WHAT A TREAT to be together...

Dear family and friends,

So we are on our fifth flight and enjoying the ride, our second C-17. We left Alaska around 2:30 and are on our way to Travis Air Force Base in California. Yes, I realize it’s very east of Hawaii, but Travis is the gateway to the Pacific and at this point the best way home. Quite appropriate to go to the gateway of the Pacific on our little swing, don’t you think?

Alaska was beautiful! I was amazed at how different it looks than Colorado, equally breathtaking, but in a whole different way. We stayed with our dear friends Doug and Sharla Smith, it was the first place that was hard to leave. Hard because we don’t know when we’ll see the Smith family again. We heard about them in Colorado, met them in Alabama, spent time together in Montana, and started walking life together in Hawaii. The Smith family has loved us through good, bad, and ugly. They love us despite, not because, and we are very grateful.

This last spring we had a wonderful opportunity to spend a great amount of time together. First we had the infamous TDY while both of the guys were gone where we ate dinner five out of six nights. The children whined on the night we missed. We also had the privilege of helping them move, moving is a GREAT way to take any friendship to a new depth. Serving with one another does that though now doesn’t it! The week that seven of the eight children went to Awana’s camp together the four of us had a meaningful week (Dinah, Sharla, Doug, and Jefferson…Ed was TDY as normal) as Doug and Sharla agreed to be roomies with Jefferson and I. When they left, we were all so hopeful to be together in Alaska before we moved to London, so this was really an answer to prayer. God delighting His children!

Sharla had not been home for even 12 hours from being with her parents in Montana when she got the 5:30 wake up call. I didn’t step out of their house for over 28 hours and it was AWESOME. The Smith home always seems to be a haven for those who enter. Sharla’s gift of hospitality always blesses and amazes me. Doug had been TDY the week before Sharla went to Montana and they would have had every reason to say it wasn’t a good time but instead they welcomed us with open arms and hearts! God’s timing is perfect, although one could look from the outside and think it was a horrible time, He was right on time. He always is you know!

We also had the opportunity to spend Thursday morning with most of the Rosendahl family. We met Tami and Martin and their four children in Italy where we went to church together. Christian fellowship never ceases to amaze me…how you can pick right back up like it was yesterday. Caroline and Hannah, the only and darling daughter of their family, have become friends on facebook this summer. Hannah is such a neat girl who loves Jesus and has been a bright spot to our Caroline. Caroline was funny when she realized what a neat girl Hannah was, but it didn’t surprise me in the least knowing what a neat lady her mother is. Tami was very kind to me in Italy and her friendship has always been very appreciated!

So Alaska was really about people with a beautiful back drop from our creator. His creation, the people and the sights, they call me to worship.

Last stop…almost there. The most exciting part of this last stop is seeing Debbie and Marcus Vincent. I’ve had several wonderful neighbors over the years, Debbie being my first. She set the bar high! I haven’t seen her since the day we drove out of New Jersey 15 ½ years ago, but we’ve kept up all these years. I can hardly believe that my children are going to get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Vincent!

The day after Caroline was born Debbie came to visit me with gift in hand. One of the sweetest gifts I’ve ever received. Debbie’s mother passed away when she was a child. She brought me a little tin box that her mother always kept her ribbons in. I was decorating my nursery in “Cow Jumped Over the Moon” and this little tin box had the most precious “Cow Jumped Over the Moon” scene you’ve ever laid your eyes on. It was a gift of sacrifice and celebration. I will treasure it always. I can hardly wait to hug Debbie’s neck!

Love to all…I will “see” you on the way home. Ed said last night that it might take a week to get back, I have to admit that my first reaction was not with my eyes on the Father but on myself. We are moving in two weeks as my husband has reminded me. The past day or so have begun to feel the pressure of all that needs to be accomplished. It’s amazing how quickly you can feel stressed when you take your eyes off of God’s plan for each day. God’s timing is perfect so we’ll just see what He does. I’ll keep you posted…

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Are His plans better?

2009-11-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

God continues to confirm in my life that HIS plans are better! I know this is no knew news, certainly not to me, yet He’s teaching me trust Him further, deeper, longer, and bolder in new and exciting ways.

Last January when Caroline and I went to Thailand we were supposed to spend the day in Tokyo. If you remember she ended up being very ill the last part of the trip and we spent the day in the airport. If it were today we would have never been able to travel home due to stringent precautions that the Japanese take with healthy travelers. I told her during that whole ordeal, that be it in my power, before we left Hawaii, I would take her to Tokyo. I started praying the Lord would let this happen.

Praying, dreaming, and my sweet man letting me try to move forward with some sort of plan, I made reservations at the New Sanno. The military has a few hotels around the world that give military families the opportunity for rest, vacation, a little R&R at a reasonable price. One of our perks. These hotels are in Hawaii, Germany, Korea, and Japan. Reservations at the New Sanno are coveted and people make plans early. When I tried to make plans in February I requested three dates to only receive one, and not really on the dates I’d requested. Ed needed to go to Japan again before we left so the goal was to get our trips to coincide.

When the children and I weren’t able to get there on time and had to cancel the reservations it was a moment that I had to choose to be grateful for all He HAD done and to know His plan was better. It is you know…

I started praying, researching, and asking around to try to find a place to stay that we could afford. It would be nothing for our family to pay $500 a night in Tokyo. When we arrived in Yokota Saturday night I decided we would stay there Sunday just to rest and make plans. In a guide book I found a positive recommendation for a youth hostel and called to find out they would be more than happy to accommodate a family. We had two options, rooms with traditional bunk beds, or a Japanese style room. I’d priced these and they were way out of our price range at other ryokan in Tokyo. When I called I found out to have the Japanese room you had to buy breakfast and dinner to go with it so I choose the traditional for the first night and Japanese the second.

We had a wonderful time in Tokyo and did many new and exciting things, but the blessing was at the youth hostel.

Caroline and I had done a little research last January so we knew we wanted to go up in the Tokyo Tower, visit the Hama Rikyu Gardens, ride the boat up the river, and see two museums. We always love to visit the museums!

I wanted the children to have a unique dining experience from the Japanese culture which is another blog in and of itself. I also wanted to take the children to the Kabukizi theater to see a Kabuki production.

So off we went checking off our list, enjoying the surprises along the way, and soaking in the culture. Yesterday the boys enjoyed all the restrooms as much as they delighted in the museum. There was even one sink that you washed and dried your hands in.

Yesterday we went early to get tickets at the theatre to run into several obstacles which precluded us from seeing it at all. I was so disappointed but the children quickly rallied and had such sweet spirits about the whole thing. “We can save money this way Mother,” one even said. We agreed to go back to the youth hostel early and enjoy our Japanese room, bathing (which is a big deal in the Japanese culture and quite delightful I might add), and we were going to snuggle down to read Les Miserable.

So here’s where God’s timing comes in. I met a woman last night that I wouldn’t have met if we went to the theatre and I wouldn’t have met if we’d stayed with Ed at the New Sanno as originally planned. She was the highlight of Tokyo. Masako lives on the big island in Hawaii, which I still find pretty funny. We’ve never been to the big island so Jesus made arrangements for us to meet in Japan. Less than 1% of Japanese people are Christians and Masoko helps make up the miniscule group of people.

Last night we spent the evening with her and she was more than willing to share what God has been teaching her. She’s written a book about her journey and it comes out on the 4th of December. We are praying for it, that God will use it greatly. It’s in Japanese but I think I’ll still order a copy. She’s done much research and studying and is continuing her studies. She is studying Japanese and Chinese congees along with God’s Word. Masako spent a long time last night going over congees and showing us what she has discovered. She believes that the original congees were written by believers before Buddhism took over the their nation.

The congee for the human soul are two congees put together, evil and speak. So in her book she has the congees in bold bright colors and then around them she has scriptures that back up what is true. Are our souls not speaking evil until we know Christ?

Salvation has is made of several congee’s including one that means tree, what our Saviour died on.

