tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24677599941954967362023-11-15T15:54:18.752+00:00ourlifeinwalesTennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-91491970781653224212011-12-01T20:52:00.007+00:002011-12-01T21:17:01.455+00:00Some Recent Pics<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dssc5FqRVxI/TtfuEx1JGsI/AAAAAAAAAjo/DxtL95-kJaw/s1600/DSCF5669.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dssc5FqRVxI/TtfuEx1JGsI/AAAAAAAAAjo/DxtL95-kJaw/s320/DSCF5669.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681271220814289602" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-noXBsQDJvgU/TtfuEuMgO9I/AAAAAAAAAjc/MjsYDpgQ1Jw/s1600/DSCF3783.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-noXBsQDJvgU/TtfuEuMgO9I/AAAAAAAAAjc/MjsYDpgQ1Jw/s320/DSCF3783.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681271219838532562" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1no5WeYPaA/TtfuDLmWTuI/AAAAAAAAAjU/9iSzB_V6INw/s1600/DSCF3779.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o1no5WeYPaA/TtfuDLmWTuI/AAAAAAAAAjU/9iSzB_V6INw/s320/DSCF3779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681271193371823842" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o00EJxHkhpQ/TtfuCmdm6nI/AAAAAAAAAjE/c0dxtnnTz70/s1600/DSCF5765.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o00EJxHkhpQ/TtfuCmdm6nI/AAAAAAAAAjE/c0dxtnnTz70/s320/DSCF5765.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681271183403051634" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FE9MsNwYVl8/TtfuCdxvhZI/AAAAAAAAAi4/QGwK6guZDJ4/s1600/DSCF5774.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FE9MsNwYVl8/TtfuCdxvhZI/AAAAAAAAAi4/QGwK6guZDJ4/s320/DSCF5774.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681271181071582610" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEpj7Ja06Uw/TtfsrI8P7FI/AAAAAAAAAio/84Zqf44og18/s1600/nannabreanna%2B2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEpj7Ja06Uw/TtfsrI8P7FI/AAAAAAAAAio/84Zqf44og18/s320/nannabreanna%2B2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681269680829885522" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKT6-PhnE8s/TtfsqDsqdnI/AAAAAAAAAic/Rp8eIDP7ibs/s1600/nanna%2Bboys2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKT6-PhnE8s/TtfsqDsqdnI/AAAAAAAAAic/Rp8eIDP7ibs/s320/nanna%2Bboys2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681269662242469490" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxpvjdAmgWk/Ttfsp2x6PEI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/zpAy4pngNXw/s1600/breanna%2Bme%2B2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxpvjdAmgWk/Ttfsp2x6PEI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/zpAy4pngNXw/s320/breanna%2Bme%2B2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681269658774813762" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EatjqDeznpw/Ttfso5uqL-I/AAAAAAAAAiI/fGZM5arU1a0/s1600/boys%2B%2526%2Bme%2B2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EatjqDeznpw/Ttfso5uqL-I/AAAAAAAAAiI/fGZM5arU1a0/s320/boys%2B%2526%2Bme%2B2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681269642386616290" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCQMerAq4c0/TtfsoooBP5I/AAAAAAAAAh4/KlvwWhmdlhc/s1600/1010111855.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCQMerAq4c0/TtfsoooBP5I/AAAAAAAAAh4/KlvwWhmdlhc/s320/1010111855.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681269637795364754" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BzHExSLpus/TtfrlIO6SeI/AAAAAAAAAhk/lsxiX-wnAXk/s1600/SANY0212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BzHExSLpus/TtfrlIO6SeI/AAAAAAAAAhk/lsxiX-wnAXk/s320/SANY0212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681268478048881122" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSv0WG9xto8/Ttfrj3GUJeI/AAAAAAAAAhY/cUIfpPZb9_c/s1600/DSCF5726.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSv0WG9xto8/Ttfrj3GUJeI/AAAAAAAAAhY/cUIfpPZb9_c/s320/DSCF5726.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681268456269555170" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFS2kv4JOmI/Ttfrjqm3q4I/AAAAAAAAAhM/UxxZlEAOcmM/s1600/301478_2157548821627_1333704676_32005217_1669160626_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFS2kv4JOmI/Ttfrjqm3q4I/AAAAAAAAAhM/UxxZlEAOcmM/s320/301478_2157548821627_1333704676_32005217_1669160626_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681268452916439938" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EN6K8NhZ_Js/TtfrimSyJxI/AAAAAAAAAhA/KAR4ONuxUa4/s1600/us%2B%2526%2Bjohn3%2B2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EN6K8NhZ_Js/TtfrimSyJxI/AAAAAAAAAhA/KAR4ONuxUa4/s320/us%2B%2526%2Bjohn3%2B2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681268434578581266" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ1ci8D_BWc/TtfriueE6FI/AAAAAAAAAg0/qi9XdqF-AV0/s1600/DSCF3789.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ1ci8D_BWc/TtfriueE6FI/AAAAAAAAAg0/qi9XdqF-AV0/s320/DSCF3789.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681268436773431378" /></a>All but the last photo is from our trip to see my parents in October. I will post more about it later.Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-51253855538783712042011-12-01T20:40:00.003+00:002011-12-01T20:51:07.346+00:00Lookin back at the yearAfter posting my month of thanks, I looked back at my blog, only to come to the realization that I haven't posted anything in almost a year! Where has the time gone?? Boy, I have been neglecting you, haven't I? I have never really been a writer, as I didn't think that any thing I would say would be beneficail to anyone. I have often thought of things, wanted to write them, but then doubted myself. It is one of my faults. I must work on that one. So, I think it is time I try to overcome my insecurity, and get a move on. I just need to come up with some sort of routine for it.Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-55518892418761375942011-12-01T20:32:00.003+00:002011-12-01T20:38:35.082+00:00Month Of ThanksFor the month of November, on my facebook, I did the Month of Thanks. I really enjoyed it, and thought I should post it here. So, here it is in its entirety...<div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 10.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">MONTH OF THANKS</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 10.0px Helvetica; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">1 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for the opportunity of being raised in a christian home by parents who did their best to teach me right.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">2 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for a husband who takes care of his family. Last week we "celebrated" our 15th anniversary while in the states with family.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">3 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for my 3 kids, Breanna, Iestyn and Ian. And even though it is hard to say, I am even thankful for the 2 that I was never able to hold in my arms.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">4 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...I know, you're wondering why this preacher's wife hasn't said anything about being thankful for her "religion". Truth is, today is the first day that I have had the extra time to sit down and try to write my gratitude concerning this area of my life down. Truthfully, I wanted to write all 30 of my days at the same time b/c I didn't want anyone to feel that they were further down the list that someone/something else. I want you, my fb friends, to walk away from my post KNOWING that I know the real reason that I sit here, in the place I do. So, here goes...Today I am thankful for the love of God, the grace of God, the forgiveness of God, the protection of God and the direction of God (and sometimes the correction Of God). I can go to sleep at night knowing that I am in the place that I should be and I can wake in the morning knowing that nothing can touch me without first going through HIS hand. Even though there may be dark days ahead, I know who holds tomorrow and I will rest in HIS hands. There is NO way that I could ever write all the things that He is to me...(If we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made, were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade...To write the love of God above, would drain the oceans dry, nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky)...there are some things that words could never convey. So, in the short version...I am thankful I saw my lost condition, asked for and received forgiveness, heard His voice and followed His direction and thankfully rest in His protection. I could use the words penned by many other authors, but that would still only scratch the surface. All I can say to finish this off is, Thank You Lord, for your blessings on me!</span></p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="background-color: #ffffff; border-collapse: collapse"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="width: 481.1px; height: 108.0px; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.2px 0.2px 0.2px 0.2px"> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; color: #333233"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">If you, my fb friend, sit there and do not know what or who I am talking about, let me first say that I am available anytime to talk, and let me say secondly, I am sorry b/c I obviously haven't been as busy sharing with my friends as I should. My reason for joining fb was to keep in touch with my family who know me, but over the time, I have become fb friends with people that I don't know personally. My prayer has been that other's would come to know the God I serve through me, but if you sit on the other side of your computer and don't yet know, please find someone who can tell you...Either me or someone who you can physically sit beside you. All I ask is that you not wait, but find someone today to share with you the things I know already. I would not trade my life for anything. I only wish I could do more to show Him my thanks.</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">5 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Having a bit of trouble settling my heart on today's thanks. The devil always knows when to blind-side you. Yesterday, I knew exactly where I was. Today, I am in a whirl-wind of emotions and thoughts. None of it concerns the knowledge that I am His and He is mine, but in the uncertainty of what tomorrow may hold. When I said that there may be troubles ahead, I had no way of knowing how they would appear, and was hoping some of it would hold off before hitting, but the devil is relentless in his attacks against christian families. In saying that, I will say that today I am thankful that I have someone to pour my heart out to in the middle of the night when I feel alone in a problem/situation and know that He knows and understands and can calm my troubled heart. Praying for guidance in sensitive matters.