To The Unreached

     Last week, Leif had a few days of meetings with the Area Counsel to pray, research, cast vision, and start making plans for where SEND should send the next teams in Russia and to which unreached people groups.  There are over 100 unreached people groups all throughout Russia.  These men looked at which groups are currently being worked with and also looked at different statistics of numbers and locations and came up with several new places.  Exciting stuff.

      Ken was supposed to come, too, but he didn't get his visa in time... so instead of going to a retreat center, the guys met next door and skyped Ken into their meetings.

     While the guys had their meetings, Renata came and stayed the night.  It was really nice for many reasons- it was a big help that she stayed with the kids while I took Anneka to school (when it's so cold it's dangerous to take the little ones out in the mornings), the kids all loved having time with her, and I really enjoyed our time together, too!!

     Leif got me this new hat for Christmas, and Anneka tried on Renata's hat.  Wiith Ella's furry hat, we all made a very cute trio!

     We had a team meeting while John and Carl were here to hear about some of the decisions the Area Counsel had made.  Afterwards we had lunch- seven layer pasta and everyone brought different toppings (and yummy desserts).  It was fun to mingle and talk with everyone.

     We took a team picture (plus Carl and John).  The other kids were at their homes this time.

     Randomly, a bunch of us wore red/pink that day!  It was so notable that we took a picture.

     Carl and John stayed with us for a few days.  It was really nice to get time with them.  The girls were my helpers in preparing meals.  Anneka made their beds all by herself, and here she chopped the olives for pizza very small. =)  Our friends, the Knights sent us a BREAD MACHINE for Christmas and we LOVE IT and use it all the time!!  I tried out making some garlic pizza dough this day, and it was incredible.  I can never go back to regular dough again!

     If you turn your back, this little guy ends up here.  On top of the table.  We have to watch him like a hawk!

     Ella really likes helping me in the kitchen.  Here we made some cookies and cream ice cream.  You can see she's so proud!

 
     On Carl and John's last night, we played a rousing game of Twister.  Carl's back was hurting, so he was the spinner.  I was the first one out, so I was the photographer.

 Ike thought it was really funny and laughed at everyone.

We stayed up late talking with John and Carl and telling them our story of how we first met and ended up with SEND and in Russia.  It was fun to reminisce and to remember all that God has done.  Ike climbed up on Leif's lap in the middle and fell fast asleep.  So cozy with Papa!