If I’d had paper I would have taken tedious notes. I’m not beginning to do this justice. We all were absorbing and delighting in all that she had to say. It was a holy moment and we knew it. There she sat in our Japanese style room with my little ones surrounding her in their jammies. At the end we all prayed together and were so grateful for the fellowship and worship. The evening compelled my heart to worship. Masako is very excited to give her book to her daughter for Christmas as she so dearly wants her daughter to know her Jesus. We are praying for this book and for Hannah. I can’t wait to see what God does…

Lord, thank you for the privilege of knowing this woman. Thank you for letting all of our plans fall through because your plans are better. Thank you for letting my children sit at this Godly woman’s feet to hear her speak of you and how she loves and believes in you. Thank you for the salvation that you brought on a tree. Thank you for being the rock of which water flows. Please use this book in ways that will honor you and bring you glory.

We are up in the friendly skies again, heading to Alaska. We can hardly wait to see the Smith’s. They are a believing military family that God has graciously planted firmly in our lives, again, and again. There is a hop on Friday to Travis AFB and then to Hickam, Hawaii. Praying for wisdom and how God wants us to play this one out. Ed is doing a last minute TDY to D.C. so he won’t be back to Hickam until Wednesday. My sweet neighbor from New Jersey lives outside of Travis and I would LOVE to see her, we’ll see about God’s plans. They are better you know!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What did you see?

2009-10-31T06:46:00.001-07:00

These children can pump...you should have seen them gathering and then treking to our hotel tonight. This was a moment I was so grateful we'd all been running for the past three months.

The children just crack me up at what they think is funny...they thought the little red naked man hanging on a fish was hilarious.

Dear family and friends,

I wish you could see me fumbling across the top of my dashboard in Japanese. I have to click on all of them until it looks familiar.

We are now in Yokota, Japan! YEA GOD...I can hardly believe it. We did have a great week in Kadena and after ten cancelled flights we were so excited to be moving forward.

Yesterday when the flights were cancelled I could not have been more pleased with our children. Please don't get me wrong. I never want to paint our family for anything but who we are, six people who love and need Jesus. We struggle to be kind, and to respond like Christ does on a daily basis. Yesterday though, I could see such maturity in our children. They could not have handled the disappointment any better! Okay, well, one could have for a minute, but in general they were so gracious and grateful. Accepting of God's good plan...

We had a GREAT day too...we did a little more shopping, ate at Chili's AGAIN, rented two movies, read Les Miserables (we are on page 752...WAHOO). It was just a wonderful day. We agreed that no school would be done and that Melanee Kate could decide if we would exercise. We all knew what she would say. A day being together with no interruptions on a little island in the Pacific.

Today was filled with maybe's and waiting...the bottom line being that God got us to Yokota. We found out that we could also fly into Atsugi and then take the train for two hours to Yokota. We ended up being on the freedom bird that flies straight into Yokota, but I love our children's sweet spirit of adventure and willingness to do whatever Mother seems excited about.

I cannot begin to describe what I saw tonight...with the tip on His pinky He created Mt Fuji. Jefferson was crying out for me to look out the window and there she was, RIGHT out my window. She was majestic and bold, dimly lit by the shadows of the sunset. The whole trip has been worth it for just that moment. I will never forget it. How great is our God...

Tomorrow we are going to get our ducks in a row and then the plan is to head into Tokyo on Monday morning. Thinking and praying through all of our options. The military hotel is booked but I think I've found an option that will be reasonable and quite the cultural experience. I won't know if it's a go until tomorrow. I also have to find a place to keep our bags here in Yokota as I'm NOT dragging all of these bags including our school into Tokyo.

Tonight we rented a movie and ordered pizza in. It was very relaxing after a long day of traveling. Our sweet friends Karl and Stella Kent are moving here in March, we are SO EXCITED for them.

Love to all...
In Christ Alone,
Dinah for The Troops

What took you by surprise?

2009-10-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Please notice after you see the silly boy and darling girl, that they don't just have Chili's in Kadena, but a Chili's too!

Wyatt working hard on Math...

Heading out for our outing to find and discover the 100 yen store (like a dollar store).

Of all the wonderful yummies this grocery/bakery had to offer, the boy choose a spaghetti sandwich, cold. He LOVED it! Caroline has decided we ought to try to make them, although ours will be hot.

Look close, the red chili is tied down for typhoon season...we thought that was pretty funny and smart.

My favorite picture thus far...is God good or what!

Toodlesan enjoying leftover french fries with chopsticks for our Les Miserables break.

Toodlesan intensely soaking up and mulling over Les Miserables...we agreed to let him sleep since we were reading about the revolution.

Dear family and friends,

Well I have to say that Kadena took us by surprise! We just no idea how much we would love this Air Force Base. I have children who would just be happy to stay. We haven't gotten out to Yakota yet, so as of this minute they are getting their wish.

Nine to ten flights have been cancelled to Yakota this week and not that we haven't had down moments, but mainly we are just enjoying ourselves. I did not think about an International Driver's Licence, mainly because I didn't need one in New Zealand. I'd checked it out before I went last spring and it just dropped off of my scope for this trip. Caroline's announced that she thinks God just wanted us to have a week of rest, to be still, I think she's right.

We've done some school, piddled around base, and enjoyed the little things. Our children continue after over fifteen years to teach me how to enjoy the little things. The hand dryers are very cool, and the toilets are different. Wyatt is still looking for the singing pottie Caroline and experienced last January in Tokyo. We've done a little shopping on and off base and had a tremendous amount of exercise.

Today my sweet friend took us to a mall like store and we were able to go to the grocery store for lunch. So many choices of new and fun things. Jefferson and I had a long piece of sushi that was not cut up in the little pieces. He's my sushi boy! The bakery was amazing and everyone found a treat they enjoyed.

The little things are in abundance and I'm really enjoying a week of no interruptions, television, tennis, music lessons, and the busyness of life.

We're about to spend the next hour plus reading Les Miserable...we're on page six hundred and fourteen...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What was the highlight of Okinawa?

2009-10-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

Jefferson soaking in John's sermon...we don't normally let our children sleep during church but jet lag is certainly the exception.

Some of the yummiest soup I've ever had!

Not only was the food wonderful, but so was the entertainment.

The Thomas Troops and the Reimer family. Only missing Jillian who is in Oklahoma. The Reimers have hands down been the highlight of Okinawa.

This is where we ate. It's fun just driving up and down the streets as it looks so different than America.

Dear family and friends,

Shortly after I wrote the last blog entry we bumped into an interesting situation. After we departed from the plane and got all of our bags ready to roll, I looked up and everyone had left. There we were alone, not even with overhead lights, in the baggage terminal not really sure what we were supposed to do next. I started making a few phone calls and during that time a marine showed up to look at and stamp our passports.

He showed us where the main terminal was for which we were grateful. This is the point that can certainly bring a little pressure and where I really have to trust God. I quickly verified where we were staying as Ed had made the arrangements. I also found there was no shuttle and attempted to call a taxi and share what we needed. We have four duffel bags that together weight 199 lbs. We also are carrying a violin, a camera bag, two purses, a sleeping bag, two backpacks, two carry on bags, and a shoulder bag. I was adamant about traveling light when we went to New Zealand but I wasn't so successful this time.

I'm very aware that we could end up in one place waiting to get out and that means we're pulling 70 lbs of school books as I don't really have school days to waste. I'd planned a few weeks for this trip as far as school goes, but there is certainly work to be done if needed.

We are also travelling through several climates. Guam was summer, Okinawa is rainy and windy but not really winter, Tokyo is cold, and Alaska can be Montana like. This means slippers (Hawaiian word for sandals/flip flops), boots, tennis shoes, ect. I tried to pack as light as possible and even rearranged the last day to only take four suitcases rather than five. We look like a very organized traveling circus. Everyone knows what they are to carry and the children do a fine job. It's quite a site though...maybe I'll get a picture for you.

So all this to say that there was no way we were going to fit in one taxi. I didn't know if they could send a van or send two taxi's. As I was trying to communicate all of this as precisely as possible, I was told, "five minutes," and the conversation ended.

I had the troops rally and we started moving our brigade to the door. Now it's also raining outside so walking wasn't an option. The children are quite funny talking about their mother tramping across Air Bases with our little moving show. I haven't yet, but they know it's always a possibility.

I was feeling better at this point, I always feel better once I have a plan. Then I saw her...Sherry Reimer walking towards us with a beautiful smile on her face. What a sight for sore eyes. John and Sherry are friends of ours from Colorado. We knew they had moved here several years ago. We also knew they had retired from the Marine Corps in order for John to pastor a church here to military families. The night before I had facebooked their oldest daughter in Oklahoma hopeful to get a phone number. Jillian had passed on my message and Sherry had not only found out our flight, but brought the church van!