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">6 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for the house we live in. It is nice having a place were we don't feel as if we are sitting on top of each other all the time. It is the perfect size for us. It is within walking distance to everything here in town. In the 14 years that we have lived in Wales, the Lord has always provided us with good landlords who are willing to do what needed to be done. My aim in life is not to have the biggest house, but to have a house that is a haven from the world.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">7 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for my extended family. We enjoyed the time we were able to spend with you while we were in. From eating out to eating in, from going shopping to playing in the park, from fits of laughter to a few shed tears, from monetary gifts to hand-picked gifts, from sitting on the couch together to warming hugs, from McDonald's to Cracker Barrel. We have a great family! Forever with us. Love you all!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">8 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for all my friends. Even though we may not be able to sit down together over a spread of food, take our kids to the park together, or share hugs, I can spend my days remembering all the good times we have shared over the years. The most important gift you can give those you love, is the gift of a shared memory. Silly make-up parties with your bffs, times of prayer around a matter that you both hold dear, times together at a loved one's passing...and so many others will help to make the distance seem smaller and help to remind us that, even though apart, we are never far from each other's heart. You will never know how the memories we share help to sooth an aching heart. Love you all!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">9 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for the churches we have had the privilege to work in/with. We have learned SO much over these last 14 years here.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">10 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for my avon customers. They have helped us be able to afford little extras. My first round of customers helped me to pay for my driving lessons/test and my second group has helped to off-set the cost of our trip to see my parents. I may not be the top-seller...but I am thankful of the things my little group has afforded me.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">11 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful for the men and women who have fought to protect both my freedom and the freedoms of others who were not lucky enough to be born in a country with basic human rights. I was blessed to be born in the USA and blessed to be living in the UK, many others do not have the privileges that we live with every day. For our nephew, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=12929623"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">Michael Blaze Gilbert</span></a>, thank you for your service to our country. Love you. God Bless our military!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">12 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)... I know some of you will think this is a silly thing to be thankful for, but I will say it any way. I am thankful that our cat Velvet has settled well in her new home. When we were planning to go to the US, we prayed about where she would go. She was raised in farm-land, so when she came to us...on the main road...she had trouble settling and she couldn't go outside. Some friends of ours moved house recently...into a bungalow in the middle of farm-land...and we immediately started praying that the Lord would work it out to where Velvet could go back to living the way she did before she came to ours. Thankfully, she has settled in well with our friends and their kids, and they have asked to keep her. She can now go back to chasing birds and stalking mice. : ) I am also kind of thankful that she never got the chance to bring me any "presents".</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">13 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)... Today I am thankful for a properly running clothes dryer. It now takes me a third of the time to do laundry. : )</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">14 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">... Today I am thankful for the advances in technology that make it easier to keep in touch with family and friends than it was 14 years ago...AND MUCH CHEAPER!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">15 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)... Today I am thankful for my health. I am aware of those friends/family with health issues, and remember them often in prayer. The issues I have pale in comparison with others.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">16 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)... Today I am thankful for the little school that has welcomed our family in and been such a great help with Iestyn's different problems. When we first came here, the teacher completed an assessment on Iestyn and came back with 3 pages of things that he had problems with. 4 years on, and there is almost no sign of any of those issues. This is all down to the teachers themselves, as he has never been seen by an educational psychologist to diagnose him (one of the big problems with socialized medicine). The school may have its issues, but I cannot fault them on their care/concern for Iestyn.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">17 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...I know, I have already said this before, but I am gonna say it again...I am SO thankful for the great friends I have. Really looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with some of our missionary "family". They have proved themselves to be true friends and co-labourers over the last 14 years. As I sit here and think of next week, I get excited that we can get together and enjoy each other's company. I know we can't all live close together, but it sure would be fun if we could. I don't know how many of us are going to be able to be there, but I am looking forward to a good day! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572977123"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">Dixie Quade</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gail.gritts"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">Gail Gritts</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1175684591"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">RuthAnn Wickham Pickett</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1116402742"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">Jaime Owens</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000373091398"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">Missy N Richie Orrick</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1087047128"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">Janice Marshall</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=559566746"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">SteveandMarcia McLean</span></a>, CAN'T wait to see you all.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">18 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful for the knowledge to find great bargains that my mother, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/debra.k.couch"><span style="font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #2400a9">Debra Kay Couch</span></a>, instilled in me as a girl. It is great fun to search out and find bargains. Thank you mum, truly a gift you gave me that keeps on giving. : )</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">19 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful that my boys let me sleep til 8:30am. : ) Not everyone wants to wake up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">20 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful for our little chapel. We are expecting a visitor today. : ) It always lifts our people when we have visitors.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">21 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to cook for Luncheon Club. It's like cooking for 50 grandparents! (How I wish I had the chance to do this kind of thing for my grands/greatgrands.) Most of our luncheon club can no longer cook for themselves, so only get full meals when they go out. I enjoy it so much.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">22 Nov (Month of Thanks)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">...Today I am thankful that I now only have to travel 11 miles to the nearest Tesco. Why is it so easy to travel so many miles across the US, but difficult to do the same here in Wales? Maybe it has something to do with all the twisty roads. : )</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">23 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful for the 2 pair of winter boots I bought at the sales last year (for £5 each)...they will keep my feet warm this winter. : )</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">24 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful that even though I can't spend time with my blood family, I have the the best "adoptive" family to share Thanksgiving with. I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. Looking forward to a great day.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">25 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful for a day of shopping with friends.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">26 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful that I got to do my Black Friday shopping in Wales...Americans do crazy things on Black Friday!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">27 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful for continued safety for our family.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">28 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful for doctors...even with their faults, they help us to help those we love. Thankful that God has given man the ability to search out and find ways of making us better (sometimes).