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

How blessed am I?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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!