God always provides in one way or another for which I am so grateful. Sherry proceeded to welcome us with hugs and laughter and sweet joy from the Lord. First things first, procure the mother some caffeine. Next she helped us settle in and then extended a gracious invitation to our children to come and join the church at their harvest festival. They were so excited and ready to go.

So here I was in Japan waiting for my sweet husband to arrive so we could have an evening to ourselves. A date night in Japan, now how's that for provision. My sweet man ordered a taxi and took me to Chili's! Not to worry we had a wonderful Japanese meal today. Chili's is my old time favorite though and I love to eat there wherever we go that it is available.

This time last week Okinawa was no where on my scope. It's been a precious time of dear fellowship and encouragement, filled with people we love...worshipping with Koza Baptist Church was priceless!

There are three planes that head tomorrow night to Yakota, Japan. They all have 10 seats, so we'll just see. God's plan is better, and Okinawa is sure proof!

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

Who's this trip about?

2009-10-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

Wyatt's photo in Guam...I've got quite the crew of little photographers.

There were only two cars available to rent. The car with the trunk REEKED of smoke so we opted for the hatchback. Caroline's lap was just as full. The children were great sports!

This picture doesn't begin to do this sight justice. I've never seen anything like it. I even got to see a large freighter that looked like a tiny monopoly piece.

Dear family and friends,

We are back in the friendly skies and this time we are getting to see out the back of a KC-10. These children are having a fantastic time collecting military aircraft that they’ve flown in. It’s like bringing an air show to life. The window in the boom was larger than the KC-135 but the sky is obviously endless everyday. I don’t know that my eyes have personally seen a better example of the vastness of God. We are flying at 40,000 feet and I could clearly see the ocean below only laced with a few clouds close to the surface. Wyatt would rather not have airline seats to contain him as he prefers sitting strapped up to the wall, but we were ALL EXTREMELY grateful to make this flight.

When we hit the ground running my first course of action is to check the flight schedule for when we can leave as you really have to stay on top of this Space A adventure. The second order of business is securing a warm clean room and transportation. We flew in Thursday afternoon (Guam’s Thursday/Hawaii’s Wednesday…the children enjoy jokes like, “Mommy, you haven’t fed us since yesterday.”) to find no flights out Thursday or Friday. One mission was leaving today and two tomorrow, but then nothing until Wednesday. When I realized how sparse it could be getting out, oh howdy did I start praying. Not just that we would get out, but how I would handle it if we didn’t. Great exercise in trusting in the Sovereignty of God I might add.

Guam was beautiful, a lot like Hawaii although there was much more open space than our island. I was tickled pink that my favorite Pacific island tree was out our window. The water was beautiful, the sky was immense. We laughed this morning driving back onto base that if you didn’t have the palm trees it looked just like Montana. I love to hear my children laugh.

Yesterday we had a phenomenal meal, tootled around the island, and could hardly wait to try Banana Coconut Fritters for dessert last night. They were yummy by the way. Jefferson was dead set on Banana and Coconut Cream Pie, just like Gilligan.

My sweet friend Tricia Boles had given me suggestions for our stay, for which I was grateful. If we’d had another day we would have spent it at the National Park. Did you know that in Guam a Japanese soldier was hiding in a cave he dug out, and a farmer discovered him in 1972? Can you imagine?

So here’s the question that I’ve been wrestling with all fall. Before I tell you the question I just want to announce that I “know” the answer. I even believe the answer. Yet I’ve been struggling like the man in Mark, “I believe Lord, help me believe.” Does God really have everything fully in control, is He sovereign? Well, of course He is. Then why is it often so hard to walk the process. Flying Space A is definitely an opportunity to walk the process. God could have wanted us to stay in Guam until Wednesday. His bigger picture is trustworthy. He is so patient with me. He’s already told me this trip is about Him.

Last night we were told that there were only 6 seats available for today’s flight. Okay, lets do the math….there are five us, plus one, makes not great odds to get on an airplane to Kadena AB today. I even had someone tell me last night they wouldn’t bother coming out. Jesus and I had some sweet moments last night. Not just taking my request to God, but asking him to align my heart to His plans.

We’ve had a lot of unknowns since we found out we were leaving Hawaii. I don’t necessarily like unknowns. I want to know my cards, even if they are hard. This year has been a huge spiritual exercise for me. Trusting God with the unknowns, and claiming what I do know. I know there is nothing ahead that is not already known to God. No surprises for my master. It doesn’t matter that I don’t know where I’ll be this time next year, or next week for that matter. He has it all under control. He knew there would be six seats today and that He’d already written our names all over five of them.

Thank you Lord for being fully in control. Thank you for the opportunity to be living out, in front of our children, what we say we believe. Thank you for being trust worthy. Thank you for these amazing children. Thank you for a husband who longs to hold me in Japan tonight. Thank you for five seats. Thank you for letting me see your sky in a new way, I have no concept of your vastness, yet as of today I have a new brighter picture. Thank you for a young lady, who happens to be our daughter, gently reminding me Monday what I’m teaching her. God you are never late, and never early…thank you for being right on time!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

How is military travel different?

2009-10-22T04:33:00.000-07:00

We were all so grateful for an invitation back to the boom. The boom operator was very welcoming to all the questions that were fired her way.

My girls were as mesmerized as my boys.

Keeping busy and occupied. We also had book time when reading was expected. Once I get those boys reading they are good to go!

One of the side windows frames the wing and the sky. I only took 503 pictures to get two I really liked. We have a new camera and it's going to take some practice.

Dear family and friends,

HOWDY…I’ve never written while in the air. Of course today has already been filled with things I’ve never done before. I’ve never been up in a KC 135. I’ve never travelled to Guam. I’ve never had a picnic with my boys on the floor of an airplane.

Military travel is quite a different ride in so many facets. We started trying to get out Saturday although there were two planes we passed up that we could have attempted to get out on. For me, military travel is filled with prayer, learning to trust my amazing travel agent, hurry up and wait, realigning expectations, and holding on for a wild ride.

The last few days have certainly had ups and downs. We’ve planned and cancelled several trips. One due to my sweet husbands wisdom, one due to lack of peace, and one cancelled two hours before we were heading to the terminal. DEFINITELY an exercise in trusting God to be the one in control and not the Air Force.

Last night I repacked for the third time. I was trying to be cheerful and was greatly encouraged when a 14 year old boy, our 14 year old boy to be exact, chimed in, “Wow mom, this is your third time to pack for this trip and we haven’t gone anywhere yet…THANK YOU!” A thank you sure can go a long way. God knew I needed a little encouragement just at that moment. You don’t need as many winter clothes when you go to Guam. Less winter, a little summer…bathing suits, night clothes (two sets now for winter/summer), short sleeve shirts, and running shoes all at the top of one bag so we don’t have to dig through the other.

Oh and you should see, or should I say, pick up my green aloha LL Bean rolling duffel. We have to have school with us as we don’t know how long we’ll be where and if we get stuck we’re going to do school. Books are heavy. I would call this a field trip more than a vacation. Although we’ll make sure a little vacation is tucked in there.

I digress, military travel is where I was at I believe. Box lunches filled with goodies that this mother doesn’t buy are also a treat. You just can’t beat it for $4.25. We laugh every time that some man is slapping those sandwiches together as you’ve never seen so much meat on one sandwich. I ended up with roast beef and BBQ chips which are my favorite as far as sandwiches go. I had to pull off the cheese, throw away a piece of the bread, and whittle down the meat before I could start though.

Travelling out of season is a benefit as the children are the children on this mission. ALWAYS a learning opportunity you know. The boys were ecstatic to be up in the cockpit for take off and the girls are looking forward to their invitation for landing. They’ve also spent fifteen minutes on their tummies learning all about refueling and lowering that boom. What a GREAT way to see God’s creation of sky. His vastness of space amazes me just looking out a side window, but seeing the sky behind you stretched across as far as the eye could see was breathtaking.