</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">29 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today I am thankful for my drivers license...both the cheaply gotten American one and the one that took me a years worth of selling avon to get. : ) It is so nice to be able to take myself to the grocery without dragging Ronnie or the kids.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px">30 Nov (Month of Thanks</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">)...Today is technically the last day of our 30 days of thanks, but may I strive to remember that I have MANY things to be thankful for every day! Here are just a few...my faith, my family, my friends, good food, love, laughter, our little chapel, beautiful scenery, reasonably good health, lovely home, my luncheon club peeps, and SOOOO many more...but you get the point. With a grateful heart, signing off. : )</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed posting them.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Lucida Grande'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-47939745967898946602011-01-14T20:48:00.002+00:002011-01-14T21:03:01.832+00:00My Christmas Present<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTC54PPQEJI/AAAAAAAAAgc/nLF0x_SAV9s/s1600/DSCF2805.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTC54PPQEJI/AAAAAAAAAgc/nLF0x_SAV9s/s320/DSCF2805.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562149915616874642" /></a><br />For MANY months now, I have been searching for a new sofa. Since moving back to Wales, we have been sitting on a 2 seat sofa and a chair. That was fine for a while, but we are all getting bigger. : ) Last month, we went looking for a sofa at a furniture store. We found one that we liked the look of, but not the price. I remembered a sofa I had seen in a catalogue, and wondered if it was still available. It was kind of a shot in the dark, because I couldn't sit on it before I bought it, but it looked lovely in the book. So, after lots of looking and praying, I was able to purchase the sofa at a clearance price. So, I booked my delivery slot...and the snow began. I was rather worried...for both my sofa and the delivery drivers safety. He was to pick up the sofa at noon, and then deliver it to ours at 3:30. BUT, due to the snow, he finally arrived at 9:30pm. So, we unwrapped the new sofa...and went to bed. I am so glad it is finally here, because we can all sit on our new sofa TOGETHER!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-69148611139002483102011-01-14T19:16:00.002+00:002011-01-14T20:39:15.057+00:00Some Christmas Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiJorVgjI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/GaXrbXRdl7Q/s1600/DSCF2820.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiJorVgjI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/GaXrbXRdl7Q/s320/DSCF2820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562123826224267826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiJDK1KqI/AAAAAAAAAgI/C2kJ9Kn6oYo/s1600/DSCF2828.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiJDK1KqI/AAAAAAAAAgI/C2kJ9Kn6oYo/s320/DSCF2828.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562123816155818658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiI1qCzKI/AAAAAAAAAgA/D9RMAQE2V4c/s1600/DSCF2817.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiI1qCzKI/AAAAAAAAAgA/D9RMAQE2V4c/s320/DSCF2817.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562123812528639138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiIHr5jBI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Hx_2DezELY8/s1600/DSCF2843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiIHr5jBI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Hx_2DezELY8/s320/DSCF2843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562123800188390418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiH4Cn2SI/AAAAAAAAAfw/mNJ4G0lsTbk/s1600/DSCF2830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCiH4Cn2SI/AAAAAAAAAfw/mNJ4G0lsTbk/s320/DSCF2830.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562123795988732194" /></a>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-24306359439208978172011-01-14T18:53:00.003+00:002011-01-14T19:16:10.526+00:00Snow Nov-Dec 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdDiditwI/AAAAAAAAAfk/hIXuk8vkJj4/s1600/DSCF2788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdDiditwI/AAAAAAAAAfk/hIXuk8vkJj4/s320/DSCF2788.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562118223918446338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdCgB6_aI/AAAAAAAAAfc/lPsMt2nehf0/s1600/DSCF2801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdCgB6_aI/AAAAAAAAAfc/lPsMt2nehf0/s320/DSCF2801.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562118206085856674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdCBXwt1I/AAAAAAAAAfU/sF3IkTI6QrE/s1600/DSCF2774.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdCBXwt1I/AAAAAAAAAfU/sF3IkTI6QrE/s320/DSCF2774.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562118197855958866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdB9mI_GI/AAAAAAAAAfM/M_XlX4K_FYc/s1600/DSCF2789.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdB9mI_GI/AAAAAAAAAfM/M_XlX4K_FYc/s320/DSCF2789.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562118196842527842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdBdNKkXI/AAAAAAAAAfE/2O55ivizBDc/s1600/DSCF2837.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TTCdBdNKkXI/AAAAAAAAAfE/2O55ivizBDc/s320/DSCF2837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562118188147839346" /></a>As you can see, we have been tolerating...I mean enjoying...some very wintery weather here in Wales. For most of November and December, we have been surrounded by lots of snow. I have never seen this much snow in my life. It has made things more challenging. The kids have missed SO much school, but have enjoyed the time off a little more than they should. : ) Since we live in a small village in the heart of Wales, we can find ourselves cut off in this kind of weather. Breanna spent lots of time sledging in the snow (aka. sledding to those of you in the USA). Iestyn spent most of his time snuggled up inside the house...he is an inside person. Ian enjoyed a little of both. Most of our planned Christmas activities had to be post-poned until after the New Year. Thankfully, the snow has been replaced by rain, and most of the snow is gone.Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-77789990009977444032011-01-14T18:46:00.002+00:002011-01-14T18:52:29.225+00:00Good Intentions stink!As you can tell, I haven't done a very good job of updating our blog. I have never been much of a writer, but I would like to do better. So much has happened these last few months. Our schedule has become increasingly busy. We have enjoyed a wonderful day out for Thanksgiving as well as a great Christmas. I promise to try harder to post more often. I wonder if I need to put it in my schedule?Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-4346714438393187022011-01-14T18:31:00.005+00:002011-01-14T20:47:16.869+00:00January Prayer Letter<div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 11.0px 'American Typewriter'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Prayer Letter January 2011</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 11.0px 'American Typewriter'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 11.0px 'American Typewriter'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year for 2011.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Our prayers are that God will bless each one of you with His blessings, as we look to Him and trust Him daily serving and worshiping Him within the course of this new year. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am reminded of a verse found in Proverbs. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; color:#548ea1;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thank You!</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We want to thank you for all the Christmas cards and Christmas gifts that you have sent to us. It was truly a blessing to receive them. Due to the adverse weather that we experienced in November and December, we did not get a prayer letter or even Christmas cards sent out. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The United Kingdom experienced the worst snow and wintery weather for over 30 years, due to this, everything was shut down for weeks. So, we hope that this prayer letter will be a blessing to you.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="webkit-fake-url://C615490C-71C7-420E-8D9A-1C1D9512DBF2/image.tiff" /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Unit 3 Youth Ministry</span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 23.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Times New Roman'; display: inline !important; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is a picture of one our Sunday School meetings. In April 2010, we opened up our Unit that happens to be addressed as Unit 3. It was a slow start, but through prayer, the children have come and we have had a great opportunity to share the gospel with these children. In the months that followed, we have had many opportunities to have special meetings with the youth and adults in the Rhayader community. Please pray for us as we continue to use this building for the ministry. Reaching the community of Rhayader for the Lord is our desire and burden. We have a lot of praying and work to do. We thank you for the prayers that have been prayed. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He That goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6.</span></span></span></p></b><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 5.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 23.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></span></p><b><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Times New Roman'; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 18px/normal 'Gill Sans'; display: inline !important; "><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ministry Hi - Lites</span></span></span></p></b><b><p></p></b><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Gloucester MT Extra Condensed'; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Times New Roman'; display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; display: inline !important; "><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">September</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Our annual Harvest service was on September 15th. We had Pastor Stuart-Ryce Davies from Cardiff , South Wales, as the main speaker. We had a wonderful evening with over 100 in attendance. We are already planning for next years service.