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

Who does Ed go to school with?

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?

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!!!