I love that you can’t visit too much with anyone. Is that a strange thing to be on my list? We all wear hearing protection so you can’t talk too much. It can be pretty noisy up here. It’s the difference of sitting at a park with a few people around or at a Texas A&M football game with the 12th man going wild. The children settle themselves down to reading, knitting, stories, and music while I have a quiet moment to myself. Almost a day off to do whatever I’ve planned. I have a bag of reading, I’m writing, I’ve listened to a sermon, and spent sweet moments with Jesus. You can sing to Jesus right out loud and no one even hears you.

I’m sitting by the window so I can see. There are only four side windows on the entire plane. The dark is coveted too as there are many sleeping soldiers nestled down in sleeping bags. We brought one of our own this time and didn’t even know until we got on that it has an inside liner that pops out really creating two. It was borrowed from a neighbor. God providing in abundance, as always.

A crew member just came up to the window (door with a window) and starting pulling at the insulation. Before I knew what he was doing (I have to choose to not think about being sucked out of one of these doors so I was a little wide eyed) he pulled out two soda cans that he’d tucked up their earlier. When he saw me staring in wonder he put the can up to my arm-ice cold.
There’s much more heat up in this KC 135 than the C 17 we flew on to New Zealand. I came prepared. It’s funny to be heading to Guam with everyone carrying a winter coat. I truly feel very confused by the weather differentiations that are coming our way.

I hope to keep you posted as to wherever we may go. God reminded me clearly this morning that this trip is about Him…where He wants us to go, what He wants us to do, how He wants to work in our hearts and lives, and whoever we get to love along the way. I feel like I’m flying first class with my travel agent right at my side. What a way to travel…who really needs much heat this high up anyway!

Love to you all…
In Him,
Dinah for The Troops

Where are we now?

2009-10-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

The crates are packed, the house is cleared, the van is full, and we are so grateful for the hard work that has been accomplished! God is always so faithful, I need to be better at expecting Him to be who I know He is.

We are in a TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility) for the weekend but hopeful to be off on a grand adventure tomorrow. Space A is right around the corner. The military often opens seats on airplanes that are on mission. We are looking at a flight to Korea with hopes of landing in Japan by Sunday to meet Ed in Tokyo for a few days R&R. We started school in July so we'd have three weeks of flexibility this fall for some hands on learning! So grateful the Air Force lends us this opportunity when we are overseas!

I feel free to be rid of all of our belongings at the moment, but I know I'll be glad to see them in the future. Great reminder that it's just stuff as you see it all carted away, again. The things of this earth are fleeting, can be gone tomorrow. I want to invest in the eternal...

We are so grateful for family and friends and are ecstatic about seeing people we love in the upcoming months. We leave the island Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Ed will promote a fine officer to Lt. Col. in the morning and we'll be on a plane late afternoon. Ed's known Major Hoffman since Ed was a Capt. and Hoffman was a Lt. I can't think of a better thing to do the morning we leave.

Love to all...
In our loving Father's hands,
Dinah for The Troops

Where have I been? What have I been doing?

2009-09-26T03:19:00.001-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Where have I been? What have I been doing? No Bon Bon sitting around here for any of the Thomas Troops...the past weeks have been filled with loving Jesus, school, purchasing anything and everything, passport pictures, sailing, music lessons, Nana, the Air Force, tennis, more school, running, ball gowns, birthdays, riding in gliders and taking care of one another.

I discovered years ago that an overseas move is multiplied by at least seven compared to a stateside move. Since we will have very little ground support in London I would probably multiply it by thirteen.

Ed is pumping as hard as I am, and together it's all going to get done. I love to move with this man. Good thing yeah? The truck comes next Friday to take our household goods across two oceans and a continent. So in my spare time this week I'll be dividing oh, everything we have here on the island.

Speaking of, our winter clothing and blankets arrived from Virginia today so my upstairs looks like a winter wonderland!

Hopeful to be better about communicating once the vast majority of the work is behind us. I hope this finds you well...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

The night of Jefferson's baptism was BEAUTIFUL. I only took video so I'll have to borrow a picture of Caroline's for later. A vivid memory in my heart. He was so excited...

OH PRECIOUS NANA came for 12 days to help with anything I asked. She mended, altered, helped in any capacity she saw, took me to Sam's (didn't renew my card this summer due to the move) and most importantly loved on our babies. Everyone had their own date with Nana. Ed and I shared!

The day our oldest son turned 14...Wyatt's birthday is always a milestone. We were able to see the Thunderbirds flying over the Hawaiian skies on Saturday and we went up in gliders on the North Shore on Monday! Great birthday weekend...

This picture may appear calm and serene, but I'd just hunted all over this island for my chicks as I was committed to having a family picture the night Jefferson was baptized! Get over there and smile before the sun goes down...

Wyatt and Daddy heading off to go camping with the Boy Scouts. Tonight I was alone for three hours in our home on a Friday night...first time I can think of in fifteen years plus. Loved a quite moment with Jesus but will be glad to have the prattle tomorrow!

Are you still alive?

2009-07-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

We are still alive...Just a quick note to let everyone know we are up and running at the new house. Two more days until school is back in swing and one more day until we have a phone line and Internet. God, as always, is good...the move has been phenomenal. It was a prayed over decision and God has confirmed again and again that we made the correct decision.

Yesterday afternoon was delightful as I was doing odds and ends, the girls were washing and detailing the van, and the boys had finally caught a fish in Pearl Harbor! Ed had just accomplished a run ... a great afternoon.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

P.S.-Just started reading Les Miserables to the children today after Bible time while watching ships float by!

Who would have thought orange?

2009-07-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

When I was growing up I decided the color that I liked the least was orange. I've had to apologize to God for my limited perspective as I've seen it here in Hawaii in such a different light.

Tomorrow is moving day. This will be our first family move that we are doing ourselves. We get the keys at 8:15am and the cars are already loaded tonight. It's going to be quite the adventure.

The thing that I haven't mentioned, but we are truly amazed by, is that we will be living with the channel to Pearl Harbor in our back yard. We can hardly wait to watch submarines, destroyers, carriers, and such float by. What a way to do dishes! I took a picture just last week in order to give you a peek...

We have two and a half weeks of school under our belts and class will resume a week from tomorrow.

The best thing about moving is I get to be with my man every day...God is teaching me more about loving him lately. I never want to become lazy or complacent in something that is so vital.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

How many times are you moving?

2009-07-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

It has begun...the great move marathon.

We just finished a fantastic week of VBS and next week Ed will be in D.C. while Wyatt is on Maui for Boy Scouts camp. The girls, the little man, and the mama will be doing a lite week of school while preparing for the upcoming move one street over.

We did heavy moving cleaning in May yet there's still plenty to be accomplished. So grateful for all that has already been taken care of.

This morning I told the children, after the little straightening that needed to be done, would they please spend some time going through what has already been done. If it should be thrown away or given away please put it in the appropriate pile. The girls have been holed up for at least two hours. Just a minute ago I checked on them to find them in the middle of their floor cutting things out of magazines, so they could throw the magazines away of course. Not really the vision I had, but I couldn't not smile at the two of them enjoying each others company!

Love to you all...I wonder what all God is going to teach us this year? May He move more mightly in our hearts than our belongings!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What will we do to celebrate next year?

2009-07-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

We watched the fireworks on Pearl Harbor this year. It was fantastic: dear friends, lots of children, no traffic, and five minutes away. If I had to do it over again I would have brought the music myself.

We have so many memories of the Fourth of July that make us so grateful.

Of course I can never be on Pearl Harbor that I don't think of so many years ago when the smoke in the sky was not so celebratory. Lives have been lost in this very place, so we can be free...

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

P.S.-I wonder how we'll celebrate next year :)!

Again, why am I ever surprised by God?

2009-06-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

It's incredibly quiet here on 3rd street today. Three at camp, one little one sick in bed, and my sweet man traipsing across the Pacific. He's going to cover over 7000miles this week which is almost CRAZY.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to play with my dear friend, Sharla Smith. One of my life dreams...movie, lunch, move and a little shopping in between. I'm relatively easy to please. I'd never done it and I'd always wanted to. It was a great day of relaxation, fellowship, and fun.

It's funny though as much as everyone has talked about me having a week off, which is true in so many ways, on Sunday afternoon God made me clearly aware that I'd be fully engaged. After the children had been dropped off I had a 45 minute drive back which was a precious time to spend with Jesus. It was during these moments that I knew my impact would be different, my job altered, yet just as important.