</span></span></span></p></b><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Gloucester MT Extra Condensed'; min-height: 14.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></span></b></p><b><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; display: inline !important; "><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">October</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> We as a family, do not celebrate Halloween, but this year felt the need to plan a “halloween” party to give the local kids something to do instead of trick or treating. We were expecting 16 children, but were amazed to see 34 children and 6 parents! We had fall festival games and told the kids how they were just like pumpkins. How we as people are full of yucky stuff, but God can take all the bad things out and fill us with His light, so we can be a light to others. We still have parents and kids talking about it.</span></span></span></p></b></b><p></p><b><p></p></b><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">November</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> November started out sadly for the folks at Bethania, as one of the long standing members was laid to rest after a long illness. We all miss Muriel, but rejoice with her as she rests in the arms of her Saviour. We were able to enjoy Thanksgiving with 10 other missionary families! What a joy it is for us to be able to spend a day meant for families, with our “missionary family”. The last of November was also the start of one of the biggest snow falls we’ve seen since we moved to Wales. This snow fall stayed around well into December, making life very complicated. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">December</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> December, just like in any country, is ALWAYS a busy time. From school activities, to church activities, to fun family days in the snow, there is always a lot to be done. December 12th, marked the 1 year anniversary of our induction service at Bethania. As we look back over the last year, we are both happy and sad. We are happy with the many things that we have been a part of, as well as saddened by the loss of 2 of our members. This month, Aubrey Evans, a member of Bethania for over 60 years, died. His funeral was held at the chapel on a very cold and snowy day. A lot of our plans for December were cancelled due to the very treacherous conditions on the road. As we write this letter, I am glad to say, there is NO SNOW!</span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2011</span></span></i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> As we begin 2011, we are excited about what great things God is going to do this year. We long to see a thriving, serving church here in the heart of Wales. We thank you for your prayers and support for our ministry. We are praying for your ministry and hope to hear from you of God’s blessings. Thank you again for the cards of encouragement and the Christmas / Birthday cards and the Special Christmas offerings given to our family. “And God is able to make grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things. may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:8.</span></span></span></p><p></p></b><p></p><p></p><p></p></div><div><br /></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-56676383204440996142010-09-10T13:49:00.002+01:002010-09-10T13:54:16.429+01:00August Prayer Letter<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Hello praying friends,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Greetings once again from Rhayader, Wales. God has been wonderfully gracious to us. These past two months have gone by so quickly. We have been very busy with summer activities such as youth camps and youth meetings. </span>In Britain, schools let out for the summer break in July and the kids have 6 weeks off for the summer break. So, during this time, we are going at super speed. We do appreciate your prayers for us. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Our family has the opportunity to partner with other Baptist churches across the UK to hold both junior and senior camps. My daughter, Breanna and I were able to attend both of these camps this year. </span>The junior camp went great with 6 Baptist church ministries attending with 20 kids, with 4 accepting Jesus Christ as their Saviour. I had the opportunity to lead the music for the week. The senior camp went great as well, with over 230 campers and helpers. There were over 40 who received Jesus Christ as their Saviour. We are praising the Lord for these that have been saved. It is always great to see the Lord work in the lives of the youth over here in Great Britain. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The Sunday School is marching along well, with new children showing up. As this is summer, there are weeks when we have up to 15 kids as well as weeks when we only have 4 or 5. We are not deterred, as we continue to see an excitement in the children that spurs us on. These children are the future of the church ministry here in Rhayader.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">In July and August, our youth meetings have increased. We are now having a Friday evening youth night. We have seen an increase in numbers and a welcome excitement in the children. We have had a “Pizza Night”, a “Hot Dog Night” and a “Dessert Night”, with a “Back to School Night” scheduled for next week. We are anticipating the prospect of more children attending as soon as school starts.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The ministry with Bethania Baptist Chapel is continuing well. We are having visitors come to our Sunday services and even our Wednesday service for prayer and Bible study. Listed in the box below are the names of the visitors that we are in prayer for, please partner with us in prayer as well.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">On the 15th September, we will be having a special Harvest Service here at Bethania Baptist Chapel. We are praying that God will bless our outreach in the community, as we invite everyone to our special service. Since we live and work in the farming area of Wales, we want to thank the Lord for His grace and mercy during this season of harvest.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">We have received a shipment of John & Romans books from Bearing Precious Seed. They have designed a beautiful cover for us, with several pictures of the country of Wales. We thank them for their wonderful work and ministry. Pray for us, as we go and give these booklets out to our community, reaching them for Jesus Christ.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">We thank you for your continued prayers for our ministry,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 12.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Your voice for our Saviour,</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Ronald, Tennille, Breanna, Iestyn, and Ian</span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-28459951456157251662010-07-06T10:09:00.005+01:002010-07-06T10:53:59.851+01:00July Already?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDL0BNovqjI/AAAAAAAAAeU/1Id9ySXGWJc/s1600/DSCF1950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDL0BNovqjI/AAAAAAAAAeU/1Id9ySXGWJc/s320/DSCF1950.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490719197395659314" /></a></div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>July 3, 2010</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><br /></span></div></span>I don't know about you, but I can't believe it is July already. The last 2 months have absolutely flown by. We are finding ourselves more and more busy as the weeks pass. As well as our normal family activities, we are keeping busy in our local community. I am still cooking for luncheon club, Ronnie is doing some volunteer driving, and the Sunday school group has really taken off. Along with that, I having started selling Avon as a way of making new contacts. We are excited about the possibilities here in Rhayader. We have been busy with the kids school as we approach the end of the school year. There is just less than 2 weeks before summer vacation begins. Breanna is spending this week at the high school just to prepare her for starting in September. It is proving to be a big learning curve as Ronnie and I both were raised in US schools. I'm afraid the teachers are in for a lot of questions. <div><br /></div><div>June 23 was the 13th anniversary of our arrival here in Wales. We are incredibly thankful for all that we have learned and experienced here in Wales.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next few months look set to be as busy as the last few. Summer camp is swiftly approaching and we are hoping to hold a few youth activities. Our minds have been buzzing with plans for the ministry. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Sunday school has really grown in the past 3 months. We started with our 3 kids and one little boy and have now seen 21 kids come through. Our usual weekly number is 15. We are working hard to keep things running well, as there is only just the 2 of us to run it. We are encouraged by the excitement we see in the kids.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are looking forward to a busy, fun-filled summer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-13104705494846388192010-07-06T09:56:00.003+01:002010-07-06T10:09:03.155+01:00Sankey Singing<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDLxGyxFOiI/AAAAAAAAAeA/XEmneAS7r38/s1600/DSCF1861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDLxGyxFOiI/AAAAAAAAAeA/XEmneAS7r38/s320/DSCF1861.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490715994727201314" /></a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDLxGYJ9yXI/AAAAAAAAAd4/a9VveQJARJU/s1600/DSCF1858.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 176px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDLxGYJ9yXI/AAAAAAAAAd4/a9VveQJARJU/s320/DSCF1858.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490715987583814002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDLxFzcBwsI/AAAAAAAAAdw/NhfSvLQlqcs/s1600/DSCF1849.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDLxFzcBwsI/AAAAAAAAAdw/NhfSvLQlqcs/s320/DSCF1849.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490715977727460034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDLxEztTjsI/AAAAAAAAAdo/AvwpcloYDRY/s1600/DSCF1842.