"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?

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.

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

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?

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?

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?

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