I've had the privilege of praying. This is a role my parents take very seriously as parents/grandparents and this week God is giving me a little peek what they do for us and the time they spend with Him.

I have one at camp who was quite apprehensive to be there, yet willing to trust us that this is where God wanted her firmly planted for the week. This morning Sharla went up to grab one of hers that needed to run to the doctor and was able to do a little recon. I am so excited and encouraged to know that all the campers are doing great and they were very excited to share not just the fun and games, but what they are learning! (THANK YOU JESUS!!!)

I'm sure I've said this before here, but again, why am I ever surprised by God? The past three days He's had me in Romans 12...this morning I was ready to move on and He impressed upon my heart, no Romans 12. I read it three more times...soaking it in. Clinging to it. "Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not CONFORM any longer to the pattern of this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will - His good, pleasing, and perfect will."

Do you know where this is going? What are they talking about this week at camp...not conforming to the world. There they are right in Romans 12 along with their mother. God has us all there this week and He doesn't need me to do it!

We just read it together last week and spent time talking and praying about verse 10...honoring others above yourselves. Something all six of us are still working on.

So here I am this week, enjoying my calling, being their mother. I have no business taking a week off even if I do get a little break from routine. As I was driving my litter (Kate rolls her eyes at this phrase we've been using for so long...our first three came so quickly that when they were little they seemed like a litter) to camp I couldn't pull my mind off the fact that in six years from now all three of them will be at college. I can't afford to take a week off...the stakes are too high, these children are too important, they are so loved and treasured.

I'm understanding my mother a little more this week...I'm so grateful for her. I want to be a better mother, I want to trust Jesus more, I want to depend on myself less. Maybe this week is more for my growth than theirs...by the way, my lack of faith is why I'm surprised.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What in the world would have us out the door this early on a summer day?

2009-06-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

By 6:25 this morning we were heading to the channel! What in the world would have us out the door this early on a summer day?

THE SBX...

Something I'd never heard of until this past January. It was docked at Ford Island in Pearl Harbor until this morning. It's an amazing thing to see something larger than a football field floating down the channel.

Thanks to Doug Smith, we were able to tour it in May. The children were pumped when it was all over. The technology that protects our country is MIND BOGGLING!

Here's a quick fact sheet if you interested.
http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/sbx.pdf

The day is going to be filled with packing for camp (Awana's), two military functions, and dear friends.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Pictures later...

So what did y'all do?

2009-06-16T01:44:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Being together with people you love dearly, a privilege, not a right.

We loved every moment with Mother and Daddy, it went way too quickly, as we knew it would.

We had the thrill of showing them the things we love dearly on this island...the God created view and God given relaxation at Bellows, watching the boys come in on the waves again and again and again, walking along the channel that leads to Pearl Harbor, and bike rides with one fast pup in the morning while the beautiful scenery passes by.

We were able to do things we'd do anywhere we live...sneak away for an evening with just the adults albeit we don't always have as beautiful a sunset to share, grill chicken and eat Lisa Russ's rolls, sit in Ed's office, and share the love and delight of our children. Grandparents are a special thing, not enjoyed by all in the world, yet certainly treasured here.

We had the blessing of the not so common...watching aircraft carriers float down the channel with over sixty planes on deck while sailors lined it like lights in their crisp white uniforms. We were able to personally tour it with friends several days later.

Pearl Harbor has found a special place in our hearts: the history, the hero's, the fallen. I'm amazed regularly that the house we live in was standing that day. If the family that lived here was home that early Sunday morning I can only imagine they clamored together in our storage closet as is the largest place with no windows. Mother and Daddy ski with a man who is a Pearl Harbor survivor...Herb defended our country that day.

Daddy was given a chance of a lifetime as he was able participate with a group of community leaders as he has certainly been one. They flew off of Hickam to run and catch up with the USS Reagan. The Reagan was just passing by and never stopped in Hawaii. They landed on the aircraft carrier being quite grateful for that tail hook, only to be catapulted off four hours later after enjoying a full tour and lunch. Apparently standing on deck watching planes land and take off was quite surreal in the Pacific that day.

Mom and Dad came in on Tuesday and by Saturday night I thought I might be coming down with something. Sunday continued down the road I didn't want to be on and my Monday I felt quite slow and crummy. Wednesday night I took to bed and didn't come up for air until Sunday. I was just so grateful my parents were here with my family...it didn't even matter.

Sunday the crew headed off to church and Mother and Daddy were so sweet to stay home and go and sit on the channel and have breakfast with me. What a treat...to be alone with my parents in a place that I love.

It's funny as in one moment I will think December is not far away and will come quickly...I can't wait to be together again. On the other hand since we love where God has us for the moment, I think...Christmas is so far away and I just need to enjoy every moment. Living in the present, preparing for the future, it seems to be a theme in my life.

Thank you Jesus for my amazing parents...I'm so grateful for how they pray, love, and support our family. I know they are your provision.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Thomas Troops

P.S.-Finally feeling back to normal although Wyatt wasn't feeling good tonight...SOMEONE has been sick in this family for the past six weeks plus. Hopeful that we are getting next winter's due early.

Since they've left we've celebrated lots of special birthdays in the neighborhood, are helping friends move, have been assigned our new house, and Ed had the honor of speaking in our church's pulpit.

God is good, yah!

Do you ever "feel" alone?

2009-06-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Our timing with my parents is flying by but being enjoyed and treasured second by second. More on that later.

This week I've been reminded of something that happened to me a little over six years ago and wanted to share it with you. I have a friend who is really struggling this week and my precious sister has been incredibly sick in D.C. She is "alone" with my nieces while her sweet husband is protecting our freedoms in Iraq.

I had a small place on my neck that I had checked out at the clinic and they quickly said it was precancerous and needed to be removed. Not a big deal, just a quick procedure. Ed and I agreed that we didn't need to get a babysitter, but he would sit with the children in the car and read to them while it was accomplished.

Everything was going according to plan until they put me on a surgical table with an enormous light and brought out this incredible needle and a knife that I should have never seen. They had me tilt my neck back as far as I could. It was the first moment that I had some inkling of what a lamb might feel like being taken to slaughter. It's a great thing that lambs are not particularly bright animals and have no idea what's really coming.

At that moment I cried out to God saying, "Oh Lord, if I'd known, I would have secured a babysitter at all costs so Edward could be with ME, not our children!" I was missing my sweet husbands touch and comfort like never before.

The Lord quickly and surely replied in my heart, "Dinah, I am enough...".

My heart lept as I knew He was so right. I was not alone, although I felt alone. I could proclaim truth, not how I felt. I quickly sank into the arms of Jesus like I had never before in my life. I have never felt so loved or cared for in my entire life, my Lord was enough, and in no way was I alone. I did not apologize when it was all over and they sat me up with a huge grin on my face proclaiming the goodness of God!

I've claimed this many times in the last six years as it is truth. I am a child of the King, and He is ALWAYS with me. I will never be alone one moment on this earth, no matter how I feel, I can choose truth. My God is enough!

I still thank God for that moment, I am so grateful He allowed me to learn to trust Him in new ways. I am so grateful He allowed me that moment of His presence that I know I will enjoy eternally someday.

Life can be overwhelming at times, it can be hard. I am so grateful that my friend and my sweet sister have not been alone this week...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Will Tuesday ever get here?

2009-05-24T16:49:00.001-07:00

Dear family and friends,

We have just a few minutes before we head out for Caroline's piano recital. It's been a good Lord's day.

I just have to quickly say MY PARENTS ARE COMING, MY PARENTS ARE COMING, MY PARENTS ARE COMING!! Until this point I've never gone longer than eight months without seeing my mother since she gave birth to me. I've gone a little longer without seeing my Dad. I haven't put my arms around either one since I stood at the curbside at the Denver airport on March 12, 2008. My last memory is throwing our ski coats in their ever welcoming arms as we were heading to Hawaii.

God is good and contentment comes from Him, for which I am so grateful. It's been okay as it's been clear this has been has been God's timing, and His timing is best.

Now that it's almost here...I CAN HARDLY STAND IT!

Lord, help me be content, in the big and little things. I want to honor you...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

I just love this man...can I stop and say that right here in the middle?