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/TDLxEztTjsI/AAAAAAAAAdo/AvwpcloYDRY/s320/DSCF1842.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490715960620060354" /></a><br />I know, I promised these ages ago, but things have really picked up around the Downey house. These photos are from our annual Sankey singing on May 9th. The new parking area was truly a welcome addition as we had extra parking for our visitors. Our final count was just under 100. We had a lovely evening together.Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-18970961442375284032010-05-09T13:34:00.010+01:002010-05-09T14:27:33.486+01:00Catch Up 2!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-auinu9YtI/AAAAAAAAAdc/lYZQO2GZ0GY/s1600/DSCF1778.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-auinu9YtI/AAAAAAAAAdc/lYZQO2GZ0GY/s320/DSCF1778.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469250707292775122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Youth Building</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-auiMQc-XI/AAAAAAAAAdU/SU5txF7XTs8/s1600/DSCF1823.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-auiMQc-XI/AAAAAAAAAdU/SU5txF7XTs8/s320/DSCF1823.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469250699917064562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our Sunday School is Growing!</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-atMmkkGQI/AAAAAAAAAdM/GvmuodhGbsw/s1600/DSCF1810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-atMmkkGQI/AAAAAAAAAdM/GvmuodhGbsw/s320/DSCF1810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469249229511989506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"> Iestyn's 8th Birthday Party</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-atLezEgLI/AAAAAAAAAc8/QFMmfLxSUE8/s1600/DSCF1817.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-atLezEgLI/AAAAAAAAAc8/QFMmfLxSUE8/s320/DSCF1817.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469249210245480626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Spring Party at the Youth Building</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-atKttfTdI/AAAAAAAAAc0/UQh337SxsRA/s1600/DSCF1820.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-atKttfTdI/AAAAAAAAAc0/UQh337SxsRA/s320/DSCF1820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469249197068733906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Our 3 Kids</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-atKNVKNKI/AAAAAAAAAcs/wKGkR6GhD_U/s1600/DSCF1837.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S-atKNVKNKI/AAAAAAAAAcs/wKGkR6GhD_U/s320/DSCF1837.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469249188376753314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Picture from Ladies Retreat</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see, it has definitely been a busy couple of months for the Downey Family. I really do intend to be better at keeping our blog, but some weeks are just busier than others. So, it is again time to catch up. Since my last post, we have been in a constant state of busy. We are still in the midst of summer camp preparations as well as trying to get the youth building up and running. Our first event at the youth building was Iestyn's 8th birthday party. On 10th April, we hosted a Spring Party for the kids in our community. On 11th April we started Sunday School in the new building. Each week since then, we have averaged 2 new kids a week.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We become increasingly excited about the growth we are seeing. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We have also had the opportunity to attend a few special meetings in the last couple of months. It is great to fellowship with both old and new friends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our family also went away for a couple of days to the White House (Cannock Chase, not D.C.). We managed to sneak in a family day at the Birmingham Aquarium while on a "working" holiday. We must plan a proper holiday sometime. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord is still opening up new ways to minister here in Rhayader. We are thankful for each chance we have.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tonight we are scheduled to have a Sankey Singing at Bethania at 7:30. We are expecting a large crowd and we are delighted that the Lord has given us a car park! Just after we took the church, we mentioned in passing that we would love to see the derelict building next to the church knocked down and replaced with a car park. We never mentioned it again, because we thought it was too soon to start changing things. Well, a few weeks ago we arrived at the church and saw a pile of rubble where the building once stood. Over the last few weeks, the rubble has been disappearing and in its place is a lovely car park. We never made inquiries into having it done, so it was definitely God's plan. We are thankful for the Lord's hand in all of this. I will post some pictures as soon as I can. Last years Sankey night was standing room only while the cars were parked on the main road. We are expecting the same crowd tonight, but they won't have to park on the main road. : ) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are excited about our future here in Rhayader!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was able to attend Ladies Retreat this week in Conwy. It is amazing what great things God can do when we answer yes to God. Excited about saying yes to God this year! I can not tell you how special these ladies are to me. I am so blessed! : ) : )</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today is also Mother's Day in the USA, so I must say a very special Thank You to all the MUMS in my life. To my mum and my Grandmas and even my great grandmas...I love you and thank God for you. Wish we could spend today around the same table...just remember that I am thankful for ALL you mean to me. LOVE YOU</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-90199947349216440452010-03-09T11:58:00.010+00:002010-05-09T13:55:16.832+01:00January-March Prayer Letter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S5Y5Xe_zdGI/AAAAAAAAAcg/nPqPycQm8CI/s1600-h/DSCF1781.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S5Y5Xe_zdGI/AAAAAAAAAcg/nPqPycQm8CI/s320/DSCF1781.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446603874971645026" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S5Y5Wx_AwxI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Apu18SuBg90/s1600-h/DSCF1779.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S5Y5Wx_AwxI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Apu18SuBg90/s320/DSCF1779.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446603862888727314" /></a><br /><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 11.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Greetings in Jesus’ lovely name... I trust you are well and enjoying the blessings of the Lord; and seeing fruit for your labors during the beginning months of this new year.</span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 11px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In January, we were hit with severe winter weather and had to cancel several of the services at the chapel. As you can imagine, the weather can prevent even the most faithful members from being in their seats. We are thankful that spring will soon be here.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 11px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 11px; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In February, we were able to sign the lease for renting a building in Rhayader. </span></span><span style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We have had a lot of work to do to get ready to open the building to the public. The UK Government requires that people working or volunteering for public activities abide by several different laws such as Health & Safety, Child Protection, and a few more. Tennille and I have been attending classes and taking courses that will enable us to engage ourselves in the lives of the people in our community.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 11px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We plan to open the new building and ministry for the youth and adults of Rhayader before the end of March. We are waiting for our insurance company to provide us with a suitable policy. In the mean time, we are inviting people to the church services and letting them know that we will be opening the building soon. The people in the community have been very generous in giving either donations or providing children’s items such as books, puzzles and games and even a small refrigerator. We have also been able to purchase chairs and tables for our meetings, and other office supplies to meet the needs of this new ministry. There have been many people in the last few months that have given to our ministry for the purpose of opening the new building and we want to thank them for their monetary gifts and notes of encouragement.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 10px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Prayer request: Please pray for Rob and Thomas & Faye for salvation. We have been witnessing to these people for some time now, and it would be a blessing to win these people to the Lord.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></p></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-64134910374035871022010-02-21T07:42:00.005+00:002010-02-21T08:21:53.800+00:00February Madness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S4DsgASl_uI/AAAAAAAAAb4/qqM3HgeaoTk/s1600-h/DSCF1721.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S4DsgASl_uI/AAAAAAAAAb4/qqM3HgeaoTk/s320/DSCF1721.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440608384441515746" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>(A picture of the boys with Shelley at the Bible Conference in B'ham.)<div><br /></div><div><br />You've heard of March Madness, haven't you? Well, we have been in the midst of what I will only call February madness. There have been many things happening in the Downey house this month. <div><br /></div><div>On February 4th, we signed papers for what you could call our "youth wing". Since Bethania doesn't have any space to have youth activities, we have rented a small building here in town. We are trying to come up with a name to call it, so that the local people will know what it is. Any name ideas would be greatly appreciated.</div><div><br /></div><div>Along with that major thing, we have had lots of other things as well. There was Pastors Wives Retreat, Ronnie's birthday, a youth camp planning meeting, a MIDAS course, Valentines Day, a Bible Conference in Birmingham, a CRB day, a trip for Breanna and some of her friends ice skating, as well as 1 whole week with no school. All of this in only 3 weeks. At that doesn't include all the "normal" weekly things like church, school, grocery shopping, and visits.</div><div><br /></div><div>All I can say is, "Will things ever slow down?." The kids go back to school on Monday, so at least they will be back to a normal routine. Starting Monday, it will be full time work on the building. Monday the insurance man is coming to look over the building and sort the paperwork. We need to find someone who can teach us how to work the boiler and heating system. We need to plan the layout of each of the rooms as well as source the last few things we need to finish it off. We need to have the local fire fighters come out and tell us what kind of fire and safety equipment we need. There is still so much we need to do before we can open it. We hope to have it up and running as soon as possible, but we must have all the safety stuff sorted first. We will keep you posted to any new details and I will post pictures as soon as the deep clean is finished.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, by the way, it is still SNOWING! We are beginning to think that spring has forgotten where Rhayader is, so winter has just camped out here.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a silly excited note, the new local Tesco is opening on Monday! And to top that, as I was walking in town yesterday, I saw the front page of the local newspaper and it said that the other Tesco looks set to open in July! Right now, I have to drive 80 minutes to get to a Tesco. Monday, I will only have to drive 45 minutes to get to Tesco. And in July, I will only have to drive 13 minutes to get to a Tesco! At present, our little village only has a Spar, which is like a 7/11 or a Pantry in the states. It will be so nice to have a cheaper place to shop that isn't so far away. I am greatly anticipating next weeks shopping trip! I might even have to take a picture. : )</div><div><br /></div><div>We are looking forward to opening the building, and will keep you informed of our progress.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-4669995110671836832010-01-29T18:51:00.001+00:002010-01-29T19:08:40.551+00:00More January Snow Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx9l_DgNI/AAAAAAAAAbE/wLTfz00skKg/s1600-h/DSCF1705.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx9l_DgNI/AAAAAAAAAbE/wLTfz00skKg/s320/DSCF1705.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432240509777314002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx9O0twgI/AAAAAAAAAa8/OBSFYhkkkgo/s1600-h/DSCF1678.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx9O0twgI/AAAAAAAAAa8/OBSFYhkkkgo/s320/DSCF1678.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432240503559930370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx889PcrI/AAAAAAAAAa0/v9k0Lx2AG0U/s1600-h/DSCF1669.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx889PcrI/AAAAAAAAAa0/v9k0Lx2AG0U/s320/DSCF1669.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432240498763854514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx8oPu25I/AAAAAAAAAas/QRfzC6p8FAI/s1600-h/DSCF1652.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx8oPu25I/AAAAAAAAAas/QRfzC6p8FAI/s320/DSCF1652.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432240493204265874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx8FwyF4I/AAAAAAAAAak/tY3fLKpb2V4/s1600-h/DSCF1695.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mx8FwyF4I/AAAAAAAAAak/tY3fLKpb2V4/s320/DSCF1695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432240483947648898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2MwixkrFoI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Y_3XB1huaEY/s1600-h/DSCF1704.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2MwixkrFoI/AAAAAAAAAaY/Y_3XB1huaEY/s320/DSCF1704.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432238949519791746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mwite4D3I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/zhRNu3aiQLw/s1600-h/DSCF1642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mwite4D3I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/zhRNu3aiQLw/s320/DSCF1642.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432238948421734258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mwh5HSS6I/AAAAAAAAAaI/PwRJu63-5xY/s1600-h/DSCF1622.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2Mwh5HSS6I/AAAAAAAAAaI/PwRJu63-5xY/s320/DSCF1622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432238934364146594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2MwhT0yHmI/AAAAAAAAAaA/GyZ7BAcqEZQ/s1600-h/DSCF1647.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2MwhT0yHmI/AAAAAAAAAaA/GyZ7BAcqEZQ/s320/DSCF1647.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432238924354428514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2MwhAQhqFI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/7RJnbqQhgVQ/s1600-h/DSCF1634.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/S2MwhAQhqFI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/7RJnbqQhgVQ/s320/DSCF1634.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432238919102081106" /></a>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-60927830862973619712010-01-01T10:14:00.002+00:002010-01-01T11:20:09.973+00:00Winter In Wales<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3aRCKZPNI/AAAAAAAAAZE/RW6bDbgC-5Q/s1600-h/DSCF1588.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 107px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3aRCKZPNI/AAAAAAAAAZE/RW6bDbgC-5Q/s320/DSCF1588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421729512597044434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3aQ8DiqrI/AAAAAAAAAY8/zrWq_fUvPr4/s1600-h/DSCF1565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3aQ8DiqrI/AAAAAAAAAY8/zrWq_fUvPr4/s320/DSCF1565.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421729510957689522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3aQmTB4bI/AAAAAAAAAY0/8xqBqvrKx0o/s1600-h/DSCF1551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3aQmTB4bI/AAAAAAAAAY0/8xqBqvrKx0o/s320/DSCF1551.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421729505117069746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3aQM7dg7I/AAAAAAAAAYs/_xoAiXU7G2k/s1600-h/DSCF1548.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3aQM7dg7I/AAAAAAAAAYs/_xoAiXU7G2k/s320/DSCF1548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421729498307330994" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3MficTXKI/AAAAAAAAAYY/9DSF0VUHPp4/s1600-h/DSCF1578.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3MficTXKI/AAAAAAAAAYY/9DSF0VUHPp4/s320/DSCF1578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421714368617471138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3MfHGEWtI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/njmvucR-EHk/s1600-h/DSCF1553.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3MfHGEWtI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/njmvucR-EHk/s320/DSCF1553.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421714361276455634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3Me6uPCYI/AAAAAAAAAYI/R0ldCh28Dow/s1600-h/DSCF1551.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3Me6uPCYI/AAAAAAAAAYI/R0ldCh28Dow/s320/DSCF1551.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421714357955266946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3MeSDUWNI/AAAAAAAAAYA/NfBVexrMvbU/s1600-h/DSCF1549.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sz3MeSDUWNI/AAAAAAAAAYA/NfBVexrMvbU/s320/DSCF1549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421714347037841618" /></a>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-55381671386433177882009-12-14T19:38:00.003+00:002009-12-14T20:06:16.083+00:00Induction Service<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWFAYtZFI/AAAAAAAAAXM/zCLL9jYlfRo/s1600-h/DSCF1498.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWFAYtZFI/AAAAAAAAAXM/zCLL9jYlfRo/s320/DSCF1498.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415180614706750546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWEqT-S4I/AAAAAAAAAXE/T1kCk0BSpf0/s1600-h/DSCF1494.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWEqT-S4I/AAAAAAAAAXE/T1kCk0BSpf0/s320/DSCF1494.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415180608781306754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWEetZjJI/AAAAAAAAAW8/pn_0AXf5VHc/s1600-h/DSCF1493.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWEetZjJI/AAAAAAAAAW8/pn_0AXf5VHc/s320/DSCF1493.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415180605666725010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWD7OxugI/AAAAAAAAAW0/5UxA3Zj7fQk/s1600-h/DSCF1488.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWD7OxugI/AAAAAAAAAW0/5UxA3Zj7fQk/s320/DSCF1488.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415180596143045122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWDj0wMdI/AAAAAAAAAWs/iNnnEL7NPFs/s1600-h/IMG_0097.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaWDj0wMdI/AAAAAAAAAWs/iNnnEL7NPFs/s320/IMG_0097.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415180589859877330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVFgU3yzI/AAAAAAAAAWk/6kH1u7qE7s8/s1600-h/DSCF1501.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVFgU3yzI/AAAAAAAAAWk/6kH1u7qE7s8/s320/DSCF1501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415179523768961842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVFe1HPFI/AAAAAAAAAWc/bZ6kdreVQ_0/s1600-h/DSCF1505.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVFe1HPFI/AAAAAAAAAWc/bZ6kdreVQ_0/s320/DSCF1505.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415179523367320658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVEz9MzOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/HsLbI0_Dsp8/s1600-h/DSCF1508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVEz9MzOI/AAAAAAAAAWU/HsLbI0_Dsp8/s320/DSCF1508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415179511858515170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVEZNXzWI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Wvwhbie1gac/s1600-h/DSCF1520.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVEZNXzWI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Wvwhbie1gac/s320/DSCF1520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415179504678587746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVD1pMudI/AAAAAAAAAWE/kFjUwl250Xg/s1600-h/DSCF1522.