2009-05-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I know I talked about a picture over two weeks ago. I'd love to share a picture every day, with a story of God's goodness, or faithfulness, or whatever we might see Him doing. He's at work all the time, not just when I see Him...I'm so grateful for that.

It's very appropriate that I post this picture today and God has used this day to reconfirm His plans. ALL OF THEM...

Last year when we found out we were moving to Hawaii the great car fest began. One point that I had concluded many years ago is that when military families move overseas they just loose money on cars. Buying and selling cars is expensive and most of the time, necessary. It's a sacrifice we make, all part of serving the country we love.

So we started where we always should...prayer. It was quickly concluded that we would ship the van (that is now over 11 years old) and keep the Honda. Ed's car has been fantastic and we have been so grateful for it. It's reliable with very low millage and we weren't overly interested in getting rid of it for two years while we were on the island. Both of our parents were willing to help, they serve our country to in their continued service to us by the way.

So with all the quick decisions we were having to make, it was a welcomed and delightful call when Daddy said he would be willing to fly up to D.C. and drive the Honda to Texas where they live. He couldn't make it until ski season was over, but he was coming.

We started praying about buying an island car for when we arrived in Hawaii. God is ALWAYS faithful to go ahead of us. We just get to watch it all unfold.

Before we even got here the gal Ed was replacing was gracious and kind and offered up her car for the year. Anne was heading to Baghdad and was more than happy to share and keep the car running. We really had to pray about her generous offer. To borrow a car from a friend for that long would be a big deal, but from a stranger. As we prayed, God quickly gave us peace that this was His provision. We have been so grateful.

The "plan" (ours not God's) was to buy a little island car for the 15-16 months that were left. The "plan" changed the moment we found out we were moving to London. So again, we began to pray. It was one of those things though that I just had to pray about and then move on while waiting for God to make things clear. I could have worried, but worry is not from the Lord. In fact, it's sin, telling God He doesn't have it all under control, when He clearly does. Worry does nothing to fix anything and by His grace, I choose not to do it.

We also had other car decisions to make...ship the van, sell the Honda, buy a used car here, leave the van on the island. Lots of options in which all had good and bad points. All of this to say, in the past two weeks God has given us a peace about leaving the van on the island and waiting to see what are options are as it unfolds once we are in London. We gave back Anne's car in April and have been sharing a car which was now the new "plan" which we were going to do until we leave.

So to my picture. I just love this man, can I stop and say that right here in the middle? This picture cracks me up. It's so Ed...

I drove up a few weeks ago and there was our bike, right up at the front of the building in his reserved parking space. Parked, just like his car, with his helmet hanging there on the handle bars.

My parents are coming on Tuesday, which is another blog in and of itself. I've already made arrangements for a rental car for the week that Ed is taking off. Today my sweet husband called and told me I could cancel our reservations.

Anne emailed him today and said that next week she would like to drop the car back off and could we drive it until the end of August.

It was such confirmation of the decision we made to not buy another car here and to leave the van. I was so excited this afternoon. It was such a clear reminder of how God has this all under control, that His plans are best, and that He is worthy of our trust.

God has it all under control...cars, our children's education, timing of seeing my parents, vacations, London flats, dogs, piano and violin teachers, travel arrangements, military hops, houses, moves, sickness, math curriculum, renters, mortgages, new dentist, life, death. I know that it's a pretty big jump from new dentist to life and death, but it's true. Not just the little things in life, but the big things too. All, not just some, but all.

Thank you Lord, that you have everything under control, that you are Sovereign of all. Thank you for being trustworthy and faithful. Please help me to continue daily to see your great hand of provision.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

P.S.-It's six a.m. and the birds are singing His praises while I just heard a boat horn on the canal that heads to Pearl Harbor. It's a good day to be in Hawii...

What are your children doing that you don't know about?

2009-05-19T03:41:00.001-07:00

Dear family and friends,

When we moved to Hawaii last year the children were invited by dear friends to go to Awana's, a Bible club. They went and had a wonderful time which catapulted them into their summer campaign of wanting to attend Awana's this year.

I have to tell you I am cautiously careful about what we commit to as a family and individually. There are so many wonderful things to do, and I want to do so many wonderful things. On the other hand, I don't want to miss life. I want our children to have fond memories of being home, being together.

I also struggle as Awana's very much runs on a rewards system. This of course is not bad in and of itself, but I want our children to hide God's Word in their hearts for the right reasons.

When the fall came our sweet friend Emily offered to take them this year as she was going anyway and had four extra seats in the car. Well, and because she is a great lady who has been so wonderful to our children, and their mother. Ed and I prayed about it as there are very few things that we've just sent our children off to do without us being right there in the middle of it.

Awana's had a great focus on Bible memorization. At the beginning of the year I clearly told the
three older children that they would be on their own. There were basically three guidelines for the year. 1) They were going to have to be self motivated, I was not going to make them memorize verses. 2) They could only say verses that they had memorized at home and could not work on verses at Awana's. If they couldn't go to Awana's and say it without practicing then it really wasn't memorized. 3) They had to write all their verses on cards so they could review them in the future.

Awana's has been a great blessing this year.

So this Sunday was the last day and parents were invited for songs and presentations. The children all finished the books that they were supposed to for the year, with the three older children going above and beyond in some manner.

Okay this is where I am totally embarrassed. Melanee Kate has receited a few verses for me this year and I knew she'd finished several books but this didn't mean much to me as I just don't know the older Awana's materials. She was allowed to work on Awana's during school and I saw her working on her verses many mornings. I clearly remember when she announced that she had decided that she was going to complete all four books. The item that I missed...okay, I missed that Melanee Kate memorized well over 200 verses!

What a blessing...I know our children have done many things over the years without Ed and I knowing. What things did you do as a child that your parents didn't know? Well, when it's all said and done and the final list is made, it will bring me great joy that somewhere on that list is "memorized 200 Bible verses without Mom and Dad knowing".

I should have caught a clue this spring as we read Scripture and Melanee Kate interrupted and kept piping in, "Oh Mommy, let me say that one. Oh Mom, I know that one." She didn't do it 200 times though, so I just had no idea.

She also had a heart attack recently when the children were reminded of the cards I told them they had to write this year. I reminded them a few times at the beginning of the year and then just knew they would have to learn the hard way.

I love being, not just a mother, but I love being Caroline, Wyatt, Melanee Kate, and Jefferson's mother.

Lord, may the list not be too long...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Jefferson Thomas

2009-05-11T19:05:00.001-07:00

"Mommy, do you want an apple tree? ...cause I've got some seeds!"

What's better than sugar?

2009-05-07T23:35:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I'm torn between two stories so I'll just quickly have to share both.

Today Jefferson and I were picking Caroline up at piano. We were sitting just for a moment while she was finishing up and Jefferson leans over to kiss me. Being the southern Mother that I am I said, "MMMM....sugar!" He responded, "Oh Mommy, your kisses are much better than sugar." How can you just not melt at lovin' like that?!!

I have a great picture I need to take to share with you. Remember Ed and I are sharing a car...I just love my man!

Love in Christ,
Dinah

Jefferson Thomas

2009-05-06T16:17:00.001-07:00

"Mommy, I don't think that I make reading an idol, but I do really love it alot."

Which direction am I looking?

2009-05-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Today I sat down to have a minute alone with Jesus and flipped open to Daniel.

Daniel 4:34 "At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored."

I laughed, I knew Jesus was giving me a quick...keep looking up, keep looking up!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

You rode what where?

2009-04-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I have never ridden a bicycle to the doctor, until today. Ed and I are sharing a car until we move to London or God shows us otherwise. Many times in the past three years I have been grateful for wheels. Today I was grateful for two rather than four.

While we were in D.C. we had many discussions as children would wonder out loud why that crowd was standing together on the side of the street. Now riding the bus in D.C. is a very normal event for communters, it's also a normal event for those who depend on it for their main source of transportation. I would always tell them, having a car is a luxury loves. We are no better, no different, God just provides in different ways.

God always provides, often, just not the way we've we thought He would, should, or could. Today he provided a bike for sick woman who just needed a different antibiotic...another luxury I'm so grateful to have.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

P.S.-On Wednesday the girls and I will be taking our first bike ride to the eye doctor!

Facebook is an interesting place don't you think?

2009-04-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I won't say that I'm up and running full speed, but I am getting there.