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SyaVD1pMudI/AAAAAAAAAWE/kFjUwl250Xg/s320/DSCF1522.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415179495131625938" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>This past Saturday was a great day! We were supposed to have the Induction service in November, but due to ill health, it was changed to 12th December. We have had a busy schedule this week, but thanks to the ladies at the Elan Valley Visitors Centre, we didn't have to worry about cooking for 80 people. We had 75 people come out to the special service. Pastor Thomas was a great moderator and Pastor Quade preached a great message. We are so blessed to have such great friends, some of which traveled quite a distance to be with us for the day. After the service, we had a lovely tea prepared by the visitor centre ladies. The scenery looked out to the Elan Valley Dam. Everyone had a great time. We can't say thank you enough to everyone who helped make our day so special. We are expecting great things to come! </div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-17618615023393284542009-11-16T11:07:00.006+00:002009-11-16T12:17:30.398+00:00Back to a normal schedule, I HOPE!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SwFCAMKfdmI/AAAAAAAAAVs/DsroNrpgy_c/s1600/Scan.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SwFCAMKfdmI/AAAAAAAAAVs/DsroNrpgy_c/s320/Scan.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404673598853969506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SwE4F0UemwI/AAAAAAAAAVg/JddG1lItKwM/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SwE4F0UemwI/AAAAAAAAAVg/JddG1lItKwM/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404662700416342786" /></a><br />Well, as you can see, I have been absent from my normal blog posting. Things have been rather busy at our house over the last few weeks. I will try to update you on what we have been up to.<div><br /></div><div>In late October, we were asked to take the position of missionary pastor at Bethania Baptist Chapel in the Elan Valley. We have been working with this chapel for a year now, and this was a welcome, albeit, unexpected request. After much talking and praying, we have accepted their call and are planning an induction service. We had planned to have it on November 14th, but due to some illnesses in the church, we have changed the date to December 12th. I am not sure how your area is faring with the flu season, but ours is becoming overwhelmed with sickness. We are excited about this opportunity to serve here in Wales. </div><div><br /></div><div>The kids are all doing well. Breanna is well into her last year of primary school. Next year, she will be starting high school <ugh>. I can't believe we are there already. It is a bit daunting to think she is starting high school at the age of 11. That is 2 years earlier than in the US, but she will also be finished 2 years earlier. We are learning right along with her, because this is all new to us. Iestyn seems to finally be making some progress with his reading, but he still has a way to go. He is growing up more every day. Ian, as always, brings smiles to our faces everyday. He is, by far, our cheekiest child. He can get himself into the funniest situations. Just last night, he decided he wanted to camp out in his sister's room for the night. He gathered his bedroll and off he went. All was well until about 4am this morning. He woke up firmly stuck underneath Breanna's bed. There he was, screaming to the top of his voice. Breanna couldn't get him out, so he yelled for me. So, I climbed out of my bed to try, only to hear him yell for his dad. After his dad picked the bed up, Ian finally crawled out. Needless to say, that was 30 minutes out of our night. I did not want to wake up this morning. : )</ugh></div><div><br /></div><div>We are well on our way to the holiday season. I am getting my Thanksgiving recipes ready for the missionary get-together in England. We always look forward to getting together with our friends for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. It helps to feel close to "home" even though we are so far away. Christmas lights have gone up here in Rhayader, so things are downhill from here. The kids are super-excited and it is not even December 1st yet. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most of the time, I post about the things that we do as a family, but at the moment, the Downey family have many friends and family who are going through trials that seem unbearable. We are reminded, that even though we don't know why things happen, God does! We as christians, must be ever aware that the devil can use situations in our life to rob us of our joy and cause us to lose sight of our main goal...to reach others for Christ. Even though our hearts are heavy for those we love, we are confident that God will work in each of these situations!</div><div><br /></div><div>To our friends and family, we love you and we pray that you are blessed with a wonderful holiday season!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-19911216562589648152009-10-09T19:58:00.003+01:002009-10-09T20:14:20.480+01:00What Crazy Things Boys Do!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss-ISNj8XJI/AAAAAAAAAVU/BS0lomU9PrI/s1600-h/DSCF1402.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss-ISNj8XJI/AAAAAAAAAVU/BS0lomU9PrI/s320/DSCF1402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390677125445213330" /></a>Last week, our Ian learned that foreheads and carpets don't mix. While playing in his new room, he was pushing his forehead along the carpet. He felt his forehead go warm, but did not realise that he was giving himself a carpet burn. After a few minutes, he came downstairs with this puzzled look on his face. He couldn't understand why his forehead was burning. Needless to say, he has learned this lesson the first time! For the last few days everyone he has seen has asked how he got a boo-boo in the shape of an -i-. I think he was glad when it finally went away! <div><br /></div><div>I am so thankful for all the wonderful and funny memories Ian has given me. I love you little man!</div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-61219488863172335322009-10-09T19:31:00.003+01:002009-10-09T19:57:47.363+01:00BEING A CHRISTIAN CAN BE FUN!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss-CH05yGiI/AAAAAAAAAVE/vdBCGVjmUiM/s1600-h/DSCF1415.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss-CH05yGiI/AAAAAAAAAVE/vdBCGVjmUiM/s320/DSCF1415.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390670349957470754" /></a>This week was Pastor's Wives Retreat! Twice a year, a group of UK Pastor's wives get together to be an encouragement to each other. I must say that this weeks retreat was definitely that! I haven't laughed that hard in ages. I am so thankful to be blessed with wonderful friends. The theme of the retreat was on Prayer. We shared answered prayers and unanswered prayers. How great it is to be able to share both with dear friends. <div><br /></div><div>We enjoyed games, movies, tears, hugs, a candle-lit dinner, shopping and even some friendly pranks--all while remembering the importance of prayer. Thanks for the memories ladies! I can't wait until next time!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-25282439726684158592009-10-08T20:39:00.006+01:002009-10-08T21:11:36.528+01:00More House Pictures<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss5BYxsmoJI/AAAAAAAAAUw/wWw1kRQ7QaY/s1600-h/DSCF1407.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss5BYxsmoJI/AAAAAAAAAUw/wWw1kRQ7QaY/s320/DSCF1407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390317697922146450" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>THE GRASS IS GROWING!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss5BYvTGzEI/AAAAAAAAAUo/dBPPGFnkQu8/s1600-h/DSCF1405.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss5BYvTGzEI/AAAAAAAAAUo/dBPPGFnkQu8/s320/DSCF1405.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390317697278331970" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>BREAKFAST ROOM--FINISHED!!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss5BXk_tlWI/AAAAAAAAAUY/DE3dPyvsrxc/s1600-h/DSCF1414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Ss5BXk_tlWI/AAAAAAAAAUY/DE3dPyvsrxc/s320/DSCF1414.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390317677332764002" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>HALLWAY FINISHED!!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seems as if the Downey household is running 100 miles an hour this week! We have been extremely busy lately. I promised that I would post more pictures as we finished work on the house, so here are a few more. We are enjoying all the "work" that moving house requires. Some days are more tiring than others, but the finished product will be worth it. The boys bunk beds have arrived and I am in the process of painting their room. After their room is finished, I will be painting Breanna's room. The kids are really enjoying their new rooms and being closer to all their friends. We look forward to doing more with the kids in Rhayader!</div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-79587433625927330802009-09-09T19:58:00.004+01:002009-09-09T20:31:04.448+01:00First Day of School!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf8AadeCLI/AAAAAAAAATw/s3yhUfVoX-I/s1600-h/DSCF1351.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf8AadeCLI/AAAAAAAAATw/s3yhUfVoX-I/s320/DSCF1351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379545363950471346" /></a>Last Thursday was the first day of school here in Rhayader. The kids have been ready for it for quite a while. I don't know what they would do if they had 3 months off school like the U.S. This is Breanna's last year in the primary school. Next year will be her first year of high school. She will be 11 in January. Seems too early for me, but that is the age here. Iestyn's new teacher is a man this year, so I am hoping that it doesn't make it hard for him to learn. With his special issues (mild spectrum autism?--still undiagnosed) there are some things that agitate him. He used to have a man dentist, but that didn't work, so we had to change to a woman dentist. We are confident that this change will not be a problem, as he has already made fast friends with the new teacher. On the first day of school, he came home with a huge smile and a picture that his teacher drew him. The fastest way to Iestyn's heart is by being interested in the things that he draws. He has a wonderful imagination! Ian is slotting back into school easily, and is still the class clown. I look forward to all the things he will be learning this year. We are ready for this school year!Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-64889065658400324612009-09-09T19:33:00.008+01:002009-09-09T19:57:51.045+01:00Some Before and After Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf3SexHbyI/AAAAAAAAATo/LFwKPfFr40I/s1600-h/DSCF1383.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf3SexHbyI/AAAAAAAAATo/LFwKPfFr40I/s320/DSCF1383.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379540176786124578" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span># 8 Green Gardens<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf3AyywoFI/AAAAAAAAATg/C_seK3-rN-U/s1600-h/DSCF1375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf3AyywoFI/AAAAAAAAATg/C_seK3-rN-U/s320/DSCF1375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379539872924082258" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Garden--After a tidy up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf3ASnkLdI/AAAAAAAAATY/k3iZ6pn_yKw/s1600-h/DSCF1146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf3ASnkLdI/AAAAAAAAATY/k3iZ6pn_yKw/s320/DSCF1146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379539864287194578" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The garden--before the tidy up.</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf2KczHlGI/AAAAAAAAATI/Hy1KiqnB8-M/s1600-h/DSCF1373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf2KczHlGI/AAAAAAAAATI/Hy1KiqnB8-M/s320/DSCF1373.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379538939307070562" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Living room--with the new doorway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf2J_kP8lI/AAAAAAAAATA/Tnha8G7m9UU/s1600-h/DSCF1129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Sqf2J_kP8lI/AAAAAAAAATA/Tnha8G7m9UU/s320/DSCF1129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379538931460076114" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Living room before.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I was hoping I would be able to put these pictures in a proper order, but it just won't go the way I want it to. So, here are a couple of pics for you to look at. We are still in the process of moving things, and should be completely finished by next Wednesday. It looks as if the painting will have to be done after we move in as the work around the house has only just been finished. We are all getting excited about the move. The boy's old beds have gone to new homes, and we will be picking up their bunk beds on Saturday. Our new bed is being delivered tomorrow afternoon, so the house will soon be looking like a real home. I am ready to put into practice what I have been reading on how to decorate on a (tiny) budget. I can't wait to see how it turns out. More pictures to follow.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-61648183450500277772009-08-29T20:14:00.006+01:002009-08-29T20:50:54.491+01:00Our New House--Before the work is finished!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBIGDFM9I/AAAAAAAAASk/RoS8M9yZgO0/s1600-h/DSCF1142.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBIGDFM9I/AAAAAAAAASk/RoS8M9yZgO0/s320/DSCF1142.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375469606305870802" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This will be the boys bedroom-needs a new paint color!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBHloqVRI/AAAAAAAAASc/GeMb7exSluI/s1600-h/DSCF1145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBHloqVRI/AAAAAAAAASc/GeMb7exSluI/s320/DSCF1145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375469597605123346" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This will be my new fridge! I get to have a freezer in the house!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBHfyKOjI/AAAAAAAAASU/T6cNtkpEZIE/s1600-h/DSCF1144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBHfyKOjI/AAAAAAAAASU/T6cNtkpEZIE/s320/DSCF1144.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375469596034349618" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The kitchen--sorry the picture is so fuzzy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBG0XRMQI/AAAAAAAAASM/Cb0oPyMapuc/s1600-h/DSCF1133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBG0XRMQI/AAAAAAAAASM/Cb0oPyMapuc/s320/DSCF1133.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375469584378835202" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is the staircase--Definitely needs a new coat of paint.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBGRCqr_I/AAAAAAAAASE/yIVTrn42Fb4/s1600-h/DSCF1131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/SpmBGRCqr_I/AAAAAAAAASE/yIVTrn42Fb4/s320/DSCF1131.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375469574897184754" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The breakfast room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_chw_YbI/AAAAAAAAAR8/19Nex_jST94/s1600-h/DSCF1128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_chw_YbI/AAAAAAAAAR8/19Nex_jST94/s320/DSCF1128.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375467758320312754" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This will be the dining room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_cd76TPI/AAAAAAAAAR0/6gJ7rfesG1s/s1600-h/DSCF1135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_cd76TPI/AAAAAAAAAR0/6gJ7rfesG1s/s320/DSCF1135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375467757292375282" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is the main bedroom with built in wardrobes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_bwyys7I/AAAAAAAAARs/DImBXo203-A/s1600-h/DSCF1146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_bwyys7I/AAAAAAAAARs/DImBXo203-A/s320/DSCF1146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375467745174533042" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is how the garden looked before work started.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_bofMlCI/AAAAAAAAARk/zT9NVXt2frM/s1600-h/DSCF1129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_bofMlCI/AAAAAAAAARk/zT9NVXt2frM/s320/DSCF1129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375467742944859170" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is the living room before the door was re-fitted.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_bSfEV7I/AAAAAAAAARc/Zsao8LACdVs/s1600-h/DSCF1130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9HOvah_fMuQ/Spl_bSfEV7I/AAAAAAAAARc/Zsao8LACdVs/s320/DSCF1130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375467737038739378" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Fireplace in the living room.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some pictures of our new house. We will be able to start painting on Wednesday after the kids start school. We are getting excited about the move. We should be finished moving in by the 15th September in time to scrub down the old house before we turn in the keys on the 18th. I will post more pictures next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Monday is Bank Holiday and we are driving up to Colwyn Bay for the camp reunion. We are looking forward to seeing friends and hearing how all the youth are doing. Ronnie will be speaking again to the junior campers. We are excited about the day away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last week, we took a few days off to relax before the move. We had a lovely time in South Wales with our long-time friends, the Liverick's. As always, they welcomed us with open arms and as part of their family. For over 10 years, they have been great friends. We were also able to have lunch with veteran missionaries, Ferrel and Barbara Kearney. Ever since we met them, they have been a great encouragement to us. The trip to Cardiff also allowed for a bit of shopping--for the new house--of course. We had a lovely day and even enjoyed a treat--MT. DEW!! We are so thankful for all the GREAT friends we have made on the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a fun note, a Subway Sandwich shop opened in Merthyr. Now, only if we could get one in Newtown or Llandrindod Wells. Now, on big shopping days, we can have a Subway sandwich. Yippee!</div><div> </div><div>Until next week--Goodbye!</div><div><br /></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467759994195496736.post-15967951871248146392009-08-13T07:53:00.003+01:002009-08-13T08:24:26.389+01:00I wish my mountain was a molehill!Do you ever fell like you are drowning under a mountain of housework? As we are moving soon, I feel it is time to have a big clutter clear out. I think I am going to start by going one room at a time. Due to the relaxed nature of our new landlord, we will be able to move one room at a time as well. So, on my plans for today is at least one room in our house. I haven't decided which one yet. I suppose the living room would be the easiest, but no matter what I chose, I will still be surrounded by kids. School doesn't start here until 2nd September. Along with the move, both Breanna and Iestyn will be starting school with new teachers this year. I am praying that Iestyn's new teacher will understand his learning difficulties. Sometimes change can be hard for him. I must say that in the last 18 months here in Rhayader he has improved hugely! <div><br /></div><div>The new house is getting on well. The workers have finished laying the new patio as well as putting in new windows. There still seems to be a bit of rubble out front, so they mustn't be finished completely yet. We will be able to start helping with the paint work soon. The kids have been busy choosing the colors for their new rooms. We need to go uptown today to talk to a friend about making us a bed frame that will fit in our room. It looks as if it will be a bit of a challenge as the room has a funny layout. I am hoping that having a custom fitted mattress won't cost the earth. We may end up sleeping on a blow up mattress for a few weeks while we work out the sizes. We have done it many times before so it shouldn't be foreign to us. : )</div><div>When the work is finished we will post some "before and after" photos for you. We will be completely moved before 18th September. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>On a super note--we received Breanna's passport yesterday--after only 7 days!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, off to work!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Tennillehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09412976188232448713noreply@blogger.com0