Being out of commission is always a struggle. It really makes me trust Jesus that everything that He wants done will be taken care of. My list goes on serious hold though and it just takes time to catch up. I'm so grateful that God's plans are NEVER on hold!

I have to briefly tell you the highlight of my week.

Facebook is an interesting place don't you think? It's funny the people that pop up, the things you remember, the relationships that are rekindled.

Often shallow, BUT NOT ALWAYS. If you know anything about Ed and I you know we love meat. Don't give us fluff unless it's completely necessary to get to the meat. I've really enjoyed Facebook but I do not want it to be a time sucker. I want it to be something fruitful in my life.

Facebook has kind of been a family event. Ed doesn't have a page and so there are times at dinner I will throw out different people and what I've found out about their lives. It has lead to wonderful conversations with our children, those opportunities we are just waiting and praying for.

It's even funnier how our children will know people minus their names. They all knew the boy who would choose Mommy first when we were in elementary school and we had quite a lively conversation one night over whether he was really just being a good friend or just thought Mommy was cute. Daddy swore up and down he though Mommy was cute, I didn't really care, I will forever be grateful to God for providing Todd Abbott so I wouldn't always be chosen last.

I've had a great opportunity this spring to pray for and with a dear friend from Montana who is also moving to Europe.

I LOVE getting to know these beautiful girls that Caroline is friends with and are so grateful they are glad to have Mrs. Thomas/Auntie Dinah on their pages. In Hawaii the children have Aunties...I LOVE BEING AN AUNTIE!

My favorite thing is when you have an opportunity to see what God has done (is doing) in peoples lives. We've found a blog of friend (through Facebook) who lost her husband a little over two years ago. Her story has greatly ministered to my heart. She's a walking mirror of God's provision. Without today's technology we really might not even know. The children and I faithfully prayed for her for 14 months after her husband died protecting our freedom in Iraq. It was so awesome to see that as God released me from praying for her she was diving deep into a new relationship that God clearly brought. It was even more awesome to see how God listens to prayer. How He delights and provides for His children. She is now married and continuing to heal because she serves the great healer.

I have another friend from high school who knew Jesus, but now is intimately and boldly walking with Him. Her words often inspire me to persevere in my own walk.

I hope I encouraged a young mother yesterday, continual opportunities.

Today...today I heard from a high school friend who now knows my Jesus. I had a conversation with her in my car so many years ago about Jesus and who He was in my life. I remember it vividly for two reasons.

First, I remember struggling with that moment of choosing obedience rather than comfort, choosing what was right rather than what she might think. If I hadn't obeyed, God would have brought someone else and I would have missed it, missed the whole blessing. I was blessed that night and I certainly was blessed today. What a privilege it is to share Jesus...

Secondly, I was late getting home and knew if I was in trouble anyway it would be one of those few times that would be worth it. Of course my Dad was very understanding and encouraged me in the opportunity.

It makes me think...what am I doing today that will have impact in the future? I do not want to live out life somehow, but victoriously. I don't want to miss the blessings. I don't want to sit where it's comfortable. I do not want to be complacent.

It's obviously not about Facebook, but using whatever opportunities we have to love people for Jesus. I am so grateful for how God continues to pursue my heart, how He helps me grow in these things. I could never do these things on my own...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

2009-04-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

STREP...BLAH!!!

Do you wanna learn something about my man?

2009-04-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

I was so excited. I love our Easter cross. We've had it since Alabama. Our church there passed them out and we've enjoyed taking our AL tradition with us all over.

You have three sashes...purple for the week before Good Friday, black for Good Friday, and White for Easter...He is risen indeed.

I love tradition. We have several for Easter, the cross being one of them.

I started thinking last week and was so excited as I was going to put the black one up on my post on Friday and then the white one on Easter Sunday. I'd even thought it through, I was going to put the plumeria flowers all around the ground Easter afternoon and take a picture to share.

So here's the part about my man...he's FAST! You never know what he's going to do next, and mind you, he will do it quickly.

I headed out with my camera after my little Easter nap to find my cross gone. We came home from the beach, which is an Easter tradition I'm sad we will not be able to continue, and laid down for just a minute. We'd been up since dawn thirty for sun rise service so I was more tired than normal.

Ed is so wonderful about helping me when he's home. He quickly unloaded the car with the boys (not as fast as their father, but we're working on it). Threw things to the laundry, got everything in the kitchen to be unpacked, and snuggled up with me on our bed. Here's the problem...he got up first...did I mention he's fast?

I'd say I'd show you next Easter...but we'll have no yard. Oh, I'll have to stick it in a planter in our 3 bedroom flat. I may have to make a rule...you can't take down my cross until the day after Easter, I just might want to take a picture of it. The biggest question...can I remember to tell Ed before he takes it down next year?

What a love he is...fast and all!!! You should see how fast he takes down the Christmas tree...I've never been sad about that.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

2009-04-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

Are there any carpets in my house that anyone would like to pottie on? No really, I'm used to it.

2009-04-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Before children we bought a green carpet that we moved around for years. Until I had my green rebellion that is. When we moved back to America from Italy, I was all done with forest green.

Moving over the years carpets have been very necessary, although we've had wall to wall carpet several times, we've also lived on wood, marble, tile, and linoleum.

This carpet became quite infamous. Little did Ed know, but every time I turned around some child seemed to feel the need to urinate on our green carpet. I finally had to tell him so he would let me spend the money to clean it. Once I listed all of our own children, Madeline Porth and several Turner children Ed agreed.

I've not written a ton about this particular subject on my blog, but this has been the year of the dog. The first thing you need to know is I don't really like dogs. I do love my children though, beyond measure.

We got the children a dog last fall and it was a nightmare. It was far worse than having an infant and I don't want everyone who reads this to give me the whole puppy yada yada yada. This was not just a puppy thing. This dog had far more energy than my Wyatt and was quite disturbed by our children. We have four by the way.

The final straw was the day she drew blood from one of our children. The short end to a long story was God gave us an opportunity to give the dog back. The poor owner was still distraught 3 months later after having to give the puppy up and gave us a full refund.

The day after we got back from Thailand Jefferson came running in my room with delight announcing it was the best day of his life because we got a new dog. "No we didn't!" was my quick answer.

Long story short, Annie is still here. She won't be forever but that's another entire blog in and of itself.

So the green carpet problem...is now the red carpet problem. The one thing I would have done differently in the year of the dog is ROLL UP MY CARPETS.

Alas, I didn't...SIGH.

This week I've had them cleaned and once they are completely dry we are rolling them up until there is no dog in this house. I have them draped over our two tables. Annie hasn't tinkled in the house for weeks on end so she's really doing well. Poop-a whole other story.

I've pretty much fixed the poop problem though. You see, it wasn't really Annie's problem, it was my children's problem. Once I made it THEIR problem, well, it was pretty much fixed.

I made an announcement two weeks ago that if it was my fault or Annie's fault I would cheerfully clean it up. Past that, I was done. They've been MUCH more careful since then.

So this morning when I walked in the library to such a foul smell I was a little surprised and not very happy. I knew it wasn't my fault. Caroline said, "No Mom, Daddy let Annie out." "Well either way, she pooped on my carpet on TOP of the table!" I whispered. Okay, I did not whisper this, but I didn't fully yell either. This dog can jump, but seriously, she's never jumped on top of the table, much less on top of the table to poop on my carpet.

Long story short...a cat crept in last night when Wyatt came into the house from the tent to use the pottie and decided it would join Wyatt...ON TOP OF MY TABLE! Here I am trying so hard to get my carpets clean and a strange cat comes in and soils it.

I did have to laugh, but I can hardly wait to roll them up, put them away, and protect them! Some days life feels hard, but it never feels dull...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Your children are where?

2009-04-08T01:46:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Three out of four of our children are THRILLED to be sleeping in the yard tonight. It doesn't take much to delight. I'm starting to wonder if that's a spiritual gift, because if it is, our precious children have it. I SO LOVE THEM FOR THAT...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What's a break anyway?

2009-04-07T02:39:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

When we ended up on a last minute trip to New Zealand I announced to the children that the trip would be our spring break. When we got home they jumped in and pumped as they weren't interested in missing our appointed "break".

Today we spent the day at the beach and Friday we're going to spend the day at the pool with Daddy. The other three days are "catch up" here and there for them and "work hard and as fast as I can" for me doing all the things that don't always get done.

New Zealand...I guess that's where I left off. It was amazing, surreal, and delightful. The country side, the freshness, and particularly the company. I do wish we could figure out how to leave sin home when we go on vacation. Since that won't be possible until the other side of heaven, we just take along a great heap of grace and forgiveness. I do have pictures on my facebook page for anyone who would like to see them.

Now I'm back to planning for London, enjoying Hawaii, being in God's Word, and raising these sweet children with my dear husband.

God's doing many things in my heart these days...

Oh, oh, oh...and I get to see my parents at the end of May!!! This is the longest I've ever gone without seeing them. It's been okay as it was just God's plan this go around, but now that I know they are coming...I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!

Love to all!
In Him,
Dinah for The Troops

P.S.-I am taking a break from cooking this week. All four children are assigned a night!

How much laundry can one family make?

2009-03-23T20:15:00.001-07:00

Dear family and friends,

It will be a few days before I can responsibly get to the computer to blog. I'm joyfully exhausted and already feel like going to New Zealand was dream like.

The children were wonderful. I told Ed ten years ago I'd take them anywhere and it's still a very accurate statement. They pushed when needed, laughed often, served one another, had a marvelous time. I love watching these children see the world as they notice so many things I might miss...

Thank you to ANYONE who prayed...God was FAITHFUL...of course, we knew He would be.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Just a couple of pictures to wet your whistle.
Oh and by the way, the answer to my title is a whole bunch.

Could it be any crazier?

2009-03-16T23:55:00.001-07:00

Dear family and friends,

The last 24 hours has been quite the ride. By 5:15 am it will be over, or just beginning. The children and I are packed and ready to go. We are hopeful to be getting on a military flight tomorrow morning that is heading to New Zealand! Isn't that CRAZY...

We had friends mention last night that there was a flight coming through that was heading to an air show. We see how God clearly rearranged everything so we could drop/postpone life and catch a hop. After much prayer last night I saw God clearly leading that I needed to try to go even if we weren't able to get on. My sweet Jesus just keeps me guessing!

So off we go, into the wild blue yonder...if we don't get on I'm coming back and sleeping for 6 hours or so.

Love in Christ,
Dinah

Please pray that the children and I will be safe, have smooth travel, trust Jesus when it is not smooth, and have great fellowship with the Lord and one another. Love to all...

What do we "get used to"?

2009-03-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

When you are in Hawaii for a long time you can actually "get used to" the beauty. Just as we get numb to things that are evil and demoralizing, we can become desensitized to things that are beautiful and amazing.

These are no lie, pictures from my yard. I love flowers...I love how they beg your eyes to dance amongst their beauty. I love how they pour forth fragrance that we can't even imagine. I love how they make you feel inside when they are given to you. I often plant them no matter where we may live, but keeping them alive is another whole issue. Up until now when I plant yard flowers I have to give them time. I need to remember them, or they will simply die. Not here...well with the exception of one pot in the front of Gerber daisies that were given to me. The flowers in my Hawaiian back yard just exist, flourish and blossom all under the direct care of our heavenly Father.

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I never want to become complacent to the lovely things that God has surrounded me with. Whether bright cherry flowers, mountain tops scenes, or the laugh of our children. I do not want to "get used to" things created by God. I want to enjoy the creation and even more so, the creator. When I am walking with God and faithful in His Word I am so much more apt to relish the things around me...

I'm grateful that I am being cared for directly by the same care taker of the flowers in our little paradise.

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

Could I have been more pleased?

2009-03-13T01:24:00.000-07:00

Wyatt ready to tackle his math test...

My men in "uniform"....

Dear family and friends,

I have so many things to share about what all has been going on in our lives, hence not finding time to blog.

Tonight I could share about London, or Hawaii, or cars, or dogs...as they've all been pretty big issues as of late. Not tonight, tonight I'm going to share with you about one heck of a pirate.

This was one of those moments where you just couldn't be more pleased with your children. I had one of these moments last summer with Melanee Kate. Not just the moments that you love and adore them, or are tickled with them, but the moments where you really see them absorbing the lessons that you don't know if they are learning. It makes me so hopeful they are getting so much more than meets the eye.

Well, now I feel like I have to share the first story.

Last spring when we were living in the TLF while we were waiting for a house I signed the children up for swimming. They've taken lessons before, but this was different, it was a team. Five days a week for an two hours. Living in small quarters with no private yard, scooters, or trampoline, it was a great investment for all six of us.

Wyatt could hardly wait. The boy has so much energy and now I had an outlet for it while living in a very small two bedroom economy apartment. One day he swam and then came home and ran a few miles. If I could sell his energy or just have a little myself, life would be grand.

The girls were less than thrilled. Caroline was still struggling last spring with growing up issues and Melanee Kate does not love any exercise that is not fun. She deems and defines what is "fun" by the way. It was a great opportunity for our girls to do something they didn't want to do and to learn to do it cheerfully. Often they did not take the opportunity.

So here we were in July as I told them we were going to swim through the summer and they had their first meet. The older two did well considering they were new swimmers. Then there was our Melanee Kate. She did NOT want to swim in this meet. She was horrified of failing, coming in last, and embarrassing herself.

Failure is often how it is defined, as though her swimming was not stellar that day compared to everyone elses, I could not have loved her anymore or have been any more pleased with her than if she'd been an Olympian. We'd prayed about the meet, talked about it, and prayed with her some more. We'd talked about her doing her very best, that this was success. That she was only competing against herself and could choose to be pleased with that no matter what her time was.

So here we go, she jumps in and starts slowly swimming her little heart out. Not only did she come in last every single time, but by a long shot. She finished once 40 seconds after the kid who usually comes in last. We were so pleased...she did not cry, she was sweet, and choose not to be embarrassed as much as possible for a little girl who came in 40 seconds behind everyone else.

These are the moments God lets us see the character that He is developing in our children. Letting them take in all the things they've been taught and put them into practice.

They've started tennis this week. Carolines attitude for those first few moments reminded me of last spring heading to swimming for the first time, an unpleasant flashback. She had a moment and then choose to be cheerful, to do her best, and know she would improve. Maturity...I was so pleased...

Now for my pirate.

Tonight Wyatt went to Boy Scouts. He'd joined the night before we found out we were moving and he's so excited to be a part. He's definitely the new kid but military kids are so used to that. He's only been a few times. Tonight was pirate night...last week he had brought home a flyer that tonight there would be a prize for the best pirate costume. They had some sort of treasure hunt and more theme activities.

So for the past few days he's been very concerned about his costume. The boy loves to have any kind of "gear". When he swam it was new goggles and swimming shorts. Lately it's been Boy Scout uniforms. Dressing up falls into this category for our little man. I thought he was doing math yesterday and he came down in his costume to take his test.

He did a great job and certainly pulled the entire family in on it. His Dad found him a stripped shirt and some cutoff pants. He had a thick belt, old looking pistol, a spy glass, a patch, headgear, and a painted on beard.

So on the way there Ed warned him that other kids don't always dress up. I've been in this homeschool world for ten years and kinda forgot about that. In our world if you say dress up, we dress up. We've been to many events over the years where the children dress up in period costume. Ed was thinking in a much more broad sense than Wyatt's mother and they had a good discussion that apparently prepared him for the evening. Isn't God good!

When they got there they decided that Ed would go in and make sure it was really pirate night or had we gotten the wrong date? Not one scout was seen in a costume as of yet. Sure enough, it was pirate night with not one pirate in the room. When Ed went back to tell his son...well, his response amazed me.

What would your response had been in the seventh grade?

Our son excitedly and boldly claimed, "Oh Dad, that means I'll win!"

No embarrassment, remorse, or changing this boys mind. He was heading to the goal and was unstoppable. A great reminder to me...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

I almost forgot to tell you, two other boys had some sort of pirateness about them. Everyone agreed that Wyatt should win the prize. He is THRILLED to have a $15 gift card in his pocket. It won't be there long, but that's another story. I wouldn't want it to burn a hole in his pirate pocket. We're working on it...

Done any trash hauling today?

2009-03-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

As I was putting more trash in the trash can after lunch I had this thought, "Do I haul as much trash out of my heart as I do this house?". It is a challenging thought...

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops